Remembering our Friends

28 Mar - Remembering our Friends

April Dixon 3/27/1976 - 3/20/2022 April was served by New Hope for over 22 years! She resided with her friends at Arlington. April loved when her family would get together and she cherished time with them. Her hobbies included listening to music, watching movies and TV, bowling, and eating and playing UNO (which she was exceptionally good at). April was loved by many and will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with April’s family, caregivers, Arlington individuals and all who called April a friend. Read more. Oscar D. Thomas 5/23/1960 - 3/17/2022 Oscar was a DSP with New Hope for 20 years,...

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22 Feb - Remembering Our Friends

Valerie Reaves 10/3/1965 - 2/10/2022 Valerie was an amazing mother, wife, colleague and friend whose coworkers will never forget her caring and kindness. She was also a tireless worker who remained on her feet cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her ladies' needs. She was a rock and advocate for the ladies she served and she will be greatly missed by her clients and colleagues at the Arlington site and everyone at New Hope. We are so grateful for her nearly 20 years of service to New Hope of Indiana. Read more....

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25 Jan - Remembering Our Friends

Michael McCormick 6/30/1965 - 12/8/2021 It is with great sadness that New Hope announces the passing of Michael McCormick on December 8th. Michael was served by New Hope for over 16 years! Michael spent many years attending New Hope’s Day Services at Payne Road where he enjoyed socializing with everyone. At his home in our Supported Living Program, Michael enjoyed making tea and coffee, visiting with his mom and brothers, playing Connect Four, working on puzzles, listening to music and socializing with his housemates. Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family, caregivers, Gifford and Day Services individuals, staff and all who called...

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24 May - Remembering Our Friends

Sandy Fries 12/15/1950 - 4/30/2021 Sandy was a fun lady who had a great sense of humor. She enjoyed watching her daytime soaps, going to concerts each year, attending church, and spending time outside. She also loved to shop for clothing, go to movies, and go out to eat. She was resilient and strong after overcoming many health issues throughout her life. She loved to laugh and joke around with her friends, housemates, and staff. Sandy was served by New Hope for 43 years in various programs including group homes, supported living and behavior services, most recently living in the Countryside home in...

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27 Apr - Remembering Our Friends

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....

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30 Mar - Remembering Our Friends

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...

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19 Feb - Zeller, Speak: Remembering Our Friend

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...

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26 Jan - Remembering Our Friends

Karron “Luddie” Kendrick 6/25/1961 - 1/15/2021 Luddie resided at New Hope's Demarillac Group Home for many years. She attended Day Service Program. Though nonverbal, Luddie had several ways of communicating her feelings and her staff was always able to understand her needs. She loved the warm weather and would enjoy sitting on the back patio in the swing. When she was in a good mood she would extend her hand to you to let you know that she wanted to take a walk outside or wanted to take a nap in her bedroom. Her roommates and staff are deeply saddened by her...

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28 Dec - Remembering our Friends

Bonita "Bonnie" Hasemeyer 8/11/1956 – 12/8/2020 Bonnie was one of New Hope's first individuals served, joining us back in 1978. She was fiercely independent! She loved working at Walmart as a greeter and in the electronics department for over 20 years. She could talk your ear off about life and loved to paint. She was involved in Noble’s art program and even sold some of her paintings over the years. One currently hangs proudly in the office of New Hope's CEO, Allison Wharry. Bonnie had a huge smile and loved to share stories with others. She will be dearly missed by her...

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28 Sep - Remembering Our Friends

Barbara Donaldson 7/30/1946 - 9/16/2020 Barbara moved into her home at New Hope in 2015 and her housemate and caregivers quickly became her family. She loved the color purple, any music she could dance to, a big smile, looking at magazines where she would pick out clothes she liked or food she wanted to eat. She was sassy and wanted to be the center of attention. She would call her staff "Mommy" as a term of endearment. She enjoyed coloring and doing other arts and crafts with her housemates. She will be missed dearly by all of her housemates and caregivers at...

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25 Aug - Remembering Our Friends

Barry Clark 10/27/1955 - 8/9/2020 Barry was served by New Hope for many years. He even worked in the workshop at New Hope back in the facility days and spoke fondly of his experiences. He was an avid storyteller and history buff and loved discussing the inner workings of WWI planes. He loved model cars, trains and planes and especially enjoyed visits to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with friends and family. On any given day, you could find Barry quietly working on his various crafts that he would gift to friends and family. Barry loved fishing and always had a goal to...

