Volunteer Highlight: Barb Rzepka

25 Sep Volunteer Highlight: Barb Rzepka

New Hope won the volunteer jackpot when Barb Rzepka became involved with NHI several years ago. Barb and her husband, Tom, moved to Indianapolis in 2014 from northern Indiana, to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. They had heard about the SPRED (Special Religious Education) Program years ago through their previous church and while attending a volunteer fair at St. Monica Catholic Church decided to become involved. There are six individuals served by New Hope who are a part of the SPRED program.

Barb previously volunteered at an agency similar to NHI; however, having the SPRED connection, thought it would be nice to start coming to the Payne Road Day Services program. Barb initially went on community outings with individuals and associates. Recently she has been involved in a variety of activities such as crafts, games (especially Yahtzee!) and walks, all of which she really enjoys. Spending one on one time with individuals is both rewarding and fun for Barb.

Barb’s commitment to New Hope goes even further as she became a member of the NHI Human Rights Committee (HRC) which meets monthly and reviews behavior support plans. She referred Craig Carey from her church, who as a volunteer, started a weekly bible study in Day Services. As if that is not enough, last year, members of Barb’s sorority, Tri Kappa, Epsilon Sigma Chapter, sponsored two families served in the NHI Home-Based Counseling program. They purchased gifts and had a wrap party at New Hope to assist the families for the holidays. They have agreed to help two families again this year and are awaiting the wish lists to start their shopping!

New Hope has a personal meaning for Barb as she has a granddaughter with special needs. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and their families. She shared a favorite summertime activity is to float away afternoons in her daughter’s pool. We are so appreciative of Barb and ALL she has brought to NHI through her involvement with SPRED, volunteering with Day Services and HRC and sponsoring families with members of her sorority.

Thank you, Barb!