This February, members of New Hope of Indiana’s Aktion Club and AIM program joined advocates from The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana for the annual Valentine’s Day at the Statehouse event—a celebration of self-advocacy, civic engagement, and community pride. Every year, this day brings something extraordinary to the halls of the Statehouse—a spark of joy, authenticity, and unity that reminds all of us why advocacy matters.

The disabilities community brings tremendous value to our great state of Indiana. They show up as leaders, advocates, coworkers, friends, and family—faithful members of our communities who make Indiana better every day. Their voices deserve to be heard, their lives hold deep value, and their impact is felt across our state.

Our New Hope individuals live that truth every day. Passionate about self-advocacy, they spent Thursday, February 12^th (the Thursday before Valentine’s Day) delivering handmade valentines to lawmakers—small gifts carrying a big message: individuals with disabilities deserve to be heard, seen, and considered in every policy decision.

New Hope is proud to participate in this event each year, and we are grateful to advocates, lawmakers, and partners who work tirelessly to support Hoosiers with disabilities. A huge thank-you goes out to the many chapters of The Arc of Indiana, Self-Advocates of Indiana, and partner organizations who joined together for this year’s Valentine’s Day at the Statehouse.

We are also grateful for the many state leaders who joined us throughout the day, including FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob, DDRS leaders Kelly Mitchell and Cathy Robinson, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Attorney General Todd Rokita, Treasurer Daniel Elliott, Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, Rep. Ed Clere, and Rep. Julie Olthoff. Their time, presence, and support mean so much to our community.

As we leave the Statehouse each year, we’re reminded that advocacy doesn’t end with a visit—it grows stronger every time we stand together. With every conversation and every connection, we take another step toward a more inclusive Indiana for all. Because when we advocate together, we change what’s possible.