Service Spotlight

31 May - Celebrating New Hope’s Nurses

This May, we celebrated Nurses' Week with a profound sense of gratitude for the selfless professionals who have served our mission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for each of them and the sense of comfort and peace that they bring to our New Hope community under the leadership of Nicole Powell, RN, NHI Clinical Nurse Coordinator. Nicole began her New Hope journey in 1996 as a Direct Support Professional. She was drawn to New Hope because she helped take care of her older sister, who is disabled. In her six years serving as a DSP, Nicole learned how...

Read More

29 Mar - A Community of Hope…and Social Workers

by Amy Flint This month marks my 37th service anniversary with New Hope of Indiana, something nearly unheard of among my younger colleagues. Not many people stay at the same employer for over three decades, but at New Hope, it isn't quite so unusual. New Hope's leaders, managers and even our Direct Support Professionals tend to stick around a lot longer than our counterparts at other organizations. I think it might just be because the people at New Hope are simply good people who share a great mission. I started at New Hope in 1985 as a social worker in the largest...

Read More

22 Feb - Raising Black Voices

At New Hope of Indiana, we value the many people of color who make up our community. We believe that the unique experiences and values that they bring to our mission are vital to the work that we do. New Hope is committed to amplifying the diverse voices of #TeamNewHope and of the individuals we serve. This Black History Month, we are proud to do just that for three amazing Black women who make an impact at New Hope of Indiana every day. Carolyn Short, DSP, 7 Years of Service I was born in Muncie Indiana and raised in Indianapolis. I was raised in a...

Read More

14 Jan - National Mentoring Month: Bringing Smiles

January is National Mentoring Month! At New Hope of Indiana mentorship is often an informal relationship and can be found woven throughout our mission. Much of the work that our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) do to support the individuals in their care involves mentoring them - teaching life skills for independence, practicing good decision-making, and encouraging them to set, meet and exceed personal goals. This month, we are celebrating two important New Hope mentors who support individuals with disabilities in achieving their dreams.   AIM's Community Mentor Lashawnda Wright I was referred to New Hope by a former coworker in September of 2016. When...

Read More

28 Dec - Voices of New Hope

Growing up I lived with my single mother, Kim, my older brother Coi, my sister Maisha, younger brother Larry and younger cousin, Ashley in the Butler- Tarkington neighborhood located on the Northside of Indianapolis. It was a close-knit community of neighbors, family, and friends where everyone looked out for one another. I loved playing Kickball games with my siblings and cousins and eating soul food - smoked pork chops, mixed greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and my Mom's extra-hot chili. I graduated from Arsenal Technical High School, attended Ivy Tech State College. In 2021 I returned to...

Read More

26 Oct - Four Decades of Loving Care

by Ken Rose, Manager of Capital Operations Anyone who knows New Hope’s Transportation Coordinator, Dorothy Nowlin-Love, knows how much pride she takes in maintaining our fleet of over 40 vehicles. She works tirelessly to ensure our vehicles remain safe, clean and in excellent shape, and has done so for the better part of her over-40 year career at New Hope of Indiana. Recently, the oldest vehicle in our fleet, a 2002 Ford E-350 van equipped with a wheelchair lift and equipment to safely transport people who use wheelchairs, known as van 329, needed a minor repair. Dorothy took it to a local repair...

Read More

28 Sep - Thank You Notes for our DSPs

Celebrating DSP Appreciation Week, September 12-18, 2021 "A great big thank you to everyone at New Hope. I hope you all know how very much my family supports you all. Without each and everyone of you these residents could not be the happy people they are. You all are the best and may God bless you." "Thank you so much for all you do!" "Words are not enough to express the gratitude I feel to the NHI DSPs- you are the heart and soul of NHI!" "We would like to send a huge thank you to the DSP’s and staff of Justin home. They...

Read More

27 Jul - Voices of New Hope

by Moon Ndiaye, NHI Team Leader I grew up in the Capital of Senegal called Dakar, in West Africa. Dakar is a great place to live, and is the most developed city in Senegal, offering many amenities. As a child, I went to a private Catholic school for elementary and to public school for middle and high school. I graduated in 1992 and pursued my education to College St. Michel where I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Programming and graduated for my Master's degree in Economics and Finance in 1998 at University Cheick Anta Diop Dakar. After getting...

Read More

27 Jul - Caring for the Disabled in the Pandemic and Beyond

By Gay Murry, Direct Support Professional (DSP), New Hope of Indiana The pandemic did so much to shine a light on the tough jobs of frontline workers. Yes, my work caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a New Hope of Indiana home was difficult. It was even scary at times. We had to mask up, social distance and take many other precautions. We couldn’t go on our usual outings with clients to help them feel part of the community and their social isolation was devastating to watch. But there were some amazing things, too. Life-changing things. I hope...

Read More

28 Jun - From Haiti to New Hope

by Kenaze Navarre, SLP Team Leader I grew up in a small rural town called Desdunes, Haiti. It was awesome to live there. As a kid I did not have any electricity up until I was 12 years of age. It was all fun living there. There was such connection with nature and family. Haiti is best known for being fierce and unafraid as well as for its good cooking. I miss the sea, the rivers, walking, and seeing old distant family members. As a child, my dad was the school principal and he taught me at home. I didn’t go to...

Read More

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

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...

Read More

15 Mar - Social Worker Appreciation: Terri Gee

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...

Read More

19 Feb - Voices of New Hope

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,...

Read More

19 Feb - Weathering the Storm, Literally

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...

Read More

19 Feb - Celebrating Black History Month at New Hope

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...

Read More

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

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...

Read More

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Lonya Thompson

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 Lonya Thompson, NHI Manager, Behavior I have been with New Hope for 21 years. I first started as a DSP at New hope while going to school to complete my Masters degree. Once I completed my Masters degree I took a job in Community Outreach as a Homebased Therapist. I advanced to become a supervisor in Community Outreach, and really enjoyed my work there. My passion really lead me back to working with individuals with disabilities so...

Read More

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Trust Paunganwa

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 Trust Paunganwa, NHI Manager, Family & Community Services Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, I was born in the middle of seven children and was first one to go to College. I grew up in the countryside walking 5 miles to school from 1st grade until 7th grade, without shoes, before going to boarding school. Most of what we ate was home grown. I can survive in different environments whether its rural or city life. To...

Read More

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Nicole Powell

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 Nicole Powell, RN, NHI Clinical Nurse Coordinator I was born and raised here - a native Hoosier! My father was born here and is a direct descendant of the Potawatomi Indian tribe and African American and my mother was born in Itabena, Mississippi. Both of her parents were African American. My mom grew up on a farm that was given to my Grandfather where his father was once a slave. I have 5 siblings including 4...

Read More

15 Feb - New Hope’s Black Leaders: Paula Guynn

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 Paula Guynn, NHI Manager, Group Homes Born and raised in Indianapolis, I am part of a very large, close-knit family, where aunts and uncles are like mom and dad, and cousins are like sisters and brothers. For me, black history Month is very important. It gives us a time to reflect and remember those that paved the way for us, from  W.E.B. Du Bois to Rosa Parks, to Maya Angelou to Shirley Chisholm, Dorothy Height and Kamala...

Read More