On this meaningful Flag Day, Leon and his mother were deeply humbled and honored to accept a special plaque from the Center for Possibilities, presented in memory of Leon’s late father. The tribute came not only as a powerful reminder of his father’s legacy of service but also of the enduring mission of an organization that has transformed lives for over six decades.
The Center for Possibilities began in 1960 when a determined group of parents in Gary, Indiana, created a haven for their nine adult children with severe Cerebral Palsy. What started as Cerebral Palsy of NWI, Inc. soon evolved into something much more—a growing, inclusive community for individuals with all types of developmental disabilities. From humble beginnings and limited funding, the Center expanded under the leadership of Martha Turulis and generous support from local business leaders, including Zeb Vinavich and the HHAC group.
Leon’s connection to the Center runs deep. In the 1970s, with his assistance, the Center moved to its current home in Hobart/New Chicago, transforming a former American Legion Youth Center into a fully accessible facility. It went on to become the first state-licensed center in Indiana specifically for children with disabilities.
Over the decades, the Center’s services have grown to include early childhood education, physical, speech, and occupational therapy, adult programs, inclusive summer camps, and even a family counseling initiative. In the 2000s, the organization rebranded as the Center for Possibilities, a name that truly reflects its mission: helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential.
Today, the Center continues to shine as a Paths to QUALITY Level 3 Provider, representing the highest standards in childcare and education. Their commitment to inclusion, support, and lifelong growth makes this organization not only a community pillar—but a lifeline for families navigating disability with limited resources.
Receiving this recognition from such a remarkable organization made this Flag Day especially poignant for Leon. It drove home the meaning of the day in a very personal way—honoring those who serve, those who persevere, and those who create opportunities for others.
With deep gratitude to the Center for Possibilities, Leon reaffirms his ever-growing appreciation for the men and women who serve and sacrifice—and for those working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the world a better, more inclusive place.
To learn more about the Center for Possibilities, check out their website at: https://www.centerforpossibilities.org/