2024 Summer Discoveries

Summer 2024

Discoveries

Meet the Smith Family Mike along with his parents and some of his large family! They are all part of our family, extended.

Read the story on pages 4–5

AGING WITH DIGNITY AND GRACE When I first came to Hammer 12 years ago, it became a tradition of mine to greet travelers returning from the annual Community Life fishing trip. Back then the people we support would bound off the bus, excited to share their fishing adventures.

They were young, energetic, and ready to go. I still greet the returning fishing trip travelers today, but there are some notable changes that have taken place throughout the years.

Nowadays, individuals may John with need assistance getting off the bus.

Wayne in 2014 They move a little slower. They still want to share stories; it just may take a little more time to tell the tale.

To support our individuals both physically and emotionally as they age, staff must be trained in support skills for aging adults focusing on dementia, additional personal cares, and end-of-life care. Our Aging & End of Life Committee (see their article on pages 16-17) is working on initiatives to provide staff resources and access to ongoing training. Our goal has always been to help the people we support stay as active and engaged as they are able and live full lives.

They may prefer to spend more time at home these days, but they still want a life filled with activities and friends.

With Program Managers Paul Aban and Chelsea Mitchem, who were returning from the fishing trip

John welcomes Kevin, supported at 13th Ave., back from fishing

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 2

Letter from the CEO

PAGE 3

Board Spotlight

PAGES 4-5

A Family Affair

PAGES 6-7

Aging Gracefully with James

PAGES 8-9

Cooks in the Kitchen Expands

PAGES 10

The Growing Friendship of Brooke & Kris

PAGES 11

Meet Kelly

PAGES 12-13

Empowering Aging with Accessibility Upgrades

PAGE 14-15

Alvina’s Angels

PAGE 16-17

Life Comes Full Circle

PAGE 18-19

Josiah’s Story

As we support people as they age, we are thankful for your partnership and all that you do to help them live healthy and fulfilling lives.

PAGES 20-21

Reach For Ralph 2024

PAGES 22-23

Day Supports Program

Pages 24

Hammer & NER Heritage Society

Blessings,

Pages 25

Investing in Tomorrow

Pages 26

Caring for the Heart: Black Oaks Ladies

Pages 27

Traveling the Road Together

Back cover

Family Day Picnic

In this edition of Discoveries, we share stories of the individuals we serve as they are aging. Throughout the years we have walked alongside and supported them by modifying the homes to be more accessible, adjusting food choices as tastes change, and installing better lighting to make the home safe.

John Estrem, CEO

2 | Discoveries

ADVOCATING FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS

By Rich Stoebe, Board Member, Parent, Advocate, Volunteer

I

was thrilled to join the Hammer & NER Board of Directors in January. Participating on the Board, Program Committee, and Advocacy Committee comes with a learning curve, however, not without wonderful support from other volunteers and staff members. The Hammer & NER Vision and Strategic Plan is inspiring, and I am thoughtfully looking for ways to support this essential work.

My wife, Anne, and I are lifelong advocates for choice, equity, and inclusion for all, including our daughter. At 32, April continues to learn and grow to build her independence. While she doesn’t like it when her disability gets in the way, it hasn’t stopped her from reaching her 10-year anniversary at work or trying new challenges like indoor rock climbing and snowboarding.

Anne, April, and Rich Stoebe

We also know that choice requires the right amount and type of support at the right time. Like many of you, our family has experience in navigating the system of support. The information can be complex, and decisions can be difficult. This challenge motivates me to join you in advocating for disability rights and working to make life a little less complicated for people with disabilities, family members, and caregivers.

imperative for the organization will result in a fuller life for people today and in the future. It is also encouraging to hear about the recent progress in advocating for more inclusive reimbursement rates for apartment services. It’s a milestone that will improve lives. It also demonstrates how to lead system changes that benefit many organizations supporting people in similar situations.

Hammer & NER has a remarkable history of creating lifelong options for people through professional and dedicated support.

In my opinion, the commitment to staffing as the top strategic

I know there is much more to learn. In the meantime, I am telling everyone I know about Hammer & NER as I figure out how to actively contribute time, talent, and resources.

Discoveries

Managing Editors Barbara Brandt / Barbara.Brandt@Hammer.org Jennifer L. Hipple / Jennifer.Hipple@Hammer.org Angela Bernhardt, Barbara Brandt, Anna Byro, Joe Cullen, Lin Curran, Jennifer L. Hipple, Steve Kastendieck, Jerry LeVasseur, Megan Pierce, Cate Saracen Peters, Rich Stoebe, Cathy Thoma, Ginger Venable, and Sue Walker Photography: Submitted photos by staff members Barbara Brandt and Joe Cullen The Stoebe family at the Spring Breakfast

Graphic Design: Jennifer Larson

Discoveries | 3

A Family Affair

DECADES OF DEVOTION HAVE NURTURED A FULFILLING LIFE

By Jennifer L. Hipple, Communication Specialist

T

o meet the Smith family is to witness the meaning of love and devotion.

In addition to raising their own six children, Gary and Shirley Smith welcomed 12 foster children into their home over the years. Their eldest son, Mike, who was born with cerebral palsy, has been part of the Hammer & NER family since 2008.

Gary and Shirley cared for Mike at home until he was in his 20s. As Mike grew older, it became more challenging. They found a group home in St. Paul where Mike lived for many years. However, it was a long drive from the family home in Wayzata. They wanted Mike closer to them. They searched for alternatives and found Hammer Residences’ McGlinch home.

“The staff was great,” Gary says, “and we were impressed by how the home was managed. The other people there were so welcoming.” And it was only 10 minutes away!

“One of the blessings about McGlinch is that once you’re there, it’s home and you’re not looking to leave until the good Lord says it’s time,” Gary says. “Mike made the decision that McGlinch is his home. When he would come for an overnight, he would ask ‘When am I going home?’ That’s where his friends are. That’s where all the magical things happen.”

about a movie he wants to see. Or he may tell me he ate some pork chops, or maybe he has a new girlfriend.”

Younger brother, Rory, also chats with Mike via FaceTime. They love joking back and forth, especially about which celebrities they think they look like. “We make each other laugh,” Rory says. He brings Mike dinner or a special treat every Thursday. “It’s important to keep him connected to the family,” Rory says. “We all live so close so that makes it easier.”

Mike goes to WorkAbilities during the week. “It’s a great way for him to get out and get involved,” says his sister, Mandi Smith Brandon. “He may stuff envelopes or stack and sort books. It provides a sense of purpose, and he has friends there.”

The staff at McGlinch have truly made a difference in Mike’s life. “Sometimes he gets frustrated,” Mandi says, “but Comfort Ahavit (one of the home’s Lead DSPs) has been such a blessing.

She can talk to him and bring him back down and make him feel at peace. He wants to cooperate and feel more like Mike again. It takes a really special person to have those tools and genuine caring.”

When Mike was younger, he was very active. He participated in Special Olympics in high school and was a runner. “We’ve got the medals here somewhere,” Gary says. “He was also involved in therapeutic horseback riding and loved to downhill ski at Normandale Hylands.”

