New Hope of Indiana is proud to honor the remarkable individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of compassion, dedication, and inclusion in our community. This year’s award recipients reflect the heart and soul of our mission. Below, we celebrate the 2026 awardees for their outstanding contributions.

Lynn Feldman and Kathe Rae DSP of the Year and Supported Living Program DSP of the Year: Nataki Hare

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of New Hope, delivering unwavering care and support. This year, we are thrilled to name Nataki Hare as the 2026 Lynn Feldman and Kathe Rae DSP of the Year and Supported Living Program DSP of the Year. Nataki, known lovingly by some as “MisTaki” has been a dedicated and caring presence at New Hope of Indiana for 21 years. Throughout her time at New Hope, she has shown a deep commitment to supporting individuals with compassion, consistency and respect. Nataki leads with a warm, person-centered approach. MisTaki takes the time to truly know the people she supports, from their favorite meals and daily routines to the activities, outings and small moments that bring them joy.

Nataki creates meaningful experiences in the community. This often includes trying a new restaurant, taking part in activities or capturing happy memories in photos to share with friends and family. That same care is evident when Nataki makes sure the home is stocked with food, household supplies and personal items. She takes the time to pay attention to the small, typically unnoticed details to make the individuals in her homes feel cared for and heard.

Going above and beyond comes naturally to Nataki. She has helped individuals choose meaningful gifts for loved ones. MisTaki once helped purchase a special gift for an individual’s niece who was expecting her first baby. She understands that these moments matter because they strengthen relationships and honor the people important in everyone’s life, regardless of their abilities.

As a team member, Nataki is reliable, approachable and always willing to step in with a positive attitude. She is trusted by her co-workers and cherished by the individuals she supports.  Her affectionate nickname is just one small reflection of the relationships she has built over the years. For her dedication, steady leadership, thoughtful service and 21 years of commitment to helping individuals live their most fulfilling and joyful lives, Nataki Hare, MisTaki, is New Hope of Indiana’s 2026 Lynn Feldman & Kathe Rae DSP of the Year and Supported Living Program DSP of the Year. Congratulations, Nataki!

Group Home Program DSP of the Year: Millicent Mbunga

Millicent “Millie” Mbugua is New Hope of Indiana’s 2026 Group Homes DSP of the Year. Millicent Mbugua, affectionately known as “Nemo” to some and “Millie” to most, is a bright and steady presence at New Hope of Indiana. Millie brings positivity, patience and a genuine willingness to serve. Millie is a true champion for the individuals she serves. She takes the time to understand each person’s needs, preferences and goals. She ensures their voices are heard and respected. Through her calm support and consistent encouragement, Millie helps individuals at New Hope gain confidence.

She is dependable, compassionate and willing to step in wherever she is needed. Whether covering shifts, supporting coworkers through challenging situations or providing extra attention to individuals who need behavioral or emotional support, Millie approaches each task with professionalism and grace. Millie leads by example. She models strong care practices, communicates respectfully with families and colleagues and supports newer staff by demonstrating the standards and values that make New Hope’s programs strong. Her versatility, knowledge and presence are what make Millie a model DSP.

For her compassion, reliability, leadership and unwavering commitment to the individuals she serves, we would like to congratulate Millicent on being awarded the Group Home Program DSP of the Year.

Community Outreach Program DSP of the Year: Bukola Eniitan

Bukola Eniitan is New Hope of Indiana’s 2026 Community Outreach Program DSP of the Year. Bukola Eniitan is a kind, consistent and positive presence at New Hope of Indiana. She brings integrity, creativity and dedication to her work. Bukola is known to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel included, respected and encouraged. Bukola is a champion for the individuals served in day services. She listens to their interests and ideas, then builds programming around what they want to do. Through her cooking class, she finds meaningful ways for individuals to participate in each step, giving them opportunities to not only learn and contribute but to take pride in their creations. Bukola’s dedication strengthens both the individuals she serves and the team around her. She routinely takes on extra responsibility even when she is not directly asked. Bukola looks for new ways for individuals involved in the community and often will take her day service group on outings.

