For several years after college, Ball State alumnus Tina McIntosh (BS ’94 ‘MA 95) enjoyed her job as an event planner. But after several personal tragedies, her passion for life, which she first discovered while attending Ball State University, resurfaced. At the age of 27, she quit her event planning job and started her own business. Joy’s house— A non-profit organization that provides daytime care to adults with life-changing diagnoses and services to caregivers.
Twenty-four years later, Joy’s House is still in operation, with two locations in Indianapolis. McIntosh is the president and CEO of the organization she founded.
Ms. McIntosh has a clear impact on the people she serves every day.recently she nominated by one of America today2023 ‘Woman of the Year’an award that recognizes women who have made a significant impact in their communities and nations.
But the fulfilling career and meaningful life McIntosh found in changing career paths didn’t come without some major ups and downs.
“We’ve seen a lot. Recession. Growth. We have to rebuild. We’ve been through a global pandemic,” she said. “While at Joy’s House, I gave birth to three children and my husband and I lost three babies. I got cancer twice. My husband got cancer twice.” I have had more surgeries and treatments than I can add up and somehow it was truly by the grace of God that I continued my work at Joy’s House and provided these services that were sorely needed. I continued.”
Find your passion and place at Ball State University
While a student at Ball State University, McIntosh participated in numerous volunteer activities to help people. One of those occasions for her was Muncie’s Adult Day Service, a charity done through her sorority, Delta Zeta.
“Most of the adults we served were adults who struck a chord with me and who had some form of dementia,” McIntosh said. There was something about working together that stuck in my psyche. Over the years, I have carried with me the moments I had with them.”
Ball State University is not only the backdrop for her discovering how she can make a difference in the lives of others, but it is also where Ms. McIntosh has experienced tremendous personal growth as a student.
“I was the first college student in my family,” she explained. “The experience of being away from home but finding a home at Ball State definitely made me find my place in my studies. I found my place with the friends I met in dorm life. And , I learned that there is help if you need it, and on campus you just have to make a phone call or walk into the office and there will be someone to help you.
“I went to therapy when I was at Ball State University, and if I wasn’t on this campus, I wouldn’t have had a similar opportunity,” she added. “For that and many other reasons, I am lucky that I chose Ball State and Ball State chose me. I am eternally grateful to those who gave me, to those who saw what I didn’t see then, to those who encouraged me then, and to those who continue to encourage me today. To do. “
Mr. McIntosh has a Bachelor’s degree in English. Faculty of Humanitiesand a Master’s Degree in Student Management in Higher Education. Teacher’s College.
Who does this inspirational person inspire?
Just as Ms. Mackintosh inspires many, she has been inspired by several people throughout her life.
“If I had to pick just one source of inspiration, it would be Grandma Ethel,” McIntosh said. “She died when I was in high school. Grandma Ethel was tough, feisty and super cool. She made friends everywhere she went. She was the first and I learned a lot of life lessons from her.”
Ms. McIntosh shares these and other life lessons in her recently published book.accept the imbalance” is the catchphrase. This book was published on March 20th.
Despite being busy with work, family life and writing, McIntosh continues to find ways to give back to the County Ball community.
“That’s right. It’s great to work with college students,” she said. “Ball State students have guts. They are smart and charismatic. They care about the world around them and want to make a positive difference. I am very honored to do so.”
