A Day of Inclusion and Joy: Building Connections with New Hope of Indiana, Butler Athletes, and Universal Cares

At Universal Cares, we believe that community thrives when everyone is included, supported, and valued. Recently, we had the privilege of partnering with New Hope of Indiana to host an incredible event that brought together college athletes and individuals with disabilities for a day filled with connection, creativity, and fun.

The day began with a warm welcome and an introduction to New Hope’s mission. A short video highlighted the importance of fostering inclusivity and how everyone can play a part in building a supportive community. This set the tone for an engaging discussion about Universal Cares and the ways we’re working to create positive change.

Then, the real magic happened. Butler athletes paired up with individuals served by New Hope to take part in various activities, including bingo, nail painting, jenga, and karaoke. A highlight of the day was the collaborative craft project—tracing hand shapes to create fun dog-inspired art featuring the iconic Butler Bulldog.

To ensure everyone could participate at their own pace, New Hope thoughtfully set up multiple activity stations, making the event accessible and enjoyable for all. Whether singing along to a favorite song or sharing a laugh during a game, the connections formed during this time were truly inspiring.

The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as students and participants worked, played, and bonded. Moments like these remind us of the profound impact of creating opportunities for inclusion and belonging.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this event possible: New Hope for their partnership, the college athletes who gave their time and energy, and, most importantly, the individuals who shared their joy and unique perspectives with us.

Together, we showed that building an inclusive community is not just a goal—it’s something we can live out every day.

Stay tuned for more updates from Universal Cares as we continue working to make a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!