2018 Winter Discoveries

Staying True to Our Vision in Challenging Times

2

Voice of a Caregiver

8

Hammer's History Corner

11

Discoveries Winter 2018

THE VALUE OF OPPORTUNITY Wayne has been supported

by Hammer since 2000.

He has flourished throughout his life because his dad, Bill, always focused on his abilities.

Read Wayne’s story.

Pages 4 – 5

HAMMER FAMILY

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STAYING TRUE TO OUR VISION IN CHALLENGING TIMES

By John Estrem, CEO

S

ince our beginning in 1923, Hammer has adapted to the needs of the individuals we serve and the regulations that govern our work. At times, we have had to make relatively dramatic changes to our service in order to survive and thrive. Possibly the most dramatic change was in the late 1980s when we had to “downsize” from our facility into homes in the neighborhoods around us. Through every change and adjustment, we have stayed true to our original vision to walk beside people living with disabilities and assist them in building a quality life of their choosing.

We have no way of knowing what the future holds for us. However, we do know that we will never abandon our vision. Alvina Hammer took great risks in 1923. Hammer has never shied away from doing what is necessary to ensure that the people we support live life to its fullest.

Presently there are many cries for changes to services: The Olmstead decision called for more independence; there are constant attempts at reforming Medicaid funding; and the people we support desire more control over their services. Hammer is involved in these conversations and is helping shape the future of services for those living with disabilities.

In this issue you will read Bill Krippner’s story about his son, Wayne, who is supported by Hammer. Bill describes the differences between the services his brother received years ago and those his son has received. Through two generations, Bill has seen the changes in philosophy and service delivery for people living with disabilities. The message is clear that people with disabilities have the same hopes and desires as all of us. They simply need a little assistance (and freedom) to reach those dreams.

JUNE 2018 Abigail King-Samukai, Southcrest JULY 2018 Virginia Carpenter, Jersey – Float at Eden Place AUGUST 2018 Darnell Matthews, Avana SEPTEMBER 2018 Joan Boerschinger, Ridgeview OCTOBER 2018 Jethro Lloyd, Cedarwood Apartments

Managing Editor Barbara H. Brandt / barbara@hammer.org Contributing Writers Hannah Barnes, Barbara Bencini, Angela Bernhardt, Adam Estrem, John Estrem, Jessica Hammer, Kim Hansen, Bill Krippner, Ann Martinka, Cathy Thoma, Terriann Thommes, and Ginger Venable

With gratitude,

Graphic Design / Jennifer Larson

John with Andy T. enjoying Reach for Ralph this year.

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

Greg Anderson Treasurer Thrivent Financial

Barbara Bencini Retired Executive, Merrill Lynch

2 | Hammer Discoveries

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

Hammer Discoveries

We know we never do this work alone. We are blessed with the incredible partnership of families, friends, neighbors, and donors. We are humbled every day to work alongside wonderful people like you to help people supported by Hammer live a full life. Our gratitude knows no bounds and we look forward to a future and partnership that is bright and exciting.

John Estrem, Hammer, CEO

>> DSPs OF THE MONTH

* Indicates family member *Jerry Caruso University of Minnesota

*Hugh Kirsch Community Leader

George Daum Tethr

*Joe Koltes RE/MAX Advantage Plus

Michael Drazan Retired Executive, Toro

Maureen Laird-Hayes Abbott

Tim Haugen Winthrop Resources

*Patrick McConnell Retired Executive, Ameriprise Financial

Bhuvana Nandakumar Nonprofit Professional *Kevan Nitzberg Anoka-Hennepin School District Victor Sugumar Thrivent Financial

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BOARD SPOTLIGHT

REFLECTING ON A DECADE OF SERVICE

By Bill Young, Hammer Board of Directors

I

t’s hard to believe it has been almost ten years since former Hammer CEO, Tim Nelson, invited me to join the Board in 2009. Tim told me it was a three-year commitment.

I’m sure he’s smiling down from above knowing that once Hammer gets in your blood, you’re hooked. Here I am, ten years later . . . and I am so grateful to be part of it. Hammer is also a family commitment and my wife, Bonnie, and all three of our children have volunteered over the years.

As I reflect on the last decade, a lot has changed at Hammer. The organization has grown dramatically as measured by the number of people we serve, our employees, and our donors. As measured financially, we have grown from about a $16MM organization to over $28MM. Certainly, the most impactful change was losing Tim Nelson almost seven years ago. I still remember the last time I saw Tim at a Hammer Travel meeting. When it was over he asked me to stay behind to tell me something. He said, “I want you to know how much I appreciate your help and guidance.” Tim had a way of making you feel good about yourself. He died suddenly a few days later. But, despite losing Tim, we had to continue and we were so fortunate to have found John Estrem, who has done a brilliant job leading the organization.

BY THE NUMBERS Number of people served residentially: Number of employees: Individuals served by CSS: Hammer Travel Travelers: Donations to Hammer:

Another big change was the creation of Customized Support Services (CSS) also known as the “Hammer West” business. As a result, we now serve and support more than 1,700 people in addition to those living in our homes and apartments.

One change that I’m personally proud of was the creation of the Hammer Travel business. What started as a way to take some of the individuals served by Hammer fishing, has developed into an integral part of our Hammer story and a service to the greater developmentally disabled community. Thousands of people have traveled to places, enjoying experiences never before envisioned, through Hammer Travel.

Yes, there have been lots of changes, but one thing has never changed — our commitment to fulfill the promise Alvina Hammer made (and our core mission): To provide people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest.

It’s been a great ride and although I am saddened to be leaving the Board, I am very excited about the future of Hammer. We have a great leadership team, wonderful staff, and a very active and competent Board of Directors to lead us into the future.

TODAY

2009

282

191

538

374

1,700

378

232

31

$1,222,573

$453,542

Bill and Bonnie Young from this year’s Reach for Ralph event.

“Once Hammer gets in your blood, you’re hooked.”

—Bill Young

IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 2

Staying True to Our Vision in Challenging Times

PAGE 3 Reflecting on a Decade of Service PAGES 4–5

The Value of Opportunity

PAGE 6

Hammer's Culture

PAGE 7

Family Day Picnic

PAGES 8-9

Voice of a Caregiver

PAGE 10–11

Living Our Legacy

PAGE 12

Advocacy Committee

PAGES 13

A Priceless Gift

PAGE 14

A Road Trip with Friends

PAGE 15 Embracing Changes in Technology PAGE 16–17 Our Family's Journey to Hammer PAGE 18

Quality of Life Fund

PAGES 19–23 Our Donors BACK COVER Upcoming Events

Hammer Discoveries | 3

The Value of Opportunit y

By Bill Krippner, Family Member

My older brother, Richard Wayne, was born in 1929 in small-town Pennsylvania. At that time, the word “mongoloid” was used to describe his disability, Down syndrome. My parents knew nothing about his condition, and there were no services available to help Dick, as people with any type of handicap were not welcome in society.

