To kick off New Hope's Year of Creativity, the young adults in our Transition Services program, AIM (Achieving Inclusion and Meaning) have already spent time at the State house, meeting Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford, they've volunteered at Meals on Wheels and they've enjoyed some bowling. And while these young adults are the decision-makers when it comes to how they spend their days in the Indianapolis community, their leader, Amanda Boyd, is the real creative mind behind the AIM schedule.
Amanda has served in several roles during her eleven years at New Hope, as a team leader in Supported Living, as a Recreational Therapist and as the Manager of Day Services. Currently Amanda serves as the Manager of AIM in which role she also coordinates our music and recreational therapy services.
With Amanda's recreational therapy background and years of experience, starting the AIM program was an exciting challenge. AIM provides community-based opportunities for young adults to actively participate in a variety of interesting, enriching and fun activities. There are currently five individuals, with a second group starting soon. In the first six months of the program, Amanda has emphasized active involvement, giving back, self-advocacy, social and practical skills and relationship building. She is continually searching for new and different opportunities, especially through social media. A few of her favorite AIM experiences have been volunteering with Meals on Wheels and at the FACE animal clinic, going to the Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana, reading Dr. Seuss books on IRIS (Indiana Reading and Information Services) Radio, writing Thanksgiving letters of gratitude to send to active service military and exploring all of the great resources available at local libraries.
While Amanda has always loved coming to work, AIM has been especially exciting and rewarding. She has really enjoyed seeing new friendships form within the group and also how much fun she and the individuals have each day! She is looking forward to the second group starting and is interested in finding additional volunteer opportunities and interactive, interesting classes.
One unexpected benefit that Amanda has found through AIM is that in searching for fun and engaging activities for the young adults she serves, she often finds fun things that she can do with her family as well. She and her husband enjoy their time with their five year old daughter and their son who will be three in March. The children are best friends and very silly, and they bring much joy to Amanda's life. She also loves taking pictures, spending time outside and walking her dog. Amanda hopes to continue making an impact in the lives of those we serve as well as being an active part of our community!
While Amanda embodies all of our Core Values, Creativity is clearly a gift. Her years of service are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing AIM continue to grow and enhance the lives of young adults.