Summer Discoveries 2017

Staying Connected within a Community of Support

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Meet the Team Behind the Scene at Hammer West

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Staying Up-to-Date With Technology

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Discoveries Summer 2017

APARTMENT 203: A PLACE TO CALL MY OWN Brian's Journey to Independence Page 4

Brian is living a full life, in his new apartment, supported

by Hammer.

HAMMER FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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STAYING CONNECTED WITHIN A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT

By John Estrem, CEO

I

have always been fascinated by technology. I don’t really understand much about how it works, but I am amazed at how fast it has become a normal part of our lives. Today, I can stay connected to so many people across the world using a little device that I can hold in my hand. It’s hard to remember how we stayed connected just a few decades ago.

Before smart phones and computers, I stayed connected to people by stopping by their house or chatting with neighbors out in the yard. I also stayed in touch with my family and friends through hand-written letters or long-distance phone calls. It was not as instantaneous, but at the time it was the way of the world. At Hammer, we take pride in staying connected to you, our Hammer family and friends in both old and new ways, so you feel part of our community.

As technology changes, Hammer must also keep on top of new strategies for information security and protecting the privacy of the individuals we serve.

Hammer’s leadership team met in person with staff members in our Hammer homes and apartments, to listen to their challenges and see how technology could help them do their jobs more efficiently.

Community has always been important to the people we support. From the time Hammer was just a school, to the Hammer campus with girl’s and boys dorms, to when we moved to communites into group homes and apartments, to developing Individualized Supports, we have worked to build a community for those we serve.

In this Summer Discoveries, you will meet Brian, who just made the transition from his childhood home into his own apartment, supported by Hammer. It is so much fun to see how he is loving apartment life! You will also meet the Community Support Services (CSS) team from Hammer West, who provide the support needed for people living in their own homes and apartments, allowing each individual to be as independent as possible.

Thank you for being an important part of our Hammer community of family and friends, and also for your continued support.

With gratitude,

John Estrem, Hammer CEO

ARRM Cares Award Winner, Geoff Makousky (L), with John Estrem (R). This is the second year in a row a Hammer Direct Support Professional has been honored with the ARRM Cares award.

>> DSPs OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2017 Samantha Young, ICS FEBRUARY 2017 Adam Cullen, Carlson MARCH 2017 Rose Ogunti, Sheridan APRIL 2017 Peter Pavich, Parkway MAY 2017 Roland Capehart, Welcome Place Hammer Discoveries

Managing Editor Barbara Brandt / barbara@hammer.org Contributors Angela Bernhardt, Dan Bottiger, Samantha Cantrall, John Estrem, Emily Lavalier, Katie Pease, Wendy Paulson, Audrae Rosenzwieg, Cathy Thoma, Rachel Thomas, Terriann Thommes Graphic Design / Jennifer Larson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS *Nino Pedrelli President State Street Realty Advisors, LLC

Carol Curoe Secretary HR and Organizational Effectiveness

Kent Scholten Vice President Merrill Lynch

Bill Young Immediate Past President SalesFitness, LLC

Gregory Anderson Treasurer Thrivent Financial

Barbara Bencini Retired Executive

2 | Hammer Discoveries

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are the foundation of our organization and are recognized for the amazing support they provide.

*Jerry Caruso University of Minnesota George Daum Microsoft Corporation Lisa Dongoske Cushman & Wakefield Michael Drazan Retired Executive, Toro

* Indicates family member *Rebecca Furnival Community Leader *Hugh Kirsch The Minneapolis Jewish Federation *Joe Koltes RE/MAX Advantage Plus Maureen Laird-Hayes Abbott (Formerly St. Jude Medical)

Janet Lerch US Bank *Kevan Nitzberg Anoka-Hennepin School District Bruce Volkart Volkart May & Associates, Inc.

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BOARD SPOTLIGHT

A FATHER'S PERSPECTIVE

By Angela Bernhardt, Director of Major Gifts Nino at Reach for Ralph with his wife, Susan, and daughter, Cara. Nino’s commercial real estate consulting business, State Street Realty Advisors, has been a lead sponsor of Hammer’s fundraising event for the past three years.

"The parents were overjoyed with the thought [of an overnight respite] and blown away with Pedrelli's generosity. They had not had twenty-four hours to themselves in at least 10 years.” ­ — Brian Kelly

N

ino Pedrelli volunteers his time tirelessly in support of individuals served by Hammer.

Nino and his wife, Susan have been involved with Hammer since 2011, and he joined the Board in 2013, becoming president of the Board this spring.

Nino was motivated to join the Board by his daughter Cara, and his care and concern for the greater disability community. As parents, he and Susan have experienced many aspects of Hammer’s services, including Hammer Travel. Cara first lived in a Hammer apartment program, but they felt she needed more supports and she moved home. Cara then received in-home services until there was an appropriate opening for her in a group home. She has since thrived at Hammer’s Sumac home in Eden Prairie, living with three housemates and receiving the supports she needs to live her life to its fullest.

Serving as chair of the Public Affairs Committee, Nino keeps up with new ideas, legislation, and funding that may

affect the people Hammer serves. He has shared his personal stories, perspective, and experiences as a father with the commissioners and state representatives in support of the Best Life Alliance (promoting better wages for caregivers) and transportation reform for people with disabilities.

In addition to being financial supporters of the Sumac home, Nino organized a “pay it forward” gift for an in-home family. He wanted a couple to have a weekend of respite — something that they had experienced when Cara was younger. Working with Individualized Community Service Mangers Brian Kelly and Katie Pease, the Pedrellis’ provided funds to cover staffing along with dinner followed by a night at a hotel for a couple whose child is served by Hammer. “It was a really fun phone call for me to make!” says Brian. “The parents were overjoyed with the thought and blown away with the generosity. They had not had twenty-four hours to themselves in at least 10 years.”

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 2

Staying Connected Within a Community of Support

PAGE 3

Board Spotlight

PAGES 4-5

Apartment 203: A Place to Call My Own

PAGE 6

A Top 150 Workplace for 8 Years in a Row

PAGE 7

A Gap Life: An Interview With the Author

PAGES 8-9

Meet the Team Behind the Scene at Hammer West

PAGES 10-11

Timothy's Miracle

PAGE 12 Finding the Joy in Everyday Projects PAGE 13

Our Voices Must Be Heard!

PAGES 14

The Most Positive Group to Hit Tortilla Flat

PAGE 15 Technology: The Next Big Opportunity PAGE 16

Reach for Ralph 2017

PAGE 17-19

Our Donors

BACK COVER Hammer Highlights

Hammer Discoveries | 3

APARTMENT 203 A Place to Call My Own

By Katie Pease, Individualized Community Support Manager

S

hower curtain, toaster, whiteboard, trash bags, laundry hamper. Oh, and then what about a coffee table? Do you need a wall calendar? Have you thought about artwork for the walls? What about a shoe rack?

A few years ago, Brian would have never dreamed of sitting with his team discussing his shopping list for his first apartment. However, in April 2017, Brian boldly stated that he was ready to move into his new apartment at Plymouth Colony apartments and start a new phase of his life. Brian thought long and hard about this move and was ready to have a place to call his own.

“

We wanted to get Brian into a place where he was comfortable and would be able to be active in the community.

Our overall goal was to help Brain to have the support he needed to be as independent as possible.”

— Michelle, Brian's sister

4 | Hammer Discoveries

When Brian talks about the past, he pauses a bit. Brian has had his share of challenges and obstacles to overcome, but he is proud of all that he has accomplished and does not mind telling other people his story. From the time Brian completed his high school transitions program to his mother’s death in early 2012, Brian rarely left his family home—his mother was his primary caretaker and he spent the majority of his time in his bedroom. After his mother’s passing, Brian’s sister, Michelle realized that Brian’s lifestyle was not going to work for him long-term. Given this realization, Michelle took the steps necessary to become his legal guardian and began to organize supports for Brian. Michelle knew Brian had been more involved in the community during in high school believed it was possible for him become independent again with a little help and support.

