Sharing great outcomes: Noble of Indiana

This story, shared by Rita Davis at Noble of Indiana, is just one example of how your gift to United Way helps to address today's needs in the Central Indiana community.

Granddaughter Molly’s constant chatter is a welcome sound to Sandy’s ears. At age two, Molly still wasn’t talking and often became frustrated and threw tantrums when she wasn’t able verbalize her needs. Sandy recalls thinking that Molly was such an unhappy baby. She never smiled; she just cried.

After some research, Sandy called Noble of Indiana. The first thing Speech Therapist Terry Duwe asked was, “what does she call you?”  Sandy said, “she doesn’t call me anything; she doesn’t talk.” Terry’s worried look confirmed Sandy’s suspicions that something was definitely wrong...and that she had made the right move in coming to Noble.

During their weekly therapy visits, Terry would sit on the floor with Molly, and the two would play – at least that’s what it looks like to the casual observer. However, each game and interaction has a purpose. Whether it’s forming an “O” by blowing bubbles, making silly faces in the mirror to learn how to position the tongue against the teeth, or learning sign language to get past communication barriers, this play helps children build vital communication skills.

By Christmas time, Molly was showing remarkable progress. She visited a little neighbor boy’s house and when his mother brought her home, she said to Sandy, “I can’t believe Molly’s vocabulary!”

Terry agrees. Molly wasn’t talking at all at age two, but she has come a long way in a short period of time. It’s provided for some insightful conversation. When her Grandpa asked who was coming over that day, Molly said, “Miss Terry – she’s the teacher who gives children voices.” Molly’s tantrums are gone. Sandy says, “She’s such a happy child now. She tells me exactly what she needs, or if something is too hot or too cold.”

Molly is now in preschool. She likes to stand in front of the TV and pretend she has a microphone and sing. According to her grandmother: “She’s really bright and outgoing. Whatever she does, I think she’ll do well.” Sandy advises parents to listen to their instincts. “The biggest thing I would say to others is get help right away if you’re worried. Don’t give up; those warning signs are serious, but it doesn’t mean the worst will happen to your child.”

Since 1958, United Way has invested over $12.4 million to help Noble of Indiana provide a variety of therapies, services and supports for children and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. More information on Noble of Indiana can be found here.

-- Cindy Jones, United Way Agency Services

Yes we can! Final $3 million is in reach!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays with family and friends.  In addition, I hope you took a moment to reflect on the good work you have done by participating in the 2009 United Way Campaign. I have sincerely appreciated the efforts of so many volunteers and United Way staff members.

The good news is that even though many companies have overcome significant challenges such as layoffs, salary cuts, and a myriad of business setbacks, their employees still rallied to raise more money than they did last year.

We still have some work to do to close the 2009 campaign. The leadership team is projecting a gap of $300,000 to $700,000 to close. I have worked with the United Way board, and we have a plan in place to help us close that gap.

We need your assistance. Please take a moment to forward our LiveUnitedGiveUnited link to your respective community. Our communities are counting on us. They need each and every one of us to step up to meet the goal that we set for ourselves.

It is worth the extra effort. Why? Because together,  we can help the most people, change the most lives and meet the toughest challenges!

Again, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Central Indiana!

-Gino Santini, Eli Lilly and Company