Bill (right), and his older brother, Dick.

When Dick was five years old, we moved to a larger town and he went to live with my grandparents who had a farm nearby.

Because we were so close in age, Dick learned to walk and talk with me. We were great friends. I spent all of my summers with him at the farm, where he became my mentor and showed me how to do all of the farm chores. He loved the farm life.

When Dick was 16, we all moved to Wisconsin, and shortly after, he moved to an institution, where he lived for over 20 years. Later, he was selected to live in a foster home and was employed the rest of his life.

Forty years after Dick was born, my wife was expecting our fourth child. We decided that if it was a boy, we would name him after my brother.

You can imagine our surprise when Wayne

Wayne as a baby.

4 | Hammer Discoveries

Richard was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Wayne was welcomed into a family with a father very familiar with his condition, a mother who was a registered nurse, two teenage sisters that doted on and socialized him, and a brother who loved him.

Because of my experience with Dick, I knew I did not want to send Wayne away to an institution. The difference in Dick’s quality of life when in a home versus an institution could only be described as two different worlds.

Although Wayne is outgoing and Dick was a quiet man, I still see a lot of similarities between the two of them. One of the major differences is that Wayne was given a chance to flourish, as we did not send him to an institution when he was a child, despite being advised to by doctors. Wayne had the opportunity to attend school and now lives in a loving Hammer home as an adult.

At the age of one, Wayne was accepted into an early childhood intervention program for children with Down syndrome, where he did

very well. Five years later, Wayne started in the regular school district. The school for individuals with disabilities was in a separate building, but on the same campus as the main school. The right to the “least restrictive education” law had recently been passed, so we requested that Wayne be integrated.

Wayne at six years old, dressed up in a costume.

We received backlash from the school principal for requesting that Wayne attend school with everyone else. I was immediately told no. But, when confronted by a senator that I contacted, the principal could not give a reason as to why Wayne could not attend school in the main building. A few days later, I received a call stating that they wanted to integrate Wayne with the rest of the students.

Wayne flourished in school, both socially and academically. He learned how to read, despite the fact that I was told he would never be able to. Wayne made friends everywhere he went, and I was once told that he could have been class president since he was so popular at school.

Wayne was able to become who he is today because we stuck up for him. Dick never got this chance, and I still wonder what he could have been if someone would’ve spoken up for him.

Today, Wayne enjoys going to his job, playing basketball, swimming, and more. He is just like everyone else. He has given us many memories throughout the years, both happy and sad, just like any child would.

Until you sit down and challenge someone with a disability, you do not know what they are capable of. Wayne continues to impress me every day. He changed my family’s life, and I am glad he was given the opportunity to develop into who he is today.

Wayne found his prime motivator to learn to read in the weekly TV Guide. He still enjoys reading them today.

I will always remember the time my wife was in the hospital after a stroke, and we went to visit her. Following the visit, I asked what he thought. His response was, “Well, I wanted to cry, but we had to be strong for Mom.” This displayed his depth; his kind, loving demeanor that many people did not want to give him credit for because of his disability.

I love Hammer because they push the limits for Wayne like I did when he was a child. They don’t limit his opportunities; he’s encouraged to shoot for the stars.

Hammer Discoveries | 5

CULTURE

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Ryan and Joe enjoy the James J. Hill Parade.

HAMMER CULTURE

By Kim Hansen, Director of Human Resources

I

have worked at Hammer Residences for over 40 years because of the amazing culture. I hear this same thing from many other long-term employees as well. To support individuals with disabilities, you need to have a caring heart, and oftentimes this compassion transfers over to relationships with co-workers, too. It may sound cliché, but Hammer is truly like a big family, with employees taking care of each other when one is in need.

A heartwarming example of this is in regard to our paid time off (PTO) donation program. It is not often that an employee experiences this kind of need, but when it occurs, others are there to help. When an employee needs to take a leave of absence to care for a family member who is experiencing a medical emergency and they have exhausted their own PTO, they can request donations from other employees. An email is sent out requesting anonymous donations to the unnamed employee. Every time without fail, we receive an overwhelming response, and have more than enough PTO donations within 24 hours.

Employees come to the rescue in a heartbeat. It’s amazing how fast and generous the donations come. Whether it’s one hour or 40 hours, employees want to donate some of their PTO because they know someone is in need and it makes a difference. It’s acts like this that solidify Hammer’s culture as a family.

Bonds are shared among staff and individuals every day.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PLYMOUTH VIP AUTO It is so important that employees are able to get to their shifts in the Hammer homes and apartments. The people we support depend on them each and every day.

It is also important that our employees’ vehicles are in good, working condition as they are driving the people we support to the places they need to go. When vehicles break down or are in dire need of repair, it can create a financial hardship for our employees.

For the past several years, Plymouth VIP Auto has been providing coupons to employees for free and discounted

6 | Hammer Discoveries

services. These services consist of free oil changes, car washes, tire rotations, and discounts on gas. The partnership started when one of our program managers told her husband, who is the manager of Plymouth VIP, that perhaps we could form a partnership. And we did. Paired with our car repair assistance program, employees are having bettermaintained and safer vehicles.

Thank you to Plymouth VIP Auto for their partnership, outstanding customer service, and car care. Not only do the employees tout the free coffee and treats while they wait, but the friendly customer service makes their day.

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CULTURE

FAMILY DAY PICNIC: HAMMER’S OLDEST TRADITION

By Ginger Venable, Events and Project Coordinator

T

he Family Day Picnic is the oldest tradition at Hammer. Families look forward to this rambunctious day with great anticipation.

“Traditions are a great way to pass along our common experience and celebrate life.”

Like all traditions, the picnic has evolved over the years.

Families used to bring their own picnic baskets and the entertainment was churning homemade ice cream, three-legged races, gymnastics, and weight-lifting demonstrations. Over the years, activities included a dunk tank, a water balloon toss, yoga, and Zumba. The ever-popular cake walk has been a part of the day for as long as anyone can remember.

“We celebrate this Hammer family tradition by bringing everyone together for good food, fun games, upbeat music, dancing, and a chance to reconnect.”

This year, the Family Day Picnic was held on Saturday, September 15. A total of 525 people enjoyed a delightfully hot day.

Over 75 volunteers served food, coordinated the activities, and helped with set-up and take-down.

This spirited traditaion is funded entirely by gifts from generous donors who support our mission of living life to its fullest.

Our DJ, Donny Gromek, a Hammer family member, has been spinning the tunes since tunes were actually spun. His volunteer service brings the beat and joy to the people we serve. Wayzata Village Meats brought in the picnic fare. Happy Faces came and painted faces.

Volunteers painted finger nails. We had a photo booth complete with props. Chair massages were enjoyed.