Now in his early 50s, Mike has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair. He needs more support medically. The McGlinch staff help him with daily exercises. “We have a goal to get him back on his feet again,” says Mike’s brother, Josh. “We’re working on keeping him motivated. He hasn’t been able to come home for weekends or sleepovers because of mobility issues.”

Mike loves staying in touch with his family. He “FaceTimes” Gary three times a day to tell him what he’s doing. Josh also hears from him frequently. “We’ll video chat and he’ll tell me 4 | Discoveries

Mike (left) as a young boy with his parents and his brother, Matthew

The Smiths also appreciate that staff get Mike to his medical appointments and then follow up with the family. “It’s a great support for us,” says Mandi.

Josh says Program Manager Abdul Qayyumi recently stepped in to get Mike to and from Workabilities when there was an issue with Mike’s transportation.

“He did it until the issue was resolved,” says Josh. “That was huge. Mike needs that consistency to stay on track. Abdul and Comfort are a great duo in making sure Mike is getting what he needs.”

Like many families, the Smiths are preparing for Mike’s siblings to take on more responsibility and decision making. “They have stepped up and will continue to do so after we’re gone,” says Gary. “We laid the groundwork many years ago. Because we did foster care when they were growing up, they have always understood the need to be involved. It instilled a watchfulness in them to make sure they take care of their brother.”

Mandi agrees. “It’s been a natural progression of the siblings all being involved,” she says. “Everybody’s there and we’re happy to do it. That legacy will continue after our parents. Fortunately, we have a very close-knit family.

We can support each other on that journey. That’s what family does.”

Mike loved skiing at Normandale Highlands

Mike with some of the McGlinch staff

A FAMILY THAT VOLUNTEERS TOGETHER . . .

Mike’s family are very involved in volunteering with Hammer & NER. “It’s good for the organization and it’s good for your loved one to see your involvement,” says Gary. “It helps them understand this is their home.” Family members help at our annual Family Day Picnic and get the rakes out to do fall yard clean-up at our homes.

Mandi is Director of Operations at Color Glo International. Teams of Color Glo staff volunteer with our Cooks in the Kitchen program, preparing hot meals for several of our homes, which helps the staff.

Mandi and her family take dinner over for everyone at the McGlinch home every Saturday and deliver Easter baskets each spring.

Mike and his sister, Mandi

Mike with brotherin-law Pete, and brother, Josh

Josh is President of AK Material Handling Systems. Their “Give Back Crew,” an employee-driven initiative, makes monthly contributions to Hammer & NER that provide fun activities for the people we support. Josh also provided funds for a new ramp to support accessibility at the McGlinch home.

Discoveries | 5

AGING GRACEFULLY WITH JAMES

By Anna Byro, Program Director

E

very person on earth deserves to have their basic needs met which include being loved, comforted, and having a sense of belonging.

We all need emotional warmth, including individuals who are experiencing cognitive decline.

James and I have known each other for the last seven years. It’s safe to say that I have aged with James just as much as he’s aged with me. We both have had to adjust in ways that we could never have imagined.

Let’s start from my beginning. When I met James, I was shocked to find out he was 80. He was filled with energy and had a vibrant presence that was hard to ignore. James and I would often spend afternoons together where we would have “coffee or pop talks” to make sure he was in a good spot. It was his time to shine, joke around, talk or not talk, and ask any questions he wanted. At that time, the conversation was mainly filled with how he was going to fill his evenings or when the next outing was going to be or where they were going to go to dinner.

James always kept to a routine. Every morning like clockwork he would get up, take a shower, change, eat breakfast, and do his biking and PT exercises and then he went on with the rest of his day, with minor staff prompting. As he’s gotten older, we have had to change our support from verbal prompts to fully adjusting to meet where James is for the day, which typically has James participating with minor steps like pressing the start button on the washer and dryer.

When he doesn’t sleep well at night, on the next day, we just follow James’ pace and adjust our day around him.

For James to be successful, staff now need to greet him with a smile and a lighthearted conversation. James may not remember who the staff are but if he feels that warmth from the staff, that helps his day go smoothly. Staff really must pay attention and focus on the conversation with James. We need to adjust our communication style to fit his. We need to speak slower, pause between sentences, and speak simply but still in our normal tone. We sometimes need to use visual cues and repeat the information in order for him to comprehend.

Alex, Gretchen, and James at the Carlson home

6 | Discoveries

James being a goofball

At the Carlson home, we had to change the physical environment to better suit all the individuals there along with James. We installed more lights in the house to prevent shadowing that might cause discomfort to some going through the aging process. We also installed a chair lift so that everyone can have access to each other (James lives on the lower level). James still has a lot of physical abilities, but on the rougher days he has a hard time moving around and needs to have a lift for him to gain access to the upstairs and to be with his other friends who live in the home.

Reflecting on how James has impacted me, he has taught me so much about living life; that even in the darkest times there is always a reason to smile. James has also shown me how to just “be still” and enjoy the moment. When talking to others about how James has impacted their lives, Lois Jackson, Program Manager at the Carlson home, says, “James has shown that even without his biological family being involved in his life he has still found happiness every day. This showed me that you can find family and love from people beyond blood relations.”

Anna and James during one of their coffee/pop talks

Throughout the years, my conversations with James have changed from making a plan, to answering more repetitive questions such as when I will be back or just being content with sitting beside one another. At our last coffee talk James asked, “Can you be my best friend?” I said, “Better yet you can be my person.” With a smile and a big hug James said, “Good.”

James recently celebrated his 87th birthday!

Gretchen and James on his 85th birthday

Michelle and James on an outing

Discoveries | 7

COOKS IN THE KITCHEN EXPANDS TO WHITE BEAR LAKE

By Barbara Brandt, Director of Communication

C

alling all volunteers! Get ready to put on your aprons and grab your frying pans because an exciting volunteer opportunity is now also available in the east metro at our White Bear Lake office. If you and your friends enjoy cooking and are passionate about making a positive impact for the individuals we support, then Cooks in the Kitchen is the perfect volunteer experience for you.

Cooks in the Kitchen started back in 2021, in the kitchen at our Wayzata office, that provided hot meals to individuals living in four of our group homes. Launching this opportunity was a major endeavor. It began with staff members piloting the program, cooking the meals, and working out all the kinks. Once those were resolved, new and existing volunteers stepped in. They included Medica, Business Essentials, our Thursday Ladies, and groups of friends. The volunteers would cook and assemble, then staff would deliver the meals to our homes.

When the word got out, the volunteer opportunity started to gain traction and interest grew. Now people from church committees, groups of friends, and corporate groups alike come to volunteer for Cooks in the Kitchen.

meals. A stove and an additional refrigerator were installed to create a fully functional kitchen. Essential items like pots, pans, cooking utensils, and staple kitchen ingredients were purchased to stock the cupboards. Next step was to recruit volunteers, and Joanie Purrington (a longtime Northeast Residence Board member and ambassador) was just the person to help. She brought a group of her friends to cook and get us started! They are now known as Joanie’s Gems.

