Noble of Indiana recently renovated their Broad Ripple location to showcase their new Autism and Therapy Services.

"This summer, we launched our Autism and Therapy Services featuring ABA Therapy (applied behavior analysis) to help children and young adults ages 4 to 22 with autism spectrum disorder. This comprehensive therapy will be provided in their homes, schools and at our Broad Ripple location at 6060 North College Avenue," explained Rita Davis, Noble's Director of Community Development.

"Noble of Indiana was founded nearly 60 years ago by families who wanted to provide their children with disabilities what society would not: an education. Since that time, our services have evolved to meet the changing needs of local families. And while we have always served people with autism, we recognized the need to really tailor our services for this unique population," Ms Davis said.

Today, nearly 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. "Broad Ripple is an ideal location for Noble to offer our Autism and Therapy Services because it is an area that needs this type of comprehensive services for people with autism and it fits our mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live meaningful lives," she noted.

"ABA therapy is a scientific approach to understanding behavior and how it is affected by the environment. By focusing on how children behave and why they react the way they do, we can bring about positive changes in behavior. Our comprehensive approach means we can also offer speech and occupational therapies, family support and summer camps. Our Broad Ripple location features a family resource library, a community room for group activities and rooms for individualized therapy," she said.

Books can be checked out of the library as a free service. There is also a downstairs recreation room and upstairs playroom among many areas in their newly renovated building. Nearby Broadway Park provides a serene setting for walks on mild autumn days.

"Noble provides a wide variety of services, including First Steps early intervention therapies for babies and toddlers, summer camps, life skills classes for teens, and Project SEARCH school-to-work services at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital and Riverview Hospital. For adults, we provide job services, community integration services, music therapy, behavioral therapy, and Community Living residential support. We currently serve about 1,600 individuals in Central and Eastern Indiana," Ms. Davis mentioned.

Tami Wanninger is their Director of Children & Therapy Services. "We offer early intervention services, working with infants and toddlers from ages 0 to 3 years. I also oversee our summer programs for kids with and without disabilities. This past summer, we served about 88 kids. I currently oversee our autism and therapy program. We are willing to offer this program here and in the individual's home in their natural environment. Our comprehensive services other component is a clinical psychologist who provides clinical and family services to families and individuals," she explained

"I started at working at Noble East, then came to the Broad Ripple location later. I've primarily worked out of the Broad Ripple area. It was so important for us to be a part of the Indianapolis community. I think it's important for us to stay in the Broad Ripple area. There really are no autism programs within the city limits," Ms. Wanninger noted.

Noble of Indiana has been in Broad Ripple for 17 years, initially located in the 700 block of East 64th Street, but has operated from their current location for the past seven years.

Ms. Wanninger is in the process of completing her master's degree in Public Administration. She cited some rewarding aspects of her career, "At the end of the day, if I've been able to help a family or guide a parent or put a smile on a child's face, I've made a difference."

Because the reimbursement received through Medicaid Waiver and other sources do not cover the cost of providing quality services, Noble hosts several fundraisers each year, including its 3rd annual Stanley Security Solutions Raising the Stakes for Noble presented by the United Hope Foundation on Friday, November 9th, 2012.

Up to 500 attendees will enjoy this Casino Night Charity Fundraiser, featuring a fun evening of playing "the tables" with blackjack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold'em poker, Wheel of Fortune and more. Game tables and dealers will be provided by the Sertoma Club of Broad Ripple, a long-time supporter of Noble of Indiana.

Long-time area meteorologist Angela Buchman will emcee the event, which will include a sit-down dinner, open bar, a 1-in-100 chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from Distinctive Diamonds, live entertainment by Radio Echo and more.

VIP tickets and sponsorships are available and include a VIP cocktail reception starting at 6 p.m., free valet parking compliments of Ed Martin Acura and a chance to win VIP prize packages. More information on this event can be found at: http://www.nobleofindiana.org/events-at-noble/2012/november/2012-raising-the-stakes--november-9-2012. For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please call (317) 375-4227 or e-mail Liz Evans at liz.evans@nobleofindiana.org.

According to their website, www.nobleofindiana.org, Indianapolis businessman Frank Scherrer and Rabbi Maurice Goldblatt, both parents of children with mental retardation, placed an ad in 1953 in The Indianapolis Times inviting parents of children with disabilities to a meeting at the War Memorial Building. Hundreds came and made the unanimous decision to found Noble School. Over the years, the organization evolved into Noble Centers and now Noble of Indiana.

Recent open houses for Noble's Broad Ripple location were held October 23 and November 3, 2012, but a private tour can be arranged by calling 254-3300.

Individuals can also play a vital role in helping Noble of Indiana through volunteering, donating new or gently used household items, hiring through Noble's employment services or by outsourcing contract work to Noble Industries.

As Noble of Indiana approaches its 60th anniversary of serving the community, the organization remains focused on one mission: Creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live meaningful lives.