Ben Polhemus’ journey is one of dedication and resilience driven by a deep desire to help those who need it most: people with disabilities. As the community outreach director at Liberty Bible Church, Polhemus works tirelessly to create a more inclusive environment for disabled individuals. He’s motivated to ensure that they feel seen, heard, and valued.
Originally from Brattleboro, Vermont, Polhemus moved to Indiana in 1999 to attend Taylor University. It was here that he met his future wife, Jill, who had roots in Valparaiso — one of the reasons that he is now so deeply involved in serving the local community.
"There’s value in each person you encounter, whether they have disabilities or not. Realizing that there's so much I can learn from each person, while approaching every relationship with that humility and outlook, is so important," Polhemus said.
Helping individuals with disabilities is close to Polhemus’ heart. With a daughter who has autism and a son, Kyle, who tragically passed away from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, this perspective is shaped by personal experiences for Polhemus. His son not only taught him the value of patience and listening but also gave him a window into the world that many people overlook.
"Kyle taught me how to be a better person. My life is so much richer because he was in it, even though it was hard in many ways, especially on the medical side. He shaped who I am now and helped me see the world through a different lens," Polhemus said.
The lessons he has learned from Kyle have helped fuel his commitment to helping others, especially in creating more inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities. Having recently attended a Special Olympics event, Polhemus would have loved the chance to sit down with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics. He acknowledges her dedication to creating such an impactful organization for people with disabilities.
Through his work at Liberty Bible Church, Polhemus strives to ensure that others see the value in people with disabilities. This commitment to inclusion is not just about providing services—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships. He often draws inspiration from his own experiences, remembering that it's not always about fixing problems but understanding and connecting with others on a human level.
A big fan of sports, Polhemus regularly attends University of Notre Dame hockey games, where his love for the game has led to connections with professional hockey players like Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens and Landon Slaggert of the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s not just about enjoying the game – Polhemus is working on organizing something special.
He’s hoping to bring together people from all walks of life for a unique event. He wants to set up a kickball game featuring the Notre Dame football and hockey teams, along with those he works with in the community. It's moments like these that allow Polhemus to combine fun and inclusion, making lasting memories for individuals who might otherwise feel overlooked.
When he’s not working, Polhemus enjoys spending quality time with his family. He’s often exploring Notre Dame, cheering on his son Aiden at his hockey games, or enjoying his unconventional hobby of purchasing and reselling items from abandoned storage units. Over the past 15 years, he’s emptied about 300 of these modern-day treasure chests.
Polhemus’ journey is one of unwavering commitment, patience, and a genuine belief in the value of every individual. Through both personal hardship and professional dedication, he continues to make a meaningful difference in his community – reminding us all about the power of inclusion and the profound impact one person can have.