The process runs seamlessly. Tried and true recipes are printed off each week from a collection of favorites.

Ingredients are ordered through Instacart and delivered to the office. Once the supplies arrive, Diane Campbell, front desk receptionist, puts the food away in the kitchen.

Julie Huffcutt is Hammer & NER’s Volunteer Manager and oversees the program. She then steps in and is the organizer of the day, making sure the kitchen is set up and ready for the volunteers to cook. “Cooks in the Kitchen is truly a collaborative effort to prepare wonderful meals for some of our homes and the people we support,” she says.

Fast forward to 2024. The next exciting challenge was to expand Cooks in the Kitchen to the east side of town, so volunteers living near our White Bear Lake office could easily join in the fun. The first step was to get the space in the lower level of the East office building set up for cooking

Volunteer Pat Lutz assembling the prepared ingredients, getting them ready to deliver to homes Volunteer Vicki Huffcutt frying up the hamburger

8 | Discoveries

Julie Huffcutt with Pat Lutz Left to right: Volunteers Chuck Anderson, Sandy Most, Vicki Huffcutt, and Pat Lutz from Anderson & Associates

When Wednesday rolls around the volunteers arrive and the kitchen is all set. They are warmly welcomed and given some instruction if needed. The cooking process takes a couple of hours. Volunteers prepare ingredients, and the wonderful smell of a home-cooked meal travels through the office.

Volunteers assemble the meals in containers and label them for our staff members to deliver to the homes. Now, the only thing left to do are the dishes!

Cooks in the Kitchen is a wonderful experience. The recipes are easy, and I love that the individuals we are cooking for live in the group homes in the community. It is nice to know who you are cooking for is not being shipped away. — Vicki Huffcutt, Volunteer

MEET JULIE HUFFCUTT, VOLUNTEER MANAGER Over the past 10 years, Julie has been working with volunteers and food! She is passionate about both.

Julie believes that food is life, and it brings people together, forming bonds and making connections.

The volunteer manager role is the perfect fit for Julie. She brings a background of recruiting volunteers and providing food for people who need a nourishing meal. She believes that relationships flourish when sharing time and a meal together.

Julie is most excited to bring her love of people and food to her position.

She knows this will make a difference in the lives of the individuals we support, one meal at a time.

Interested in volunteering with Hammer & NER? Visit our volunteer page: hammer.org/volunteer or contact Cathy in our Volunteer Resources department: cthoma@hammer.org

Chuck and Sandy cooking the ingredients for the meals

Discoveries | 9

THE GROWING FRIENDSHIP OF BROOKE & KRIS

By Cathy Thoma, Director of Volunteer Resources

E

ver since Brooke Vidlund was a little girl, she has had friends and classmates who had special needs. Once she was out of college, she wanted to continue to be involved with those with developmental disabilities.

Brooke first became aware of Hammer & NER in 2019. Her friend, Ally, was a one-on-one volunteer with a person we supported who needed an exercise buddy. Brooke had spent time reflecting on her values and knew she wanted to volunteer as a one-on-one volunteer.

concerned about her walking speed, Brooke would coach her to walk faster, “You can do it! Just get going!” This was helpful when Kris entered the walking competition at the Special Olympics held at St. Thomas. Brooke and her husband, Zach, both St. Thomas alumni, were there to cheer her on. When Kris saw them in the stands, she asked Brooke, “Tell me to get going!” And Brooke said, “Well, get going!” And she did! Kris won the race!

When Brooke had her first son, Cal, she brought him over to meet Kris. They were both so smiley, and Cal touched Kris’s face. She was very gentle with him. When Brooke’s second son, Fin, was born, she would take him to meet Kris for coffee. They were able to do this frequently while Brooke was on maternity leave.

Cal is now 3 years old, and Finn is 8 months old. Kris enjoys spending time with them. She was recently visiting Brooke’s house. While Brooke was cooking them dinner, Kris got to feed Fin.

Kris and Brooke

Once she applied to volunteer, Brooke was introduced to Kris. The Program Manager at Kris’s apartment program made the position easy and approachable. Brooke’s role was to hang out with Kris. There was no pressure, and Hammer & NER was a safe space to make friends and go out into the community. There were no requirements other than to have fun!

Brooke and Kris have so many stories of their friendship. Before Brooke had children, she and Kris would regularly work out at Planet Fitness or the apartment gym. When Kris was a little 10 | Discoveries

When asked what she would tell someone who was thinking of volunteering, Brooke says, “Just do it!

Even with a demanding job and two young children, I still love to bring Kris into the fold. This is a great way to better your own life, and someone else’s.”

Brooke and her husband, Zachary, with Kris at the 2023 Spring Breakfast

What does Brooke have to say about her friend, Kris? “She is so much fun,” Brooke says. “She is a very happy human being. She laughs all the time and is fun to be with. Adults don’t get to be goofy and silly all the time, but Kris brings it out of you!”

Brooke stays engaged as a volunteer because she really enjoys spending time with Kris. It forces her to get out of her own day-to-day bubble and has changed her perspective. “People from all walks of life have great ideas,” she says. “Kris has taught me a lot about kindness and that it takes all kinds of people to make the world a better place.”

Kris holding Brooke’s baby, Fin

MEET KELLY

LIVING A LIFE OF ADVOCACY AND ADVENTURE

By Jennifer L. Hipple, Communication Specialist

A

round the Cedarwood Apartments in Crystal, Kelly Lee is known as the gal with a personality and smile that can light up a room. She is also a very independent woman who advocates for herself and others living with disabilities.

“I am a person with cerebral palsy,” Kelly will tell you. “I always wanted to live on my own, but my family wasn’t so sure.”

Kelly lived with her sister, Anne, for many years. “It was just the two of us,” says Anne,” but when I got married, I wasn’t able to do the things for her that she needed. The best thing for her was to find someplace where she could be more independent so she could live her own life while still being around people.” An assessment determined that Kelly could be in her own place.

“Once we talked everything over with her counselors and met with Cedarwood and learned what it would look like and how much support she would have, I was more comfortable with her having her own apartment,” Anne says. “Our mom raised her to be independent.”

Visiting Saudi Arabia during an international disabilities conference

Kelly was very pleased with the move to the Cedarwood Apartments. “It was all very new to me, but I made a whole lot of friends,” she says.

“I knew Kelly would be a good fit here,” says Program Director Jay Butler. “Kelly is proud of being a self-advocate. She represents people with disabilities and likes to talk with people about it. She likes working with The Arc, attends monthly meetings, and has gone to their national conventions.”

Anne agrees. “Kelly talks to people about how important it is for people living with disabilities to be seen and heard.

She encourages them to speak up for themselves and not let people talk down to them or talk about them.

That’s what a lot of her work with selfadvocacy is about.”

Prior to getting involved with The Arc, Kelly was involved with ACT, another disability advocacy group. “She did a lot of speaking engagements,” says Anne. “They took her many places, including Saudi Arabia for an international disability conference.

She’s not afraid to speak in front of people.”

