With heavy but happy hearts, two of New Hope’s longest serving leaders are saying goodbye to their careers at New Hope. Lynn Feldman, Director of Supported Living, and Kathe Rae, Manager of Mission Integration and Volunteers, are both retiring after a collective 80+ years of dedicated service to New Hope’s mission and to those we serve.

Lynn Feldman started at New Hope shortly after its doors opened in 1978 as a occupational therapist. She fondly remembers sitting on the floor and assembling furniture for the 200-bed facility on her first day and intending to find a new job after a year or two. Forty-one years later, she certainly isn’t looking for a new job. She is looking forward to spending time at home with her husband, George, playing with her grandchildren and travelling with her sisters. Lynn has held a number of positions at New Hope over the years, but has been leading the Supported Living Program since its inception in 1996. Her leadership has allowed the program to grow to New Hope’s largest program and one of the State’s largest supported living program. Her leadership has helped shape countless other associates and leaders in her program including her successor, Cassi Dean. Her candor and knowledge will be truly missed in her program and on our executive team.

Kathe Rae joined New Hope’s ranks in 1980 as a social worker. She, like Lynn, never intended to stay very long. Kathe will be the first to tell you, though, that once New Hope gets into your heart, it never really leaves. After serving in numerous programmatic roles including Director of Group Homes and Director of Operations, Kathe found her true calling as Manager of Mission Integration and Volunteers. She is a true example of living New Hope’s Core Values and representing its mission in every part of her work. She is a passionate advocate for those we serve and the associates who serve them. She was instrumental in rebuilding the Associate Financial Assistance (AFA) Program after separating from St. Vincent in order to best care for our associates, especially DSPs. Kathe’s compassion and giving spirit will be sorely missed in every celebration, associate forum, meeting reflection and group meal at New Hope. We can’t wait for her to return as a volunteer in 2020!

To both Lynn and Kathe, we have only the best wishes, highest hopes and deepest thanks. Good luck in the next chapter of your lives!

We invite you to celebrate Lynn and Kathe at a luncheon at Payne Road on Wednesday, December 11th from 11:30a-1p with a cake reception to follow. If you are unable to make it but would like to share a message of congratulations with wither Lynn or Kathe, you can mail a card (8450 N. Payne Rd. #300, Indpls, 46268) or email a message which will be shared with them before their time at New Hope comes to an end.