A Note from Allison: Celebrating Inclusion

28 Jun A Note from Allison: Celebrating Inclusion

The month of June brings an opportunity to celebrate at New Hope of Indiana. It’s the start of summer, school is out and the sun is shining. It’s also an opportunity to continue to celebrate inclusion and the hope it brings.

Inclusivity is a core value of New Hope of Indiana. For years, we’ve advocated for individuals with disabilities to be included in and around our community. We’re committed to being a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and volunteer. Our associates, the individuals we serve, and our volunteers are important to us. We believe our community is a better place when all individuals feel welcomed and included.

In June we celebrate Juneteenth, Pride month and National Immigrant Heritage Month. As I reflect on Juneteenth and the commemoration of the end of slavery in our country, I’m reminded of the many populations in our country that face discrimination. I imagine the hope Juneteenth must have brought for those in slavery. June is also Pride month, a reminder of yet another population in our country who face discrimination. As we reflect on the progress our country has made in the fight for inclusion, justice and equality, we know there is much more work to be done. Finally, we celebrate the immigrants at New Hope of Indiana, so many wonderful associates that make all of our lives richer.

One way New Hope of Indiana is continuing to live our core value of inclusivity is through a new program we launched this month, our first-ever summer camp – Camp Catalyst. The intention of the camp was to provide an inclusive opportunity for kids of all abilities to come together and have fun. Our campers were busy making bubbles, doing crafts, creating tie-dyed t-shirts and enjoying a carnival. Their smiles were contagious and a wonderful reminder of the joy that feeling welcomed and included brings.

We are so happy to be able to launch this new program at New Hope. We have all been in the COVID bubble for so long, it’s great to see progress and a future focus at New Hope again!

Thanks to all of you for all you do as we celebrate inclusivity and our future here at New Hope!

Have a great summer and stay cool-
Allison