Bukola also demonstrates leadership with her peers. She thoroughly trains new associates with positivity, guides co-workers with a hands-on approach and steps into tasks that need to be done. She understands program expectations and helps others succeed by sharing her knowledge. Her willingness to grow is evident in the way she continues to challenge herself, including stepping up as a camp counselor for Camp Catalyst. Due to Bukola’s creativity and passion, Camp Catalyst was incredibly successful. Her willingness and positivity allowed all of the campers to enjoy unique crafts and activities. Bukola created space for campers to participate fully, try new experiences and feel encouraged throughout the program.

For her kindness, creativity, leadership and commitment to meaningful participation for the individuals she serves, New Hope congratulates Bukola Eniitan for being awarded the Community Outreach DSP of the Year!

Champion of Hope Award: Ann Johnson

The Champion of Hope Award recognizes an associate who goes above and beyond their duties. This year, we honor Ann Johnson, a leader in New Hope’s Supported Living program. Ann Johnson has been a dedicated and steadfast leader at New Hope of Indiana for 34 years. Throughout her career, she has shown a deep commitment to empowering the individuals she serves to live fulfilling lives with independence, dignity and confidence.

Ann leads with a practical, person-centered approach. She sees each person’s potential, meets them where they are and encourages growth in a tailored approach. Whether she is helping someone build daily living skills, make healthier choices or even become a responsible pet owner, Ann brings patience, honesty and determination to the work.

Ann has also been a true champion for New Hope in moments that required extraordinary courage. When one of her Supported Living locations became the first at New Hope to test positive for COVID-19, without hesitation, Ann was the first to arrive and care for the women in the home. Her bravery gave others the courage to follow and ensured individuals received care, comfort and stability during one of the most difficult times our organization has faced.

That same willingness to step in is evident in Ann’s daily work. She is often the first to offer help when another team is in need. Ann is a doer and is at her best when she is busy making a difference to both individuals served and her co-workers.

Going above and beyond comes naturally to Ann. She is just as willing to trim bushes, assemble furniture, organize living spaces, or decorate a bedroom as she is to lead a team through a complex challenge. She understands that these details matter because they help make a house feel like a home.

As a leader, Ann motivates others through example. Her team knows she will not ask them to do something she is not willing to do herself. She leads with accountability, compassion and a deep belief in the ability of each person to grow. For her courage, leadership, hands-on service and lifelong commitment to creating an inclusive and kind community, New Hope congratulates Ann Johnson for being awarded the 2026 Champion of Hope Award!

Personal Achievement Award: Linda Palmer

The Personal Achievement Award celebrates an individual served by New Hope who maximizes their unique skills. This year, we proudly recognize Linda Palmer with New Hope of Indiana’s 2026 Personal Achievement Award. Linda Palmer receives residential, wellness, and behavior services from New Hope of Indiana, where she has become a strong voice for herself and others. When Linda noticed daily tasks in her room could be easier, she worked with staff to explore adaptive technology that would support her independence. That same practical thinking shows up in the way she looks out for her housemates and shares ideas that make life more accessible.

Linda set a goal to become a stronger advocate for individuals with disabilities at New Hope and in the community. She makes purposeful decisions and commitments to achieving her goals. Linda now serves on New Hope’s Human Rights Committee and participates in the Client Communications Committee. At Hollis Adams, where she attends day services, Linda now sits on the board of directors.

Linda brings kindness and confidence to her job at Goodwill. Whether she is speaking up in a meeting or encouraging someone else to share their thoughts, she uses her platform to create space for others to be heard and validated. For her independence, advocacy, and commitment to creating a community of belonging, New Hope congratulates Linda Palmer on being awarded the 2026 Personal Achievement Award!