With encouragement from Michelle, and a some positive encouragement, Brian began leaving the home he shared with his father to visit the doctor and get haircuts. Each time he left the house was a great accomplishment for Brian and only served to reaffirm what Michelle already knew— Brian could rejoin his community and find his independence.

Michelle sought out Hammer to provide in-home assistance to support Brian with developing his independent living skills. Michelle had two goals for Brian—to get him to a place where he was comfortable out in the community and help Brian be as independent as possible. With some support from Hammer staff, Brian worked hard to develop budgeting, household management, recreation, and cooking skills.

As the months passed, Brian began to flourish with forming connections with peers, building his skills, and embracing his passions. Brian started to enjoy cooking at home and actively requested staff support to attend airshows, visit the train museum in St. Paul, watch hockey games, and participate in activities with peers. With the passing of each year, Brian’s communication skills developed and his ability to express his preferences and needs strengthened until he was the person driving his meetings, requesting activities, and confirming staffing schedules on a consistent basis.

As Brian’s independence grew, the conversations in Brian’s team meetings turned to planning for the future. Brian had many options and moving to a Hammer supported apartment was just one of those options. Given his current involvement with Hammer, Brian was interested in seeing all that Hammer had to offer first. Over the next few years, Brian toured various apartment programs at Hammer to see the different settings and connect with other

Brian (R) with his sister, Michelle (L).

individuals and staff over shared dinners.

After seeing all that Hammer had to offer, Brian decided that he indeed wanted to make the move to a Hammer apartment program.

Brian’s sister recognized this desire to move as a way for Brian to continue to progress and develop his skills with continued support.

Brian’s new apartment has two bedrooms, private laundry facilities, a good-sized kitchen, and a big enough living room to hold his large television—Brian likes to watch sports. He also has a nice patio with two hanging bird feeders and two fish tanks with beautiful tropical fish.

Brian says he likes the setting and also likes knowing that staff are nearby to take him to all the places he needs to go—even if those places include a trip to the dentist. With the support of his team, Brian will set new goals and continue to develop his independence in this new setting. The future holds limitless possibilities for Brian, but that is a conversation for a different day. Right now, Brian says he is “enjoying the moment” in his new home at the start of his new adventure.

Welcome home, Brian!

Hammer Discoveries | 5

CULTURE

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HAMMER NAMED A TOP 150 WORKPLACE FOR THE EIGHTH YEAR IN A ROW

By Wendy Paulson, Human Resource Specialist

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ammer Residences has received the special recognition of being named a Top 150 Workplace—a ranking that places us among the best of the best—for our 8th year in a row!

The evaluation for the Top Workplaces program used feedback from an anonymous employee survey. This year we are with large companies (500+) that you might think we cannot compete with. In addition to the recognition, this survey also gives Hammer Residences some specifics to celebrate!

The strengths behind these high scores have had a notable impact on our outcomes and the recognition is great news for our recruiting efforts!

On June 21, you can see us on StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2017, and on Sunday, June 25, in the Star Tribune special section, “Top Workplaces 2017.”

“I feel genuinely appreciated at Hammer Residences.” The surprise may be that DSP employees making less than $30k were most likely to say they feel genuinely appreciated.

Gladys Freeman-Fahngon (M) celebrating 5 years at Hammer, pictures here with Annie (L) and Kelly (R).

“I feel well informed about important decisions at Hammer Residences.”

DSPs hired less than 12 months ago were especially positive about communication; our orientation process likely contributes to their understanding the “why” behind important decisions.”

“Hammer Residences encourages different points of view.” This statement scored high with our program managers. We have always felt that in order to enable good decision-making and morale, we need to be open-minded and resist a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Sue and Kim Walker celebrating Sue's 40 year anniversary.

Joey and Stacy Esposito celebrating Stacy’s 20-year Hammer anniversary. Joey has been at Hammer for 19 years.

Maggie Starr-Knox celebrating 40 years at Hammer.

“When I first came to Hammer I had no idea that I had found something that would be my passion. I am blessed to have been able to be a part of so many remarkable peoples’ lives and contribute to such a wonderful organization. The two things that I have always appreciated about Hammer are that it is an organization of integrity, and we have always been encouraged to be creative in our efforts to support people to live life to their fullest potential. ” — Sue Walker 6 | Hammer Discoveries

“It was written on my heart to work with people, and I knew that before I ever stepped through the doors of Hammer. Now, 40 years later it truly blesses me to do my hearts work. Thank you to all the people, past and present.” — Maggie Starr-Knox

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GAP LIFE: A CONVERSATION WITH THE AUTHOR

By Samantha Cantrall, Communication Specialist John Coy is the author of Gap Life, a young adult novel about a boy whose parents will pay for college as long as he studies what they want. The book also discusses people with disabilities, specifically living in a group home. John has a strong connection with Hammer and worked at Hammer’s Carlson home for six years, beginning in 1985 under Lisbeth Vest Armstrong. I sat down to talk with John about his experiences at Hammer and how that informed his most recent novel, Gap Life.

How did you come up with the idea to write Gap Life?

Supporting adults with developmental disabilities was such an important part of my life, and I was surprised that there was so little fiction about it. I’ve wanted to write about those experiences for a long time. When my daughter was in college, she sent me a note thanking me for letting her choose her classes and what to study. She told me lots of her friends had parents who picked out their classes and what they should major in.

Later, I realized I could combine these two things into a story about a guy whose parents will pay for college but only if he studies what they want, but that’s not what he wants. Both story lines have a strong focus on independence and identity.

Tell me about your time at Hammer.

I worked at Hammer for six years. I began as a residential counselor at Hammer in 1985 when I was 27, after hearing from my friend Mary Ruder Daniels how much she enjoyed working there. I was interviewed by Lisbeth Vest Armstrong and hired to work with her at Carlson Group Home when we were still largely together on one campus. This was a time of significant change in the field and it was exciting to be part of it. *Lisbeth was a wonderful boss in emphasizing looking at things in new ways and encouraging people to be as independent as possible.

Was your experience of entering the disability care field similar or different to your main character Cray’s experience in Gap Life?

The specifics were different but a lot of the reaction and feelings in

Gap Life were similar. I came from a background that highly valued academic achievement, and my mother wanted me to be a lawyer. Instead I chose a different path and found myself around people who had so much to teach me in different ways than I was used to.

Are there any stories you would like to share about how the people you supported at Hammer actually ended up supporting/helping you?

all valuable lessons in being a parent as well. Being at Hammer made me a better dad.

I learned so much about dedication, independence, and enjoying life. I remember when Ken at Carlson home was saving for a TV. We went to Best Buy and he found one he liked for twohundred dollars. He set aside five dollars of his pay every two weeks for a year and half, but when we went back to Best Buy, the price had increased ten dollars. That would have required waiting another four weeks. We explained the situation to the sales person, and he agreed to give us the TV for the price Ken had been working for. We brought the TV back to Hammer, and I have never seen anyone enjoy anything more than Ken enjoyed that TV he had worked so hard to get.

I was working at Hammer when I took a class in writing for children and wrote my first story as an adult. That turned into Night Driving, illustrated by Peter McCarty. The book is still in print today.

It was while working at Hammer that I realized that I wanted to be a writer.

Clearly, your many years supporting people with disabilities was not just one “gap year.” Had you originally planned it to be a stepping stone in your career?

Lead with empathy. Try to imagine what decisions and challenges are like for the people you are supporting. This empathy will provide the foundation for greater gifts coming back than you can imagine.

I started in the field because I knew I did not want to be a lawyer, but I stayed in it because I enjoyed the people I was working with and what I was learning.

My daughter was young at the time and working at Hammer taught me a lot about kindness, patience, and allowing others to make their own decisions. These are

Now I am lucky to write books for children and teens and visit schools around the world. I rely on much of what I learned at Hammer whenever I work with students.

