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.

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Blog

22 Jun - New Hope is a Top Workplace for 2020

Posted at 09:11h in News 0 Comments

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New Hope of Indiana has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by the Indianapolis Star for the second year in a row. The nonprofit also was singled out for a special award in the Training category for giving associates the formal training they want for their careers. The list from The Indianapolis Star is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name...

15 Jun - Mission Minute: Connections of Hope

Posted at 15:28h in Mission Minute, Volunteer Highlights 0 Comments

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While we continue to celebrate and recognize the many Connections of Hope that bring our New Hope community together each and every day, the word "connection" has taken on a much more specific meaning. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New Hope has continued to provide meaningful and engaging activities for the individuals we serve including telehealth services, movie screening parties, Bible Study and bingo. We are so grateful to the associates and volunteers who have made these virtual connections possible while the world has felt a bit disconnected. We have been especially thankful to our friends at College Park Church and...

12 Jun - New Hope of Indiana Awards First Direct Support Professional of the Year Award

Posted at 12:36h in New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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New Hope of Indiana has announced the first-ever winner of the Lynn Feldman and Kathe Rae Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award. Jonel Foreste has worked for nearly 20 years as a DSP for the nonprofit organization that serves Hoosiers with developmental disabilities. This announcement comes at a time when DSPs have proven to be especially vital supports. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, these caregivers continued working around the clock to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. “Jonel embodies everything we could ask a DSP to be,” said New Hope CEO Allison Wharry. “He strives every day to make the individuals he...

26 May - Third Annual Silver Cup Celebration Cancelled

Posted at 16:26h in Community and Corporate Partners, News 0 Comments

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So much of our business as usual has been interrupted by COVID-19 concerns, and with these concerns in mind, we are sad to announce that we will not be hosting our Third Annual Silver Cup Celebration as originally planned for June 11, 2020. New Hope's Silver Cup Celebration is an annual event which allows us to come together to celebrate the amazing things our donors and sponsors allow us to accomplish each year. We showcase some of the talented individuals that we serve, we honor our partners and associates and we take time to say thank you to all of...

26 May - A Note from Allison: Getting Back on Track

Posted at 14:37h in A Note from Allison 1 Comment

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Dear New Hope friends, Today I am grateful to report that New Hope has seen a marked decline in COVID-19 activity among the individuals we serve and our associates. While this virus continues to affect those we serve, their caregivers and the way we run our programs every day, it feels like, for now, we are on the mend. As we begin to look forward to what is next for New Hope, I am cautiously optimistic that we can begin to move toward reopening some of our services which have been halted by this pandemic. Just as Governor Holcomb has...

26 May - Remembering Our Friends

Posted at 14:28h in Remembering our Friends 1 Comment

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Dana Zunk 1962 - 2020 Dana came to New Hope in April, 1994. She walked into our hearts with her unique personality, humor, and love of fun adventures and celebrations. Dana loved music, movies, line dancing and karaoke. She enjoyed a special trip to Graceland as an ardent Elvis fan, and annual visits to the Speedway and Indiana Beach. Dana was very proud of her 25 years of service at Goodwill honoring her as Employee Of The Year. This was a reflection of her determination and desire for independence. Many New Hope associates and friends have shared in Dana’s life through the...

26 May - Zeller, Speak!

Posted at 13:58h in Zeller, Speak! 0 Comments

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Greetings friends, I hope this Memorial Day finds you well. Memorial Day is the day we remember and thank all the men and women who have served so selflessly in the Armed Forces. I thank each of them for their service. I also thank my fellow canines, who have served in the Armed Forces in many different roles. Canines have been Sentry dogs meaning they accompany guards on patrol and warn them of the approach or presence of a stranger. Scout or Patrol dogs are trained to work in silence to aid in detecting snipers. Messenger dogs have learned to travel...

26 May - A Work in Progress

Posted at 13:48h in News, The Year of Creativity 1 Comment

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It was around this time one year ago that our generous donors gave over $27,000 at the Silver Cup Celebration to renovate New Hope's art room, supporting the Art Therapy and Day Services programs. After months of planning and securing the appropriate licenses and permits, work is underway at Payne Road. The renovation began by removing the remnants of the 40-year-old dish room which were no longer needed including a large, three-compartment sink. The remodeled room will have a large, new storage closet, a new ceiling, fresh paint and more space for our clients to enjoy and create their art....

26 May - Telehealth and the New Look of Therapy Services

Posted at 13:31h in New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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As we continue to adapt to a new normal forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic, our number one priority is the health and well-being of the individuals we serve. Many of those individuals thrive with a steady routine and the support of behavioral therapists, recreation therapists and music therapists among many others. At New Hope, these therapy services generally take place in-person and rely on the individual's ability to connect with the therapist. One of the biggest challenges for New Hope and other services providers like it has been pivoting these services to be provided virtually. Despite the obvious...

22 May - Pandemic Milestones

Posted at 11:05h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 1 Comment

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Helena Spychala is a busy young woman! After graduating from North Central High School in 2017, Helena has spent countless hours volunteering at the YMCA and St. Vincent Hospital, practicing her pottery skills at ArtMix and learning vital skills for adulthood through an IPS grant-funded program called SITE – Skills for Independence, Transition and Employment. In partnership with IUPUI, SITE brings together a group of young adults with disabilities to learn how to navigate the public transportation system, find volunteer opportunities to prepare them for future employment and experience life on a college campus. While in the SITE program, Helena...

