2024 Lynn Feldman and Kathe Rae DSP of the Year: Adel Barsoum

The Lynn Feldman & Kathe Rae DSP of the Year Award is presented each year to a Direct Support Professional (DSP) (who provide direct care to those we serve) who exemplifies and carries out our mission in everything they do. This year’s DSP of the Year is Adel Barsoum.

Adel has dedicated over 21 years to New Hope as a DSP, championing the independence and dignity of individuals with disabilities. He fosters a supportive environment where the individuals he serves thrive through his encouragement of independence in daily tasks and community engagement. Adel is known for his effective communication and advocacy skills and collaborating with families and colleagues to address challenges with calm professionalism. He goes above and beyond mentoring new staff and embodying New Hope’s values of service and inclusivity.

Adel’s impact extends beyond his daily responsibilities. He willingly takes on additional shifts and mentors new staff, sharing his knowledge and experience to uphold New Hope’s standards of excellence. His dedication to the organization’s values of service, dedication, and inclusivity is evident in every aspect of his work. We are honored to be able to present Adel with this well-deserved award! Congrats Adel!

2024 Community Outreach DSP of the Year: Queen Jackson

New Hope’s 2024 Community Outreach DSP of the Year is Queen Jackson. Queen is being honored for her exceptional consistency in serving individuals with kindness and consideration. She approaches those she serves with respect, treating them as capable adults and empowering them to make their own decisions and build essential skills. Her compassion and dedication are evident in her unwavering support, helping individuals become their own self-advocates.

Queen embodies the core values of New Hope through her proactive assistance to new staff, her initiative in addressing issues with Indy Go, and her commitment to keeping her supervisor well-informed. She has gone above and beyond by willingly working overtime to address staff shortages and has excelled in assisting individuals in navigating challenging family situations.

For these remarkable contributions, New Hope is honored to recognize Queen Jackson as the 2024 Community Outreach DSP of the Year. Congratulations, Queen, and thank you for your outstanding dedication and service.

2024 Supported Living DSP of the Year: Christina Marks

We are excited to honor Christina Marks as the 2024 Supported Living DSP of the Year. Her exceptional service and dedication make her a standout Direct Support Professional.

In January 2024, Christina’s keen observation and prompt action were crucial in a life-threatening situation. She quickly identified an issue with an individual at Brendon Park, notified the necessary support team, and called 911, potentially saving their life. Her ongoing concern and frequent updates to her supervisor highlighted her deep commitment and strong bond with those she serves.

Christina’s exemplary qualities extend to her everyday work. She adapts seamlessly to staffing changes, willingly stepping in at other homes and maintaining high standards of care everywhere she goes. Her integrity, passion, communication, empathy and adaptability are evident in her respectful approach to each individual’s needs and her diligent adherence to care plans. We are proud to present her with the 2024 Supported Living DSP of the Year Award. Congrats, Christina!

2024 Champion of Hope: Patrick Mitchell

The Champion of Hope award is presented to a staff person who has gone above and beyond their call of duty in support of those they serve. This year’s Champion of Hope is Patrick Mitchell.

Patrick leads New Hope’s Vocational Services program and is dedicated to advancing the employment prospects of individuals with disabilities. Patrick actively collaborates with employers to demonstrate the value of hiring individuals with diverse abilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support and accommodations. His approach emphasizes a deep understanding of each individual’s background, interests, and career goals, facilitating tailored job placements that promote success and satisfaction.

Patrick’s commitment extends beyond job placement. He advocates fiercely for personal choice and autonomy, empowering individuals to make decisions about their careers and lives. His advocacy efforts include educating the local employment community on the capabilities and needs of individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. Patrick Mitchell is a champion of New Hope, making significant strides in enhancing employment opportunities and societal integration for individuals with disabilities in our community. Congrats Patrick!

2024 Personal Achievement Award Winner: LaDiamond

The New Hope of Indiana Personal Achievement Award is presented to an individual served by New Hope who maximizes their skills and abilities to achieve their goals. This year’s Personal Achievement Award winner is LaDiamond Warren.

LaDiamond began her journey at New Hope over three years ago with a clear goal: securing permanent employment that aligned with her interests. Through New Hope’s AIM (Achieving Inclusion and Meaning) program, she developed essential skills and discovered her passions in food service and art.

LaDiamond then decided to put the skills that she learned to use by interviewing and being selected to work on New Hope’s Cheese and Thank You food truck. Her training in the Cheese and Thank You program prepared her for success, leading to a job with Levy Food Services at The Children’s Museum. LaDiamond now excels in customer service and teamwork, while also showcasing her artistic talents in community exhibitions.

In addition, LaDiamond also pursued her interest in art. LaDiamond has entered many artistic pieces in the annual INARF Art Show, Airport Art Show, New Hope’s Annual Art Show, and New Hope’s Silver Cup Celebration. She also designed butterfly wings that are featured in the Zionsville Butterfly Trail. We are proud to present her with the 2024 Personal Achievement Award. Congrats, LaDiamond!

2024 Beverly Dyken Volunteers of the Year: Tim Winship and Maureen Colin

Newlyweds Tim Winship and Maureen Colin were looking for a volunteer activity they would enjoy doing together. Maureen had previously volunteered at a disability services organization and has a brother with Down syndrome. Tim once had a roommate with physical disabilities. Realizing that working with individuals with disabilities is something they both are passionate about, they reached out to New Hope to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Nearly a year later, they have become regular volunteers at New Hope, donating their time each week. They have enjoyed forming meaningful relationships with the individuals we serve.

Tim and Maureen lead arts and crafts for our Day Services participants every Monday. Not only do they plan the crafts, but they also bring in the needed materials. They have enjoyed getting to know the individuals we serve, and planning activities based on what they like best. We appreciate all that you do, Tim and Maureen!

2024 Partner of the Year: OneAmerica Financial

OneAmerica Financial has been a strong supporter of New Hope of Indiana for the past three years. They’ve not only been generous financially, contributing $23,000 since 2021, but have also actively promoted inclusivity. One America sponsors New Hope’s Silver Cup Celebration annually and supports vocational services for individuals with disabilities, aiding their employment opportunities.

Additionally, OneAmerica hosts New Hope’s Cheese and Thank You food truck, a job training program, frequently at their Indianapolis location. They also provide opportunities for individuals served by New Hope to engage with their associates. They regularly invite New Hope’s AIM (Achieving Inclusion and Meaning) program participants to volunteer alongside their employees around the community. OneAmerica also made it possible for our AIM participants to experience the Swim Trials with free tickets!

Through volunteering, fundraising, and board-level involvement, One America exemplifies how corporate partnerships can foster a more inclusive community, benefiting those supported by New Hope. Thank you, OneAmerica!

Additionally, check out the video below highlighting their partnership with us!