Hoosier youth organizations announce merger
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Two Indiana organizations focused on providing services to at-risk youth are joining forces. Campagna Academy in Schererville this week announced it is merging with Terre Haute-based Gibault Children’s Services.
Campagna Academy was originally founded 75 years ago by Rev. Michael Campagna as Hoosier Boys’ Town. The organization provides a variety of programs for children, including foster care, residential programs, education, and emergency shelter care.
Outgoing CEO Elena Dwyre said the partnership will allow each organization to expand their joint mission and help more disadvantaged youth.
“I am convinced that Campagna will continue to be an increasingly strong force in the human services and mental health treatment community,” Dwyre said in a news release. “I am looking at the future and what this merger will bring to our state, especially for at-risk youth in Northwest Indiana.”
As part of the merger, Dwyer will step down as CEO. The organization said she and her family are relocating out of state.
Gibault CEO Michele Madley will become the new CEO of Campagna Academy, which will operate under the Gibault umbrella.
“The Gibault team recognizes the need for Campagna Academy’s strong history to continue for years to come,” said Madley. “We are honored to be provided the opportunity to complete this merger and provide services to at-risk children in Northwest Indiana. The seventy-five years of service provided by Campagna is quite an accomplishment, and our goal is to continue the programs at Campagna Academy for many years to come.”
Gibault was founded in 1921 by the Indiana Knights of Columbus with the original goal of serving as a home for wayward boys. The organization says it now works to meet the needs of ati-risk youth, including those with mild emotional disturbances, aggressive behaviors, substance abuse issues, and learning disabilities, among others.