To my fellow South Bend-ians, my fellow advocates, the human trafficking survivors of the world, and all the donors, volunteers, and SMEs in their field I can amass who would be willing to donate specialized time for this project or join us on our Board of Directors:

We are at a defining crossroad for the historic Portage Manor Estate and Hamilton School properties in South Bend, Indiana. 

Instead of letting these historic assets remain underutilized, fractured, or lost to conventional development, we have an unprecedented, zero-taxpayer-cost opportunity to create a multi-property community trust that combines world-class trauma recovery, a designated Human Trafficking Heritage Center, local arts preservation, and a sustainable economic engine. 

You can find the ACTUAL city proposal here!

We are calling on local leadership and regional stakeholders to support the vision of the Labyrinth Initiative! 

What This Multi-Property Proposal Brings to South Bend & Beyond:

• A Sustainable Economic Engine via Great Wolf Lodge: By leasing a portion of the Portage Manor acreage for a Great Wolf Lodge ground lease, this project generates a primary financial engine for the non-profit at zero cost to local taxpayers. It delivers an estimated $33 Million in regional economic benefits, generates $19 Million/year in direct income for local workers, and creates local tax revenue capable of covering a massive share of county-level needs.
• The Hamilton School & St. Andrews Academy Asset Swap: The city leases vacant Hamilton School to the Labyrinth Initiative for $1/year, which is then subleased to St. Andrews Academy under a 99-year NNN lease. This provides a historic facility allowing the school to triple its enrollment capacity to 860 students, while safely storing South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) supplies in Portage Manor's basement at zero cost.
• Universal Design & Artist-Themed Recovery Suites: Portage Manor's 198 original rooms will be converted into 50 universal design hotel-style suites equipped with kitchenettes and full private bathrooms. Through a partnership with LangLab and Michiana Makers, these suites will be organized into artistically themed sections so arriving survivors can select an aesthetic environment matching their personal sensory needs. A portion of academy lease revenues will directly endow these local artists. 
• A United Nations-Aligned R&R Sanctuary: Establishing a specialized rest and recuperation sanctuary for survivors of human trafficking (including pre-2000 TVPA survivors), backed by trauma-informed care and a clear 4-year roadmap toward United Nations NGO Consultant Status.
• The World Human Trafficking Heritage Center: A permanent, curated historical archive and living art installation where survivors can preserve their art and poetry, complete with an age-restricted wing (18+) and dedicated endowments for youth survivor art programs.
• Somatic Land Partnership & Sensory Sanctuary: Partnering with a local Buddhist temple to preserve the mature tree canopy, alongside a fully soundproofed and HVAC-regulated Sensory Prayer Building featuring running waterfalls, walking paths, and a daily scheduled "community release valve". This is paired with an on-site Unity Gardens greenhouse and a university-style buffet dining program led by an executive chef offering practicum placements for local culinary students. 
• A Restricted Local Arts Endowment: Collecting a modest 3% lease revenue to establish a constructive, restricted trust that permanently funds local arts collaborations and grassroots non-profit support.

Why your assistance matters:

Whether you are a local South Bend resident who wants to see Portage Manor and Hamilton School repurposed into innovative, community-serving assets, a parent excited about regional economic growth, or a national advocate for human rights—your voice carries weight.

A massive show of public support proves to city leaders, county commissioners, and partners that our community wants smart, compassionate, self-funded solutions that serve a profound public purpose. 

Sign and share this petition today to tell St. Joseph County and potential partners: Let’s make the Labyrinth Initiative vision at Portage Manor and Hamilton School a reality!