Raising Black Voices

22 Feb Raising Black Voices

At New Hope of Indiana, we value the many people of color who make up our community. We believe that the unique experiences and values that they bring to our mission are vital to the work that we do.

New Hope is committed to amplifying the diverse voices of #TeamNewHope and of the individuals we serve. This Black History Month, we are proud to do just that for three amazing Black women who make an impact at New Hope of Indiana every day.

Carolyn Short, DSP, 7 Years of Service
I was born in Muncie Indiana and raised in Indianapolis. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother. I have to honestly say, I was not taught my history in my home. My mom worked a lot and her focus was putting food on the table, paying the bills and taking care of my two sisters and I. When I did learn some of my history it was in school and listening to my grandmother share her experiences.

As a child, I didn’t see color until my school closed and I was transferred to another elementary school. It was there, I learned and realized the significance of one’s color. We were met by angry adults holding signs screaming, yelling and spitting on children.

History is so important and needed for all people. We as a people (African Americans) need to know our true history. Being black has not shaped me into anything, it’s just a color.

Being a child of God is what has shaped me into the person I have become and knowing who I truly am and serve. New Hope supports me personally and professionally by having group discussions on ways to improve and handle race relations. The organizational culture embraces my heritage and background by acknowledging black history and other cultures, heritage, and history. I love my job because I work for and with a supportive and understanding company, manager, team leaders, and co-workers. I love the clients we serve. These are the things that make my job a rewarding one.

Jodi Wray, Facility Custodian, 8 Years of Service
I grew up in Milledgeville and Lumber City, Georgia. Growing up as an African American in the south, faith and family is very important to my cultural. I was taught to help others, especially my elders from my family and the community. My upbringing molded my career of working in the health care field for 20 years.

To me, Black History Month is a time to look back and celebrate the greats that have come before me and have paved the way. It’s a time to reflect on the essence of my people and their strength. It’s also a time that I take to have dialog with my family to see where we are now as a culture and how we can progress forward. Clearly, as I looked in the mirror every morning, I realized that I’m a black woman. With this being the shade of my skin, I knew from a very young age that I had a duty to represent my culture. Especially after being named after the matriarch of my family.

New Hope has such a diverse team. Which to me shows what “culture” really is. My job here at New Hope gives me the opportunity to see the light in the clients’ eyes that are served here every day.

Wilma Pipes, SLP Team Leader, 10 Years of Service
I was raised in Gary, Indiana, where my community embraced families. It was great to have extended family in the neighborhood, where no one was a stranger. We supported each other in any way we could. My parents were hard workers and they instilled in me to have a hard work ethic. Like my community, I learned to be there for those who needed help.

At New Hope, I love being a help to those that I serve! My team and leaders give their all each day. I was raised to be a hard worker and to be surrounded by those who work just as hard as me, makes it easy to come to work each day.

I’ve grown both personally and professionally within my 10 years at New Hope. This isn’t just a place to work, but my family away from home. I greatly appreciate how supportive New Hope has been in my most difficult moments. I’m thrilled to be part of an organization where diversity, in all aspects, is truly celebrated.

Being Black is a reminder that I am a descendent of those who fought through terrible circumstances to survive. I’m an overcomer and am proud of my heritage.

Black History Month is a time to reflect on the hardships faced by those who came before me but also celebrate their perseverance. I’m reminded that I can overcome any obstacle I face by depending on my faith. Black History is important to recognize and celebrate because there is still so much to learn from the past. The Black community were pioneers to many products and services we enjoy today.