A Note from Allison: January 2023

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a good holiday season and are off to a great 2023 with lots of hope!

In this new year, New Hope has kicked off its strategic planning for the next three years.  It is so exciting to think about the future- not our COVID past!  The New Hope board and our Operating Team has already held its first planning meeting.  We have received input from many sources. We have heard from individuals served and leaders in the disability community. Next week we will hear from associates. Our partners at Willow Marketing have talked to some families and community members, but we would like to hear from more of you.  If you would like to be a part of a family or community focus group in the next several weeks (and have not already been a part of one), please let me know at awharry@newhopeofindiana.org, and we will get that on the calendar.

New Hope wants to continue to provide excellent community-based services, but we also are wondering what gaps are not being met by New Hope or other organizations?  We wonder how more people can learn about New Hope and the services we provide? We wonder how quality of service will be measured and what government reimbursement will look like in three years?  We wonder how we continue to attract staff and continue to grow?  More to come, but this is an exciting time!

I am also pleased to report that the state recently surveyed New Hope’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), by interviewing individuals in both our Supported Living program and our Day Services program.  The survey went extremely well with a couple of small exceptions.  The surveyors were very impressed with how well New Hope staff know the individuals they work with each day.  One of the surveyors told us,”You can’t interview for that. You can’t pay for that. New Hope is just lucky to have that!” This survey was also important as we look towards the final implementation date of the HCBS settings rule on March 17, 2023. This rule, years in the making, promotes full accessibilities to community life for individuals with disabilities. It looks like we are all ready to go!

Also in March, New Hope will be celebrating its 45^th birthday!  Wow!  New Hope is still serving eight individuals that came in 1978, one associate and our medical director,  all of whom we will be honoring on March 13.

In February, we are looking forward to celebrating Black History Month with a kickoff style show and parade of African attire on February 1st.  It is always a highlight to see the beautiful clothes and hats our associates wear!

In the month of love, we are also excited for Valentine’s parties and Valentine’s advocacy!  Our AIMsters will return again to the Statehouse to advocate for individuals with disabilities and to give our legislators Valentine’s cards! Go AIMsters!

I hope you all have a wonderful February!

Much love,

Allison