Mission Minute: The Heart of New Hope

15 Sep Mission Minute: The Heart of New Hope

Every year in September, New Hope celebrates Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week, a few days set aside to celebrate the selfless caregivers who support the individuals we serve in so many ways. DSPs empower individuals with disabilities to live, learn and be a part of the workforce. DSPs assist the individuals they serve with daily living activities, transportation, general behavior support, and help create a feeling of home while building friendships with those they serve. DSPs also enable family members of those with disabilities to take a break, go to work or school, or care for their other children.

These frontline caregivers, like Jonel Foreste, New Hope’s DSP of the Year, provide so much more than what’s in their job description, though. They provide a sense of family, community, safety and inclusion for the vulnerable individuals they serve. They are truly the heart of our mission, and exemplify our Core Values through their work each day.

At New Hope of Indiana, our core values express and guide us to remain focused on what is truly important to us as an organization. These values do not change. They apply to every person, every situation and every action we take. They are the underpinning of who we are and the culture we create, every day.

Service
We believe in constant service to others, especially those who need it most. We exemplify this
on a daily basis by:

Reaching out to those in need without judgment or reservation

Speaking loudly for those who cannot speak for themselves

Empowering and encouraging others to improve their lives

Building relationships and collaborations for the common good

Reverence
We practice respect and compassion for the dignity and diversity of life. We show that we
recognize each person has special value and unique gifts by:

Inviting and appreciating the uniqueness of people and the viewpoints

Celebrating the diversity of our associates and those we serve

Conscientiously caring for the sanctity of our environment

Supporting those most vulnerable and recognizing when others need help, be it those we serve or those working alongside us

Being respectful in all interactions with others

Integrity
Our words and actions must be consistent with our values in a meaningful way in everything we
do and say. We show integrity by:

Inspiring trust through leading by example

Holding ourselves personally accountable to do what is right and ethical

Following our rules of personal conduct and expectations for business behavior

Maintaining high standards of excellence and performance

Communicating with honesty, compassion, directness and respect

Collaborating with others in a mission- and vision-based way

Helping and encouraging others to think and act ethically

Encouraging strong character, courage, strength, honesty and trust

Wisdom
Everyone within our organization is committed to the principles of performance that foster a
service culture. We achieve that by utilizing the wisdom gained from our combined experience
and knowledge:

Balancing options and decisions based on both mission and business concerns

Reflecting an understanding of excellence and stewardship

Recognizing excellence and stewardship include organizational, personal and community resources

Continually striving to improve programs and services using all we’ve learned

Remaining vigilant in awareness of emerging knowledge in our fields of service

Creativity
We honor a commitment to seek new approaches to service and care, and to willingly try new
approaches with vitality, energy and enthusiasm. This value is exemplified by:

Seeking new approaches in practice with open-mindedness

Embracing challenges as an opportunity for resourcefulness

Welcoming change with hope, courage and curiosity

Exploring business and human issues in an imaginative and flexible way

Showing dedication by continually reflecting on and enhancing programs and services

Dedication
Our workplace is a community of people who are committed to a common vision. We further
our goals and mission by:

Depending on one another for affirmation and strength

Offering unwavering hope and joy to both giver and receiver of the care we provide

Striving to nurture and reinforce dedication, even in challenging times

Encouraging others to go above and beyond to persevere and give from the heart

Sharing in the joys and sorrows of those we serve and those who work alongside us