Imagine leaving your current job and starting a business with two of your favorite co-workers. Now imagine this business allows you to serve others in a meaningful way. Sounds like a dream, right? Well for the case of New Leaf Recreation LLC, dreams really do come true.
At the beginning of 2019, Lori, Taylor, and Kayci decided to make their dream of one day starting their own recreation therapy business a reality. With an epic amount of teamwork and dedication, they began the 6-month process of applying for a provider number with the state of Indiana.
If you have a dream of one day starting your own recreation therapy business, or you just want to be inspired by others in the field, then keep reading to learn all about New Leaf Recreation LLC. 
Who is New Leaf Recreation?
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists Lori, Taylor, and Kayci met in 2016 while working for another Indiana based recreation therapy company. They loved the work they were doing but dreamt of a company that was directed by Recreation Therapists from the top down.
After talking about it for a year or so, they eventually took the plunge and started the “slightly overwhelming” Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Waiver Provider Application. With the help of Google and continuous dedicated effort from all three therapists, they tackled the 40-page application.
Taking it one day at a time, the therapists fit writing and research into their non-work hours. Once the application was submitted, the approval process was much quicker than expected. About a 15 day turn around. Pro Tip – Sometimes you just have to start if you are going to get to where you want to go.
How is New Leaf Recreation LLC Funded?
I’m afraid to admit that I had little to no knowledge of the Indiana Medicaid Waiver before the interview. The Medicaid Waiver program, which began in 1981, was Indiana’s response to the Home and Community-Based Services trend that was taking place throughout the rest of the county.
Nationwide there was a movement to move individuals with IDD from institutions into the community. For this transition to be successful, there needed to be adequate services to support these folks. Thus, the waiver was developed.
At first, the waiver covered nursing facilities and group home, but as time progressed, holistic care services including music therapy, counseling, and of course recreation therapy were added. The goal of this movement was to provide individuals with meaningful days. In comes recreation therapy, because adding meaning to life is what we do best!
What is the New Leaf Recreation Therapy Process?
Once a client selects New Leaf Recreation as their recreation therapy provider, they complete an initial assessment with their recreation therapist. Now, this isn’t any old recreation therapy assessment. The Comprehensive Assessment for Individuals with IDD In-Home and Community Setting is a safety-focused assessment that identifies skills needed to aid the individual’s success in the community.
The CTRS will take the information gathered from the assessment and plan specific interventions with identified outcomes in mind. Adaptive sports, sensory integration, physical activity, you name it if it is evidence-based, the recreation therapist can offer it as an intervention. There are minimal limitations on recreation therapy services that you might find in other settings.
When we got down to the nitty-gritty of what they do, it was evident that aside from being highly creative and determined, these women were fantastic recreation therapist. Following the APIED process, creating person-centered plans, and even developing their own highly specific assessment tool. They were unstoppable.
What does New Leaf Symbolize?
I was curious about the meaning behind the business name, so I asked the ladies what it meant. It comes from the saying “turning over a new leaf”. Just like the saying goes, their goal is to help their clients start a new journey, bettering themselves through the therapeutic recreation process.
What does the Future Hold for New Leaf Recreation?
Inspired by their knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession and business, I had to know what the future holds for New Leaf Recreation. When I asked where they saw themselves in ten years, all three therapists laughed. They had only been live for one week. With all the hard work it had taken them to get to this point, I could appreciate their need to relish in this moment of success.
They were able to share that within the year they plan to hire three more therapists to work for the company and start taking NCTRC internship students. In 5 years they want to expand to different cities within the state of Indiana, and in 10 years they want to be providing the best service possible, which means being able to watch their clients grow and thrive. Someone pass the Kleenex!
Advice for Starting a Business
My final question of the interview, “What is your advice for someone who finds themselves are dreaming of starting their own business?” The answer was simple and beautiful, “Don’t be afraid of what you need to do to better yourself”.
This advice is truly what personal development is all about. Life is scary sometimes and change is hard, but a ship isn’t meant to stay in the harbor, and you are not meant to stay in your comfort zone. If you have a goal, sometimes you just have to start, even if you don’t feel ready.
Some practical advice they provided was to have a good accountant who understands tax and income laws and to higher a graphic designer to create a logo. Also, take the opportunity to work with a funding source for at least two years before starting a business. Making connections will be crucial for future success.
I knew from the moment I hopped on Skype with these fierce ladies that I was going to be inspired by their passion and drive. But what I found most impressive about this recreation therapy dream team was their dedication and love for the clients they serve. Kudos New Leaf Recreation!
Have a dream of one day starting your own Recreation Therapy business? Have advice for others who dream of doing the same? Comment and share with the community below 🙂
You can check out New Leaf Recreation here :
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/newleafrt/?hl=en
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NewLeafRT/
Website – https://www.newleafrt.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/newleafrt
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/NewLeafRT/
