New Hope of Indiana | Blog

For over forty years, New Hope of Indiana has been committed to supporting individuals and families, encouraging them to live their most independent, fulfilling lives. Through services for individuals with disabilities, counseling for families in the child welfare system and advocacy efforts, New Hope of Indiana is making an impact in our communities every day.

page-template,page-template-blog-large-image,page-template-blog-large-image-php,page,page-id-16566,tribe-no-js,tribe-bar-is-disabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-6.5,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.4.5,vc_responsive

Blog

27 Apr - Volunteer Appreciation

Posted at 13:14h in Mission Minute, New Hope Stories, Volunteer Highlights 0 Comments

0 Likes

April is National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes. At New Hope, volunteers support our mission in so many different ways. From our dedicated Board of Directors and the committees that support them to our friends from Kiwanis and College Park Church, volunteers are helping the individuals we serve live their best lives. Volunteers help with the day-to-day administrative tasks that support our business. They provide their professional expertise and guidance on our Human Rights Committee and our...

27 Apr - Voices of New Hope: Volunteer Leaders

Posted at 12:17h in Mission Minute, New Hope Stories, Volunteer Highlights 0 Comments

0 Likes

There are so many ways to give back to our community and to make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. At New Hope of Indiana, we are especially grateful for the volunteers that choose to support our mission with their time and talent. Their voices are an important part of our story. Loraine Brown is a New Hope Board member with a long history of supporting our mission. She chooses to serve as a volunteer leader with New Hope because she shares our organization's Core Values of Dedication, Service, Reverence, Wisdom, Integrity, Inclusivity and Creativity. "To be...

27 Apr - Remembering Our Friends

Posted at 10:39h in Remembering our Friends 0 Comments

0 Likes

Lisa Ciesielski June 28, 1967 – April 22, 2021 Lisa was served by New Hope for forty years! She was only 14 when she initially came to New Hope and resided in Kappa, New Hope’s children’s unit. In the 90s, Lisa moved into the community through what is now known as New Hope’s FCS program. Recently, Lisa moved out of New Hope’s FCS program but continued behavior services with her long-time Behavior Consultant, Terri Gee. Lisa will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa’s family, caregivers and all who called Lisa a friend. Read more here....

27 Apr - Shop and Support on AmazonSmile

Posted at 10:24h in Community and Corporate Partners, News 0 Comments

0 Likes

As we all continue to adjust to our new normal during COVID-19, many of us are choosing to shop online. Why not do some good and donate a part of your purchase to benefit New Hope? Start using AmazonSmile and you'll make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app at no extra cost to you. Simply follow the instructions below to select "New Hope of Indiana, Inc." as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us. Already use AmazonSmile on your computer? Be sure to activate...

27 Apr - Legislators Take Significant Step Toward Helping Disabled Hoosiers and Their Caregivers

Posted at 09:57h in News 0 Comments

2 Likes

By: Allison Wharry, CEO, New Hope of Indiana The new, two-year state budget just approved by the Indiana General Assembly and supported by Governor Eric Holcomb includes a provision that will greatly improve the lives of the 40,000 Indiana residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. New Hope of Indiana applauds lawmakers for including higher rates of Medicaid reimbursement, which translates to higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in the final budget. DSPs provide vital supports to individuals with disabilities, helping them live their best lives. Not only do they help with daily activities, but DSPs also offer friendship...

27 Apr - A Note from Allison: Supporting #TeamNewHope

Posted at 09:24h in A Note from Allison 0 Comments

1 Like

Happy Spring! April was another month full of celebration at New Hope! We were happy to recognize Autism Awareness Month in support of the scores of individuals we serve who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These individuals are some of the most talented, unique and resilient people you will meet, and we are proud to serve them and to work alongside them every day. April is also Volunteer Appreciation Month. If a global pandemic has proved nothing else, at least we know how dedicated our volunteers are to serving our mission. Special thanks to our friends at College Park...

