The earth tone colors of Joy's House new, expanded adult day service create a warm and friendly environment at 2028 Broad Ripple Avenue.

Their original facility was a 100-year farmhouse with 3,800 square feet when it opened in 2000. Joy's House "provides an opportunity for aging adults and those living with physical and mental challenges to participate in a social setting designed to improve their quality of life and offer temporary relief for their caregiver(s)." As the need for adult services has grown, Joy's House has met this need by expanding their current location.

Before ground breaking occurred last summer, they could accommodate up to 23 Guests (clients) daily. With the completed expansion now tripling their space, Joy's House can better accommodate the needs of Guests and will increase services to care for up to 50 Guests on a daily basis, serving thousands of individuals in the years to come.

A grand opening on Thursday, August 6 invited the community to learn more and to be a part of celebrating this wonderful not-for-profit. "It's an interactive open house including individuals who are a part of our expansion, such as local artists, our friends at Ceramic Dreams and pet therapy dogs. The Broad Ripple community has always supported Joy's House and is a part of our family here. We can't wait to share the expanded house with them," said Outreach Coordinator Leah Shattuck. Rob Hoaglin (of Hoaglin's Fine Catering and a board member) catered the event.

She described the expansion: "We are very proud to have kept our homelike, embracing environment, but some things have changed. We have designed this space for the Guests and can now better support the caregivers as well with bathing of their loved ones, meals for their families and a resource area to meet their additional needs," Shattuck added.

At the Grand Opening, there were opportunities for support, including the purchase of engraved bricks for $100. Joy's House is nearing their goal, with only $350,000 left to raise in their "Spreading Joy" capital campaign. "We do need to spread the word that every donation helps us to reach this goal and we are grateful for the financial support," stated Tina McIntosh, President & Founder of Joy's House.

McIntosh volunteered at a similar adult day service during her freshman year at Ball State University, which provided the inspiration for Joy's House. Utilizing her skills as an event planner after graduation, she made numerous community contacts. "Joy's House was built on community need and community support. It's been amazing to watch it continue with this expansion," McIntosh shared.

Directed by Broad Ripple Art and Design, an oil painting of the original farmhouse completed by local artist Julie Houck can be seen in the new library. In addition to books and comfortable leather chairs, there is a computer (donated by Crossroads Easter Seals) for Guests living with visual, hearing or mobility impairments.

Local artist Barbara Zech created a 23-foot ceramic mural of an Indiana landscape with open fields and bright sunshine. The Guests participated in the creation of the curved wall by pressing leaves and flowers into the ceramic tiles.

The new addition has two large family rooms that function as activity rooms where Guests can socialize, participate in sing-a-longs, arts and crafts or play Wii on a large screen television.

An outdoor first floor patio provides Guests a scenic view of a community garden area with paths for a stroll among various flowers and plants. A second floor balcony gives viewers a panoramic look and has access to a gathering room, which can be rented for meetings, receptions and neighborhood gatherings.

RJE Business Interiors selected furniture while Rowland Design completed architectural work with help from local contractor Sheil Sexton. Brickman Company donated the landscaping design and work and enlisted their suppliers to donate the plant material. McIntosh reports, "This has truly been a group effort."

The second floor contains much-needed workspace for interns, volunteers and staff. There is a kitchenette and lounge for visitors in addition to a resource area that offers more information about caregiving services.

Community members are encouraged to visit Joy's House any time to learn more. To provide financial support ranging from a $5 to a $5,000 gift, visit the organization's unique online registry at www.spreadingjoy.org.

Two upcoming Joy's House events include their annual caregiver retreat at Christ the King Church, located at 5884 Crittenden Avenue in Indianapolis. There is no charge for this event. Attendees do not have to be a Joy's House Guest as it is their gift to all caregivers in the community. There will be lunch, music, massages, special exhibits, information, guest speakers and more. Complimentary adult day services are available at Joy's House (space is limited). Sponsorship information is available by calling Leah at 254-0828.

Another event is a Tour Through Napa Valley, a gala that benefits Joy's House on Friday, October 23 at the Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel. An elegant gourmet dinner paired with various wines from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys will be featured. Contributions in the form of auction items, sponsorship, table captain pledges or ticket purchases are welcomed and attire is black tie optional. Corporate tables and sponsorships are also available. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Call (317) 254-0828 to RSVP by October 2nd.

Some Guests are featured in a 2010 Joy's House calendar where Tina's reflections can be read: "It almost seems hard to remember where we were over a year ago. So much has happened in the last 12 months, but it is my true honor to be a part of Joy's House and to be able to share it with you why we are successful. Our success is contingent on the need of the community and kindness of our donors. The need for adult services is growing, so we plan to be around for a long time to come. It seems that no matter what is going on in the world, kindness continues to grow. Joy's House is at the brink of new things. . . the brink of change. We can't be slow to ask you to continue to support us financially. We need you so that we can continue to be there for the families who need us on a daily basis. Thank you for believing in us and for trusting us to fill this need for so many families. We look forward to the future of Joy's House, staying true to who we always have been while changing to fit the needs of more families each day. It is a pleasure - a joy - to come to work everyday knowing you are making a difference for so many husbands, wives, children, parents and loved ones," she emphasized.

Many new and lasting friendships are established among Joy's House Guests while all the time keeping them safe and allowing them to continue living in their own homes with the people they love the most.