01/20/2025
Sponsor Spotlight: Aid of Indiana
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The Journey of AID of Indiana
A STORY OF RESILIENCE and hope is unfolding in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Maria “Joy” Booth, a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), has dedicated her life to creating a system that truly serves the needs of its clients and their families. After years of working in a system more focused on profits than people, she embarked on a journey to create something better, and AID of Indiana was born.
AID of Indiana officially opened its first 24-hour residential home on June 30, 2016, after receiving approval as a Medicaid Waiver provider through the State of Indiana. This milestone marked the beginning of a mission to provide quality-driven residential and community programs for individuals with ID/DD. Since that day, under CEO Latasha Lesure’s leadership, AID has
grown exponentially, now employing over 500 dedicated staff members and operating 32 residential homes across the state. This growth reflects a commitment to serving Hoosiers in ways that promote independence, dignity, and empowerment.
The roots of this vision run deep for Latasha, who has lived in Fort Wayne her entire life. Raised by a single mother who had her at the young age of 18, Latasha understands the struggles of balancing responsibilities while pursuing dreams. Her mother worked tirelessly in factories to ensure that Latasha and her sister had everything they needed. Latasha repeated this cycle when she became a single mother herself, giving birth to her first son at 18 and a second son at 20. The demands of parenthood, a full-time job, and schooling could be overwhelming but she found strength and support in her family.
Family means everything to Latasha. By 2011, she met her future husband and they welcomed a son in 2012 and another in 2018. Latasha’s husband also brought two children from previous relationships into their blended family, creating a household of six children. Amidst this beautiful chaos, Latasha faced a life-altering challenge when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. This experience redefined her understanding of advocacy: No longer was it just a professional endeavor, it became deeply personal. Her son teaches her invaluable lessons about patience, acceptance, and the unique gifts each person brings to the family. Growing up, Latasha never quite knew what she wanted to be, but she knew she wanted to help people. This desire for service instilled in her a sense of purpose that drives her
actions. Listening to her grandmother and mother share stories from their experiences in nursing homes brought tears to her eyes, igniting a spark to create change. Latasha dreamed of pursuing a degree in human services but initially opted for an associate degree in business administration at Indiana Wesleyan University.
Doubts began to creep in about whether human services was the right path for her. The weight of student debt and the realities of life as a single parent weighed heavily on her. Sports practices, school events, and endless responsibilities left little room for reflection, and she found herself at a crossroads.
“Life is lifeing,” she often says, realizing that plans can shift in an instant. Feeling lost and without direction, she turned to her faith, sending a heartfelt prayer to the universe, one filled with tears rather than words. In this moment of vulnerability, she sought understanding and guidance.
Life began to open doors, and Latasha encountered influential figures who shaped her journey, one of whom was Maria “Joy” Booth. This connection became pivotal as Latasha learned valuable life lessons that encouraged her to grow from her experiences rather than be defined by them. When Joy launched AID of Indiana, she invited Latasha to join her on this incredible journey. Though hesitant to leave her job at the time, Latasha felt the magnetic pull of passion and possibility emanating from Joy.
The decision to join AID proved to be transformative. Starting as a direct support professional (DSP), Latasha quickly immersed herself in the company’s mission. She expressed her desire to be a catalyst for change, and Joy became her mentor, sharing insights about the business and its vision. Determined to learn every aspect of the organization, Latasha volunteered and worked overtime, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she climbed the ranks from DSP to quality trainer, program director, executive director, and ultimately, CEO within just five years. Latasha’s journey was marked by self-reflection, tears, and personal growth—both professionally and personally.
As the CEO of AID of Indiana, Latasha now works tirelessly to ensure the organization’s mission resonates with the core values of compassion and dignity. She recognizes that the true heart and soul of the field lies with the DSPs—those who work directly with individuals and their families.
Latasha’s leadership style is the essence of servant leadership, where the needs of others take precedence over her own. She believes that while profitability is necessary, the wellbeing of staff and individuals should always come first. “All money is not good money,” she insists, emphasizing that the core mission of AID is to assist everyone involved, from clients to community members and staff.
Latasha’s commitment to her team extends beyond the workplace. She understands the importance of equipping her staff with knowledge that empowers them to make informed decisions about their lives. She introduces financial literacy programs covering essential topics such as investing and home ownership, ensuring her team can engage in meaningful conversations about their financial futures. Latasha believes that everyone deserves the opportunity for independence and dignity, and her efforts are focused on breaking generational cycles of poverty and lack of education.
While AID of Indiana provides vital services to the special needs community, Latasha notes that individuals with disabilities have taught her invaluable life lessons in return. The special needs community excels in tolerance and acceptance, reminding her that no matter one’s background, everyone deserves love and respect. This understanding fuels her passion for advocacy, and she wishes the world could adopt the same compassion that exists within this community.
When Latasha is not leading AID, she enjoys simple pleasures like spending time with family, baking and working in her yard, activities that bring her peace and relaxation amidst the busyness of life. Community service remains a cornerstone of AID’s mission. The organization actively participates in local events, including Juneteenth celebrations, United Way’s Day of Caring, and various walks for cancer awareness and su***de prevention. Latasha encourages her team to engage in their community, fostering connections and creating positive change. They also staff informational tables at disability expos, raising awareness and connecting families with vital resources.
Through donations to back-toschool drives, local high schools, community celebrations, and coat drives, AID of Indiana exemplifies the importance of giving back. Latasha believes that supporting the special needs community aligns with her core values of compassion, awareness, and empowerment. Many families are often unaware of the programs and support available to them, and AID aims to bridge that gap by connecting them with the resources they need.
As AID continues to grow, Latasha remains steadfast in her mission to improve the lives of those they serve. The organization provides essential services that promote independence, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Each residential home is a nurturing environment where clients receive the support they need while being encouraged to develop their unique skills.
Latasha’s story is one of triumph over adversity. She feels a profound sense of gratitude for the lessons learned along the way and the individuals who have shaped her path. With every challenge she has faced, Latasha has emerged stronger, more empathetic, and deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
In a world where systemic change can feel daunting, Latasha’s vision for AID of Indiana serves as a beacon of hope. Her advocacy is rooted in love, understanding, and the unwavering belief that every person, regardless of their abilities, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through her leadership, AID embodies a philosophy that prioritizes compassion over profit, ensuring that the individuals and families they serve always come first.
As the sun sets over Fort Wayne, casting a warm glow on the city, Latasha reflects on the journey ahead. With the support of her dedicated team, the love of her family, and the strength of her community, she is poised to continue making a lasting impact. Each day brings new opportunities to advocate for individuals with ID/DD, helping them realize their potential and live fulfilling lives. Latasha remains committed to being a champion for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a source of inspiration for all.
A STORY OF RESILIENCE and hope is unfolding in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Maria “Joy” Booth, a passionate advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), has dedicated her life to creating a system that truly serves the needs of its clients and their fam...