30 Mar - Remembering Our Friends

Posted at 12:46h in Remembering our Friends 0 Comments

0 Likes

Bill McCreary September 9, 1957 - February 24, 2021 Bill McCreary was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy, mental limitations, and an inability to hear or speak. Despite the communication challenges, Bill understood the unconditional love of his family, giving him a foundation of happiness, joy, and peace. Even when Bill moved to professional care, he remained an active part of the family through participating in all family gatherings, frequent visits, and special outings. Bill’s favorite place to venture was McDonald’s. Bill also loved attending a weeklong summer camp at Bradford Woods, where he was able to enjoy nature and...

30 Mar - A Note from Allison: A Month of Celebrations

Posted at 10:43h in A Note from Allison, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

1 Like

Happy spring, friends! This month was full of celebration! March is Disability Awareness Month, Social Work Month, and New Hope’s birthday. As our organization marked 43 years of service to the disability community, we shared a simple but hopeful message: the future is looking bright! A year ago New Hope and the rest of the world took cover as we prepared for the arrival of coronavirus in our lives. Today, I’m so happy to say that nearly 100% individuals served in congregate settings and over 60% of New Hope associates have received at least one of their COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals served...

29 Mar - Supporting New Hope’s Future

Posted at 11:14h in Client Profile, Mission Minute, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

3 Likes

by Bernie Konrady, NHI Supporter and Family Member My brother Jeff was born with disabilities that would not allow him to lead an independent life in the home he was born into. It was not his choice! As Jeff and his disabilities became more severe with age, my parents recognized their own limitations for the long-term care and well-being of their son. They began a search for long term care for Jeff that eventually led to New Hope in 1978. There, my parents found a safe, loving, caring environment for their son. Over time, as Jeff settled in to his new home, my parents...

25 Mar - New Hope of Indiana Receives Top Workplaces’ Inaugural Women-Led Culture Excellence Award

Posted at 09:07h in News, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

2 Likes

Program recognizes outstanding woman-led businesses for their commitment to a people-first culture INDIANAPOLIS - New Hope of Indiana has been chosen to receive a national Top Workplaces Woman-Led Culture Excellence Award. The inaugural group of award winning organizations led by women was announced by Energage to coincide with Women’s History Month. New Hope was selected in the 1-499 employee category. New Hope of Indiana provides community-based residential services and a variety of therapy, day, vocational and transition services for Hoosiers with developmental disabilities. With a team of just under 400 associates, New Hope of Indiana has over 50 women and minority leaders. “All...

15 Mar - Social Worker Appreciation: Terri Gee

Posted at 13:33h in Events, Mission Minute, Service Spotlight 1 Comment

1 Like

March is a month of celebration at New Hope. We're recognizing Disability Awareness Month, New Hope's birthday, International Women's Day and, of course, Social Worker Appreciation Month! March 16th is World Social Work Day, so we are celebrating by thanking New Hope's own social workers. It's been a year for the history books, but New Hope's social workers have found unique and enriching activities to keep the individuals they serve happy and engaged throughout the pandemic. We are so thankful for each of them, no matter the role they play on #TeamNewHope! Terri Gee is one of the dedicated social workers...

08 Mar - Advocating for Those with Disabilities and Their Caregivers

Posted at 14:45h in Mission Minute, News 0 Comments

0 Likes

By: Allison Wharry, CEO of New Hope of Indiana March’s Developmental Disability Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise our voices and share more about the need for inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all areas of community life, and to educate others about the barriers that people with disabilities still face in connecting with their communities. The awareness is even more important this year as individuals served in New Hope’s group homes and other residential programs mark one year of life dealing with COVID-19. Unfortunately, despite the yearly observance, individuals with intellectual...

23 Feb - Raise Your Voice This Disability Awareness Month

Posted at 12:52h in Mission Minute, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

1 Like

by Jenny Pfeil, Development Director Before joining the team at New Hope of Indiana, my knowledge of individuals with disabilities was probably to similar to most in our society – very uninformed. I had little experience with the day-to-day life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I didn’t know how they paid for the support services they need or how difficult daily tasks such as bathing and preparing a meal could be for them. Nor did I understand the extent to which their disability could affect their entire family. What I did know was that individuals with disabilities are not...

