NEA Big Read

Alex Guenther lives in Norfolk, Nebraska. She is a 2020 graduate of Norfolk Senior High and current Early Childhood Education student at Northeast Community College. Alex says the NEA Big Read programming planned for northeast Nebraska “shows that people with disabilities can do anything they want to do.”

Brent Hobbs of Norfolk, Nebraska worked at Walmart for 23 years and is now happily retired. On the topic of why the NEA Big Read: Northeast Nebraska is important, Brent says, “I want the community to know people with disabilities have the ability to function in society and shouldn’t be judged. Having a disability,” he says, “shouldn’t hold people back.”

Cameron Lauridsen attended Northeast Community College in 2013 and studied behavioral science. He now lives in O’Neil, Nebraska and likes to volunteer in his community. Cameron says, “After becoming disabled I have a new understanding of the struggles associated for everyone with disabilities, with everyday living. Even now when somebody is holding the door open for me while I am in a wheelchair, it means so much to me they took time to help me. I have a new appreciation for the word ‘Thank You.’” Cameron hopes we will all “love and respect everyone.”

Candice Mohnson lives in Norfolk, Nebraska and serves on The Connection Project, which provides supports for those dealing with a mental health or substance use challenge. She graduated from Northeast Community College in 2022. “Disability is everywhere and in so many forms,” Candice says, “so helping educate the community is so important for those with or around it.” She believes the NEA Big Read: Northeast Nebraska “will open so many doors to better our community.”