Do you have any advice you would like to offer for those newly employed within, or considering joining the disability care field?

*After Gap Life was accepted for publication

by Macmillan, I shared it with Lisbeth Vest Armstrong as it had been awhile since I’d been at Hammer and I wanted to see if anything was inaccurate or out of date.

Lisbeth made many helpful suggestions and it was wonderful to work together with her in this new way, too.

Hammer Discoveries | 7

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MEET THE WESTIES OF HAMMER WEST

By Rachel Thomas, Director of Customized Support Services (CSS)

T

ucked away in an office space across from Hammer’s central office is a little place we like to call Hammer West.

Hammer West is home to our Customized Support Services (CSS) Department, which includes our Contracted Case Management, Support Planning, Medica Care Coordination, and Individualized Community Services programs. The CSS department provides support to individuals who qualify for Medical Assistance and typically are not receiving services from our Hammer residential programs. With all programs combined, we are able to provide support to over 1,500 individuals with a variety of support needs, which explains the hustle and bustle atmosphere that you will experience if you visit our office space.

We “Westies,” as we like to call ourselves, are a tight-knit group of co-workers that are very dedicated to spreading Hammer’s mission to those we support and we like to have a lot of fun while doing it!

SUPPORT PLANNERS

When we’re not super busy with our regular work tasks we like to relax with the occasional potluck lunch, picnic in the park, or even some time for board games in the office.

There is never a dull moment at Hammer West and we would not have it any other way.

Hammer West picnic lunch with the gang. Westies are very flexible. It was raining on the day of the picnic, but it did not dampen their spirits.

8 | Hammer Discoveries

Our Support Planners assist 370 people who participate in the Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) program. This program allows people who have been granted a waiver to have more flexibility and responsibility for directing their services and supports. Hammer’s Support Planners assist their clients with researching services and developing a plan that best suits each individual’s needs. This program serves individuals in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, and several southeastern Minnesota counties. Our Support Planners are always on the go.

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MEDICA CARE COORDINATORS

CASE MANAGERS

Our Medica Care Coordinators work with over 300 individuals enrolled in Medica’s SNBC (Special Needs Basic Care) program, which is one of their Medical Assistance Managed Care options. Our Care Coordinators are focused on the health care needs of their members and work to ensure that these needs are met. This includes, but is not limited to, completing Health Risk Assessments with their members on an annual basis, ensuring that each member is able to have access to the medications and medical equipment they require, and help with identifying Primary Care Physicians that work within the member’s Medica network. Medica Care Coordinators assist their members in navigating and understanding the health care benefits they receive, which we all know can be very confusing at times.

Hammer’s Case Managers support over 800 people who are on both Waiver and Non-Waiver programs through Hammer’s contract with Hennepin County.

The waivers we specialize in are CADI (Community Access for Disability Inclusion), DD (Developmental Disabilities), and BI (Brain Injury) waivers. We have recently expanded our program to allow us to support people who have yet to receive a waiver and participate in Hennepin County’s Non-Waiver Programs, Rule 185, and VADD. On a daily basis, our Case Managers are going out into the community to their client’s homes, performing assessments, writing support plans, and making referrals to service providers to make sure their clients have everything they need to continue living their lives independently in the community. Some of the services our Case Managers set up for their clients include, Personal Care Attendants (PCA), Homemaking, Skilled Nursing Visits, Home Delivered Meals, Adult Day Care, Adult Foster Care, Housing Access Coordination, and Independent Living Skills training, etc. Hammer has been providing Case Management services to people with special needs since 2007.

INDIVIDUALIZED COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS)

Last, but certainly not least, our Individualized Community Services program provides support to individuals with disabilities that are living in their own homes to identify their personal needs and desires in order to lead fulfilling, independent lives in the community. Our ICS staff provide 1 on 1 support to individuals in meeting their daily needs such as grocery shopping, meal prep, or self-care, as well as providing support in making connections in the community.

Along with providing support for basic health and safety needs, our ICS program provides recreation events that offer great opportunities to make lasting memories while on exciting adventures with new friends.

The Hammer West indoor picnic lunch with the gang, also included fun and games for all.

Hammer Discoveries | 9

GIVE

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TIMOTHY'S MIRACLE

By Audrae Rosenzwieg

F

ollowing a difficult pregnancy, Tim was born early on August 20, 1957. Unable to nurse, he screamed day and night from hunger until the pediatrician found a formula that agreed with him at least somewhat. Tim could not sit, crawl, walk or talk as other children his age. By age five, Tim did have friends in the neighborhood but when these children went off to school they soon learned that Tim was different so they stopped playing with him. Tim’s brain was damaged from birth.

There were no community supports for Tim; no help, no daycare. We struggled to find educational supports for Tim but few were available and those we tried were poor and ineffective for a youth his age. By age 13, Tim was exhibiting difficult behavioral issues and I could no longer physically handle him. This was a desperate time for us, Tim’s family. We finally went to the church and at age 13 Tim entered Bethesda Lutheran Home in Watertown, Wisconsin, a large institution for over 600 people.

Over many years, Tim’s life at Bethesda provided him with useful learning experiences and he earned a coveted “worker badge,” an award given to paid employees only. He was active in the Special Olympics and Bethesda staff made it possible for Tim to receive his medals at a ceremony held in Ohio.

At that time, we began to believe that Bethesda (so far away from home) might have to be a lifetime placement for Tim. However, at some point in the 1970s the mainstreaming movement came along and Tim was forced to return to his home community. He resided for a short time at St. Stephens group home and was given three make-up years with the public schools before graduation. Tim has never been able to learn to read.

Tim then lived in a succession of poorly operated group homes where it seemed that staff did not care enough to make sure that Tim ate, wore clean clothing, or had any recreational outings. Tim suffered physical, emotional, and nutritional neglect which led to deep wounds in Tim’s psyche and body. It became necessary for me to go to court to become Tim’s legal guardian because no matter how hard I worked on Tim’s behalf, I had no power to find a better life for Tim.

Tim as a young boy.

“I am at peace now, confident of Tim's comprehensive care — this is a miracle!!!”

—Audrae Rosenzweig

A SISTER'S STORY

Tim and Sarah at Perkins his favorite restaurant.

10 | Hammer Discoveries

Before Hammer, Tim did not get out very much. Now he is busy with his buddies. It’s more normal now, instead of going to rescue him from boredom because he didn’t have any plans, I have to call ahead and get on his calendar.

He is finally being treated like an adult, having a say in his own life.

It is clear that Hammer hires good staff. They are a cut above the rest.

Never have I experienced people who were genuinely interested in Tim.

As his only sibling, I don’t have to worry anymore about his basic needs. I appreciate that.

At Hammer, we have something good and I want that to continue, so I give. Tim and the others served at Hammer are the vulnerable people in the world. I want to keep Tim’s good services and give to those in need.

— Sarah Homuth-Goar, Tim’s sister

Jan Hopper, program manager and Hammer employee for 27 years, relaxing at Tim's Hammer home after work.

For nine years before Tim received his placement with Hammer, he was being served

by Hammer's Community Support Services contract case manager, Beth Siewert. After nine and a half long years, an opening at a Hammer home became available, a home with three men around Tim's age and with similar interests.

During Tim’s interview with Jan Hopper, program manager of Hammer’s 1st Avenue Home, Jan talked extensively with Tim to see if he would be compatible with the three men and the program. Jan asked Tim what he liked to do and what foods he enjoyed.

Then, the miracle happened, and it was agreed that Dave, Pat, Tristan, and Tim were a good match. On moving day Jan drove over to pick up Tim and even unloaded all of his belongings at his new Hammer home.

At age 59, all of Tim’s personal needs have been addressed and set in place. After only one year living with Hammer, Tim is enjoying his life and says he is never going to leave Hammer. Tim’s anxiety issues are less painful for him, and I recently asked him why he sounded so laid back and relaxed, and Tim replied, “they teached me.”

