New Hope of Indiana | Client Profile

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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Client Profile

25 Aug - A Smile that Lights Up the Room

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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

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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

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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...

25 Nov - He Keeps on Ticking

Posted at 19:54h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 1 Comment

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Happy Birthday to Kenny Lyons, who just turned 50 this month! Kenny stated he is like a Timex watch: he “takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” When Kenny was 17, he fell asleep while driving late at night and hit a bridge. He sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which required significant medical care and rehabilitation. In 1990 he was admitted to the New Hope residential facility on Beta Hall, which was the unit designated for individuals with TBIs. At that time, he needed a wheelchair for mobility, but through his determination and therapy with Reba Kerkhof, New Hope's...

23 Oct - Change is a Good Thing

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Christy Bowser does not like change. However, one change in her life that she feels has been wonderful was her move to the Laboure Group Home in July of 2018. She previously lived in her own apartment in Noblesville, and she was feeling lonely, especially after she lost her job at Marsh when it closed. Christy had loved working there for over 20 years and had many co-worker friends. She said her sister, Michelle, thought Laboure would provide opportunities to meet new friends, get to do things she enjoys and also help her monitor her diabetes....

24 Sep - Exploring Indy!

Posted at 19:09h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 1 Comment

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Jacob Nydam first joined New Hope's AIM program as a high school student at the beginning of 2019, attending only a couple of days a week. After graduating from Hamilton South Eastern this spring, Jacob began coming more often. His favorite part of the AIM program is spending time with his friends. He enjoys their trips to the park where he can explore the woods and to the library where he can read and learn new things on the computer. He also enjoys their volunteer activities with Meals on Wheels and other local nonprofits. “Jacob is constantly experiencing new adventures each...

26 Aug - Taking Action

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In the five years Patty Cooper has been served by New Hope in the Supported Living Program, she has been involved in a lot of interesting, fun and community service-oriented activities, which is just the way she likes it. She resides at The Lakes apartments with two roommates, one of which is her very good friend, Cindy. She has had two jobs, Pizza Hut and MCL, which she really enjoyed. She's disappointed that she is unable to work at this time due to health issues. Patty is a charter member of the New Hope of Indiana Kiwanis...

29 Jul - Desiring Independence

Posted at 18:21h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 2 Comments

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Sometimes it is hard for Linda Palmer to believe that she has been served by New Hope of Indiana for over 35 years. She moved into the residential facility in 1983 and was initially in a four bedroom on Alpha Hall. It was a tough adjustment at first as she moved from home and her family was in the Chicago area. Once Linda moved to her own bedroom, she really began figuring out her life and found a desire to be as independent as possible. In 1996, as the facility was downsizing for closure, she was...

25 Jun - Client Spotlight: Bryan Ballard

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Bryan Ballard is one busy man and that is the way he likes it. Bryan has lived in his own apartment in downtown Indianapolis for over six years and is served by New Hope’s FCS (Family and Community Services) program. He loves living alone for the privacy, being able to do what he wants to do and for the storage, especially his costumes. Bryan’s passion is attending Gen Con, Pop Con and Comic Con every year and participating in cosplay or wearing costumes. Throughout the year, he works on his costumes and props, eagerly awaiting the annual conventions. Bryan’s busy life...

28 May - Inclusive Living

Posted at 17:45h in Client Profile, The Year of Creativity 0 Comments

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Jason Chang is an all-around talented guy. He has spent over a decade taking classes at the Broad Ripple Art Center, and his hard work shows. Jason is a painter and works primarily out of his home studio in his basement apartment. He enjoys working with lots of color (his favorite is yellow), and many of his paintings fill New Hope's administrative offices. He generously donated dozens of paintings to this year's Silver Cup Celebration in hopes of helping New Hope raise money for the Art Therapy program. He's even working on a commission for one of New Hope's vendors...

30 Apr - Dan the Man

Posted at 16:35h in Client Profile, New Hope Stories 0 Comments

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Dan Devries' life profoundly changed in 1978 when he was involved in an accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury, requiring a lengthy hospitalization and significant rehabilitation. However, throughout the years, Dan has not let that define his outlook on life. Prior to the accident, he was a loner, which is hard to believe for those who know him to be very social and outgoing today. In 1988, Dan moved into the residential facility and he resided on Beta Hall, which was the designated unit for persons who had experienced a traumatic brain injury. When the facility was downsizing to...

26 Mar - The Most Famous Singer at New Hope

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by Caitlin Bernhart, Music Therapist In my nearly 5 years of being a Music Therapist at New Hope I’ve had the privilege of working with so many of our clients and have witnessed a wide variety of amazing passions and musical abilities. This has included some individuals quickly learning how to read and play music on the piano (something that takes most people years to master) as well as several clients who enjoy writing their own songs and then recording them. Each individual I’ve worked with has been memorable and influential in their own way, but one person in particular...

25 Feb - A Jill of all Trades

Posted at 16:55h in Client Profile, The Year of Creativity 0 Comments

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Creativity has no limits, and that is certainly evident with Lori Eichenberger. Lori was born with a genetic eye disease, called Retinitis Pigmentosa, but was not diagnosed until her teen years, when her sight began to rapidly decline. As Lori became an adult, she lost most of her sight and now can only recognize some shapes and colors. However, that has not stopped her desire and ability to have a meaningful, creative and fun life through her art, activities and relationships. It was when Lori was in her med 30’s that she started learning how to...

29 Jan - Art is in the Eye of the Creator

Posted at 15:39h in Client Profile, The Year of Creativity 0 Comments

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It's not every day that you hear the phrase "trash art" or ask someone if you can have their empty cereal boxes and aluminum cans...