23 Feb - A Note from Allison: Advocates Needed

Posted at 10:46h in A Note from Allison, New Hope Stories, News 0 Comments

0 Likes

Happy February, friends! Onward - that is my "one word" for this year! After nearly a year of COVID, we all want to move onward with our lives! With the vaccine being available to New Hope’s direct caregivers we have slowly but surely begun to move onward. This week things will speed up. Beginning Thursday, New Hope nurses will vaccinate 190 New Hope individuals living in congregate settings! Next week, New Hope nurses will also provide vaccines to DSPs and other direct caregivers at a clinic in our Payne Road building. As I have said before, this will really bring new...

19 Feb - Voices of New Hope

Posted at 15:44h in Mission Minute, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

0 Likes

by Margo Green, HR Director I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor Degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision. After graduating, I moved to Indianapolis and have lived here since. I have been a member of Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis since 1995. I enjoy reading, music and playing volleyball. As the HR Director, I am honored to serve on New Hope’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, leading the organization’s DEI efforts. I am proud to draw on my own experience as a black woman in this role. Growing up,...

19 Feb - Introducing Inclusivity

Posted at 15:36h in News 0 Comments

0 Likes

In 2020, New Hope of Indiana took big strides in our diversity and inclusion efforts. At the direction of the Board of Directors, we implemented a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee made up of nearly 20 associates from all parts of the organization. In part, this committee was created to assess how New Hope incorporates diversity and inclusion in its culture. After receiving feedback from associates, leadership and Board members, the DEI Committee recommended the addition of a new Core Value to reflect New Hope's commitment to these efforts. In January the Board voted unanimously to approve this addition...

19 Feb - Weathering the Storm, Literally

Posted at 15:02h in Mission Minute, New Hope Stories, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

1 Like

by Cassi Dean, Director Supported Living Program If we have learned nothing else this year, we have learned what an amazing group of caring professionals work among us at New Hope!! We have faced unforeseen challenges, that have pushed us to our limits, but never changed who we are or what we do! If a global pandemic did not impact the high-quality support we provide, what does a minor (ok, maybe major) snowstorm have on us? Absolutely nothing!! Last week, as Indiana braced for a major winter storm, what did we do? We did exactly what we always do in the face...

19 Feb - Celebrating Black History Month at New Hope

Posted at 14:52h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

0 Likes

New Hope of Indiana is celebrating Black History Month this February by recognizing some of our brightest black leaders and by honoring black trailblazers with disabilities who have shown just how able the community truly is. New Hope is proud to have an incredibly diverse team with over 50 female or minority leaders and nearly 70% of team identifying as black or African American. Their unique perspective makes our organization a better, more inclusive place to work, to serve and to grow, and we are grateful for their dedicated service to the individuals and families we serve. New Hope Leaders Paula Guynn is...

19 Feb - Zeller, Speak: Remembering Our Friend

Posted at 13:33h in Remembering our Friends, Zeller, Speak! 9 Comments

0 Likes

Zeller 2/17/2009 - 2/15/2021 This beautiful boy left us to get his angel wings Monday morning, February 15th, just two days shy of his 12th birthday. He was diagnosed two weeks before with cancer and then he rallied and had a very good week and a half, including a good Valentine’s Day, which he richly deserved. He had the biggest heart and loved so many; he had a way of seeing into the hearts of others. Zeller served as a CCI Facility dog to New Hope of Indiana for 10 years. The work he did impacted many lives. His first day of work...

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Chasatie Finley

Posted at 16:47h in New Hope Stories, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

1 Like

As we celebrate Black History Month at New Hope of Indiana, it’s important to us to highlight a few of our amazing black leaders. by Chasatie Finley, NHI Team Leader, SLP I was born in Peoria, Ilinois, and raised here in Indianapolis. I attended school in Warren Township and graduated from Warren Central. My family on my mother's side is originally from Lake, Mississippi and my Dad's side is from Arkansas. To me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and reflect on how far black people have come. I think about all the accomplishments that have not always been in...