1.2 MILLION! That is our goal in 2017. Your gifts support Tim and 1,600 other individuals who count on you and Hammer.

You can give Tim and his three housemates a good life with gifts toward the following: •

Quality of Life for basic needs like clothing, dental care, and a new treadmill

Tim is finally being heard. His staff are listening to him. Tim likes attending worship services on Tuesday evenings and if there are not enough staff available at the house, a carpool is arranged or someone from the central office picks up a shift to transport Tim and his friends to church. Jan also works with me to provide the best possible nutrition for Tim’s sensitive digestion. Jan found Tim a new doctor and she assists with appointments and follow-through. Tim is satisfied and content. He tells me and his wonderful staff, “I'm never leaving Hammer.”

•

Home Improvements at 1st Avenue for furnishings and bathroom remodeling

•

Employee Training for staff members to stay up-to-date with education and training

I know that Tim will be well cared for when it is time for me to leave this world. My passion is to financially support Hammer, even in my small way. I see Hammer staff and volunteers sacrificing for Tim day and night. I want to be part of this great endeavor. If we share the burden, committed to contribute any amount possible, we can keep these services alive and well.

•

Emergency Employee Fund for car repairs to ensure care givers can get to and from work

Hammer Discoveries | 11

VOLUNTEER >>

FINDING THE JOY IN EVERYDAY PROJECTS

By Cathy Thoma, Volunteer Resources Manager

I

n May, thirty-five US Bank employees volunteered their time at seven of our homes to do yard work. They arrived armed with rakes, hedge clippers, brooms, and buckthorn removal equipment in hand, along with a great attitude! These volunteers spent half the day doing yard clean up and beautification of Hammer Residences.

During their four hours of volunteer work, the US Bank employees completed a variety of projects. They planted flowers, mulched gardens, cleaned outside decks, and removed pesky buckthorn. In the process, they also found and rehomed a turtle, affectionately named Ernie!

1st Avenue team sprucing up the lawn.

Janet Lerch, a Hammer board member and a US Bank employee, was the catalyst who connected us with the US Bank volunteers. The experience was positive for all involved. The folks at our homes enjoyed meeting the volunteers and participating in some of the beautification projects. The US Bank volunteers also left with a sense of accomplishment and comradery.

Kassandra Vilchis, US Bank employee and coordinator of this event shared these statements from the volunteers: “Thank you so much for allowing us to volunteer with your organization. We are grateful we were given the opportunity to give back to your community.”

Ernie the Turtle welcomed the US Bank volunteers.

“Everyone said they really enjoyed the experience and they enjoyed getting to know the people who lived in each home.”

“What a wonderful community you have and we would be happy to come back any time."

Thank you to Janet, Kassandra, and all of the US Bank volunteers. We appreciate all of your hard work. Our homes look lovely because of you.

12 | Hammer Discoveries

Digging up plants and shrubs at Tyler.

VOLUNTEER AT HAMMER >> If you are interested in volunteering at Hammer, please contact Cathy Thoma at 952-345-8554 or cthoma@hammer.org.

Buckthorn busters at Jersey.

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ADVOCACY

person's full story You can read each ocate Hammer.org/adv

OUR VOICES MUST BE HEARD!

By Terriann Thommes, Director of Advocacy and Volunteer Resources

on

Meet Liz

E

ach year Hammer advocates prepare to campaign for issues that affect Hammer’s stakeholders. They include staff, families, and self-advocates who are individuals served by Hammer.

The top campaigns are determined by formal and informal polling of the stakeholder groups and are narrowed down to three campaigns:

• Transportation • The Best Life Alliance (Waiver Rate System/Pay for Direct Support Professionals)

She’s living a passionate and purposeful life.

• Medical Assistance/Medicaid This year we introduced legislators, especially the four newly elected legislators of districts where Hammer homes are located, to visit Hammer individuals with disabilities and see them as equal members of their constituency who do not want to be forgotten and want to be heard.

She’s also a person with a disability who contributes to the community as:

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities are often thought of as “needy.” We went to the Capitol, empowered to remind our leaders that the people Hammer supports are valued members of society and are:

• • • • •

Voters Tax payers Volunteers Wage earners Members of their communities

Meet Mark

A Tax-payer A Consumer A Voter A Volunteer

Meet Sarah

These citizens deserve to be listened to just like any other person. They are not needy and not a burden to society.

They are participating members of their communities dispite the challenges they face with transportation and health care.

“I go to the Capitol with Hammer when I can! It is really important to talk to our legislators so that we can tell them what we want and let them know what we need.”

— Liz, supported by Hammer JOIN US! >> To learn more about what you can do, or for talking points on campaign issues, contact Terriann at terriann@hammer.org

A music man. with a He’s also a person ributes to disability who cont : the community as

A Tax-payer A Consumer An Employee A Volunteer

A caring, loving, and gentle heart.

She’s also a person with a disability who contributes to the community as:

A Tax-payer A Consumer An Employee

Hammer Discoveries | 13

HAMMER TRAVEL

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THE MOST POSITIVE GROUP TO HIT TORTILLA FLAT

By Emily Lavalier, Hammer Travel Trip Leader Our group of seven to the Grand Canyon could not have been a more optimistic bunch. The trip took a different itinerary than usual while visiting the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon railway this group also enjoyed a day trip following the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains to the Roosevelt Dam. The trail was narrow, bumpy, and steep with lookouts throughout, offering amazing photo opportunities.

While some people may have been nervous along the winding roads, our group enjoyed the thrills and laughed as the drivers slowed down over one-lane bridges and past beautiful, but treacherous cliff faces.

When we reached the Roosevelt Dam the group was impressed by the size of it! Each person shared what radio stations they had found on the journey — they were pretty limited so far off the beaten path!

The best part of the adventure to Apache Trail was the lunch in Tortilla Flat — a one-road “town” that offered a convenience store, one restaurant, a gift shop, and some campsites. The food was good but the best part of the restaurant was that the walls were COVERED in dollar bills. People from around the world had signed their names and city/states on the bills and left them with the servers to add to the wall. When we asked our server how many bills were on that wall, we were told an estimated 350,000 dollars — of signed ones!

Hammer Travelers got a spectacular view of the Grand Canyon.

Of course, our group had to partake in the collection, so we pulled out a dollar bill and after writing Hammer Travel across the top each member of the group signed their first names. Everyone took pictures of our Hammer Travel dollar and then we gave it to our server to add to the stack. On the way out of the restaurant we found many other Minnesota dollar bills and wondered where in the restaurant ours would be hung — next time we visit we'll have to look for it!

Many priceless memories were made on the trip.

Saddle up and ride 'em out.

They got their kicks on Route 66!

14 | Hammer Discoveries

>>

TECHNOLOGY

TECHNOLOGY: THE NEXT BIG OPPORTUNITY

By Dan Bottiger, Director of Information Systems John Estrem, CEO of Hammer, jokes that he just expects technology to work. He understands completely that it is a very simple statement for what can be very complex.

In order for technology to be effective it not only needs to work (pretty obvious) but it also can’t get in your way. If it is too difficult to learn or can be used only in certain locations it creates hurdles and ends up being extremely inefficient. That has been our mantra over the years in how we evaluate and use technology here at Hammer — it can’t get in the way.

Last summer members of the Executive Team were able to go to most home and apartment team meetings to ask the question — How can we better use technology? It was intentionally a very open-ended question. We wanted to spur conversation to really understand how our homes and apartments need to use technology and also what opportunities we are missing. From those sessions we developed a list of priorities to help get technology out of our way.

The largest ways we saw tech getting in the way was around the multiple systems we use and all the different passwords our employees need to remember.

Our employees interact with and handle a lot of sensitive information, and as a result the passwords need to be complex which can make it challenging to remember. We were able to come up with a tool that permitted our staff to remember only one password.

We rolled it out in January and the response has been very positive.

