ROLLING PRAIRIE – Nearly 30 years ago, Father Dennis Blaney parked his car along a county road in northeast LaPorte County surrounded by woods and rolling agricultural fields. He exited his car with a smile on his face and a rolled-up paper in hand. On the paper was his vision, detailed plans, for the 185 acres of property on the east side of the road, that is now known as Sharing Meadows.
Sharing Meadows is home to 30 other-abled adults and 15 stewards, who live, work and care for the property. Father Blaney’s dream became a reality when the first three homes were built and occupied in 1994. The grounds currently have five villages, each consisting of three homes, and a recently opened senior center. Each year Sharing Meadows offers camps for hundreds of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to have fun while learning faith-based values, participating in various activities, and making lifelong friendships.
Bill Harmon, Sharing Meadow’s executive director, shared some of the recent projects that have taken place on the grounds as the community celebrated the 30th anniversary. At the same time, Harmon said the board, staff and other team members have been busy planning for the next 30 years, and beyond.
Harmon proposed the question that the group worked to answer, “What does the next 30 years look like for Sharing Meadows?”
After meeting for nearly a year, the team members reaffirmed the organization’s strategic mission and vision.
“Ultimately, we came back to number one reaffirming we are a Christian organization, following the teachings of Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit. Number two, how can we organize the organization to serve as many people as possible?,” said Harmon.
“We really envision ourselves being the hub for people with disabilities who are looking for an answer to their prayer of community,” said Harmon. “Share grew because Father Blaney focused on the relationship. He taught them they were made in the image and likeness of God, something that was lacking. That they are worthy of being loved and they are perfectly imperfect, just like all of us.”
In 2024, the organization saw the property increase by 15 acres and a house. Harmon shared how a family was looking for help for their daughter who sustained a brain injury from an automobile accident. Initially Harmon told the family that they wouldn’t be able to help them but would assist in searching for assistance, with no success.
Two substantial and unexpected donations from estates allowed Sharing Meadows to purchase adjoining land and a house, now named the Butterfly House. The house is nearing the completion of renovation for the young lady, and another lady with similar circumstances, to reside in.
Time has taken its toll on the organization’s homes. Since 2019, nine out of the fifteen homes have either been remodeled or replaced.
“Thirty-year-old homes need some love,” said Harmon. “We found some of the homes were beyond what we could afford to remodel them, and it was cheaper to replace them.”
The homes from 1994 were constructed under different codes and regulations. Those homes were sold to an area trailer park and new modular homes were placed on the existing foundations.
“It was cheaper to move the old homes off the foundations and sell them to a local trailer park. We were able to save close to $30,000 in demolition costs. It was a win-win,” said Harmon.
Renovating the remaining homes continues. Renovations include gutting the bathrooms to allow for ADA compliant walk-in showers, replacing bathtubs. New flooring throughout the homes and updated kitchens are other highlights that offer villagers an improved quality of life.
Sharing Meadows was blessed to be the recipient of much needed utility improvements in 2024.
Harmon expressed his gratitude to Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) for installing natural gas service throughout the property, replacing the large propane tanks which were located near each house. Harmon cited the potential safety hazard of the tanks plus the benefit of natural gas being a cheaper energy solution.
A grant from LaPorte County allowed the community to have a much-needed fiber optic internet service installed. The 2020 pandemic reaffirmed the lack of quality internet service in the rural setting. Harmon explained with fiber optic internet the community will be better served in areas such as medicine tracking and educational programs for the villagers.
According to Harmon, the next big project that’s included in the new 30-year master plan will “completely change the game for us” is to have sewer lines extended to serve the property.
He explained the property is currently using septic systems and wells which limits developing more of the property. “If we can accomplish getting sewer lines on the property, the new 30-year master plan will be even more significant and ambitious than you or I can ever imagine. It will change generations of villagers to come. It will completely change the road map that we have for our organization, and it will be bigger than Father Blaney ever dreamed – improving the quality of life and the number of people served,” said Harmon.
Harmon, who is in his seventh year as executive director, said he feels blessed and humbled to lead Sharing Meadows into the future. He credits those he works with on a daily basis, the board, the families and benefactors for the continued success of Sharing Meadows.
“I’m not building something, I’m growing something,” remarked Harmon. “What’s beautiful is that Father Blaney has laid this incredibly strong foundation. I’m growing Sharing Meadows in line with Father Blaney’ vision and mission, and ultimately, what God wants. So, I kind of have an easy job.”
Caption: Bill Harmon, Sharing Meadows executive director, stands in front of a new pavilion being constructed near Tucker Lake on the grounds of Sharing Meadows. The pavilion is one of many projects under way for the Sharing Meadows community. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)