Kelly says she wants people to accept her for who she is. “I have a life to live,” she says. “There are people who have been hurt like I’ve been hurt. Sometimes you have sad times.

Some people don’t listen to those with disabilities. Sometimes they don’t want to be bothered by people with disabilities. I know I’m doing the very best I can.”

Kelly (above, left) and her sister, Anne Left: Celebrating New Year’s 2024! (Photo courtesy of Cedarwood Apartments)

Kelly has a job at Lifetime Fitness that makes her feel valued. She was laid off during the pandemic, which really took a toll on her. Happily, she was recently brought back a few months ago. “The members remembered me and were happy to see me back,” Kelly says. “Everyone looks at me as me. They don’t say anything about my disability. They see me as a person, as Kelly.”

Although Kelly is getting older and slowing down a bit, she knows what she needs and will ask for it. She talked with staff about moving from the second floor to the first floor for mobility and safety reasons. “I’m a little slow, so in case there was a fire—” she says. She finds a way to compensate for the changes that aging brings about. “When you’re living with a disability, you don’t say the word can’t,” Kelly says. “That’s something my mom told me. I can. I can. I can.

I’m trying. I’m trying. I did it. I did it.”

Discoveries | 11

EMPOWERING AGING WITH ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES

By Lin Curran, Chief of Operations

A

t Hammer & NER, we believe that a person’s home should be a sanctuary of comfort and independence, no matter their stage of life. I’m pleased to share the thoughtful and necessary updates made to our 9th Avenue home to promote a more accessible and comfortable living environment.

all that went into creating this accessible home. It makes coming to work more enjoyable when you see independence and calmness return to those who lost it for a period of time.

In 2023, the focus of the 9th Avenue home in North St. Paul was about creating a more accessible and supportive environment for those who are aging. The home is large and has good bones but needed modifications for those who depend on mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers. A ramp was installed on the side of the home, allowing for easier access near the kitchen area.

By removing the floor-to-ceiling wall cabinets, the space was opened which allows for easier wheelchair navigation into the kitchen and laundry area. To further enhance accessibility, a wheelchair platform lift on the stairs leading to the lower level was installed. This ensures the ladies living there can safely move between the floors of their home.

In the larger, main-level bathroom, the space was transformed to better accommodate the needs of the people supported. By removing the jacuzzi, a large roll-in shower was installed, and an accessible sink was put in allowing for increased independence. This also creates a safer space for employees to maneuver as they assist with daily cares. Throughout the home, the carpet was removed, walls were painted, and new countertops were installed in the kitchen giving the home a peaceful/calm ambience.

Denise loves everything purple!

Michelle, Program Manager at the Hale home, stated all the changes were huge for Denise who moved from the Hale home to 9th Avenue. Denise was becoming more and more fearful of falling at her Hale home. She would wait until the staff could help her up the stairs to her bedroom or the restroom. Now, at the 9th Avenue home, her bedroom, bathrooms, and common areas are on the main level, allowing her to independently walk through her home without fear.

Karen also moved into 9th Avenue from our 5th Street home. When I spoke with Megan (the previous Program Director for 5th Street), she felt that Karen seemed calmer since she’s been living at 9th Avenue. This was because of the larger open space and the home simply feels like a happy place. The staff take great pride in creating a calm and safe space for the people supported and appreciate

12 | Discoveries

The platform chair lift supports accessibility

As I was speaking with Pam, Director of Program Services, and Sondra, Director of Licensing, they both appreciate the fact that we can transfer people from one home to another, when needed. One of the ladies now living at 9th Avenue had been discharged from a hospital stay to a TCU as we were unable to meet her needs at the home she lived in at the time.

The changes at 9th Avenue allowed her to return to Hammer & NER, which everyone is grateful for. The fourth person who moved into the home simply says she loves everything about her move.

At the heart of these upgrades is our commitment to supporting the aging process with dignity and respect. We understand that every person’s needs are unique, and we’re dedicated to working closely with the people supported by creating customized solutions that improve their quality of life.

Cooking in the kitchen with Karen

YOU CAN HELP! HOME IMPROVEMENT FUND As health care and other supports have improved, people with disabilities, including those supported by Hammer & NER, are living longer than ever. This is great news! Many have lived in the same home for decades. Hammer & NER is committed to providing homes where people can age with dignity and respect.

Our team is consistently evaluating each of our 59 homes to make sure they meet the needs of the people living in the home, and if changes are needed to provide a higher quality of life for them. Donor support allows us to carry out projects which would otherwise not be possible.

By supporting our Home Improvement fund, donors champion changes to homes that impact people living with disabilities now and into the future. If you would like to learn more, please reach out to our Fundraising Manager, Nate Reed at nathan.reed@hammer.org or visit Hammer.org/give

Donna enjoys relaxing in her new home

Discoveries | 13

ALVINA’S ANGELS: MONTHLY GIVERS WE KNOW WE CAN COUNT ON Monthly donors, a group we lovingly call Alvina’s Angels after our founder Alvina Hammer, provide a consistent and dependable investment in our work. As a monthly donor, you choose an amount that meets your monthly budget – whether it is $10 or $1,000, and each month your gift will be automatically billed to your credit card or debited from your checking account. Your regular, reliable donations make it easier for both you and Hammer & NER to budget and plan.

To become a monthly donor, visit our website:

Hammer.org/monthly-giving-angels

MEET SOME OF OUR ANGELS

Mary Bradley and the County Road F gals

Mary Bradley has been volunteering with the four women at our County Road F home for three years. She takes the time to make each person feel special by giving each one a special, “Mary Saturday” that they look forward to and plan. It means so much for each person to be the center of attention. Mary was recently honored at the Spring Breakfast with a Community Partner Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Hammer & NER. “Until it was mentioned at the Spring Breakfast, I had not been aware that I could do a monthly automatic donation to Hammer & NER. I already donate in that way to a few causes that are near to my heart, and I knew instantly I needed to add Hammer & NER to the list. The work they do and the dedication they show is so inspiring, I can’t think of a better thing to do with my money!”

14 | Discoveries

Sisters Susie and Rebecca

Rebecca Furnival’s sister, Susie, was served by Hammer for many years, beginning with her time at the Hammer School in the 1960s. Rebecca was a long-time Board member and active volunteer. Although she and her husband, Ron, spend much of their time in Arizona, and sadly Susie passed away in October of 2020, Rebecca remains a loyal supporter and a monthly donor.

“I became my sister, Susie’s, guardian in 2011, the year she turned 50. She had been living in a less than ideal situation in rural Wisconsin. I knew if she moved to Minnesota we would try to find a home for her at Hammer. I continue to donate monthly to Hammer & NER because Hammer changed not only Susie’s life but mine and my sister, Sarah’s, lives. We were able to love Susie and her staff provided her daily needs of living. Susie lived her life to the fullest. Her group home was her family. I want to assist Hammer & NER so that they can continue their vital mission for another 100 years.”

WHY WE GIVE I grew up in Long Lake and have known about Hammer most of my life. Our neighbor had a daughter who lived at Hammer School, and I would occasionally be brought along when she was getting picked up or dropped off for an outing.