The next big opportunity we learned of was needing to take greater advantage of being mobile. By being mobile I mean being able to access data on a smart phone or tablet or iPad. In today’s world, if information cannot be accessed from “the cloud”, it not only has a very short life span, it also means a good portion of our staff will be less inclined to use it. With our current staffing needs we are focused on drawing the best and brightest and as a result our resources need to be mobile.

Getting back to John’s expectation of needing our technology to just work here at Hammer; It is a constantly evolving group process involving many factors such as software, hardware, security, and encryption for 510 staff and 270 individuals each with their own unique needs.

Hammer's Information Systems Team: (L to R) Sean Henderson, PC Tech Manager; Dan Bottiger, Director of Information Systems; Michael Shay, Data Systems Manager; Corey Hansen, IT Systems Manager.

GOING FORWARD WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON:

Listening and asking lots of questions

Reaching out to donors or applying for grants

Relying on the experts at Apple and Microsoft to take the needs and concerns of our staff and individuals we support so we can keep the focus on our mission

Hammer Discoveries | 15

GIVE

Caring for the

Heart of Hammer

REACH FOR RALPH â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AnnuAL BEnEFit FOR HAmmER

Please join us at Reach for Ralph tHuRsdAy, JuLy 20 5:30 pm-10:00 pm

EARLE BROWn CEntER Brooklyn Center, MN

Free on-site parking PREsEnting sPOnsOR

tiCKEts $75 Early Bird (before June 30) $85 (before July 17) Purchase tickets online at Hammer.org

thank you sponsors as of may 30

Carol and George Daum Lisa and Scott Dongoske Michael and Mary Drazan

Absolute Sourcing Behavioral Staffing

You Can Help 16 | Hammer Discoveries

Boyer and Associates Bremer Bank David Lee Funeral Home

Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Linda Zimmerman, Ameriprise Financial

sponsorships and auction donations still needed! unable to attend? Please consider making an online gift.

Questions? Contact Ginger@Hammer.org or 952-345-0115.

>>

CONTRIBUTORS

| October 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017 We gratefully acknowledge you for your gifts to Hammer. $25,000 +

Bruce and Celeste Amlicke + Margaret Argall John and Nancy Berg Bieber Family Foundation, Bill Bieber Argalll/Hibbs Foundation, Susan Argall Haas and Brian Haas Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Anonymous Greg Anderson Barbara Bencini Coldwell Banker Burnet Lakewinds "Round-Up" Program Thomas and Mari Lowe Ray Mithun, Jr. Karl Stoltenberg Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe

$5,000 -$9,999

Anonymous Elaine and Robert Bache Dorothy A. Bailey+ Susan Baker Conan and Amy Crum George and Carol Daum John and Deborah Fox Terry and Lisa McGlynn McGlynn Family Foundation, Michael and Julie McGlynn Richard and Katharine Olson Power of 100 Southwest Roehl Family Foundation, Gerald and Katherine Roehl Mike and Pam Sime Charles and Ellen Swanson Alan and Barbara Tennessen TCF Foundation* Wayzata Community Church Karole Whipps

$1,000 - $4,999

Anonymous Philip Ahern James and Patricia Amlicke Joel and Mary Amundson Bob and Colleen Anderson Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Ted Bigos Tom and Angela Blanchette Gary and Sally Bluem Tim and Julie Bullock Burdick Family Fund Margaret A. Cargill Foundation

Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Sarah Caruso John and Pauline Coleman Richard and Judith Corson David and Debra Czech Patrice and James Dahl Jim and Brenda Damiani Gerry and Vicki Degner Loretta Docken Louis Doelz Lisa and Scott Dongoske Michael and Mary Drazan Joseph Durda Foundation Christina Fair Jeffrey Fazendin Patricia A. Fleming Sean Foy Rebecca and Ron Furnival Kim and Pat Gharrity Gjetson Family Fund, Jean and Bill Gjetson Carol Gottschalk Don and Becky Gromek Don and Heidi Haberman Hartmann Family Trust Dr. Daniel Hartnett Family Foundation L.H. Hendrickson Family Charitable Fund Linda and Kenneth Holmen Knights of Columbus #3758 Barbara Koch Bill Krippner Virgil and Patricia Leih Laurence and Jean LeJeune Stephen Lewis Lexus Pursuit of Potential Michael and Karen Linn Lions Club of Maple Grove Mary K. Lund Bill Luther and Janet Robert Philip and Barbara MacNeill Dr. Deane Manolis Martinson Clinic Foundation John and Molly McDonald John and Maryann Merideth Mary Metzler and Elliott Mills Fredrick and Christine Meyer Microsoft Giving Campaign* Matt and Marty Mueller Kenneth R. Murray S.B. Osborn Charitable Trust, Bartley and Kandi Osborn John and Gigi Ossanna LOCO Partners, Clifford Otten Gregory and Cynthia Page

HAMMER STAFF CONTRIBUTORS We are proud to acknowledge our staff members who have chosen to make financial contributions to Hammer.

Mary Patterson Michael Patterson Bill Perrine Greg Petryszyn Dan and Katherine Poppe Thomas and Mollie Raih Jim and Kathryn Ramstad Jessica Rolph Rotary Club of Wayzata Colleen Ryan Dudley and Marti Ryan Jon and Tracy Saarela Rita Schofield Kent and Traci Scholten Paul Schultz William and Joyce Sexton Jane and Don Shaffer David Sovell Mark and Gayle Stage Tart Family Trust, Ann Tart, Kay Tart Michael and Barbara Tenney Linda and Bob Tomaschko Sherry Underdahl UnitedHealth Group Employee Giving * The Vala Family Howard Volkart Village Gives Back Foundation VMware Foundation* Pete and Carolyn Wahtera Mark and Kathy Wallraff Mark and Annette Weber Ted and Erin Wentink William and Doreen West Diane and Timothy Williams Mary Ann and John Wolters Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association Gary and Vicki Wyard Wayzata BP Service Center

$500 - $999

Anonymous

AAC Engineering Janet and David Anderson Berkley Technology Underwriters Jeff and Widdy Bird Carmen Bringgold Teresa Brown Charles and Mary Carlsen Catherine Carlson Rae Carlson Trust Sandra C. Carlson Alfred Colling Gary and Susan Cramer George and Peggy Crolick Belle and David Davenport John Deere Foundation* Wayne Duerschmidt

Itishar Alexander Lisa Barker Dianne Berg Angela and George Bernhardt Joan Boerschinger Dan and Kate Bottiger Barbara and Bill Brandt Aaron Briggs Michael Bryant and Phelomina SilvaBryant Becky Buehler Alterlene Capehart Tomeko Champion Patrick

Jim and Susan Erickson Federal Express Peter Flint and Jan Symchych Kathryn Garin Bruce and Kim Gillespie Glennon Family Fund, Colleen Glennon Martha and Edward Gschneidner Wes and Linda Hamilton Ronald Haskvitz Earl Homuth John and Colleen Hooley Ron and Lori Hume Eric Janus and Carolyn Chalmers Dorothy Keprios JoAnn Koltes John and Terry Kruse Gregg and Stephanie Larsen Jeanette and Larry Liukonen Robert and Michelle Luke Kevin Lund David and Kimberly Marrone Kerri and Travis McAfoos Darlene and Thomas McCarthy Nikki Melchiori Taya Mergott Deb Mosnik Jean Nelson Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg Al and Vicki Olson Susan and Michael Oreck Lillian Orenstein Alan Page and Diane SimsPage Tim and Teresa Perisic David and Sharon Petterson S. Kay Phillips and Jill Mortensen Father Don Piche Douglas and Pam Plocek James and Elizabeth Ramsland Anne Rodriguez Kim and Bill Rose Audrae Rosenzweig Jeanne Rouch Floyd and Shirley Schneider Steve and Tami Schroll David and Marcy Schuh Renee E. Solinger-Audette Sandra and Tony Stevens St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church Thomas and Jeanne Sween Talbots, Inc. Texa Tonka Lanes

