June 10, 2025
What do espionage, retirement living, and excellence in service have in common? They all took center stage at Immanuel's 2025 Celebrating ONE Immanuel event.
Held April 15 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista, Nebraska, the annual gathering brought together more than 1,000 residents, Immanuel Pathways participants, employees, and supporters for an exciting afternoon of storytelling and recognition.
Headlining the event was Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise, who shared insights from her 27-year intelligence career. This included stories from Cold War-era Moscow and her work creating disguise to concealment techniques that helped operatives navigate dangerous missions. Her talk highlighted themes of innovation and resilience that connected with Immanuel's mission to serve with honor and integrity.
“Celebrating ONE Immanuel is more than an event, it's a powerful reminder of the connections that unite us,” said Emily Tonniges, Executive Director of the Immanuel Community Foundation. “Whether it's a resident or participant finding joy in a new friendship, an employee living out their calling, or a supporter making a difference through giving, this gathering reflects the heart of Immanuel.”
The day also honored the 2025 Immanuel Deaconess Award recipients, six staff members who exemplify Immanuel's core values in their daily work:
- Compassion: Cathy Carroll-Moriarty, Newport House
- Honor: Pastor David Kingsborough, Yankee Hill Village
- Relationships: Val Ackman, Immanuel Home Office
- Integrity: Mary Hangman, Immanuel Village
- Serve: Disa Leonard, Lakeside
- Teamwork: Crystal Brown, Immanuel Pathways Southwest Iowa
These awards recognize employees who demonstrate leadership, service, and dedication across Immanuel's retirement communities, home-based care programs, and health centers. Immanuel team members submitted 150 peer nominations for this year's awards.
“All of the nominations reflected the excellence in care and commitment reflective of the spirit of the Immanuel Deaconesses, in whose honor these awards are made,” said Brian Maas, Immanuel Vice President for Mission and Spiritual Care. “Their selfless Christ-centered service continues to be lived out daily across Immanuel.”
Hosted by the Immanuel Community Foundation, Celebrating ONE Immanuel is held each spring to bring together all parts of the Immanuel family. Celebrating ONE Immanuel was recently recognized as the Best Local Nonprofit Event in Omaha in the Omaha Magazine 2025 Best of Omaha Awards. The event supports the foundation's ongoing work – providing resources in times of need and offering life-enriching programs throughout Immanuel's communities.