When I saw an ad that Hammer was hiring for a Finance position 18 years ago, I applied. I love how Hammer & NER supports both the people served and their staff. Reaching your dreams and living life to the fullest is not just for the people who use Hammer & NER’s services!

My husband, Duane, worked at Orono Middle School for many years in the Maintenance Department. His favorite thing was helping the children in the Special Education classes. He loves to tell about the time they lost their hermit crab, and he took the whole room apart until he found it.

They invited him to a special celebration to thank him!

We feel it is important to give back to our community. We support Hammer & NER with monthly and annual gifts because we understand the importance of consistent, dependable funding to ensure the sustainability of programs.

While basic staffing needs are covered by government funding, the quality of services and innovation are funded by our gifts.

— Kristin (CFO) and Duane Pyka

ALVINA’S ANGELS

JOIN THE CLUB!

Anonymous AK Material Handling Systems Janet and David Anderson Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong Laura Bade John and Sheila Barbetta Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta Mark and Carolyn Bauer Angela and George Bernhardt Joan Boerschinger Dan and Kate Bottiger Mary Bradley Barbara and Bill Brandt Aaron Briggs Michael Bryant Tomeko Champion-Patrick Patrice and James Dahl Rob and Susan Dahlin Judith Davidson Ashley Emerson Tim Eshelman Rosemary Fish Bob and Terrisa Fisher Justin Fulakollie Rebecca and Ron Furnival Jean and Bill Gjetson Sue and Ilja Gregor Susan Argall Haas and Brian Haas Jessica Hammer Patty and Ben Hastings Jo Ann M. Henricksen Mary Marquretta Hill Sharon and Sandy Hindahl Jennifer Hipple Mark and Nancy Hirschfeld Linda and Kenneth Holmen Sarah Homuth-Goar Jan Hopper Elizabeth and Jim Hoskyn JK Interiors Inc. Brian Johnson Momo J. Johnson Terry and Timothy Johnston Steve and Teresa Kastendieck Hugh and Julie Kirsch

Barbara and David Kleist Jill Kohler Jo Ann Koltes Joe and Gina Koltes Wendee Larson Elaine Loeffler Robert and Michelle Luke Bill Luther and Janet Robert William Mbu Kevin McLaughlin Steve and Debbie Morelan Jenna and Logan Neal Katherine Noon Michelle and Steve Olson Mary and Michael Ongstad Maima Parker Mary Patterson Jill Peters Father Don Piche Sharon L. Pipes Kristin and Duane Pyka Rae Carlson + Trust Rachel Revels Louis Robards and Mary Coleman Thomas Russeth Elizabeth Schrul Tracy Seymour Jane and Don Shaffer Cari and Jeff Sheley Renee E Solinger-Audette Chris M. Strande Denine Taylor Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer Richard and Nancy Timp Amanda and Aaron Trnka Barbara Tuckner Diana Vang Samantha Vokaty Sue and Kim Walker Michael Wesley Julie Wesley-Wong and Wymond Wong Jackie Wulf Dennis Zelee

Names in blue are Hammer & NER employees who believe we are good stewards of donated funds.

Angela Bernhardt has worked in the Development Department of Hammer & NER since 2013. She has an insider’s perspective on how important donated dollars are to the organization and has been donating via employee payroll deduction program.

When she was getting ready to retire from Hammer & NER and move with her husband, George, to Alabama, they signed up to be members of the Alvina’s Angels club as monthly donors.

Angela and George Bernhardt

“I want to remain connected to the many people I got to know during my 10 years in the Development department. I know that my giving has an impact on the lives of others, unlike my monthly giving to Netflix and Audible which only impacts myself. Giving directly and automatically from my bank account is an easy way to support an organization that is very important to me.”

Discoveries | 15

LIFE COMES FULL CIRCLE

STRENGTH IN COMMITMENT TO AGING SUPPORTS AND EDUCATION

By Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer and Cate Saracen Peters, Director of Workforce Development & Training

A

s a part of our mission, we have made a commitment to support and care for people through all stages of life. More than 20 years ago we recognized that the people we supported had changing needs as they aged. Many of them came to us as very young adults, and some as older adults. With advances in preventative medical care, more people were living healthier, longer lives.

Over the years we have cared for so many people through their elderly years and with more complicated medical, physical, and emotional needs. This means that we need to have understanding relationships with guardians and families, provide training and ongoing support for direct care staff and program leaders, and involve interdisciplinary teams to provide additional supports and services. All of this while maintaining effective connections in the medical community.

We have now reestablished an Aging Task Force with representation from our Program, Training, and Nursing teams.

Our focus will be on Aging, Alzheimer’s, and End of Life Care. We are currently in the process of evaluating all our supports, efforts, and training offerings, to make sure we are current in our materials and knowledge base. The overarching goal is to provide the support that is needed for the people we serve, the staff, families, and peer relationships. This Task Force participates in conferences on aging, staff training, and team support when advanced and end-of-life care is needed to remain current with industry standards. We are also planning for increased opportunities around family education moving forward.

Through our training team, we have

16 | Discoveries

Frank Palony was supported at NER for 48 years and passed away in 2023

materials that are required for direct care staff to complete when they care for people in their advanced age. We provide personalized training at our homes and apartments with staff teams when people we serve have changing needs. Our nursing team provides medical knowledge and support to make decisions with the direct care staff, guardians and families, and other medical specialists. We continue to use hospice services when we need to care for someone through the end of life.

With hospice support, we have a qualityof-life focus in place that provides physical, emotional, and spiritual care and comfort.

A large part of this personalized care includes being intentional about inserting Hammer & NER’s Core Values into our holistic approach: Training that includes family members along with the staff team sustains the memories that are an important part of a person’s life history and ensures supporting the family during all aspects of the aging process. We support a person’s housemates as well. These relationships represent a person’s connection to their daily routines; relational, personcentered care, is truly at the heart of maintaining a meaningful life amid many changes that a person experiences.

There are so many staff members and families we have supported who have cared for people into their golden years. This extension of personalized support includes providing expressions of empathy, trust, and caring for the caregivers. When wanted and needed we bring in a consultant to work with our staff and/or family members as they navigate this part of living for their loved one. A time to share and process what they are walking through, connected to grieving and loss.

This work continues to be an honor as we provide care through people’s last days. Our staff are so committed to this tender time as people they have cared so deeply for enter this season in their lives.

The love has been demonstrated in many different ways over the years and will be in the days and years to come. Staff have honored people with gardens, music, trees, special photo books, handmade memory bears, preparing a special memorial service when family are no longer present, and much more.

So, life indeed comes full circle and in all the details it is our mission to support people to live their lives to the fullest. That includes their changing needs and care, and interests and dreams as they age. The dignity and love that each person deserves and that we can provide is absolutely priceless.

David lives at our Arkansas home and Barb resides at Lee Avenue

Jim Finney came to Hammer Residences when he was 9 years old. He passed away at the age of 82

Discoveries | 17

JOSIAH’S STORY

By Joe Cullen, Communication Specialist

A

ny parent has likely heard the phrase, “the days are long, but the years are short.” The years may be short, but my son, Josiah, definitely isn’t!