Colin and Chelsea Clark Ramona Cushman Ashley Emerson Tim Eshelman John Estrem Benjamin Fearing Tom and Susie Gillespie Theo-Wiaplah Giple Lisa and John Greenberg Jessica Hammer Kevin Hannon Kim Hansen Mark and Lynn Hansen Patty and Ben Hastings Jan Hopper

Richard and Nancy Timp Barbara Tuckner ULLR Foundation Gay and Deb Urness Bruce Volkart Wayzata American Legion Post 118 JK Interiors, Jackie Wulf

$100 - $499

Anonymous (3) Anonymous ADP, Inc.* Ameriprise Financial Gift Matching Program* Dr. Lloyd Andersen Thomas Andersen Marshall and Dru Anderson Bill Anderson Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong Garry and Shannon Banks John and Shelia Barbetta Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta David and Christine Bardwell Katie and Richard Barrett Mona Barstad Les and Barbara Bauer Mark and Carolyn Bauer John Bean John and Nan Beard Keith Beresheim Josephine Berge Irvin and Kay Bergsagel George Bestrom Timothy and Diane Beversdorf Jeanette Blasewitz Conrad and Mary Bloomquist Noah and Becky Bly Christina Boettcher Mark and Sara Bonk Margaret M. Borer Sarah and Benjamin Bower Peter and Cindi Boynton Dave Brand Mark and Jenny Bretheim Greg and Lisa Buck Wes Bue and Denise Eng Robert and Susan Burns Don and Pat Carlson Barry and Julie Carlson Scott and Gerda Carlson Paul and Mary Cederberg James Cohen Glenda Condon Continental Diamond Pearl Cook Scott and Deborah Cooper John and Jean Dahlke Judith and Kent Davidson Catherine DeCelles Dr. Kenneth L. Dedeker

Melissa Hutchins Tim and Joy Janssen Amy Johnson Denise Johnson Momo J. Johnson Patricia Jones Jill Kunze Jim Landt Wally Lentz and Susan Nixon Regan McGowan Kevin McLaughlin Emily Miller Stefanie Miller Stephanie Neufville Neh Ngosong

Jo Nolan Katherine Noon Rose Ogunti Maima Parker Wendy and Bruce Paulson Jill Peters Kristin and Duane Pyka Rachel Revels Rose M. Rizzi Thomas Russeth Elizabeth Senne Cari and Jeff Sheley Carrie Sporer and Peter Schaffran Margaret Starr-Knox

GIVE

Jim and Jan Doudiet James and Norma Driver Blake and Sharla Duerre Dan and Jessica Egan Marjorie and Charles Elliott Gordy and Nancy Engel Paul and Wendy Engelman Ed and Carrie Lee Erickson Tom and Vicki Estrem Wilhelmine Eugene Marvin and Rosemary Fish Bob and Terrisa Fisher Tom Fitzpatrick and Mary Ebnet Debbie Flannery Michael and Sandra Foley David and Patricia O'Rourke Freeman Jaime Frischmann Marilyn Fryer Judy Gelina Phyllis Genest Phyllis and Rich GenestStein Diane Gillespie Greg and Janet Gillies Christopher Glaose Rosemary and Lawrence Gleason Robert and Patti Glumack Stanley and Luella Goldberg Family Foundation David Golden Donna Gorski Peter and Karen Graff Sharon Green Debra Grote Steve and Jean Guenther Gary and Kathleen Hadley David and Sharon Hall Sharon and Jack Hammang Shirley Hammes Donald and Ida Hanna Michael and Margaret Hanrahan Samuel Hanson Thomas and Sandra Hayes Tim and Carol Hearn Kay Hempel Robert and Kathy Hendrickson Robert A. Hensel Hewlett-Packard Company* Mary Marquretta Hill Kimberly Hoffman Sarah Homuth-Goar Alan and Diane Horner Roger and Elaine Hovda James and Ann Howard Pam Howe Robin Hughes Mary Ilangaratne Vicki Jackman list continued on page 18

Esther Swen Cathy and Morgan Thoma Kevin Borer and Ellen Timmerman-Borer Jerry Towianski Becky Treb Diana Vang Ginger and Tom Venable Sue and Kim Walker Suzanne Wanous Maureen Wersinger Peter Wiering Dennis Zelee

Hammer Discoveries | 17

CONTRIBUTORS

| October 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017 We gratefully acknowledge you for your gifts to Hammer.

list continued from page 17

Richard and Kathleen Jackson Noel and Ruth Jagolino Sherri and Steve Johnson Brian Johnson Margaret and Roger Jones David and Julie Jones Heidi and Jeff Jopp Richard and Kathy Jordan Julie Jurrjens Melanie Kapphahn Steven and Teresa Kastendieck Reginald and Lynn Kelley Chip and Debbie Kemppainen Kim Keprios Hugh and Julie Kirsch Dan H. Klein Barbara and David Kleist Everett and Jane Klosterman Kathie Kolbjornsen Joe and Gina Koltes Terrance and Mary Ann Kukla Jeffrey and Susan Lambert Tom and Janet Lane Kathleen Lapham Javan and Larry Larson Kurt and Constance Larson Cynthia Laurent Ken and Cheryl Leschisin Marcia and Fred LeVoir Herbert and Kathie Levy Steve Lindblad Phil and Barb Lindblad Paul and Janice Lindbloom Ron Linebarger Timothy Lund Bill Lundberg Richard and Donna Luther Mary Lydon and Chuck Donkers Diane Marshall Peter and Janelle Mattson Matthew McConnell Preston and Betsy McMillan Robert and Frances McWhite Tom Medcalf Tom and Rose Mary Meyer Dave and Debbie Meyer Barry and Mary Jo Miller Michael Minenko Patty and Mike Molden Sarah Moon Robert Moor Larry Mueller Renee Mueller Myslajek Kemp & Spencer Nancy and Mike Nafziger Erik Nelson Mike and Karen Nelson

Brent and Karen Nelson Jennifer Nelson Denny and Mary Newell Nadim and Souha Nimeh Kenneth and Cathy Noblet Sandra and David Olson Orville and Vonnie Olson Gen Olson Mary and Michael Ongstad Allison Oreck Mark and Robin Osmanski Packaging Solutions Pajor Family Foundation Elizabeth and Bruce Pankonin Carol Patterson Suzy Pederson PepsiCo Foundation* Mary Kaye Pfau Mary and Robert Putnam Kevin and Denise Reilly Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Linda and Michael Richardson Buck and Kim Riesgraf Edwin and Christina Ritchie Ted and Mary Rogers Mindy Rudd and John Craynock Greg and Lisa Rye Drs. Greg and Patricia Salmi Donald Schroden Norman and Janet Schuenke George and Audrey Schultz Robert Schwartz Daniel Schweitzer Thomas and Lee Ann Silver Brett and Kathy Smith Diane Solinger and Jerry Cook Gary and Gwen Solseth Lloyd Sorensen Tom and Pam Spitznagle Howard Stacker Sherm Stanchfield Lisa Stenbeck Ben and Mary Stephens Michael and Anne Stern Nancy Stone Christine and Allen Strande James Strempke Kevin and Jane Stuessy David Suggs John and Diane Sweeney Robert and Louise Terry Barbara Thode Jack and Cheryl Tuckner Thomas and Lorri Underwood David and Jan Usset

John VanDanacker Velin Family Charitable Fund Ronald and Shirley Vescio Fred and Nancy Vescio Richard and Lynn Voelbel Lori Wagner Connie and Ben Webber Elsie Weisenbacher Michael and Mackie Wesley Julia and Wymond WesleyWong John Wetterlund and Laurel Feddema Alan and Connie Wilensky Richard A. Willis Whitney Windmiller Pamela Wright