15 May - Mission Minute: The Burden of Compassion Fatigue

Posted at 09:13h in Mission Minute 0 Comments

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This month, New Hope is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in many ways. We know that this situation has taken an extra toll on everyone, but especially on those we serve and their caregivers. The feeling of isolation, the added stress and the incredible uncertainty make a hard job even tougher for all of our frontline caregivers. They continue to serve selflessly in homes across our communities despite this added stress, and we are so grateful for their dedication. While some may not see it, we know that compassion fatigue is a real issue for many caregivers. Compassion fatigue is...

14 May - Service Spotlight: Penny Laster

Posted at 14:48h in Service Spotlight 3 Comments

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Penny Laster, like so many of our frontline caregivers, is one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet. Often working 60-hour weeks, Penny spends more time with her New Hope family than her own most weeks. Why does she do it? Because she loves her job. Penny has been a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for about 10 years, the last two of which have been spent at New Hope. Her favorite part of the job is caring for the individuals she serves and being a part of a dedicated team of other like-minded caregivers. During the COVID-19 crisis, New Hope has...

28 Apr - A Note from Allison: We Will Fight This Together

Posted at 11:24h in A Note from Allison, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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Hello from New Hope of Indiana- Just like many of you, I live in a constant state of worry, hearing so much bad news and being constantly concerned about the New Hope individuals served and their caregivers. I am sad to report that the coronavirus has reached New Hope and our amazing caregivers are doing everything they can do to keep the individuals served and themselves safe and healthy. At this point, approximately 5% of the individuals currently being served have a confirmed case of COVID19. Luckily, the vast majority of these individuals are still living at home and are either...

28 Apr - Recognizing New Hope’s Quiet Professionals

Posted at 08:54h in New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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While most people who know New Hope of Indiana know us for our services for those with disabilities, there is another, smaller program working quietly and diligently to do some of our community’s most important work. As we recognize April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we also want to recognize the dedicated counselors, case managers and other professionals who are serving families in crisis through New Hope’s Home-Based Counseling program. These professionals provide services to families referred through the Department of Child Services, in cases where there has been substantiated abuse or neglect in the home. Through this program New...

27 Apr - Zeller, Speak!

Posted at 13:22h in Zeller, Speak! 0 Comments

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Greetings friends, Last month I wrote about being anxious to get back to my regular routine, especially my work life! It is hard to believe we are still sheltering in place. My sister Charlotte and I have been enjoying the sunshine when it’s here. We have done a lot of indoor playing and had a few car ides too. I know New Hope staff continues to find fun things for everyone to do like the Friday night movie and Kiwanis bingo last Thursday. It’s good to stay busy while we wait this out. I miss seeing everyone and look forward to being with...

27 Apr - I am cool. I am great. I am nice and friendly.

Posted at 13:15h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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At New Hope we're always looking for ways to celebrate, and in April, we're celebrating Autism Awareness month. Autism is an often misunderstood disorder and can be very different for those affected by it. To get a better understanding, we spoke to New Hope client Steven and his family. Steven joined New Hope last year as part of the AIM program after graduating from high school. He also enjoys his time with Janus Developmental Services where he receives additional services. We asked Steven a few questions about himself, his autism and how he's spending his time at home during the...

24 Apr - New Hope Thanks Our Caregivers

Posted at 15:20h in New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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New Hope of Indiana's Day of Caring on April 17th was a day of gratitude, appreciation and support for New Hope and its frontline caregivers. Thanks to our generous donors, New Hope raised over $6,500 in support for New Hope in honor of all of our caregivers including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Team Leaders and Nurses. These caregivers have been working round the clock to keep the lives of those we serve as close to normal as possible and to ensure their health, safety and happiness. To celebrate all of their hard work and dedication, New Hope leaders distributed yard...

15 Apr - Mission Minute: Getting Creative at Home

Posted at 15:16h in Mission Minute 0 Comments

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As we continue to react to and manage the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic here at New Hope, we are holding on tight to our Core Values. This month, Creativity has been one of the most valuable tools for our associates and families as we weather this storm at home. Our Core Value of Creativity says: We honor a commitment to seek new approaches to service and care, and to willingly try new approaches with vitality, energy and enthusiasm. This value is exemplified by: seeking new approaches in practice with open-mindedness embracing challenges as an opportunity for resourcefulness welcoming change with...

14 Apr - Service Spotlight: Aderonke Kareem

Posted at 17:46h in New Hope Stories, Service Spotlight 0 Comments

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This month, we're recognizing Supported Living DSP, Aderonke Kareem! We were proud to nominate Aderonke for a scholarship from INARF in December, and while she didn't win the prize, we want to recognize her hard work and commitment! Before becoming a DSP, Aderonke Kareem was working as a CNA in a nursing home. When she came to New Hope, she was seeking a position that would offer more one-on-one care in a longer-term setting. Along with her full-time job at New Hope, she is also a single mom and a full-time student studying to be an Early Childhood Education teacher. Today, after...

07 Apr - New Hope Receives COVID-19 Relief Grant

Posted at 15:12h in News 0 Comments

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New Hope of Indiana is grateful to announce that it has been chosen to receive a $200,000 unrestricted grant from the Central Indiana COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund (C-CERF). The grant is one of $4.55 million in grants made to 32 community organizations in Central Indiana during the second round of funding to nonprofits. The fund has now distributed more than $11.8 million to 74 organizations in Central Indiana to date. Like most businesses and nonprofits, New Hope has incurred unexpected expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic including additional costs for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), technology costs to make certain services...