The Vikings cheerleaders also made an appearance.

People enjoyed yard games and uninhibited dance like no one was watching!

Hammer’s Family Day Picnic by the side porch in 1968.

The Amundson family has a long tradition of volunteering.

Sue Walker, Hammer’s new Chief Program Officer, attended her 40th annual picnic as an employee of Hammer!

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS >> Sarah and her sister, enjoying this year's Family Day Picnic.

View more photos taken at the event online at Hammer.org.

Hammer Discoveries | 7

VOICE OF A CAREGIVER

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MOMO'S STORY

By Adam Estrem, as told by Momo Johnson

I

am, and will always be, a student. I learned at a very young age to never stop learning. Even before I started primary school, my uncle spent two years teaching me to read and write in the hot dirt and sand. Stick in hand, I would write words, phrases, and prayers from the Quran. As a child, I was expected to work and sell goods in the family business.

But after my work was done, I would run to the mud buildings with open-air windows. These were the schools. From a distance I could hear the teachers giving their daily lessons.

I could see the sweaty children, all packed in one room segregated by grade in each corner, trying to pay attention to what was happening in front of them. There was always an energetic buzz of happiness in those mud buildings. The call and response of the teachers and children would sing to me day after day. And I couldn’t wait to be part of it.

The days went by and my thirst to learn more and more kept growing each school year. When I finished primary school, my uncle encouraged me to keep going, to keep learning. He lived in a village about 45 miles from my home, but he had worked his way up through the ranks of a German mining company and offered to help pay my way through secondary school. My family agreed to let me go and I moved. There was an Episcopal school there, and they accepted me. Each day, I had to walk 10 miles down a dusty road to and from school. But with each step I took, I knew my life would be better for having an education. I worked hard, I studied hard, and eventually I earned a scholarship to pay for school.

Momo Johnson, caregiver at Hammer's Carlson home, has worked for Hammer for over 14 years.

I graduated from high school. I was the first to do so in my entire family. But my thirst for knowledge kept growing. I wanted to do something good in this world. I wanted to make this place better. I had to keep going. My uncle wanted me to go to vocational school, so I did. I learned masonry, carpentry, and how to paint. But these skills, while valuable to have, didn’t feed my soul. I wanted something more.

In 1980, there was a military coup that shut down most of the country. Schools were closed for months at a time and my education slowed down. But I was able to complete my degree in public health management. September of 1990 marked the beginning of the First Liberian Civil War. My family had some connections to the government, and it became clear that my wife and four kids had to get out of the country. We had family in the United States, and we all wanted a better life. I sent my wife and kids first while I applied for a diversity visa.

8 | Hammer Discoveries

Momo helping individuals with their afternoon snack. He has grown quite close to the individuals he supports. It's like a family, he says.

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VOICE OF A CAREGIVER

Alex and Momo visiting Hammer's central office on a summer day.

Eventually the visa came through and I could start our new life in the United States. I was a well-educated man at that point. Colleagues back home looked up to me. But here, things were different. Foreign education doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter much when you are an immigrant. I found myself working for a temp agency earning $4.50 an hour, barely making enough to put food on the table. All of us had to work. My wife and my kids worked and I worked long hours and sometimes nights.

Eventually, our path led us to Minnesota. I had started a great career with Pure Water and worked my way up the ranks. A few years later, we got word that Pure was moving to Mexico where labor was much cheaper. I was offered a job there, but decided to stay. Our home was here.

In 2004, my son had taken a job with Hammer and I decided to try it out. I fell in love with this place and the work we do. The work felt meaningful. Hammer is like a large family. Never have I worked at a place where the workers were treated so well. Yes, I wish we all made a better salary. But the benefits and all that Hammer does to help their employees is why I continue to stay. I have been able to earn my Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Public Health. Now, I am finishing my Doctorate. I could not have done this without the love and work that Hammer provides my family and me.

Hammer keeps me learning every day. Our mission revolves around providing the individuals we support a home, but I think I have found a home at Hammer, too. For that, I am thankful.

Momo is a consistent caregiver in the lives of individuals. It is a comfort for them to have a person they know and trust, care for them.

Hammer Discoveries | 9

HAMMER'S HISTORY CORNER

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LIVING OUR LEGACY

By Hannah Barnes, Communication Specialist

J

ohn Barnett came to visit Hammer Residences on August 17. He shared tales of his ancestry, including stories about his great aunt, Alvina Hammer.

John reached out to Hammer this past summer, as he knew he would be visiting cousins in Alvina’s native Albert Lea, where much of the family still resides.

Originally from Ontario, Canada, John had never met many of his cousins with whom he wanted to discuss the Hammer ancestry. When he found out his cousins were available to meet, he knew he wanted to see the organization, Hammer Residences, that his great aunt Alvina Hammer founded back in 1923.

she was. He even noted that she sent him Christmas gifts every year when he was a young child and made him a needlepoint picture with his name on it.

While on his visit to Hammer’s Central Office, John shared information about his trip to the Hammer School in the 1950s. When he arrived at the school he noticed the loving environment his great aunt had created and knew he wanted to come back someday.

“Alvina was always so happy to see us and very loving toward us,” John says. “From my recollection, she was like ‘You are one of the family.

Welcome to my home.’”

John remembers meeting Ralph Rosenvold, who was mowing the lawn, Alvina Hammer with her great when he arrived. He fondly recalled the nephew, John Barnett. personalities of the individuals at the Hammer School; all were friendly and wanted to help in any way to make him feel a warm welcome.

John met Alvina, who he called “Aunt Nina,” twice, once when he was a baby and once when he was 10 years old. Despite the lack of time spent together, he recalled what a warm person

One of his favorite memories from his original trip came outside on the school campus. John says oak trees do not grow in Ontario, so he was happy to see the wooded area outside of

Alvina Hammer prior to the days of the Hammer School.

John (top left) and his family circa 1958, around the time he visited the Hammer School.

10 | Hammer Discoveries

ALVINA HAMMER founded Hammer Residences in 1923, originally opening the organization as a school. John was proud of what his great aunt accomplished and her mindset that abilities should be focused on rather than disabilities.

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HAMMER'S HISTORY CORNER

the school. He remembers Ralph would rake piles of leaves and then they would jump in them with the individuals that were supported by Hammer.

Unfortunately, John was not able to visit again before Alvina passed away in 1965. However, his desire to return to Wayzata and visit Hammer Residences still lived on, so he made sure to visit while in Minnesota. John was glad to see that his great aunt’s belief that everyone deserves to be accepted is still the basis of the organization today.

After his visit to Hammer, John is confident Alvina Hammer’s legacy will live on for years to come and is proud of the organization she founded.

“I was very impressed with the preservation [at Hammer].

"So often, an organization only lives for today," John says.