Under $100

Mike and Phyllis Aho Hannah Alsdurf AmazonSmile

Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille Grizzly's Wood-Fired Grill Denis and Caroline Harrington Highland Grill Holy Land Restaurant Hot Plate Kent and Marilyn Howe HR Techies, Inc Ike's Restaurant Kona Grill Luci Restaurants

18 | Hammer Discoveries

Dick Kenny and Lynn Regan Cheryl Kinney Toni and Brad Knorr Ann Koerner and Rich Camp Jill Kohler Kay Krafka Paula Krippner Mary Kriz Karen and Sean Lafferty Renee and Mark Lampe Kate Lapham Audrey Gail Lazarus Bryan Lewis and Sara Kidd-Lewis Gary and K. Diane Lichter Alicia Luther Jacqueline Lynn Robert and Ardell Mack Joan Male Jim and Laura Martin

Joy Robbins Wallace Roles Kay Roschild Cathy Rose Frances and Stanley Rosen Thomas and Diane Russell Eddie and Marion Ryshavy Marvin and Judy Saarela Alice Sanders Kathleen Schaefers Ann Schenkel Mary and Russell Schmidt Mark and Gina Schmitz Mel Scholl Cathy Schubiliske Gabriel and Angela Skelly Dan and Sharon Smith Timothy and Cheryl Solinger Patty and Greg Solum Julie H. Sorensen Jane Soshnik

It is an honor to support Hammer, for we believe that our organization is outstanding in every way imaginable. We deeply believe in providing the very best quality of life for the people served. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Jean and Bill Gjetson, family of Beth, served by Hammer.

Greg Anderson Gervae Anderson Michael P. Anderson Judi and Jerry Andresen Julie Armbrust Wilma Jane Balick Maureen Barrett Burns Wilbert and Elaine Becker Darrell and Kenwyn Beckstrom Thomas P. Bedard Alice Bidle Susan Blake Jerome and Jo Bolte Earl Borene Anne M. Briggs Beth Brink Kathryn Buckley Steve Butts Nancy Cahn Terri Cantrall Richard and Martha Carlson Judy Carlson CentraCare Health

Thank you for your contributions of in-kind goods and services. al Vento Black Sheep Pizza Bryant Lake Bowl Cafe Latte Continental Property Group Ditter Cooling & Heating Dynamic Publishing LLC George Emerson Michael and Jackie Fair The Freehouse

Barbara Charnstrom Gwenn Chriss Brian Clifford Patrick Conry Jim and Renee Cornwell Jeff and Peggy Cotter Denise and Steve Cronin Rob and Susan Dahlin Margaret Davis Dean DeGroot Nancy Dolan Frank and Sue Dosal Peggy Douglas Mark and Deborah Eckerline Kimberly Eiden George and Margaret Emslie Marilyn Engle Loretta Farrell Patrick Ferguson Judy Ferretti

Maggie's Family Restaurant Patrick and Victoria McConnell William McLaughlin Milio's Sandwiches Gavin O'Toole Pizza Luce Roasted Pear St. Catherines University Alumni Relations Bill and Bonnie Young Young Joni

Duane Finstad James Fischer Jillian Flower Rita Fox Michael and Patti Freeman Shirley (Rip) Freeman James and Mary Gag JoAnn and Roger Gaio Hugh and Marjorie Garside Esther Goldberg Rebecca Granowski Sue and Ilja Gregor Jack and Linda Hallberg Richard and Mary Hargarten Melvin Heckt Greg and Katherine Hickman Mary Hilgert William Hodder Patti Hodel Grace Holmen Philip Holmen Diane Holten Roger and Terry Hork Patricia and Michael Houston Robert and Janet Huddleston Sandy Hume Pat and Clifford Johnson Larry and Mary Johnson Richard and Nancy Kaner Sharon and John Kapeluck Jeff and Raleigh Karatz

Jeanette McChesney Brigid McDonald Jane McDonald and Colleen O'Malley Terry and Mark McFarland Dr. David McGill Joe Miatech Allison Moore Tim and Megan Mueller Jeffrey and Terri Naughtin Marlys Nelson Stuart and Joyce Newman Donna Norling Jean Oberg Michael O'Connell and Susan Hayes Dr. Susan Olson Bruce and Ruth O'Neal Edward and Kathleen O'Rourke Rondi P. Pacheco Holly and Jeff Parker Pat's Custom Transport and Recovery LLC Danielle Paulson Pearson Family Nino and Susan Pedrelli Susan and Greg Pfeiffer Pledgeling Foundation Patricia Pocrnich Christine Poppe LaVergne Raskob Larrie and Lou Ann Reese Frank and Madaline Renshaw

Katherine Steward Stephanie and Pete Stiles Gretchen Stromberg Sugar Hills Townhome Association Peggy Swanson Liz Taub Larry and Cindy Thoen Art and Mary Thole Jerald and Susan Tongen Lee Trelstad Sally and Peter Tulkki Blair Van Horn Ann and Barry Vermeer Nancy Vogt William and Nancy Wagner Lisa Walsak Deborah and Mark Weiss Bill and Ila Mae Wendt Craig and Karin Westgate Barbara Wheeler Paul and Janice Wicklund Max and Heidi Windmiller Lori Wurth Elizabeth Zastrow

Red type = Monthly Electronic Transfer Contributors * Matching Gift Company + Deceased

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our donor records, errors occasionally occur. If your name has been omitted, misspelled or misplaced, please accept our apologies and contact Cari at 952-277-2454.

ALVINA HAMMER HERITAGE SOCIETY

We are proud to honor you, the visionary individuals who have made a Legacy Gift by naming Hammer in your will, charitable trust, or planned giving vehicle. On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your extraordinary investment in our mission.

Anonymous (8) **Leonard + and Mary + Aase Lisa M. Anderson **Margaret + and James + Argall Steven Argall Trust Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong **Dorothy A. Bailey + Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Angela and George Bernhardt Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Richard and Judith Corson Judith and Kent Davidson Lisa and Scott Dongoske

John Estrem Wayne Krippner Trust Marvin and Rosemary Fish Laura Langer Shirley (Rip) and Ted + Freeman Robert and Michelle Luke Jean and Bill Gjetson Lewis and Jill Mithun Don and Heidi Haberman Jean and Tim + Nelson **Donald Andrew Hartmann + Bruce and Merry Jo Parker **Claire and Don + Hinrichs **Robert M. Reed + Trust Linda and Kenneth Holmen Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Beulah + and Ingvald + Hongerholt Kent and Traci Scholten Dean Hongerholt Trust **Clara Schonlau + Patricia and Michael Houston Elaine and Marshall + Siegel **Mary Ann and Jack + Huddleston Don and Annie Smithmier Joan + and Bill Krippner Deloris + and Wallace + Solseth

HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS

Ellen and Kevin Timmerman-Borer Barbara Tuckner **Grace + and Paul + Voetmann Pete and Carolyn Wahtera **Mary Wesley + Karole Whipps

** Legacy gift received Red type = new to Heritage Society + Deceased

If you are interested in learning more about making a planned gift to Hammer, please visit our website or call Ellen at 952-277-2433.

| October 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017

Would you like to make a gift to Hammer in honor or memory of someone special? You can use the enclosed envelope, go online or just send us a note along with your contribution. We also offer packs of 10 tribute envelopes which you can request by calling 952-473-1261.

