New Avenues' Program Specialist’s Compassion Empowers Lives at Randolph

For many people, a home is more than a place to live. It’s where traditions are created, friendships flourish, and memories are made. Torrie Noah has used that belief as a guide to empower lives as a Program Specialist at Randolph, one of our waiver homes. In her role, she supports three men as they navigate daily life, pursue their interests, and connect with their community while living independently in their own home. While each day may look a little different, her goal remains the same: to ensure that each individual lives life to the fullest, with the autonomy to choose what they do.

Finding Her Place in Direct Support

After eight years in an administrative role at Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), one of Torrie’s coworkers introduced her to the field of direct care. Torrie quickly developed a new passion for the work as it resonated with her own family experiences. This passion transformed into a career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a waiver setting.

After four years as a DSP, her supervisor encouraged her to seek a leadership role that would still allow her to provide direct care. Shortly after their conversation, Torrie came across a job posting at New Avenues to Independence for a Program Specialist to oversee our waiver home, Randolph, in Community-Based Services. That was six years ago, and we couldn’t be happier to have Torrie on our team. Since starting, Torrie has supervised the same team of DSPs and had the same individuals.

Building Relationships that Last as a Program Specialist

This consistency has allowed deep, lasting bonds to form. “At this point, they’re like family,” says Torrie. She and her team know the individuals' personalities, celebrate their achievements, and support them daily. Torrie believes meaningful support begins with truly knowing each person.

Creating Opportunities for Connection at Randolph

Community experiences play a crucial role in life at Randolph. To support that, Torrie shared, “I try to make sure they get out a lot and always have something to do.” “It helps the individuals find their interests, disinterests, patterns…” she continued.

From dances and karaoke nights to movie outings and local events, Torrie and her team ensure the individuals they support have opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected. “We always make sure there’s something to look forward to,” Torrie said.

Some of her favorite activities and memories include annual trips to Put-In-Bay, New Avenues’ Inclusion Services Annual Spring Fling celebration, and a cruise on the Goodtime, to name a few.

The home also has traditions of its own. Everyone’s birthdays are celebrated, and trips to the movie theater have become a favorite activity.

While these experiences are fun, they also serve a larger purpose. Through Community-Based Services, New Avenues empowers individuals to live independently in their own homes while offering opportunities to explore interests, build relationships, and participate in their community in meaningful ways.

Transforming Randolph into a Home Environment

Torrie’s love for organizing shapes a welcoming, structured environment at Randolph. “I treat the house like it’s my own,” she says, ensuring comfort and stability for everyone. That consistency, along with a dedicated, long-standing team of DSPs, brings comfort and stability to everyone in the home.

Living the Mission Every Day

Reflecting on the last six years, Torrie says what stands out most is New Avenues’ trust in her to do what’s best for the individuals she supports. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Torrie and her team learned through trial and error when she first started, figuring out what worked and what didn’t. This allowed them to build effective routines and cherished traditions while supporting each individual’s unique needs and interests.

Torrie’s approach embodies New Avenues’ person-centered mission and vision. Sharing her reason for staying remains simple: “The house and the individuals keep me here.”

Through her dedication and genuine care, Torrie ensures Randolph isn’t just a house but a home where individuals are supported, valued, and empowered to live life to the fullest with autonomy to choose.