It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny toddler running around the house and now I have an 18-year-old young man who is almost as tall as me (I’m 6’4).

And as much as Josiah has grown, well, so have I. When he was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, I knew life would look a bit different. Things haven’t always played out like they do in parenting books or the way they have for friends of mine who have kids.

But if I’ve learned anything after all these years, it’s that my journey as a father might not look the same as others’, but we always hit the milestones in our own unique ways and our own distinct timing.

From the moment I learned I was going to become a dad to a little son, I remember being excited about doing the things that I have fond memories of doing with my own father–playing catch, funny conversations while driving to sports practice, following our favorite sports teams. For years the motor skills that it takes to play most sports–even adaptive sports–were difficult for Josiah to engage with. I was fine with that and was happy to join him in whatever he was interested in at the time, but there was still that part of me that longed to have a game of catch in the backyard.

ball together! Between this and the ”shoe tossing” it may not look like what I would have envisioned, but it actually became a much more beautiful and profound moment for me than had it been the way I had originally thought it would be.

Josiah is nonspeaking and communicates with a letterboard. I’m constantly in awe of the poetry he writes and the deep thoughts he has. I love that he can spell out what kind of music he wants to listen to on our car rides, and my heart swells as I see him bopping his head to the beloved nostalgic pop music I enjoyed when I was his age. He too loves U2 now!

Josiah’s also showing an interest in other things I never would have imagined years ago. My wife, Tahni, and I have always enjoyed photography and this year she bought him a camera.

He needs a little extra help, so we got him a handle grip to keep the camera steady, and it’s been fun to see him decide what he wants to take pictures of out at our long-time favorite spots, like Franconia Sculpture Park.

Josiah has been in the habit lately of kicking off his shoe.

He’s actually quite impressive with how far and high he can kick it! One day on a trail, another walker came by and after seeing one of Josiah’s “shoe kicks” said, “He’s better than any kicker the Vikings have!”

We started to develop our own little games around this shoe kicking. Lately it’s evolved into what can best be described as a “father-son shoe kicking/frisbee throwing extravaganza.”

We’ve spent countless hours this year at parks perfecting our craft. Josiah waits patiently as I wind up and release the frisbee and then he kicks his shoe off. He laughs as I tell him that we’re training for the Paris Olympics this summer and are sure to bring home a gold medal for the USA! Some amazing things have happened during these activities.

One day we had a ball with us, and I kicked it to him. He kicked it back. And this went on for quite a while. Suddenly it dawned on me that after all these years, we were playing

18 | Discoveries

Tahni, Josiah, and Joe at the annual Luau

I’m proud as a father of all the things Josiah has accomplished. It makes my heart swell to see what a caring, compassionate young man he is. We were looking for additional ways to hone his fine motor skills and since he’s had family members affected by cancer, he started assembling care packs to deliver to hospitals, nursing homes, etc. It’s been a great way for him to work on various skills while also blessing others in need.

I wish I could go back in time and tell a younger version of myself not to be so worried when first receiving that autism diagnosis. Sure, things haven’t always been easy, but we always get there in our own unique and often unexpected ways as I continue to cheer on my wonderful, newly adult son.

Josiah and Joe on an outdoor adventure

It’s another goal for Josiah!

Josiah and his new interest: photography!

A beautiful setting for shoe kicking

Discoveries | 19

THANK YOU FOR CARING FOR THE HEART AT REACH FOR RALPH! TOGETHER WE RAISED $342,093!

A Big THANK YOU from the people we serve and their caregivers to our guests for their generosity

A huge thank you to our 300 guests and 50 volunteers who participated in our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser on June 13.

•

•

Anne, Linda, Malik, and Stacy shared stories about a lifetime of care that Anne has received for 52 years.

Chris, a young man who is served at our Lancaster home, created a bidding war during the live auction with his offer to “bring coffee and donuts to your next company meeting.” He charmed the crowd and shared his gratitude to the bidders and his mom and dad after selling three donut deliveries at $2,400 each! It was a magical moment.

Warners’ Stellian, a long-time sponsor included family members Barb and Janet Tuckner. Janet has lived in one of our homes since 1981 and appreciates her extended family support. Thank you Warner family!

Visit our Reach for Ralph page at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you to: • •

Enjoy the photo gallery from the evening Watch the event video featuring the ladies of Black Oaks, who have a combined 152 years of living life to its fullest at Hammer & NER.

Your generous support and enthusiasm mean so much to the 370 people we support, their amazing caregivers, and all of us at Hammer & NER. If you missed out, you can make a difference today by giving a gift at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you

20 | Discoveries

Jim Bebo has supported Hammer & NER since 2005. He always brings friends, fun, and funds and truly “Cares from the Heart”

Thank you to Josh Smith (third from left), and AK Material Handling Systems, a sponsor who brought family and friends with lots of heart

Thank you to the Northeast Metro Rotary for volunteering and making Reach for Ralph a success!

Thank You to our sponsors for Caring for the Heart Presenting Sponsor

Thank you to Alex Greene (back right) and Geritom Medical, our presenting sponsor, for making the night a success

Nancy Wurm (right), a new member of the Hammer & NER Board of Directors, with her friend, Terry Moss. Nancy was joined by 11 other Board members

Boyer & Associates Eide Bailly, LLP Netsmart Technologies Stagetime Productions Jazz Pharmaceuticals MyTech Partners

Linda Zimmerman, CFP, Ameriprise Financial Sanford, Pierson, Thone and Strean, P.L.C. Western National Insurance Group Will and Lottie Steinke Christensen Group Insurance North Heights Lutheran Church Special Needs Ministry

The Lancaster group home were guests of the Ringe family

Discoveries | 21

DAY SUPPORTS PROGRAM IS A DAY BRIGHTENER! NEW PROGRAM FILLS UNUSED SPACE IN EAST OFFICE

By Megan Pierce, Recreational Specialist, Community Life

I

n a nutshell, there have been many changes to external day programs, staffing within our homes, and our ability as an organization to provide community engagement due to the staffing changes post pandemic. These left many of our individuals home or “retired” from their previous day programs. They spent a lot more time at home and lost out on opportunities to engage with peers, get out and into the community, and participate in activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. Simply put, many needed a reason to get up in the morning.

With some cleaning, re-organizing, and decorating, the lower-level area of our Eastside office space, which was historically used by Northeast Residence (NER), was turned into an extended day supports space.

We used some of our quality-of-life funds for purchasing new items along with funding from our community life budget. Donna Beldon, one of the individuals who attends the day supports program, purchased a few items for herself and her peers such as a new coffee pot, coffee, and some snack items. We were excited to officially start the East Day Supports Program on April 1!

From right to left: Virjean (County Road F), Andy (Highway 96), Sara (Bailey Ridge), and Jesse (Hugo A) in the Omni Theatre at the Minnesota Science Museum

Lovingly re- named “The Club” by Donna Belden (who attends each day), the day supports program operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We currently support 12 people from Hammer & NER’s Eastside homes. Each person is supported at The Club by one of their staff.