In Honor of

Anderson and Patterson Families

Alice Johnson

Sarah and Benjamin Bower

Carol Patterson

Jeff Jones

David and Sharon Petterson

Lawrence Ladwig Family

Michael Anderson

Adam Barbetta

John and Shelia Barbetta

Matt Beckman

Connie and Ben Webber

Craig Mueller

Robert and Louise Terry

Kelly Lambert

Myslajek Kemp & Spencer

Corbin Leih

Jeanette and Larry Liukonen

Christopher Blasewitz

Jessica Lund

Matthew Boisclair

Kathy Lund

Jeanette Blasewitz Mary and Russell Schmidt

Ellen Timmerman-Borer

Kathy Lund Kevin Lund Timothy Lund Jennifer Nelson

John and Nan Beard Angela and George Bernhardt Karen and Sean Lafferty George and Audrey Schultz

Sarah Lundquist

Jeff and Peggy Cotter David Golden

Katie Mueller

Tim Brenden

Sarah Casey

John VanDanacker Rob Crolick Jessica Rolph Jake Curry

Patricia and Michael Houston

Michael David and Lauren Mitchell

Sandra C. Carlson

Mary Fedor

Judy Ferretti

Leslie Fish

Gary and K. Diane Lichter

Sherm Stanchfield

Emily Miller

Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe

Kris Miller

Hugh and Marjorie Garside Larry Mueller Renee Mueller

Donald Nelson

Judi and Jerry Andresen

Eddie Nelson

Brent and Karen Nelson

Sue Oreck

Ann and Barry Vermeer

Lillian Orenstein

Herbert and Kathie Levy

Rockstar Fundraising Team

Kevin Borer and Ellen Timmerman-Borer

Rose Rizzi

Robert and Susan Burns

Ted Freeman

Elsa Rusch

Garland Staff

Jeff Silver

Diane Marshall Orville and Vonnie Olson

Jason Hammang

Don and Pat Carlson Gwenn Chriss John and Terry Kruse

T.J. Hanratty

Joseph Durda Foundation

Robert Hansen

Mark and Lynn Hansen

Holy Name Church

Frank and Madaline Renshaw

Dale Hovda

Roger and Elaine Hovda

Jersey Staff and Individuals

Julie Jurrjens

Loretta Farrell Gerald and Kate Roehl

Southcrest Staff

Virgil and Patricia Leih

Paul Stoltenberg

Terry and Lisa McGlynn Gretchen Stromberg

Janet Tuckner

Richard and Nancy Timp

Lynn Vertnik

Deb Mosnik

Matt Wagner

William and Nancy Wagner

Ashley Wald

Sarah Moon

Suzanne Wanous

Marilyn Fryer

Dan Damiani Freida Damiani Holly Damiani

Jim Damiani Patti Jo and Mike McClellan

Josephine Berge

Elaine Siegel Jonah Siegel

Stuart and Joyce Newman

Hanukkah Lillian Orenstein

Allison Oreck

Gena and Joe Janetka Marc Kozberg Leslee and Mert Shapiro

Michael and Sue Oreck

Brad Fenske and the Day Program Staff Broadway Staff Davie and Broadway Staff Hammer Staff

Mary Patterson

Kathy Becker

Wilbert and Elaine Becker

Bea Beddor

Maureen Barrett Burns

David Bencini

Anonymous Barbara Bencini Keith Beresheim Kathryn Buckley Diane Holten Kim Keprios Larry and Cindy Thoen Blair Van Horn Whitney Windmiller

Ron Bertagnolli

George and Audrey Schultz

Kelly Bonk

Mark and Sara Bonk

Mary Cyr Alton Robert and Susan Burns Carolyn Crabtree Linda and Jack Hallberg

Jack and Andrea Casey

Dave Wincek Mike Wincek

Lynn Dablow's mother

Rose Rizzi

Alice Tomaschko Linda and Bob Tomaschko

Oreck Family Lillian Orenstein

Deborah and Mark Weiss

In Memory of Clyde Anders

Beth Brink

Peggy Arneson

Gervae Anderson Michael P. Anderson

Dorothy Bailey

Blue Cross Blue Shield Christinsa Boettcher Richard and Martha Carlson CentraCare Health James and Mary Gag Christopher Glaose Linda and Kenneth Holmen Philip Holmen Grace Holmen David and Julie Jones Bill Lundberg Michael Minenko Marlys Nelson Danielle Paulson Larrie and Lou Ann Reese Rose Rizzi Kathleen Schaefers Brett and Kathy Smith Patty and Greg Solum Lee Trelstad Velin Family

Catherine DeCelles Greg and Janet Gillies

Emory Cook

Pearly Cook

Marvin and Rosemary Fish

Joan Daugherty

Thomas and Diane Russell

Lois Endersbe

Sally and Peter Tulkki

Peter Ferguson

Susan Baker

Robert Fisher

Allen and LaVonne Ribbe

Ted Freeman Jr.

David and Patricia O'Rourke Freeman

Val Gjellereit

Jessica Hammer

Amelia Grahek

Mark and Kathy Wallraff

Jeremy Grecula

Barbara Thode

Bundy Hartmann

Hartmann Family Trust

Bill Hempel

Kay Hempel

Brad Hill

Thomas P. Bedard

Ramiz Hourani

Marshall and Dru Anderson

Michael Housen

Audrae Rosenzweig

Dick Hume

Ron and Lori Hume Stonebridge Capital Advisors

Rae Kleinbaum

Ronald Haskvitz

Dr. Arne Kolbjornsen

Dr. Lloyd Andersen

Thomas Andersen Julie Armbrust Angela and George Bernhardt Dick Kenny and Lynn Regan Joan Male Dr. David McGill Bruce and Ruth O'Neal Kay Roschild Eddie and Marion Ryshavy Rose Rizzi Robert Schwartz Julie H. Sorensen Sugar Hills Townhome Association Barbara Thode Jerald and Susan Tongen

Bob Koltes

Don and Becky Gromek JoAnn Koltes Christine and Alan Strande

Marty Kozberg Lillian Orenstein James Lundquist

David and Christine Bardwell

Bob Maslowski

Gervae Anderson Wallace Roles

Wayne Schuck

Art and Mary Thole

Peter Schultz

Paul Schultz

Chan Smith

George and Audrey Schultz

Todd Solseth

Joy Robbins

David Swanson

Peggy Swanson

Jerry and Marie Tuckner

Mary and Michael Ongstad

Gladys V. Volkart

Howard Volkart

Mary Waller

Cheryl Kinney

Marie Welz

Barry and Mary Jo Miller Peggy Swanson

Helen Working

Jeanette McChesney

Ruth, Marion and Earl

Ramona Cushman

Jan Apple's mother, Marion Danny Berdass Jonathan Oken Leonard Savitt Alan Shapiro

Alan and Connie Wilensky

Marty Metzler

Jim Finney Don Rudd

Raliegh Nelson

Bob Geiger Paul Jaeger Paul Tviete George White

Mary Metzler and Elliott Mills Diane and Timothy Williams Tom and Susie Gillespie

Tim Nelson

Wes Bue and Denise Eng

Glenn Norling

Scott Norling Donna Norling

Beverly O'Connor

Tom and Susie Gillespie Mary Kriz

Lowell Fennell

Bill Peterson Renee Mueller Don Radzak

Jeanette McChesney

Pearson Family

Shirley (Rip) Freeman

Jeff and Sarah Braverman's mom Delores Fink Martin Ring Alan and Vicki Sussman's mom

Susan and Michael Oreck

Leon Lerner Phyllis Sudit's brother Ralph

Elaine Siegel

Bill Graham Carole Swales

Barry and Mary Jo Miller

Lynor Ribbe

Rebecca Granowski Jean Oberg Allen and LaVonne Ribbe

Martin Ring

Roger and Terry Hork Robert and Janet Huddleston Jeff and Raleigh Karatz Susan and Michael Oreck Susan and Greg Pfeiffer

Hammer Discoveries | 19

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Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-1261 hammer.org

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Contact Cari Sheley at 952-277-2454 or csheley@hammer.org with questions.

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HAMMER HAPPENINGS >> HAMMER FAMILY DAY PICNIC September 16, 2017 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Hammer Central Office

Jon Leverentz, a man supported by Hammer, has an art exhibit of his work on display at the University of Minnesota.

Art Exhibit Open to the Public May 31 - September 6, 2017 Institute on Community Integration University of Minnesota Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Drive SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 For more information and directions visit Hammer.org/events or call 952.473.1261

For more events, news, and updates visit Hammer.org