A Note from Allison: Working Overtime

31 Aug A Note from Allison: Working Overtime

Here is wishing you a Happy Labor Day!

This month, New Hope was proud to welcome Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch as part of her delayed inaugural celebration. The Lt. Governor spoke to New Hope associates, clients, and families about her advocacy for the disability community and the value individuals with disabilities bring to our communities.  She also toured New Hope with her team and our friends from INARF. While at New Hope, Lt. Governor Crouch announced 12 new grants totaling $1.6 million made in partnership with the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) to enhance community integration efforts across the state. These efforts have provided two rounds of grants totaling $3.2 million to communities and nonprofits seeking to connect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with their communities. Additionally, the Lt. Governor commented on the recent budget increase approved by the Indiana General Assembly that provides $80 million to increase the wages of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Lt. Governor Crouch is a true advocate for individuals with disabilities and we thank her for her leadership!

As you might remember, the state budget bill increased the waiver reimbursement rate by 14% and providers like New Hope are required to pay waiver DSPs, those who work in Supported Living and Day Services sites, 95% of this reimbursement. New Hope will pay this increase in two parts. The first part of the wage increase was a 15.5% increase that New Hope DSPs received in May. The second part will be an additional 13% increase beginning in September. New Hope has chosen to increase wages to Group Home DSPs as well; this is currently being paid using non-reimbursed funds of over $700,000, but we know this is the right thing to do!

As we look forward to next month, we are excited for our fourth annual Silver Cup Celebration! We have been working diligently to monitor COVID-19 in our community and to put the necessary precautions in place to make this event safe for our guests. Masks will be required for all guests and social distancing will be encouraged as much as possible. I believe this will still be a fun and meaningful event for New Hope and our supporters, so I hope to see you there. If you have not already purchased your tickets, you can do so online where you can also place a bid on our silent auction items or make a donation in lieu of attending.

I want to also say a special thanks to the New Hope Board and our team here at New Hope for working overtime on everything mentioned in this update! Please continue to stay safe and healthy and take care!

-Allison