Some of the folks attending still attend day programs outside the organization part-time and they utilize this program to fill in the gaps. Others have been “retired” from their previous day programs and come to The Club for socializing, relationship building, crafting, and community outings. These activities help increase the quality of life throughout the aging process.

22 | Discoveries

Back row from left: Lynette Vickerman, staff; Kelly (Rollingview); Andy (Highway 96); Sara (Bailey Ridge); Megan Pierce, staff. Front row from left: Nancy (Rollingview); Donna (9th Avenue); Wade Hartmann, staff; and Patricia (9th Avenue)

I am honored to manage The Club with the support of two Lead DSPs from our East homes, Lynette Vickerman and Wade Hartmann, DSP Victorine Mukemfor, and Lindsey Kvern, Hammer & NER’s Community Life Coordinator. We create and plan weekly activities at The Club which typically consist of community outings such as the Minnesota Zoo, the Science Museum of Minnesota, bowling at Flaherty’s, the movie theatre in Oakdale, and the Sustainable Safari. We also do a day of cooking and incorporate outdoor activities daily depending on weather, such as basketball, bean bags, sidewalk chalk art, tending to the garden we created, going for walks, and enjoying the sunshine. We have gotten our hands messy with a lot of different crafting and art projects; we have painted on canvas, utilized clay as a medium to create, recycled old CDs to create wall art around our TV, made individual name signs for everyone to hang at home, wind chimes, sensory bottles, and clothespin wreaths. We get creative with indoor large motor activities when the weather is not cooperative. We have created a miniature golf course and practiced our putting, we play cornhole indoors, and a large-scale version of pong.

Our “big picture” goal is to encourage engagement. We use fun activities that focus on improving gross and fine motor skills, soft skills such as teamwork, problem solving and creativity, decision-making and motivation, and hard skills such as personal cares, mobility, and utilizing technology.

Because of the dedicated and resilient staff team we have put together and the positive attitudes and generosity from those we support, we have created an environment that each of us is motivated to come to every morning. Each person gives selflessly to their peers with encouraging words and helpful hands and look forward to coming back the next day. We have created a culture that we as a team are extremely proud of.

Jesse (Hugo A) at the Minnesota Zoo

Stay tuned for more as this program grows!

From left: Donna (9th Ave), Andy (Highway 96), Jesse (Hugo A), and Sara (Bailey Ridge) at the Farm Babies exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo

Lead DSP Wade Hartmann and Donna at the Omni Theatre at the Minnesota Science Museum

Discoveries | 23

HAMMER & NER HERITAGE SOCIETY Thank you to these incredible individuals who make a lasting impact by including Hammer & NER in their estate plans.

It can be as easy as designating us as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts or life insurance plans to leave your lasting footprint for generations to come.

Anonymous * Leonard + and Mary + Aase Lisa M. Anderson *Margaret + and James + Argall Steven Argall Trust Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong David and Sue Astin *Dorothy A. Bailey + Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Rae Carlson + Trust *Rae + and Albin + Carlson Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Richard and Judith Corson Carol A. Curoe Judith and Kent Davidson Cal and Katy Dirks Lisa and Scott Dongoske John Estrem Rosemary and Marvin + Fish Shirley (Rip) and Ted + Freeman Jean and Bill Gjetson Carol Gottschalk Don and Heidi Haberman *Donald A. Hartmann + *Robert B Hill + Estate *Claire + and Don + Hinrichs Robert and Sharon Hoffman Linda and Kenneth Holmen Beulah + and Ingvald + Hongerholt Dean Hongerholt Trust Patricia and Michael + Houston *Mary Ann + and Jack + Huddleston Steven and Teresa Kastendieck Christopher and Peggy Klug Wayne Krippner Trust *Bill + and Joan + Krippner Laura Langer Robert and Audrey + Lockwood

Robert and Michelle Luke Lewis + and Jill Mithun Jean and Tim + Nelson Denny and Mary Newell Bruce and Merry Jo Parker * Nino + and Susan Pedrelli Steven and Paula Peterson Father Don Piche Norm and Joan Purrington * Robert M. Reed +Trust *Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Kent and Traci Scholten *Clara Schonlau + Elaine and Marshall + Siegel Don and Annie Smithmier *Luverne Steffel + Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer *Dale + and Elaine + Timmers Barbara Tuckner *Grace + and Paul + Voetmann Pete and Carolyn Wahtera *Mary Wesley + *Karole Whipps + * = Legacy gift received + = Deceased

To learn more about ways you can invest in tomorrow, contact Major Gifts Officer David Duxbury at 952-345-8519 or david.duxbury@hammer.org.

Peggy, Tracy, Chan, and Chris Klug

My wife, Peg, and I recently updated our estate plans. In the interest of full disclosure, we do not have an estate, we have a modest home and a modest nest egg. When we were talking about our will, it was easy enough to say we would put our daughter, Tracy’s, name down there. But what about our son, Chan, who lives at a Hammer & NER group home in Plymouth? That is different. We thought our will might be complicated or expensive. It was neither of those things. It was as simple as right next to Tracy’s name, instead of Chan’s name, we put down Hammer Residences, Inc. We did this for Chan, but we also did it for ourselves. We feel good that through our estate, we will support Chan and the caregivers and organization that will be caring for our son after we are gone.

—Chris Klug

24 | Discoveries

INVESTING IN TOMORROW

By Steve Kastendieck, whose son, Ryan, is supported at Hammer & NER

M

y relationship with Hammer Residences began 15 years ago, when my colleague at Allina Health, and my friend, Joel Amundson, invited me to sit with him on the Human Rights Committee as a volunteer pharmacist reviewing cases each month. He, like me, has a child (Sarah) with a developmental disability.

I did that for a few years until my wife, Jacklynn’s, health deteriorated, and I needed to be home right after work every day to care for her and our son, Ryan. After Jacklynn passed away, Ryan began receiving in-home services from Hammer that helped fill a gap in the later part of the day when Ryan would get home from work before I would. This was a godsend to me.

Through that time using in-home, I met several DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) from Hammer and became comfortable with Ryan moving into a group home, which he did in February 2019. I have seen Ryan blossom as a person these past five years.

It is one thing to live with your dad at home, and have everything taken care of, but it is different from living with your peers and having a job in the community. The staff at Holdridge are like a second family to Ryan (and me). His home is incredibly supportive, enriching, and is a safe and secure environment for him. It also provides me with a parachute. Those of us who are parents of these terrific kids at Hammer & NER know we are not going to be around forever. I know that Hammer & NER can be there for our family members in the long run, for as long as they need it, if we do our part.