“Alvina was a pioneer. Her approach became the model for Minnesota. She devoted her life to that cause. Very few people can say that they’ve done that and she did.”

John with the Ralph statue.

John looking at the photo of the Hammer School, which he once visited as a child.

Hammer School.

Hammer Residences’ central office in Wayzata, Minnesota.

Hammer Discoveries | 11

ADVOCACY

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HAMMER'S ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

Reaches farther than you think, is stronger than it looks.

By Terriann Thommes, Director of Advocacy

D

id you know Hammer has an Advocacy Committee?

It used to be called the Public Affairs Committee but recently changed its name to better reflect what the committee does and why it exists.

Over the last three years, committee members have slowly transformed themselves into an active, working committee of staff, family members, and Board members with a mix of community volunteers and university interns from Augsburg and St. Thomas. The core membership consists of approximately ten members who meet every month, year round. This year, the committee chair is Hammer Board member, Maureen Laird-Hayes. Laird-Hayes is the parent of a child with a disability and has skillfully helped flesh out roles and responsibilities for the committee.

“The Advocacy Committee’s mission is to support Hammer’s mission. It does this by bringing together our stakeholders to support or encourage change that can improve the lives of the people we serve.”

POLICY MAKING HEAT COMMUNITY (Grassroots Advocacy)

FIRE T

Staff

Voting Rights Rallies Site Visits Action Alerts Calls to Action

I

Family

N

Voting Rights Rallies Site Visits Action Alerts Calls to Action Capturing and Using Your Story

D

E

R

Volunteers Self Advocates Voting Rights Rallies Site Visits Action Alerts Calls to Action Capturing and Using Your Story

Voting Rights Rallies Site Visits Action Alerts Calls to Action Events

Our top three issues have been Medicaid, or Medical Assistance as it is called in Minnesota, Transportation, and the Best Life Alliance, which is the effort to raise the Disability Waiver Rate (which is tied to staff wages and high staff turnover).

However, our activities include voter registration, Tuesdays at the Capitol, Host a Legislator, press conferences, and more.

Advocacy is an important and necessary part of how a nonprofit meets its mission. We use grassroots actions such as telling our personal stories, email and letter writing, social media campaigns, town hall forums, and Capitol rallies to be heard. We also support and collaborate with other advocacy organizations like Arc Minnesota; our trade organization, Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM); Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD); and This is Medicaid (TIM).

auxiliary member of the Advocacy Committee or apply to be a core member of the Advocacy Committee.

Our aim in advocacy is to always be proactive and not reactive.

We try to work quickly and not to get too bogged down with details and policy. Very simply and generally put: Policy is the process that sets legislation or rules and regulations, while advocacy is the support for that process of legislation. What is the best way you can be a support? You can become an

Auxiliary members, which currently stand at 270 members strong, receive action alerts via email notifying them of town hall meetings, legislative voting, or other important news and grassroots needs of the advocacy committee. If you are interested in joining, please contact me at terriann@ hammer.org. Be part of the Hammer strength.

12 | Hammer Discoveries

A group from Hammer enjoyed a visit to the Capitol.

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VOLUNTEER

A PRICELESS GIFT

By Cathy Thoma, Director of Volunteer Resources

I

t began in 2012. Medica partnered with Hammer to provide care coordination for 300 of Medica’s Special Needs Basic Care Program members and Medica employees volunteered that year during our Fall Yard Clean Up. But it didn’t end there.

Those Medica employees enjoyed their volunteer experience so much that they decided to adopt our Hammer Day Support individuals.

Six years later and our relationship is still going strong, both with care coordination and Medica employees volunteering with those we support during the day at our Carlson home.

Every other month, Medica volunteers leave their offices to join those we serve for a day full of fun and community engagement.

Excitement builds as the day’s activities get under way. Over the years, our individuals have enjoyed pizza parties, bowling, baking holiday cookies, and going to parks for picnics. A recent rain-out resulted in bubbles and board games! Sharing lunch together, we’ve all been able to get to know each other better and make plans for the future.

Virginia Kjellesvig, Assistant Program Manager at the Hammer Day Support, explains why this relationship is so important to the individuals we support. “One purpose of Hammer Day Support is to provide our individuals opportunities to be involved in their communities. The group of volunteers from Medica is a very important part of this purpose. Not only are they members of our same community, they also assist the Hammer Day Support staff in helping our individuals enjoy experiences we may not, at this time, be able to provide to the entire group at once.”

A sunny day at the Como Zoo.

Renee Farrow and Andy enjoying a board game and each other’s company.

This was evident at September’s highly-anticipated visit to the Como Zoo. The majority of the individuals required assistance in the form of wheelchairs or walking arm-in-arm to navigate the animal habitats. This was only possible by having not only four Hammer staff members, but also five Medica volunteers assist the individuals. Each person received one-on-one support while having lunch and watching the lions, tigers, and giraffes.

Hammer Day Support participants spoke about the trip and their volunteers over the course of the next week, asking when they could all visit together again.

Renee Farrow, Medica employee and volunteer, has this to say to any other organization considering a partnership with Hammer, “Give it a try. Volunteering at Hammer has reminded me to slow down and not to rush through life. Sharing yourself with those that need companionship doesn’t cost a thing, but may be a priceless gift to those on the receiving end.”

Bubbles certainly do brighten a rainy day.

Hammer Discoveries | 13

HAMMER TRAVEL

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A ROAD TRIP WITH FRIENDS

By Ann Martinka, Hammer Travel Customer Relations

J

ackie, Anne, Mary, and Wendy have all known each other for at least 20 years. In fact, between the four of them, they have either been housemates, roommates, or coworkers. It is easy to see the love they have for each other. They now have three separate addresses and are still served by Hammer. They stay in touch as much as possible, either by phone, text, shared activities, or specific visits. It was during one of those visits that a girls’ trip was first brought up.

Everybody had an opinion as to where to go and what they wanted to do. The common theme was that it needed to be a place that was handicap accessible, to make sure all were included. All for one and one for all was their motto. They thought they might like a place that had entertainment along with some cute guys!

After scouring the Hammer Travel brochure, they finally decided on the Branson Road Trip in September.

Hammer Travel was contacted and the excitement began in earnest.

The daily communication picked up as they talked about what clothes they would bring, what the weather was like, and which celebrity impersonators they might see.

Clothes were purchased, packed, and repacked.

Mary

14 | Hammer Discoveries

Finally, the big day was here and the four ladies met in the lobby of Hammer’s central office. The excitement in the air was contagious.

Goodbyes to the staff were said and they were off.

There were so many things to do in Branson and they did as many as possible. They saw cute guys named Elvis. There was even an Elvis that threw things into the audience!

They saw people impersonating Bob Barker, Wynona Judd, and Elton John. They visited the Butterfly Palace and were amazed at all the beautiful butterflies. They shopped for themselves, buying shirts and jewelry, as well as did some Christmas shopping.

