Service Spotlight: Lynn Feldman

16 Apr Service Spotlight: Lynn Feldman

I came to New Hope in 1978 as an Occupational Therapist right out of college. When I was in OT school, we kept hearing about a new facility for individuals with disabilities but then nothing seemed to come of it. Then, several years after I had graduated, I found that New Hope had finally opened and not only was there an OT position available but the person I had gone to school with oversaw the OT department. My first day was very interesting. New Hope was getting ready to open two new wings – I spent my day putting together chairs and making beds for the new bedrooms.

Over the years I have seen a lot of changes and a lot of people come and go. The biggest change has been the move from institutional living to living in the community. This has allowed so much independence and choice for the individuals. Despite the changes, New Hope has brought me a lot of happiness over the last 40 years. I even met my husband George here at New Hope during the first year. Now we have two sons and two grandchildren. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my family and enjoy hobbies like sewing and DIY projects around the home.

I never expected to stay at New Hope for long, but I found that the people I worked with were great and more importantly the individuals – well, it’s hard to describe. The individuals fill your heart and fill your soul. Why would you ever leave a place that does that?