LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — 2026 Lee Volunteer Award winner Haley Hemker is being recognized for her efforts to promote acceptance and inclusion through a nonprofit she founded to support individuals with special needs across Northwest Ohio.
Hemker founded Special Friends of Northwest Ohio after becoming inspired by her sister, who has special needs, and by her long-standing desire to support inclusive programs and services in her community.
“I personally am very faith filled, and I think that when you serve others as you're serving God and not people, I think that is just like a true satisfaction, and that's just what we're all called to do,” Hemker said.
She said her involvement began at a young age as she supported her sister in classrooms and programs, eventually leading to the creation of the nonprofit.
“I really felt like there was a need in our area for assistance with individuals with special needs,” Hemker said. “So, it started at home at a young age… and it just kind of took off from there. I've always wanted to do more. So, this is our way of starting this organization.”
Since its founding, Special Friends of Northwest Ohio has supported multiple local initiatives, including the Allen County Fair’s first sensory day, an event designed to make the fair more accessible for individuals with sensory needs.
The organization has also contributed to projects at Bittersweet Farms at Betty’s Farm, including funding garden box supplies and helping support shelter house improvements.
“She started out by purchasing us all the plants for our garden boxes, which is a big expense,” said Jerry Hunt, program manager at Bittersweet Farms at Betty’s Farm. “Anything that I've needed I can call Haley. Haley comes through, and I know she doesn't just do it for Betty's Farm. She does it for a lot of nonprofits.”
Hemker said her current focus includes expanding resources such as “life hacks” into every special needs classroom across Allen County.
“We are in the process of getting life hacks in every single Special Needs classroom across Allen County, and it's just it's neat to be involved in this community,” she said.
For Hemker, the most meaningful part of her work is seeing the impact firsthand.
For Hemker, the most meaningful part of her work is seeing the impact firsthand.
“Just seeing them be able to have fun, and the smile on their face, seeing them do what everyone else gets the opportunity to do,” she said.