Ann

As the ladies were reminiscing about purchases over dinner, it slipped out that one of them received a necklace from a certain gentleman.

This was a surprise and the others were pressed for more details. But the details weren’t given and the conversation closed. This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “What happens on a girls’ trip — stays on the girls’ trip!”

When asked if they would go on a trip again, the answer was unanimous — YES! And where will they go next?

“We don’t care where we go, as long as we can go together.”

That is the true definition of a successful girls’ trip.

Jackie

Wendy

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TRAINING

EMBRACING CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY

By Jessica Hammer, Instructional Design and Tech Specialist

I

don’t know about you, but when I get a new phone or a new IOS iPhone operating system update, I love to poke around and see what new tricks it can do. My phone now gives me a “screen time” report every Sunday to tell me how much time I spent actually looking at my screen. I’m proud to say that out of 168 hours in the week, I only spent three on my phone. Technology can do so much for us, some things useful and some things not, which can enhance our understanding of the world and ourselves. Hammer recently got one of these updates when we purchased a new Learning Management System (LMS).

Our Director of Information Systems, Dan Bottiger, was at a tech conference earlier this year, when he stumbled upon a program called LMS365, created by the Elearning Force, that would not only seamlessly integrate into our current employee intranet, but would also be updated quarterly with new tricks and better usability.

We quickly formed a collaborative relationship with the people behind this great tool and were asked to do a customer showcase for them. You can find it by going to http://bit.ly/hammercasestudy They were impressed by our overall structural design map that we have

The look and feel of the LMS365 Dashboard and learning modules have helped staff feel more confident in completing required lessons on time.

55 Having a system that integrates with SharePoint, a program that users are already familiar with, helps to disseminate information more efficiently.

55 An integrated system helps establish better person-centered care for individuals.

55 Since it is built on top of Microsoft, all changes are supported in the same technically related environment, making it seamless for the end user.

LMS 365 can also be accessed on an iPad or smart phone.

created for providing training at Hammer and wanted to showcase what a very small team, with three stellar women, at our nonprofit can do. We were impressed by their roadmap of improvements based on customer suggestions and reviews.

Now, just like our phones, we get amazing updates on design and function that will only improve the way our staff learn and retain information for years to come.

55 Power BI is used to create customizable dynamic data reports to help track employee progress.

55 A video icon in the LMS365 Dashboard is linked to Stream, where all video tutorials are held for a onestop shop for all things training.

TO KNOW MORE >> To learn more about careers at Hammer visit Hammer.org/careers.

Hammer Discoveries | 15

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OUR FAMILY’S JOURNEY TO HAMMER

By Barbara Bencini, Family Member and Hammer Board of Directors

M

y brother, David, moved into his home at Hammer in 2016. He passed away less than one year later, but Hammer still made a lasting impression on him and my family in that short amount of time.

David passed away after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. What impressed me most about Hammer was their genuine care. They were always in-tune with his needs and even cared about the little things, such as what color he wanted to paint his room.

Many of his caregivers stayed at the hospital until he passed away, which meant a lot to my family.

Barbara Bencini with her brother, David.

I firmly believe individuals with disabilities deserve to live as good a life as anyone. Hammer helped make this possible for David, so I knew I wanted to stay involved even after his death.

Bill Young, former Board president of Hammer, asked if I would be interested in joining the Board of Directors. Immediately, I said yes.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, I enjoy being a donor. This summer, I started offering boat rides to groups of individuals at Hammer. My husband and I have a boat we dock on the St. Croix River, so we thought this would be a perfect way to give back. So far, we’ve hosted three different groups, and everyone has enjoyed the experience.

The day starts with meeting near the dock, boating for about an hour and a half, and capping the evening off with dinner at a local restaurant. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and grateful.

Barbara and her husband host a group from Hammer on their boat.

You can get involved, too. You are supporting an organization that gave my brother, David, and so many others a great place to call home. Whether you choose to donate your time or support Hammer financially, you will be supporting their needs and the mission of helping individuals with disabilities live life to its fullest.

My involvement with Hammer started because of my kind, funny, and outgoing brother, David. He was my inspiration for these boat rides, and I think he would have enjoyed them, too.

Being involved with Hammer truly keeps David alive in my heart.

A group from Hammer Residences enjoying the summer boat ride.

“We saw the need and we 16 | Hammer Discoveries

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OUR SECRET SANTA SAW A NEED Secret Santa has been coming down our chimney at Hammer since 1981.

Every year at holiday time, we receive a generous gift from a local family who have made the holidays merry for hundreds of people.

Not surprising, this Secret Santa saw a need at holiday time when some individuals had no family to celebrate with and sometimes no gifts around the tree either. They have continued the tradition and today those who have less can use Secret Santa’s kind gift to enhance their holidays. Secret or no secret, every gift makes a difference. Please go to Hammer.org and give today.

The Queensland individuals thank you and wish you Happy Holidays!

AVE GIVEN: H U O Y 18 0 2 SO FAR, IN dental visits for second 0 0 ,0 0 5 $

• alth care and oral he n so r adaptatio fo 0 0 ,0 0 4 ir • $1 n age in the a c ls a u id iv ind me Hammer ho cation and u d e in 0 0 • $145,0 300 more than r fo g in in a tr caregivers r repairs so a c r fo 0 0 • $45,0 ork an get to w c s e e y lo p m e

YOUR GIFT NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL, MAKES A DIFFERENCE! PLEASE GIVE BY DEC. 31.

THANK YOU!

Your gifts mean you recognize our needs. A home is not only a roof over our heads and a place to sleep and eat. It is the place where support and nurturing provides a way for individuals with disabilities to thrive in their world for a lifetime.

went ahead and did it.”

— Evelyn Carlson, Teacher and Executive Director from 1932-1974 Hammer Discoveries | 17

GIVE

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QUALITY OF LIFE FUND Bill Bieber, co-founder of our Quality of Life Fund, has been a Hammer Hero for more than 20 years.

Bill and his friends listed below are among many donor heroes who give generously so individuals served at Hammer have adequate dental care, a winter coat, and enough to enjoy an evening out with friends. You can be a Hammer Hero too by inspiring others to support people in need with your very own fundraiser. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier now than ever before. Contact Ellen@hammer.org to learn how.

Thank you for your contributions from December 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.

