Growing up can be difficult, says 23-year-old Emma Kobelenske.

About 10 years ago, a muscle disorder caused Kobelenske to walk with a crooked gait, leading her to walk sideways.

During a class speech in 2020, she remembers standing up to her peers who had made fun of her sideways walk.

“When you’re in high school, it’s not a walk in the park when you’re a different kid,” said Kobelenske, of Lower Burrell. “Something clicked in me — I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I went through.”

She started her nonprofit, “Your Friend, E,” in 2020, coordinating events and sending care packages to children who haven’t felt included in school or everyday life. She estimates she had sent out more than 100 care packages to children.

College took over the past two years of Kobelenske’s life, and “Your Friend, E” was put on hold for that time, she said.

Now that she’s graduating from Penn State World Campus this December with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies, she plans to restart her “Your Friend, E” efforts.

From 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 10 at Cora Lee Cupcakes, Feldarelli Square in New Kensington, Kobelenske will hold a DIY Sensory Kit-making event where children can craft sensory items that can help them regulate emotions or calm their minds.

“I realized when kids are going through bullying and through school, there’s a lot of anxiety kids feel,” Kobelenske said. “This event — of course it’s to bring the community together — and they can also have resources for themselves.”

The event is free, and registration is not required.

Even during her break, Kobelenske said, she would still get messages from kids and parents about stories of them being bullied or asking her for advice to help children who are left out.

“During that short break and still receiving that, it was added motivation to get things started again and help out as much as I can,” she said.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one of every five students reports being bullied. 2024 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that teenagers with a developmental disability were more likely to be bullied than teenagers without a developmental disability.

Kobelenske hopes this event, and future ones, can help kids realize a sense of self-acceptance.

“It’s sad to hear people think they don’t have anyone to speak to,” Kobelenske said. “I hope people feel safe and they’re able to make a new friend at the event. It’s so they feel seen, and knowing there’s all these people here that go through the same thing, as well.”

Burrell teacher Adam Rossi, one of Kobelenske’s former teachers, commends her efforts.

“Now, as then, Emma continues to be an altruistic pillar of strength for all underdogs and those who need someone in their corner fighting right alongside them,” Rossi said.

“The Emma I remember as a student at Burrell High School is the same Emma you see today, a remarkable young person that strives day in and day out to make her community a more accepting, happy and loving place.”

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