A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Paul Schreiner

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Paul Schreiner

Paul-SchreinerBorn and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Paul Schreiner came to the city of Valparaiso in 1966 to attend Valparaiso University. After graduation, Schreiner decided to leave for a while, but made his way back in 1972 where he and his wife settled permanently.

For the past 25 years, Schreiner has been an active volunteer with Project Neighbors, a non-profit organization that attempts to address issues of inequality through various outlets. Much of their time is spent providing housing to families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a decent house to live in.

“We go out and we create structures for these underprivileged families – whether it be houses, or health centers, or day care centers,” Schreiner said. “We are extremely committed to the idea that people who are powerless need someone to stand up for them, and help them through a rough time in life. Everyone deserves to feel safe. And if we don’t help them, who will?”

Recently, Schreiner felt that it was time to retire from his fulltime work with Design Construction NWI, Inc., which he had co-owned for 25 years, passing on his half to his business partner. After retiring from his construction company, he had an unprecedented amount of free time on his hands – something he was not used to. Luckily, at the time, Project Neighbors happened to be looking for an Executive Director and someone brought up Schreiner’s name. Not long after, Schreiner was offered the job of Executive Director, which he gladly accepted.

“Accepting this job meant that I could continue doing what I loved with this organization while still bringing in some money to help now that I was retired,” Schreiner said. “How could I say no? I gladly accepted the job and got to work.”

In the twenty-five years that Schreiner has been a part of Project Neighbors, he has had the privilege of partaking in many projects that reflect the goals of the organization, including Hilltop Housing, HealthLinc, and the opening of a low-income day care center. Recently they purchased the old HealthLinc building to repurpose it.

About fourteen years ago, a new building was erected for the ever growing HealthLinc. However, they grew so much that they recently had to move into a larger space. Neighbor’s Place then purchased the old HealthLinc building and converted it into a Neighbor’s Place for single women who aren’t as financially stable as others.

“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity for a safe and productive life,” Schreiner said. “We try to at least provide one piece of that.”

In his spare time, Schreiner enjoys many pastimes. A music enthusiast and amateur musician, he opened Front Porch Music on Lincolnway in 1991 where people can buy guitars, banjos, listen to music, and take lessons.

“It was an exploration of my personal passion for music,” Schreiner said. “I have always loved music, all aspects of it, and I wanted to share that with my community.”

He also created WVLP Radio Station with George Terrell and Rick Watson in 2002, pumping out locally recorded and produced artists and featuring local radio talk shows. Schreiner is an avid reader and even built the house he and his wife currently live in. One of his greatest pastimes is spending time with his wife, their four children, and their families.