Philip Ahern Pete and Margie Ankeny Fund / The Minneapolis Foundation Bill Bieber and Helen Meyer / Bieber Family Foundation Ted Bigos Jeff and Widdy Bird / National Christian Foundation Al and Toni Cady Charles and Mary Carlsen Paul and Mary Cederberg Richard and Judith Corson Frank and Sue Dosal Patrick Ferguson Stanley and Luella Goldberg Family Foundation Roger and Cheryl Ann Heegaard L.H. Hendrickson Family Charitable Fund Robert and Signe Hensel David Hey William Hodder Alan and Diane Horner James and Sally Hornig Eric Janus and Carolyn Chalmers Barbara Koch Laurence and Jean LeJeune Stephen and Judy Lewis Paul and Janice Lindbloom Andrew and Jennifer Matysik / National Christian Foundation Dave and Debbie Meyer Fredrick and Christine Meyer Paul and Christine Meyer Michael O'Connell and Susan Hayes Dan and Mary O'Keefe Mark and Robin Osmanski John and Gigi Ossanna The Honorable Alan C. Page Gregory and Cynthia Page S. Kay Phillips and Jill Mortensen Abe Quiring Thomas and Mollie Raih / Catholic Community Foundation James and Elizabeth Ramsland Gary and Susan Rappaport Family Fund Ted and Mary Rogers Colleen Ryan Dudley and Marti Ryan William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Mike and Pam Sime / National Christian Foundation Sween Family Charitable Fund / Thomas and Jeanne Sween TCF Foundation Matching Gifts Gary and Vicki Wyard

18 | Hammer Discoveries

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HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS

GIVE

| May 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018

Your kind gifts listed are a celebration of life, birth, anniversaries and so many other special occasions. We are grateful you include Hammer and those we serve during these important times in your life. We have tribute packs of envelopes for you to use for this purpose.

Please contact Ellen@hammer.org to get yours.

In Honor of

Caregivers at First Avenue Sarah Homuth-Goar Caregivers at Gardner MaryAnne Galvin Caregivers at Hammer Mary Patterson Caregivers at Ives Mary Hilgert Caregivers at Jersey Sherri and Steve Johnson Caregivers at Lake Place Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe Caregivers at Lancaster Judi Marie and Mitch Ringe Caregivers at Lawndale Paul and Mayone Byron Ron Haskvitz

Caregivers at Merrimac Marie Silvernagel Caregivers at Queensland John and Maryann Merideth Caregivers at Rockford John and Alice Johnson Caregivers at Sheridan Jean and Bill Gjetson Norman and Janet Schuenke Caregivers at Stone Creek Linda and Kenneth Holmen Thomas and Diane Russell Caregivers at Sumac Marvin and Rosemary Fish Father Don Piche

In Memory of

Executive Financial Services, Inc. Ron and Lori Hume Ken and Bev Limberg Jim and Shirley Lowe Marilyn Nelson Kevin and Sandra O'Brien Larry and Dee Anne Schwartz Bob Koltes Don and Becky Gromek Terry and Timothy Johnston JoAnne Koltes Chris and Doug Strande Jean Magnuson Susan Baker Elmer Marrone Paul and Beverly Ayres Krisinda Carpentier Donald and Iris Lier Mary Martin Ronald and Mary Vaughan Lindsey Waldof Lillian Orenstein Deborah and Mark Weiss Keith Pope Anonymous Craig and Marion Johnsen Randall and Mary Ellen Lied Eugene Pope Pope Family Trust Jodi and Joe Pope Janet and Patricia Rudd Daniel and Joy Wadsworth Julia and Wymond Wesley-Wong Lester B Raskob LaVergne Raskob Howard Reichert Alan and Connie Wilensky Shirley Rosen ATEK Companies

Greg Seifert Phil and Barb Lindblad Susan Seymour Macy and Tracy Seymour Loretta Solinger Audrey Elliott Pam Wandzel Mickee Steiner Susan Baker June E. Tessman Eldon and Addie Tessman Ruby Vollbrecht Barry and Mary Jo Miller Dick and Jaye Richter Rev. Dr. Roger A. Anderson Jean Chase Lorraine Johnson Shirley (Rip) Freeman Ciel Schechter Lonnie Stillerman Susan and Michael Oreck Therese Erpenbach Jim Meyers Renee Mueller Jerry Adams Donald Barrett Mary Patterson Anthony Benkusky Arlan Garvis John and Vicki Pink Ron Borkenhagen Janet Carlson Don Harding Mike Roles Shirley Schon Wallace Roles

Beth Amlicke Thomas and Susan Amlicke Lucas Amlicke Jean and Bill Gjetson Gervae Anderson Shirley Kline Marcia Lucas Jim Beckman Patricia A. Fleming Ellen Timmerman-Borer Brigid McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burns Rose M. Rizzi Caregivers at Broadway Bob and Colleen Anderson Mary Patterson

Lynn Aase Thomas and Sharon Hughes Bruce Abrams Shirley and Lowen Grodnick Richard and Marilyn Alery Dick and Jaye Richter Donald Barrett Marshall and Dru Anderson Nancy Boethin Peggy Swanson Janet Carlson Gervae Anderson Carol Coleman Jeanette McChesney Emory Cook Pearl Cook Larry D. Finch Eldon and Addie Tessman Gene Gustafson Phil and Barb Lindblad Shirley Hammes Marybeth and Jon Hogetvedt Colleen Maranda Ed and Margaret Maranda Joel Maranda Mike and Becca Maranda Nanette Maranda and Duane Nordstrom Pat and Julie Maranda Stan and Kathy Voigtlander Brad Hill Thomas P. Bedard Richard Hume Ron and Lori Hume Robert Hume Curt and Luann Ahart All Resort Furnishings Cheryl Dixon Alex Doumani Lynnae Doumani Deanna Edeh

Caregivers at Tyler Elaine and Mark Taggatz Brenda Damiani Gina Damiani Ramona Damiani Josephine Berge Daniel Farrell Cheryl Sykora Leslie Fish Matthew Fish and Xiaoni Niu Mohammed Hassan Faheem Jabir Dale Hovda Doug and Maureen Hovda Michele Kurkowski Michael and Becky Lawrence Abbie Max James and Jean LaBreche

Michael Oreck Gena and Joe Janetka Allison Oreck Sue Oreck Gary and Sandra Baron Michael and Sue Oreck Allison Oreck Nino Pedrellli and Family Eric Lamb Jen and Bob Thaney Blake and Sharla Duerre Blake Weiss Sharon Green Herbert and Kathie Levy Joe Reis Family Bill Young Family Terry and Barbara Longe Mitch Bender Howard Schatzman Susan and Michael Oreck

Virginia Carpenter Hammer Maintenance Team Audrae Rosenzweig Sandra and Julius Berezozdky Sharton Trestman Elaine Siegel Paige Garrett Katrina Robinson Sandra and Tony Stevens

“Our daughter, Greta, has been part of Hammer home services for several years and it has been such a wonderful addition to her life. Our gift is in honor of Mary (pictured above) who has been fantastic with Greta in doing many wonderful activities. She is such a blessing and Greta adores her. Greta has had wonderful experiences with many different staff, thank you for all that you do!”

