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September 24, 2019

Zeller, Speak

Greetings friends, At my job here at New Hope of Indiana, I get to meet a whole lot of really special people. Not just the individuals that we serve, but my coworkers, too. There are a lot of important jobs to fill at New Hope, but one of the most important jobs is that of a DSP. DSP stands for Direct Support Professional, but I think it should stand for Delightfully Super Professionals! Because that is what our DSPs are. They provide exceptional care for those we serve. Our DSPs take their jobs seriously, while still having fun doing it. They...

September 24, 2019

A Note from Allison: We Love our DSPs!

Happy Tuesday! If you drove by New Hope the week before last you saw the sign "We ❤ our DSPs!” and at New Hope, we certainly do! September 8-14 was National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, where we pause to take an extra minute to thank the heart and sole of all service providers - our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). These are the folks that provide 24/7 service to the individuals entrusted to New Hope. The support provided is really awe inspiring: from friendship, love and a feeling of home to assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, general behavior support,...

September 13, 2019

Mission Minute: DSP Recognition Week

by Kathe Rae, Manager of Mission Integration and Volunteers Every year in September there is a week designated to recognize and thank Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), This year, DSP Week is September 8th – 14th. While we strive to recognize DSPs on an ongoing basis, having the special week provides an excellent opportunity to express our sincere appreciation and highlight their dedication, service, compassion and so much more. Governor Eric Holcomb, by executive order, signed a proclamation recognizing the more than 26,000 DSPs in Indiana. Here is an excerpt from that proclamation: “WHEREAS, Every day, Indiana’s direct support professionals make a tremendous difference...

August 27, 2019

Zeller, Speak!

Greetings friends, I arrived at New Hope on February 14, 2011! I turned 2 on February 17, 2011. I am now 10.5 years old. I remember what a fun first week it was. I came from Canine Companions for Independence, a wonderful national organization that places service dogs like me at no cost. On Saturday 8/24/19, New Hope hosted a puppy raiser workshop and a day of re-certifications for current working dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. I felt like I was watching my life all over again. From the littlest puppies to dogs in service to humans for years, they were all...

August 26, 2019

Let’s Get Cheesy!

It's been a wild ride to get our food truck, Cheese and Thank You, up and running. Since our Grand Opening in July, we've been excited to connect with dozens of partners in the Indianapolis community including some of our sponsors and donors as well as new friends. We're so thankful for the positive reception that Cheese and Thank You has received in the last several weeks, and we can't wait to share it with you. Join us and our partners from Sun King Brewery on October 3rd from 5:30-7:30pm here at New Hope for our event, Let's Get Cheesy, to...

August 26, 2019

Taking Action

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...

August 26, 2019

A Note from Allison: Saying Goodbye to Summer

New Hope greetings! Can you believe Labor Day is next week? Summer is quickly (and sadly) coming to an end! However, New Hope is not slowing down! The food truck is going great! If you have not visited yet, I encourage you to come by an try the wonderful mac-n-cheese. It really is delicious! Take some to go to feed your family; they will be happy that you did. You can check out our upcoming locations on cheeseandthankyou.org or by following @Cheeseandthanks and @SayCheeseIndy on social media. Or if you would like to have us come to your office for lunch some...

August 26, 2019

The Partnership that Saved the Day

In the spring of 2018, New Hope was excited to finally purchase the food truck that would make our Food Truck Program a reality. We had picked out a name (Cheese and Thank You), finished the fundraising that we needed in order to purchase the truck itself, designed a logo and found a certified kitchen to rent for food prep. We were on our way to getting the truck painted and certified by the county. We bought the truck from a nice family in Southern Indiana and it was delivered on a Friday. By Monday, we'd heard the bad news...

August 26, 2019

New Homes at New Hope

You may have heard that New Hope recently purchased two new homes: Alton and Naseau 2.0. Alton is a new, four-bedroom Supported Living site on the west side of Indianapolis. The home was purchased this summer and is already up and running under the leadership of Tracy Brabec and Marsha Messmore. More recently, New Hope purchased a new home along the line between Noblesville and Fishers which will eventually replace Naseau Group Home in Noblesville. The beautiful, old Victorian home in downtown Noblesville is in need of significant improvements. With a lot of stairs and limited accessibility, it no longer...

August 26, 2019

Supported Decision-Making Explained

by Nick Parker, Attorney, Indiana Legal Services In July, the state of Indiana passed a new law that recognizes “Supported Decision-Making” as a form of decision-making support. Supported Decision-Making lets anyone in our state take charge of their own decision-making in the form of a helpful life-guiding document, addressing such needs as life goals, health, wellness, financial planning, safety, scheduling, work or school life, and daily decision-making. This "agreement" lays out who can (and cannot) help, what help is needed, and how help is to be delivered. It is a remarkable new concept that is gaining steam across...

