We are fortunate at New Hope to have so many champions for individuals with disabilities on our team. Earlier this month, we recognized four of our staff members who have gone above and beyond this past year.

Amanda Boyd was named our New Hope Champion of the Year. Amanda has been with New Hope for 14 years and leads the AIM Program where she works with young adults to encourage personal growth and skills for independence through educational and cultural events, public resources, volunteer opportunities and leadership opportunities. During the pandemic, Amanda pioneered the provision of virtual day habilitation, music and recreation therapies to ensure people could continue receiving the services that were so crucial to their everyday lives.

We are excited to share that Gay Murry, a DSP in our Supported Living residential program was named our Kathe Rae and Lynn Feldman DSP of the Year. Gay has served individuals served by New Hope for over 10 years and has been a staunch advocate for the I/DD community. Last year, Gay wrote an Op-Ed entitled, “Caring for the Disabled in the Pandemic and Beyond” that was featured in several local publications.

This year, we added two new awards. There is such amazing work being done by our DSPs that we wanted to recognize DSPs in each area of New Hope – Group Homes, Supported Living and Community Outreach.

Kim Hendrix, a DSP in our Group Home residential program was named New Hope’s Group Home DSP of the Year. Kim’s nominator said, “Kim displays a servant attitude towards the ladies and the staff, taking care of items that need to be completed, always thinking of ways to make things better for the ladies and the house as a whole. Kim goes above and beyond her regular responsibilities consistently.”

The Community Outreach DSP of the Year was awarded to Janet Inman. For over 23 years, Janet has been a champion for those she serves. She listens closely to what individuals need and want and assists them in achieving their wishes. In an emergency, she thinks clearly and quickly. When someone she serves suffered a compound leg fracture, Janet had the presence of mind to apply a tourniquet until the ambulance arrived; possibly saving the individual’s life.

All of these ladies demonstrate each and every day what it means to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Please join us in congratulating Amanda, Gay, Kim and Janet!