— Julie Gilbertson and Tim Gabrielson Hammer Discoveries | 19

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CONTRIBUTORS

| May 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018

Thank for your generous investment in our mission. You make people’s lives better at Hammer. $25,000 +

John and Nancy Berg Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Siegel Family Foundation / Elaine Siegel / Paul and Melissa Siegel

$10,000 – $24,999

Greg Anderson Barbara Bencini and Bill Janahosky Mary Drazan Michael Drazan Claire Hinrichs Lions Club of Plymouth Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Bruce and Merry Jo Parker Allen and LaVonne Ribbe TCF Foundation *

$5,000 – $9,999

Anonymous Jim Bebo Brungardt Charitable Fund - Family of Scott Hermann Polly and Kurt Brungardt Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Susan Argall Haas and Brian Haas Don and Heidi Haberman Denis and Caroline Harrington Ron and Lori Hume Kotula Family Foundation / Northern Tool Fund Markwest Inc. Minnesota Community Foundation Gail Munsell Nino and Susan Pedrelli Greg Petryszyn Joe and Kathy Reis Charitable Fund Paul Schultz Charles and Ellen Swanson Village Automotive Group Village Gives Back Foundation Windsong Donor Advised Fund

Enterprise Holdings Foundation Tom and Vicki Estrem Lesa and Colin Fenwick Marvin and Rosemary Fish Matthew Fish and Xiaoni Niu Rebecca and Ron Furnival General Mills Jean and Bill Gjetson Darold and Debra Gjorass Charity Fund Martha and Edward Gschneidner Gulis Family Foundation / Stephen and Janet Gulis Ron Haskvitz Tim and Carol Hearn Linda and Kenneth Holmen Earl Homuth + Kent and Marilyn Howe Rick and Frona Ites Katherine and Steve Jenson Charitable Fund Earl and Beverly Johnson Joe and Gina Koltes

Denny and Mary Newell Sani and Gene O'Brien Pajor Family Foundation / Mickey and Robert Pajor Cathryn Peel Pope Family Trust Mark and Karen Rauenhorst Brent and Tanya Rogers Audrae Rosenzweig Thomas and Diane Russell Kent and Traci Scholten Fund of the Bank of America Dan and Helena Seidel Peter and Jen Sellwood Forrest Seymour and Nancy Salwen Macy and Tracy Seymour Margie and Jim Sillery Sandra and Tony Stevens Victor Sugumar and Anita Victor Steve Swanson Texa Tonka Lanes Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation

$500 – $999

Alerus Financial All Staff Behavioral and Education Bob and Colleen Anderson Janet and David Anderson Pete and Margie Ankeny Fund Lon and Deb Bencini Bremer Bank Candlelight Floral & Gifts Rae Carlson + Trust Scott and Gerda Carlson Cliff Foundation / Cliff Otten John and Pauline Coleman Patrice and James Dahl Edward and Sherry Ann Dayton JoAnn and Roger Gaio MaryAnne Galvin Kathryn Garin Bruce and Kim Gillespie Glennon Family Fund / Colleen Glennon Sharon Green Sue and Ilja Gregor

Knights of Columbus #13359 JoAnn Koltes Eric Lamb Cindy and Lyn Lea Phil and Barb Lindblad Steve Lindblad David and Kimberly Marrone Darlene and Thomas McCarthy Medline Foundation Tom and Rose Mary Meyer Michael R. and Jodi A. Mooney Charitable Fund Christy and Terry Morse Paul and Stella Nelson Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg Norwest Equity Partners Steve and LuAnn Nulsen Allan and Vicki Olson Mary Patterson Michael Patterson PepsiCo Foundation Ryan and Emily Perhach Kathy and Keith Phillips Father Don Piche

$1,000 – $4,999

Anonymous (4) ACI Asphalt Contractors, Inc. Joel and Mary Amundson Andrew H Seymour Trust Bank of America * Bankers Title, LLC Noah Bly Allison Bolgrean and Jared Brown Bomardo Initiative LTD Mike and Julie Braun Tim and Julie Bullock Erin and Steve Buss The Cargill Foundation Barry Carlson Carol and Susan Curoe Community Charities of Minnesota Joe and Sondra Dahmer Charitable Fund Charles and Nora Daum Carol and George Daum Gerry and Vicki Degner Louis Doelz

20 | Hammer Discoveries

“You are all ANGELS! We so appreciate all you do and we love you!”

— A family member donor Laurence and Jean LeJeune Lions Club of Wayzata Andrew and Jennifer Matysik Patrick and Victoria McConnell John and Maryann Merideth Mary Metzler and Elliott Mills Brittany and Todd Moitz

Linda and Bob Tomaschko Mark and Tamara Utley Mark and Kathy Wallraff James and Wynona Warner Sr. James and Sandra Warner Family Fund Wayzata BP Service Center Ted and Erin Wentink Julia and Wymond WesleyWong

Don and Becky Gromek Debby Grote Steve and Jean Guenther Tim and Amy Haugen Mary Hilgert Frank Janes and Vicki Luehmann JK Interiors Inc. Julie Jurrjens Hugh and Julie Kirsch Knights of Columbus #13096

John and Vicki Pink Gary and Susan Rappaport Family Fund Judi Marie and Mitch Ringe Rita Schofield Jane and Don Shaffer Renee E. Solinger-Audette David Sovell Brian and Anne Stanchfield Elaine and Mark Taggatz Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe

Denine Taylor TBLonge Philanthropy Fund / Terry and Barbara Longe TCF Bank Thrivent Choice Program Richard and Nancy Timp Barbara Tuckner Chuck Warta Jackie Wulf Linda Zimmerman and Associates

$100 – $499

Anonymous Tim and Wanda Aaser Anne Abbe Curt and Luann Ahart Wendy and Dale Akkerman All Resort Furnishings Tom and Ann Althauser Ameriprise Financial Gift Matching Program * Peter and Marilyn Amundson Marshall and Dru Anderson Aon Foundation * Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong ATEK Companies Avago Technologies * Susan Baker Garry and Shannon Banks John and Shelia Barbetta Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta Lester and Barbara Bauer Laura Lee Berger Irvin and Kay Bergsagel Best Buy * George Bestrom Gregg and Julie Bjork Susan Blake Mark Blazei Ross and Liliana Bowen Sarah and Benjamin Bower Rick and Sandy Buchman Julie Burke Business Choice, Inc. Leo Byron Paul and Mayone Byron Tim and Kelly Carlson Mark and Nancy Carpenter Mike Casey John and Connie Cleary Mary Coleman Alfred Colling Community Shares of Minnesota Scott and Deborah Cooper Shevvi Crowley William and Joanne Culbert Rob and Susan Dahlin Judith and Kent Davidson Margaret Demshar Matt DenOuden Alex Doumani James and Norma Driver Blake and Sharla Duerre Eric Durkin Dan and Jessica Egan Edward and Antoinette Egan G. Everett Enterprises, Inc. Executive Financial Services, Inc.