Teresa, Ryan, and Steve Kastendieck

Fellow parent, Chris Klug, spoke about their family decision to name Hammer & NER as a beneficiary of their estate at a Spring Breakfast. That sparked some thinking on my part, and there were family discussions with Ryan’s brother, Adam, and my wife, Teresa, about what to do to ensure the future of Hammer & NER. We knew we wanted to do something, and we started thinking about our Special Needs Trust. We set this up years ago to provide supplemental monies for Ryan to pay for things that government benefits will not cover. What we came to realize is that this trust has a specific purpose, named legally, but the day will come when it is not needed anymore. And then what? Yes, you can give the monies back to the family, retake them, but we thought, why not hand them off to Hammer & NER to provide for others?! In this way, we are deciding to help perpetuate the organization we have found so valuable.

I am sharing my story with you to provide an example for others, as Chris Klug did for me a couple of years ago, to start thinking of creative ways that we can all financially support Hammer & NER for the long run. We not only owe it to people currently supported in the apartments and group homes, but for the future. It takes a lot to keep an organization like this successful. I hope you will think about ways you can invest in tomorrow.

Ryan and Steve Kastendieck at Gooseberry Falls

Discoveries | 25

CARING FOR THE HEART

MEET THE LADIES OF BLACK OAKS

By Jennifer L. Hipple, Communication Specialist Here’s the story of four lovely ladies who share life together at our Black Oaks home in Plymouth. They have lived together for decades. Diana, Mary, Jackie, and Judy have experienced many of life’s ups and downs, challenges and successes, together.

Let’s meet them: Mary is the social butterfly. She came to Hammer Residences 47 years ago! Mary is very outgoing, talkative, and has lots of long-standing relationships with others at Hammer & NER. She loves getting out and connecting with people.

Judy is known as Mary’s “polar opposite.” They’ve been roommates in the past. Judy prefers to keep to herself. One of her favorite past times is coloring. She also loves her work program.

Mary, Judy. Jackie, and Diane a number of years ago at a fun outing

Staff will tell you Diana is a bit of a mischief maker. She has a great sense of humor and enjoys laughing and joking with staff. When she was a teenager and living at Hammer, she actually stole a car! She didn’t go very far, and no harm was done (although staff nearly had heart attacks!).

Then there’s Jackie, the gal with a wicked sense of humor.

When she gets that familiar twinkle in her eye, you know she’s planning something. However, as she gets older, she just appreciates things being predictable.

As you might imagine, as they have aged, the ladies’ lives have changed in significant ways: They’re slowing down and need more assistance with the activities of daily living and moving around their home. Everything takes a little longer.

As their lives and needs change, so too must their staff.

Ongoing advanced training is needed to help staff care for the more complex needs of Mary, Judy, Diana, and Jackie. The responsibility is a serious one.

“Thirty years ago, we used to think of our staff more like camp counselors, planning fun events, and now they’re more like CNAs,” says John Estrem, Hammer & NER’s CEO. “This house is a great example of that.

The work that we do is about people supporting people.”

Brad Fenske is one of the home’s staff and began working at Hammer Residences 40 years ago. “I’ve known some of the people we support since they were teenagers!” he says. They used to be independent. “Jackie loved to go to Branson, 26 | Discoveries

Diane, Jackie, Judy, and Mary today

and now she just can’t do it. We’re looking at the end-of-life stage for her, and how do we make her comfortable during this time.”

Today we have a training department that is very intentional about providing staff with the training they need. When caring for those with dementia, ostomy bags, diabetes, and other conditions, it’s not intuitive. Staff need to know how to care for them and how to make their lives better.

Hammer & NER provides access to online, inperson, and hands-on training.

“You’re working with them as a caretaker of their well-being, but you’re also experiencing one another’s lives,” says Brad. “We’re not their family, but in many ways, we take the place of their family when they aren’t able to be with them.”

That’s what Caring for the Heart is all about.

Brad with Jackie

TRAVELING THE ROAD TOGETHER

SPECIALIZED TRAINING SUPPORTS AGING IN PLACE

By Jerry LeVasseur, Director of Program Services

I

n the months ahead, we will roll out specialized training and the co-op structure to our East metro programs. This is part of our Second Century project which is already in full swing in the West metro. Specialized training topics are assigned to specific homes based on the needs of the individuals supported. Co-ops are sets of two-three homes within a squad, which is typically eight homes. Employees are also assigned to the related co-op. Our Learning Management System assigns all related specialized training to employees within that co-op.

Specialized training is determined by several factors including skills required; complexity of care; severity of need; equipment involved; and uniqueness of the need. Jesse Moravec, Hammer & NER’s Training and Education Lead, says the specialized trainings help introduce staff to some of the extra needs at each specific home and co-op. “I’m providing basic, easy-todigest information in an engaging and interactive manner so staff can be as prepared as possible to know what they’re walking into,” he says. If a needed specialized training is not in our library catalogue, a request is made to develop one.

These training modules are short, informational snippets that provide employees with a starting point, and in some cases, a first exposure to a topic prior to or during shadowing at a home. The average length of a specialized training module is 10 minutes.

Currently, we have about 15 specialized training modules and we continue to add more (another 20 on the way). Since each home has different needs, they require a varied number of modules. Topics range from Alzheimer’s/Dementia to Fragile X and Hoyer Lifts to Specialized Tubs. Regardless of title or experience level, these modules are valuable learning for all.

I recently reviewed a module on feeding tubes. During my

Edith includes Patty in daily conversation and activities.

Advanced training helps staff understand the changing needs of the individual

career I have received training and assisted people with this, but not once did I truly understand the difference between a G-Tube and a J-Tube! Or that they could be dual purposed.

One of the more highly selected training modules is Alzheimer’s/Dementia. This module has been helpful for some of our less experienced staff as it introduces a sensitive and emotional topic. They are more prepared to provide support for the people we serve. It is currently assigned to 15 of our programs. As we move through 2024, we will update the training needs at each home.

Brenda Barthel is one of our Program Directors on the West side. When she served as Program Manager at our Zachary home, she received specialized training on dementia and Alzheimer’s. She shared some feedback: “It was so helpful to learn what it is like for people who suffer with it (dementia) and what the world looks like through their eyes,” Brenda says. “We learned that through the process of decline, they will lose themselves and become dependent on us and at some point, we will have to know them well enough to know what they want and need. It taught us how we can help them with whatever they may be going through.”

Nurse Cindy Garin has cared for Patty as she has aged for over 18 years

Our East metro programs and employees will complete these specialized training modules throughout the summer. It is our goal to meet our mission by not only investing in our employees, but enhancing the support of those people we serve.

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 31688

Hammer & NER 1909 Wayzata Blvd.

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

YOU’RE INVITED! THE FAMILY DAY PICNIC IS SATURDAY, SEPT 21 Our annual Family Day Picnic, a 70-year tradition, is coming up! Last year, over 400 people came out to picnic with us. We hope you can join us at our West office parking lot in Wayzata (1909 Wayzata Blvd). The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Get ready for lots of great food, games, face painting, and music! All the people we support at Hammer & NER are invited to attend along with their families and our staff and their families. No need to RSVP and the event is free of charge.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We have lots of fun roles for volunteers.

If you would like to help, our Director of Volunteer Resources, Cathy Thoma, would love to hear from you at cthoma@ hammer.org. She will find a great opportunity for you.

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Equal Opportunity Employer