Rolling in Faith was founded by Hadley Stephens as a blog discussing the intersectionality of the Christian Church and people with disabilities. As a person born with a disability, Stephens wrote about her own experiences in this space, and through that lens offered a unique insight into the often-overlooked needs of individuals with disabilities in faith communities and beyond. Individuals with disabilities are a group that are overlooked and undervalued in every single sector, by no fault of their own. However, this is not an indication that individuals with disabilities should be pitied. It is quite the opposite; individuals with disabilities are required to adapt and overcome and fit the molds of a society that doesn’t have a place for them forming skills and attitudes that are invaluable. It is from this perspective that Rolling in Faith was born - a desire to serve persons with disability with the dignity and excellence that they deserve, to see and meet their unique challenges from the perspective of someone who has experienced them herself.
RIF differs from other nonprofits in this space primarily because it was founded and led by an individual with a disability. This perspective allows us to put ourselves in the shoes of our participants when creating programs and making decisions, to bring humility and curiosity into the process, and help design experiences that are best suited for their unique needs. We are committed to giving our participants as much autonomy over their experience as possible, as we aim to work together in the mutuality of ministry and engage with them exactly where they are.
We are committed to building personal relationships between participants and volunteers. Our intimate group size allows participants to feel known, and to receive an individualized plan that is specifically tailored to their own personal needs within the overall content being covered. While some other organizations in our space have larger numbers, we strongly believe that the intimacy of our program gives participants the opportunity to engage in community, build personal relationships and engage the material and experiences in a way that is best suited for them, without the pressure to meet the standards of others.
RIF differs from other nonprofits in this space primarily because it was founded and led by an individual with a disability. This perspective allows us to put ourselves in the shoes of our participants when creating programs and making decisions, to bring humility and curiosity into the process, and help design experiences that are best suited for their unique needs. We are committed to giving our participants as much autonomy over their experience as possible, as we aim to work together in the mutuality of ministry and engage with them exactly where they are.
We are committed to building personal relationships between participants and volunteers. Our intimate group size allows participants to feel known, and to receive an individualized plan that is specifically tailored to their own personal needs within the overall content being covered. While some other organizations in our space have larger numbers, we strongly believe that the intimacy of our program gives participants the opportunity to engage in community, build personal relationships and engage the material and experiences in a way that is best suited for them, without the pressure to meet the standards of others.
Meet Our Team
Hadley Stephens, Founder of Rolling in Faith. Hadley has a passion for serving the disability community, and will be serving in the role as Executive Director. Hadley is a senior at Murray State University, studying Nonprofit Leadership. Hadley is excited for the future of Rolling in Faith, and looks forward to bringing more services to children and adults with disabilities in the Southern Illinois region.
Lori Rottmann, President- Is a wife, mother, and real estate paralegal at Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC. Lori will be serving as President of our board of directors!!
Lori has been a longtime supporter of Rolling in Faith and it is our privilege for her to be a part of our team!!
Crystal Davenport, Treasurer- Crystal is an employee of City National Bank, and has a wealth of knowledge in the area of grant writing. We are so thankful that she is using her talents to further our mission!!
Lauren Fox, Secretary- Lauren is a case manager at Easter Seals West Kentucky. Lauren's knowledge and passion for the disability community makes her an asset to our team. We are looking forward to utilizing Lauren's expertise to better serve our constituents.
Dana Green Barnett, Board Member- is a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Manager & Owner of Duck Creek RV Park & former area manager of Enterprise, Dana has a wealth of knowledge and never meets a stranger. We are excited to have her a part of our team.
Karen Cox, Leader of Volunteer Engagement & Board Member-
Karen, is a longtime supporter and volunteer of Rolling in Faith. Karen is a mother of four and an occupational therapist assistant. We are so thrilled to welcome her as our Leader of Volunteer Engagement. Karen will connect with past, present, and future volunteers making sure they are prepared to serve our community to the best of their ability. If you are interested in volunteering with Rolling in Faith, Karen is your go to gal! She will provide you with our volunteer expectations, review applications and background checks, and coordinate volunteer training sessions. Karen is an asset to Rolling in Faith and our community at large. It is an honor to have her as an integral part of our team.
Karen, is a longtime supporter and volunteer of Rolling in Faith. Karen is a mother of four and an occupational therapist assistant. We are so thrilled to welcome her as our Leader of Volunteer Engagement. Karen will connect with past, present, and future volunteers making sure they are prepared to serve our community to the best of their ability. If you are interested in volunteering with Rolling in Faith, Karen is your go to gal! She will provide you with our volunteer expectations, review applications and background checks, and coordinate volunteer training sessions. Karen is an asset to Rolling in Faith and our community at large. It is an honor to have her as an integral part of our team.
