Mission Minute: Hope for the Holidays

17 Dec Mission Minute: Hope for the Holidays

by Kathe Rae, Manager of Mission Integration and Volunteers

Over twenty years ago, New Hope of Indiana was St. Vincent New Hope, a ministry of St. Vincent which served individuals with disabilities. At that time, St. Vincent decided to serve New Hope clients through their Hope for the Holidays program, a program in which St. Vincent staff or departments sponsor patients, former patients or other individuals served through St. Vincent’s ministries who might be in need of some extra hope during the holidays. Throughout the last twenty years, the generosity of St. Vincent and Ascension Health associates has truly been a blessing to those we serve.

This wonderful collaboration has continued, even after New Hope separated from St. Vincent in 2014, thanks mostly to the advocacy of two St. Vincent associates, Lisa Harden and Katy Meyers. They recognized and experienced the positive impact for both the grateful New Hope recipients whose holidays are made very special by those who contribute through Hope for the Holidays and for the compassionate sponsors, knowing they helped make that happen. Several St. Vincent departments and associates have even sponsored the same individuals each year. One group in particular, St. Vincent Hospital Medical ICU, has sponsored the same two individuals, Melody and Paul, every year for over twenty years!

This St. Vincent team, and all of the Hope for the Holidays sponsors, demonstrate a commitment to supporting those in need of care and support and truly exemplify the core values of both St. Vincent and New Hope of Indiana. We are so appreciative to be a part of Hope for the Holidays and to witness the spirit of giving during the holidays through our partnership with St. Vincent and Ascension.