ANTHONY ADAMS HOUSE
WHO WE ARE
Established in 2016, with a mission to transform and save the lives of homeless and runaway youth under the age of 18. Anthony Adams House offers housing and support services to youth in the LaPorte County area to assist them with getting off the streets and in safe, stable and healthy environments. The young people we serve are usually disconnected from their family, social supports or have endured traumatic and adverse childhood experiences. In addition to living on the streets, many have survived abusive homes, spent time in juvenile justice facilities, aged out of foster care or have been victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
FOUNDER & CEO
Candice Nelson
Candice Nelson, the founder and CEO of Anthony Adams House Inc., founded this organization in honor of her father Anthony Adams who died unexpectedly of a heart attack on June 4, 2015. Candice felt this organization was the appropriate way to honor her father and acknowledging that when she went through the roughest times as a teenager her father showed her unconditional love. Remembering her own trials and tribulations, Anthony Adams House was founded to assist youth that may be experiencing the same confusion that Candice felt as a teenager. With over 23 years of experience with working with at-risk youth, Candice has enjoyed several different positions which includes program coordinator, activities coordinator, caseworker, mentor and educator. Candice also has a very extensive background working with not for profits, fundraising and events coordination.
With the belief that education is one of the major keys to success, Candice also has an extensive background in Education working in both Secondary and Post-Secondary Education and currently employed as a Community Educator for Franciscan Alliance where she teaches a program to 6th, 7th and 8th graders in Michigan City Area Schools on the importance of Creating Positive Relationships.
Being a single mother and understanding the importance of education Candice was determined to complete her degree and set the example for her children. After 10 years of working and attending college part time, Candice received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College Chicago in 2000, where she majored in Television Production. While at Columbia College, Candice was signed to Lily’s Talent agency where she was an extra on several television series and films shot in Chicago including Soul Food and U.S. Marshals. Candice also worked behind the scenes on several independent projects. In 2005, Candice received her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School and in 2009 a Masters in Health and Human Services. Candice also has a real estate license and enjoyed working with first time home buyers. “It’s a wonderful feeling handing someone those keys to their first home”.
Candice also understands the importance of being active in the community. She has volunteered for many community events and coordinated several on her own which includes community bus trips to New York City, Washington DC for Barack Obama’s second term inauguration and St. Louis to dine at the world famous Sweetie Pies restaurant. During her term as a Business Instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, Candice organized a “Meet and Greet” for the candidates to educate students on the importance of voting. Candice also co-hosted the local television show “Keepin’ It Real”, an informational program for Indiana Black Expo that spotlighted small business owners in Michigan City.
Candice is a lifelong resident of Michigan City and a graduate of Elston High School. Candice resides with her husband Rick, has 2 children Marcus and Alante’ and 1 granddaughter Armani. Candice is family oriented and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
