Journeying Towards Belonging
Sharing our Gifts and Enriching our Communities
Communications Director Emily Hunsbaker presents “Journeying Towards Belonging.” Incorporating the gifts of people with disabilities in our congregations, Emily welcomes viewers to begin the journey of becoming a place where people with disabilities share in the ministry of the congregation.
This presentation was hosted by Anabaptist World.
About the Presenter & Contributors:
Emily Hunsbaker serves as Communications Director for ADN and is responsible for the newsletter, blog, and other communications and resources. With a bachelor’s degree in biblical and theological studies from Bluffton University, Emily developed an enthusiasm for creating healthy communities in college and remains convinced that communities are healthiest when everyone is embraced as they are with their needs met; she is passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent true community from forming. Emily lives in Goshen, Indiana, and is actively involved in the youth and young adult ministry of Waterford Mennonite Church.
Ann Hamlin is a nonverbal, autistic young adult who uses an iPad and talking board to communicate. Ann has been writing songs with her music therapist and friend, Meridith Powers, for several years. Her lyrics are honest and clever, and they invite listeners to empathize with her experience and emotion.
Kathryn “Kate” Newswanger grew up attending Salem Mennonite Church in Keizer, Oregon with her family. Kate has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and dyscalculia, so naturally she knows a fair bit about living life as a neurodivergent person. From an early age, writing has been a passion of theirs. She lives in Salem, Oregon with her parents, her brother, and her cat, Lola.
Eleanor Habecker is an insightful and clever high school senior who thrives on conversation and storytelling. She has a visual disability called nerve hypoplasia, and she can see some shapes, colors, and lighting changes. Eleanor enjoys reading, hanging out with her family, and spending time with children.
Kathy Yoder has been playing piano since she was 35. She is on the autism spectrum and legally blind. Kathy is an ambulatory wheelchair user, meaning she sometimes uses a wheelchair to access the world. Kathy enjoys painting and crafting. She lives in Goshen, Indiana with her partner, Brian.
Emily Krabill has a beautiful, complex, and powerful mind. She tends to hyper focus on what she is passionate about, whether it’s pop culture, worrying about people connected to the events in the world, or her friends and family. She lives with her dad and stepmom, and she misses her mom in Oregon and the siblings that have moved out of town. She is the host of a podcast, Expert Tips of Self Advocates of ADEC. When she is not working, she likes to work on her blog, act, sing and dance.
