It was a little over 10 years ago when Kathy Davis, then Secretary of FSSA and I traveled to New Castle State Developmental Center to announce Governor Obannon’s decision to close the facility in the wake of a hidden camera expose of abuse of persons who lived at the facility. We walked into a crowd of over 250 parents, consumers and staff all angry as the news was broken by the media. We left some five hours later; after listening to everyone who wanted to stay and talk to Kathy and I.
One of the mom’s that met us that day was Nanette Whightsel. She knew we were crazy. Her daughter Suzette had been kicked out of every program she had ever been in. Kathy immediately recognized a spark there and asked Nanette to help her figure this out and put her on a committee.
Nanette jumped right in to prove us wrong. Instead she became a true believer. Four years later she joined the staff of The Arc of Indiana, traveling the state to help other families with loved ones in state developmental centers. Her impact has been amazing.
She is now retiring from The Arc, and moving into a new role taking her commitment to building community to states around the country as part of The Arc Resource Team.
Nanette, we are eternally grateful for your determination, dedication and passion. Indiana is better for your work, and people across the state have lives that are amazing because of you. Thank you.
Click here to receive content updates.
