April has been a tough month. 

Last week, my good friend and New Hope board member, Bill Stinson, passed away suddenly. Bill will be missed by so many- his family and many friends and New Hope.  Bill’s lasting legacy to the disability community is the annual art show with creations by individuals with disabilities at the Indianapolis International Airport.  Each year in March, during Disabilities Awareness Month, the thousands of people walking through the main terminal are all treated to the wonderful art on display.  For the last three years many individuals from New Hope created beautiful pieces for the show.  This event was Bill’s vision and will now serve as an annual legacy to him.  Thank you, Bill, for all you did for New Hope and for individuals with disabilities! 

The week before last, another New Hope volunteer, and my mother-in-law, Gay Burkhart, suddenly passed away.  She too will be missed by many.  Gay had been a long-time volunteer at New Hope.  Since COVID Gay had led New Hope’s book club.  Gay would read a chapter of a book each week to any New Hope individual that wanted to listen. This service was offered remotely so individuals in day services, AIM and individuals in our homes could listen. She read many, many books during her book club time.  She finished her last book earlier in the year when she was having some health issues.  I loved taking her the thank you notes from the people she read to each week.  Thank you, Gay, for your long-time dedication to individuals with disabilities! 

It is true that April showers bring May flowers. It is sad that we have lost two amazing people and volunteers at New Hope of Indiana, there is hope springing to life at New Hope as well. David Koch has joined #TeamNewHope as the Director of Advancement. In his role he will oversee fundraising, marketing, communication and volunteers. It is fitting that David joined in April, which is Volunteer Appreciation Month. We thank Bill and Gay for their service, but we equally thank all of our other volunteers, board members, book readers, committee members, landscapers, painters, party workers, van cleaners, gardeners, decorators and the list goes on and on.  It truly takes all of our volunteers for our organization to be a success, and we thank you all.   

Here’s to a healthy and safe May!