Beverly Dyken Volunteers of the Year: Sylvia Payne and André

Volunteers are vital to New Hope’s mission, and this year’s Beverly Dyken Volunteers of the Year are Sylvia Payne and André. New Hope of Indiana is proud to honor Sylvia and her canine partner André as New Hope’s Beverly Dyken Volunteers of the Year for 2026. Their unique partnership brings comfort, joy, and meaningful connection to the individuals we support every day.

Svlvia has been working with therapy dogs since the 1990s and began raising puppies with Canine Companions in 2014.  Sylvia first connected with New Hope over two years ago through a desire to share the special gifts of her dog, André, with individuals with disabilities. André—friendly, calm, and deeply attuned to the people around him—quickly became a beloved presence. Together, Sylvia and André offer more than visits; they create moments of happiness, smiles, and genuine connection that enrich the lives of those we serve.

During their visits, Sylvia thoughtfully observes how André interacts with each individual. She watches for the soft approach that eases anxiety, the playful energy that sparks laughter, and the quiet companionship that brings comfort. By carefully reading these moments, Sylvia continually refines their visits so that every experience with André is tailored, positive, and meaningful for the individuals of New Hope. André’s favorite cue is touch where individuals will put their hands out and André will touch their hands with his nose. The individuals enjoy this as well!

One afternoon, a New Hope individual who is in a wheelchair had been withdrawn from the group and sat quietly while others engaged in activities. The individual wanted to be engaged but lacked the dexterity to do the touch cue and to pet André. Sylvia noticed and to help the individual engage and feel special, Sylvia asked the individual if she would like to take André for a walk around the building before they leave. Now, it is that individual’s “job” every time André and Sylvia visit to walk André around the building, and that individual does so with a smile on her face every time.

André’s calm patience and response to individuals’ cues, have helped open a door that words alone could not. That simple, powerful connection is the heart of what Sylvia and André bring to New Hope.

Sylvia and André remind us that volunteer service can take many forms—and that the quiet presence of a well-loved dog, guided by a caring human partner, can create lasting moments of joy, comfort, and belonging. Their dedication strengthens the New Hope community and leaves a positive impact on the individuals we are privileged to serve. Congratulations, Sylvia and André, New Hope’s 2026 Beverly Dyken Volunteers of the Year!

Partner of the Year: Rehab Medical

Since the first introduction in 2024, Rehab Medical’s support has never been limited to one event, one sponsorship or one moment of generosity. They have shown up consistently, intentionally and with a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of the people New Hope serves.

What stands out about Rehab Medical is the way they understand partnership. They have supported New Hope financially through the Silver Cup Celebration and other gifts, but they have also invested something equally valuable: their time. Their team members have volunteered in our homes, completed beautification projects and spent time in spaces that matter deeply to the individuals who live there. They do not simply complete a project and leave. They bring energy, care and respect.

Rehab Medical’s work centers on improving lives, and that purpose connects naturally with New Hope’s commitment to helping people with disabilities live their most meaningful lives. Their leaders have spoken about this alignment not as a formal statement, but as something they feel in the work itself. They see New Hope not only as an organization to support, but as a partner walking toward the same goal.

Rehab Medical comes ready to serve, but they also come ready to listen, learn and be changed by the people they meet. Patrick’s leadership and generosity, Jessi’s thoughtful coordination and advocacy, Amanda’s continued enthusiasm are only a few illustrations of Rehab Medical’s dedication to creating a community where compassion meets action for individuals with disabilities.

New Hope is stronger because of partners like Rehab Medical. For their generous support, their hands-on service, and their continued commitment to help individuals with disabilities live their most fulfilling lives, New Hope congratulates  Rehab Medical for being awarded the 2026 Partner of the Year award!

New Hope of Indiana extends its deepest gratitude to all our award recipients for their tireless dedication, compassion, and commitment to our mission. Together, they inspire us to continue building a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with disabilities. Congratulations to all, and thank you for making a difference!