August 26, 2019

This Too Will Pass

For us, summer break is a 10-week marathon that involves scheduling activities and events to the brink of exhaustion. After taking the summer off from writing, my intention this month was to share what I learned from our latest adventures. However, it felt disingenuous to write something that seemed so superficial. I asked to write these entries so that I could share candidly my experiences of being a mother of a child with differing abilities. As difficult as it is, being authentic is my primary goal. Due to recent circumstances, I am experiencing a great deal of...

August 15, 2019

Service Spotlight: Maureen Wilson

Maureen Wilson has been a resident in Indy her whole life, and she has been a dedicated employee at New Hope for the past 20 years. Having grown up in Indy, she went to North Central high school, then moved on to beauty school at the House of James in Carmel. Her start at New Hope began unexpectedly. When she was on maternity leave from working as a hairstylist at JC Penny, she became a caregiver to one of her neighbors. While she was a caregiver, she met someone from New Hope who worked for her neighbor. She realized that...

August 14, 2019

Mac-n-Cheese Dream Come True

by Samantha Todd, NHI Marketing Intern The ribbon cutting for New Hope’s Cheese and Thank You food truck turned one of our big dreams into a reality! Congratulations to our food truck crew: Richie, Michelle and Eli and their fearless leader, Tim Dunkel, Food Truck Specialist. A special shout out goes to Kathy Ballard, Director of Community Outreach, for keeping the dream of the food truck alive for these last several years. Thank you to the people named and all that had a piece in helping Cheese and Thank You become a reality. Thank you to our donors and sponsors: Pearson Ford,...

August 8, 2019

Mission Minute: Serving Our Associates

by Kathe Rae, Manager of Mission Integration and Volunteers Recently, New Hope's Board of Directors revised our Mission and Vision Statements to better reflect who we are now as an organization and who we are striving to be in the future. The Vision Statement says that “we will recognize our associates for their unwavering commitment to service every day and we will commit to provide them with resources to be successful both personally and professionally.” One of the ways that we are already carrying out this commitment is through the Associate Financial Assistance (AFA) program. AFA began in July of 2018...

July 30, 2019

A Note from Allison: New Hope is Always Celebrating

I hope everyone is having a great summer! New Hope had a wonderful day today! One of our big dreams was realized with the ribbon cutting for New Hope’s Cheese and Thank You food truck! Thank you to everyone who had a piece in helping this become a reality. It was a wonderful day with wonderful food! Congratulations to our food truck crew: Richie, Michelle and Eli and their fearless leader, Tim Dunkel, Food Truck Specialist. I want to also give a special shout out to Kathy Ballard, Director of Community Outreach, for...

July 29, 2019

Zeller, Speak

Greeting friends! I am thrilled to say that the Cheese and Thank You food truck is finally open! Cheese and Thank You not only means my favorite food, CHEESE, but a new program that’s a part of New Hope’s transitional services for young adults. Team members will have the opportunity to make and serve delicious mac-n-cheese to people around the Indy area. I was able to meet the Food Truck Specialist, Tim Dunkel, and the whole Cheese and Thank You team: Michelle, Elijah, and Richie. They’ve been getting excited for the grand opening of the food truck as they’ve been practicing their...

July 29, 2019

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....

July 29, 2019

Serving the Community

John Lorton, who is served in Supported Living and resides in the Washington Blvd. home has been appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities in Indianapolis. He was nominated to serve by current INARF President/CEO, and former New Hope Executive Director, Steve Cook. John is honored to be a council member and will provide a unique perspective as a person who sustained a brain injury in his teens and has tackled many challenges throughout his adult life with courage, strength, faith and a witty sense of humor. John has been a volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul for the...

July 29, 2019

New Hope Welcomes New Board Members

New Hope would like to welcome two new members, Pam Evans and Charity Stowe, to its Board of Directors. Pam Evans comes to New Hope with nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of roles in the healthcare industry. Pam has a unique understanding of how important Healthcare Financial Management is in today’s environment and currently serves as the President of Star Benefit Associates. Having spent time as a benefits consultant, educator, and public speaker, Pam has interacted with numerous professional and business organizations providing consult and advice on healthcare topics such as Medicare. Pam learned about...

July 29, 2019

Grand Opening!

We are proud to announce that Cheese and Thank You hosted it's Grand Opening for the media on July 30th! Our one of a kind food truck operation not only offers a wide range of delicious and perfectly cheesy mac-n-cheese options, but the food will be prepared by, marketed and served by young adults with disabilities. At the launch event on July 30th, the Cheese and Thank You food truck debuted their delicious mac-n-cheese for special guests following a program featuring speakers who are passionate about this program including some of our generous sponsors. Beginning Monday, August 5th, you'll be able to...