Client Profile Archives - New Hope of Indiana

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 and advocacy efforts, New Hope of Indiana is making an impact in our communities every day.

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Client Profile

25 Jan - Choosing Caution, Not Fear

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By Denise Caudill Irons, NHI Board Member and Parent During the early weeks of the pandemic, I was surviving while providing some semblance of normalcy for my family. But as the days wore on, I began to feel insulated and comfortable existing in our bubble. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief when schools went virtual and the shelter in place guidelines were instituted. I live with a constant undercurrent of fear for my daughter’s welfare. As she matures, my fears also grow. It feels as if I have a news ticker of all of the bad things that could happen...

30 Nov - Voices of New Hope: Holiday Cheer

Posted at 13:16h in Client Profile, Mission Minute 0 Comments

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The holiday season is often a time of happiness, tradition and magic. At New Hope, we LOVE the holidays and all of the fun and festive moments that they bring. We asked some of our clients what they enjoy most about the holiday season. Here is what they shared. “I like Thanksgiving because we bake a turkey. I’m most thankful for Mom and Dad.” Jacob “I like Christmas. I like celebrating it with my family. I like Christmas shopping and baking cookies.” Denni “I’m excited for Christmas Eve. A holiday to me because ever since I was a little kid we would have...

17 Nov - A Strong Family Bond

Posted at 14:43h in Client Profile, Mission Minute, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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Family has always been important to Christy Bowser. She has a picture of her mom, who has been gone for 20 years, next to her bed. She worries about her aging dad, who lives in Florida with her sister Michelle. While her mom and dad are important to her, it’s her sister Michelle with whom she is the closest. Christy lights up when she talks about Michelle, who has made it a priority to ensure for Christy’s health and well-being. Long before the term “autism” was widely used, Christy was diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability as a child. Christy describes...

17 Nov - The Norman Family

Posted at 14:39h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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For a majority of her life, Courtney, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a child, was cared for by her dad, stepmom and grandparents. Her dad Rick knew that as he and his parents aged, he needed a long-term plan for Courtney’s care. A friend told him about New Hope and after checking out the residential program, Rick knew Courtney could get better care from those who are trained to do so. He also liked that she could attend Day Services and be more active. However, moving Courtney into her new home brought concerns. Rick was understandably anxious about...

31 Aug - Voices of New Hope

Posted at 16:10h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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Marrie Dollahan, known around New Hope simply as Marrie Lou, has lived in Indianapolis her whole life. She loved school as a child but learned to be tough in her large, blended family as one of 15 children! While she has struggled with many medical issues over the years, her time at New Hope has been great. Marrie Lou really appreciates the DSPs and other caregivers who help her look pretty and take her to her favorite places including New Hope’s Day Services program. She loves puzzles, games, baby dolls and traveling. Her dream trips are to Paris and Disney World....

25 May - Voices of New Hope

Posted at 09:00h in Client Profile, Mission Minute, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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Nikeita Smith has been served by New Hope for 24 years and has been making people smile her whole life! She loves to be involved in art, games, exercise, and socializing. She is very friendly and kind. Nikeita is often wearing jewelry she has made and her hair is always perfectly done. We are proud to serve such kind and caring people like Nikeita and want to share her kindness with our friends. It's been hard not going to see my mom on the weekends since the virus came, but New Hope has always been nice to me. This year,...

29 Mar - Supporting New Hope’s Future

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

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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...

19 Feb - Celebrating Black History Month at New Hope

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

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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...

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Robert Hoey

Posted at 16:33h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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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 Robert Hoey, Served by NHI I am from Shelby, North Carolina. Mom was a school teacher. Dad worked in a textile mill called JP Stevens in the 1960’s and 70’s. He was also an artist and photographer. The both have passed away. I am an only child, but I am close with my cousins. I have 7 uncles and all are living today except one. My creativity comes from my family. It has been very formative...

29 Dec - Getting to Know Gary

Posted at 17:14h in Client Profile 0 Comments

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New Hope is lucky to serve some interesting individuals and this month, we met one of the most interesting. Gary Marshall has been served in New Hope's Supported Living Program for many years and was excited to share a little more about himself this holiday season. Q: What has New Hope meant to you over the years? A: New Hope has given me a little love and they have shown great help. I've been a consumer for a long time. The many staff have been kind and have made some great food throughout the years. Q: Did you celebrate the holidays...