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28 Jul - Remembering Our Friends

Joy Martin 2/24/1951 - 7/6/2020 Joy lived at New Hope for over 30 years and the associates and residents became her family. She was the proud mother to her fur baby (cat), Ebony. Joy was a light to all those who knew her. She never met a stranger and enjoyed meeting other people while going out in the community. Joy loved shopping, coloring, and everything that glittered and sparkled. As you can imagine, Christmas was Joy’s favorite holiday. During Christmas, Joy was the happiest decorating the tree, receiving gifts, and eating homemade dinner. But of all these things, Joy loved her...

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23 Jun - Remembering Our Friends

James “JR” Eaton 5/28/1956 – 6/9/2020 If New Hope ever had a “Mr. Congeniality” award, there is no question that James “JR” Eaton would have won. With his charming personality, engaging smile and delightful sense of humor it's no wonder he easily became friends with everyone around him, many of them becoming friends for life. This includes people he met at his schools, churches, Bradford Woods Camp, and his many years being served by New Hope. JR lived with his parents until he moved into the New Hope residential facility in 1985. His parents, Bob and Sara, were volunteers at New Hope facility...

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26 May - Remembering Our Friends

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...

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25 Feb - Remembering Our Friends

Shandi Vance 1980-2020 It has been a pleasure to have had Shandi Vance in our Frederic Group Home all these years. She moved in 5/2002 and was a delight from Day One! Shandi enjoyed singing and dancing in her room to Disney musicals and she had no shame in sharing her skills with the entire home. Shandi also loved to shop, with a particular affinity to headbands and sunglasses. We were so blessed to have Shandi with us for so long, and she left us too quickly. She will be missed. Read more. Marcia Carithers 1932-2020 From the beginning, Marcia Carithers was a beloved member...

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26 Dec - Remembering Our Friends

Kari Stout 1970 - 2019 Kari came to New Hope in 1989 and was served in our Supported Living Program and Recreation Therapy. She was a kindhearted individual and was a perfectionist, always wanting to conquer everything she tried from baking to crafts or basketball. Kari enjoyed sharing her baked goods with her friends at New Hope and even had several "Kari's Kreations" bake sales at Payne Road. She enjoyed puzzles and word games on her iPad, exercising, making jewelry, crafting and painting, listening to Pentatonix, basketball, baking and animals. She liked to joke around and be silly, but had a very...

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25 Nov - Remembering Our Friends

Luke Bullington 8/12 1988 – 11/4/2019 Soon after Luke started attending Payne Road Day Services it became obvious that Luke loved game shows: Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Family Feud, etc. He even loved Listening to his favorite game show theme songs on an iPad. He also enjoyed his walks around the building, stopping to visit with associates in their offices who would often hum those songs with him. After visits he liked to close office doors. He could usually be seen with his beads, too, enjoying his chips or soda. Luke and his family were involved in Special Olympics...

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29 Jul - Remembering Our Friends

Ayo Adenle 1965 - 2019 In the too short time Ayo Adenle was at New Hope as the Seton group home team leader, he made a lasting impression. His first name means happiness and that truly describes who he was, as he always had a smile on his face. He was very friendly and exuded a gentle spirit. Ayo was was glad to be with New Hope of Indiana and was eager to learn his role and get to know the clients and associates at Seton. He will certainly be missed....

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25 Jun - Remembering Our Friends

Paul Tomastic September 2, 1957 – June 14, 2019 Paul maintained one of the most positive and faith-filled outlooks even though he faced many challenges through his life. He moved into the residential facility in 1983 and resided on Alpha Hall. He moved out into the Supported Living home on 60th St. in 1996 and later moved to the 62nd St. home. He resided there until he was transferred to a healthcare facility in 2017. Paul’s gentle, fun loving spirit, sense of humor, bright eyes and beautiful smile were truly an inspiration. He was devoted to his...

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27 Nov - Remembering Our Friends

Gina Covington February 10, 1957 - November 3, 2018 Gina loved life, and there was no doubt about it! She was a power shopper and really liked to look for bargain purses, jewelry and games. She was quite the “queen of bling” wearing anything and everything sparkly and shiny. She loved bingo and attended the monthly Kiwanis bingo as well as weekly bingo at the Payne Road Day Services. Gina also worked at Noble Industries for many years. She loved comfort food, so her favorite restaurants were MCL, Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel. She resided at the Coopersmith...

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