24 Nov - When Detours are Part of the Journey

Posted at 12:54h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

3 Likes

Allen Saunders once wrote “Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” In 1992, other plans for DeShawn Hale included graduating from Indiana University where she was studying on an academic scholarship and soon to be venturing out on a new career. But when she became pregnant in her senior year and her child was born three months prematurely, her dreams, aspirations and career were put on indefinite hold. Her son Christian was born with what would later be diagnosed as Cerebral Palsy and Failure to Thrive. He spent his first three months...

25 Aug - A Smile that Lights Up the Room

Posted at 16:18h in Client Profile 0 Comments

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One of Vicky Cross’s favorite things to do in August is visit the Indiana State Fair with her friends and staff from New Hope. This year, she was disappointed to miss it, but she’s finding lots of other fun things to do this summer. Vicky has been served by New Hope since 2015 when she moved into one of our Supported Living homes with one of her childhood friends, Jeannette. As someone who enjoys talking to other people, Vicky has enjoyed New Hope’s Day Services program as well, making lots of good friends there. She has a great memory and always...

28 Jul - Excited to Be Back

Posted at 10:05h in Client Profile 0 Comments

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Denni is one of New Hope's most bubbly and friendly clients, almost always smiling and saying hello to everyone she meets! She lives at home with her Mom and Dad and Gabby the cat. She meows real loud! She also has two older brothers that don’t live at home anymore. Denni graduated from Brownsburg High School and transitioned to the AIM program when the second group started last year. She makes a great addition to the group as she speaks her mind and is very fashionable! While she enjoys her time at New Hope, she also has a long-time staff...

26 Jun - A Heart of Gold

Posted at 14:46h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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While most people are tired of being stuck at home during the COVID-19 crisis, Jana Alenduff has enjoyed staying busy at home. Jana lives in New Hope's Louise Group Home with seven other women, so you can imagine how lively the house can be! Jana enjoys living in her home and gets along well with her housemates. She has been using her time at home to make paper chain decorations for family, friends and staff members. Her Team Leader, Lucinda, says, "She has always had a heart of gold!" Jana also stays active, and was a front runner in New Hope's...

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...

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...

27 Mar - Staying Connected

Posted at 16:49h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 4 Comments

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Every month, Bill McCreary looks forward to visiting his father in an assisted living facility. He checks the calendar and knows exactly when he'll get to see his father next. Nearly 30 years ago, New Hope Team Leader Gail Mehrlich started serving Bill and eventually organized these monthly dinners. Today, it is the dedicated staff of Justin Group Home that ensure that Bill gets to see his family each month. But this month, and for the foreseeable future, Bill won't get to visit his dad. Bill is deaf and communicates using limited, basic sign language. Last week he was obviously upset and...

24 Feb - A New Hope Love Story

Posted at 09:54h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 2 Comments

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James and Kyle first met in the late '80s when they were living at our residential facility and began dating shortly after. Even after moving out into the community, into different parts of the city, these two have been inseparable. You'll never find James without his baseball cap which he likes to match to his outfit for the day. He has a caring heart and likes to help the staff at his house by taking out the trash. James loves to spend time with Kyle, even after over 30 years together! Kyle enjoys listening to country music and getting dolled up...

27 Jan - AIM Continues to Grow

Posted at 13:30h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 1 Comment

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It's been so fun to see new faces in our AIM program this winter. We wanted to get to know them a little better, so we asked them some interesting questions. Q: What is your theme song? A: Old Town Road A: Anything by the Backstreet Boys A: Free Falling by Tom Petty Q: What would be the most amazing adventure or to go on? Where would you like go on vacation? A: Australia A: Hawaii A: The beach where it's warm A: Visit family in New Jersey A: New Orleans Q: What's your dream car? A: Cadillac A: Purple and blue Hummer A: Convertible Mustang A: Big truck Q: What do you want people to...

23 Dec - A Spirit of Grace and Perseverance

Posted at 18:08h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 1 Comment

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Rosemary Bostick's middle name should be perseverance as she has faced many challenges in her life yet has been able to overcome all with grace and spirit. Before she found her way to New Hope, Rosemary was living in a shelter. In 2002, she moved to the Rendu group home, which provided a safe environment and assisted her with health issues. Even though she had lived out on her own with her family for many years, she enjoyed living at the group home. In July of 2005, Rosemary moved to an apartment in the CYCS program, now...