>> Michael and Jackie Fair Gene and Cindy Farrell Bob and Terrisa Fisher Eileen Fisher Alex and Samantha Greene Dee Gulis Dave and Barb Halsey Donald and Ida Hanna Greg and Kathy Hanson Larry Hause Bill and Marie Heiland Robert and Kathy Hendrickson Mary Marquretta Hill Kim Hoffman Robert and Sharon Hoffman Erin Holmen Sarah Homuth-Goar Pat and Michael Houston Doug and Maureen Hovda Pam Howe Beverly Howell Vicki Jackman Richard and Kathleen Jackson Craig and Marion Johnsen Sherri and Steve Johnson Terry and Timothy Johnston Heidi and Jeff Jopp Dorothy Keprios Kim Keprios and John Everett Chad and Ashley Kingbay Dan H. Klein Barbara and David Kleist Christopher and Peggy Klug Knights of Columbus #13506 Knights of Columbus #3949 Ann Koerner and Rich Camp Jill Kohler Bill Krippner Mary and Stephen Kriz James and Jean LaBreche Maureen Laird-Hayes and Steve Hayes Jeffrey and Susan Lambert Kurt and Constance Larson Herbert and Kathie Levy Ron Linebarger Michael and Karen Linn Michelle and Jimmy Lureen Phil Lusardi and Jessie Brown Rachael Malmberg Mike and Lisa Maurer Cassandra Mayer Kevin and Anne McCoy Audrey McElwain and Mike Reimann Cory Merrifield and Sara Widdes Dominic Mitchell Linda and Bob Mlnarik Suresh Krishna and Bhuvana Nandakumar Richard Narendran Colleen Nelson Alex Nemeth Kenneth and Cathy Noblet Tim and Nancy O'Malley Mary and Michael Ongstad Allison Oreck Susan and Michael Oreck

Mark and Joan Oyaas Joseph Parker Doug and Marilyn Paul Mary Pepin and Greg Bakeberg Pheasant Lawn Bunco Ladies Joe and Mary Plese Joseph Polta Eugene Pope Jodi and Joe Pope Jeremy and Angie Quinn

Joy Shelby Tom and Lee Ann Silver Marie Silvernagel Scott and Nancy Singer Drew Smith Gary and Shirley Smith Karl and Laurie Stoltenberg Chris and Allen Strande Kevin and Jane Stuessy Michael and Marilyn Sullivan

Karole Whipps Alan and Connie Wilensky Pamela Wright Bill and Bonnie Young Frank Ziacik

Under $100

Anonymous AmazonSmile Thomas and Susan Amlicke Gervae Anderson

“Thanks for all the care and support you all give my daughter. We appreciate all the things you do for her!”

— Marie Silvernagel

Randy's Environmental Services Dick and Jaye Richter Jim and Mary Rivers Julie Roorda Jeanne Rouch Mindy Rudd and John Craynock Ryan Companies US, Inc Marvin and Judy Saarela Darbiene Sater and Charlie Broyles Mark and Cookie Schadow Chris Schlecter Supplemental Needs Trust Jean and Todd Schroeder Norman and Janet Schuenke George and Audrey Schultz Ina Shaughnessy

Ben Taylor and Kate Kelly Eldon and Addie Tessman Mary and Gary Tucker Jack and Cheryl Tuckner UnitedHealth Group Dollars Emp. Giving & Dollars for Doers * Elizabeth and Kent Urness Charitable Fund David and Jan Usset Ronald and Mary Vaughan Ronald and Shirley Vescio Lori Wagner Susan Wall Pam Wandzel Jim and Cathy Wesley Joanne Wesley and Robert Bruesewitz Michael and Mackie Wesley Thomas Wesley and Janice James

Betsy Andrews Jessica Avignone Paul and Beverly Ayres Anne Bailey Gary and Sandra Baron Jacques Beasley Thomas P. Bedard Eileen Bell Josephine Berge Paula M. Bird Brent and Teresa Bixby Margot and Jim Blewett Paul Boettner, D.D.S. Muriel Bonertz Ashley Browning Kristina Bruggeman-Maag Krisinda Carpentier Glenda Condon Beth Cook Pearl Cook Jim and Renee Cornwell Sarah Crawford Neal Dahmer

Mary Dailey Barb Davis Yvonne DeGraw Calvin and Katy Dirks Robert and Kris Ditmore Cheryl Dixon Lynnae Doumani Audrey Elliott Benjamin Fearing Jennifer and Johnny Fils-Aime Mitchell and Marjorie Fink Leslie Fish Patricia A. Fleming Food Perspectives, Inc. Shirley (Rip) Freeman Robert Gallagher Diane Gillespie Margaret Gillespie Donna Gorski Laura Graziano Shirley and Lowen Grodnick Carol Hammer Mary Hannah Jenna Haskvitz Anne Heinonen Rebecca Helms Rose Hexum Angel Hill Patrick Hofkes Marybeth and Jon Hogetvedt Jackie Hoime Brad and Pam Horner Thomas and Sharon Hughes Faheem Jabir Helen Jacobsen Gena and Joe Janetka Tim and Joy Janssen Melissa Jenkin Amy Jensen Carol and Owen Johnson Jeff and Raleigh Karatz Tim and Tracy Ketchem Karen Kilpela Hilary Kirsch Shirley Kline Toni and Brad Knorr Deanna Koch-Roepke Karen and Sean Lafferty Maria Lampinen Mark and Joni Lauffenburger Michael and Becky Lawrence Audrey Gail Lazarus Barb Lebowitz Sandy Levitt Randall and Mary Ellen Lied Donald and Iris Lier Ken and Bev Limberg LocalTies Jim and Shirley Lowe Marcia Lucas Mark and Brigid Lund Alicia A. Luther Sheila Manelli Colleen Maranda Ed and Margaret Maranda Joel Maranda Mike and Becca Maranda Nanette Maranda and Duane Nordstrom Pat and Julie Maranda Samantha Marcario Mary Martin Charles N. Marvin Jr., M.D. + Jeanette McChesney Brigid McDonald

GIVE

Barry and Mary Jo Miller Jennifer Miner Barbara Spencer Morales Renee Mueller Dave and Teri Nelson Marilyn Nelson Darnell Newsum Kevin and Sandra O'Brien Diana Oreck Otten Bros. Nursery Dave Otwell Erin Parker Susan Perkins Elizabeth Peters Mia-Rose Peters Lois Peterson Rachel Pickle Mary Piepenburg Bob Pierce Mary Ellen Radovanic Cynthia H. Raecker LaVergne Raskob Wallace Roles Mike Ross Janet and Patricia Rudd Daniel and Karen Ryan Charlotte Schmidt Larry and Dee Anne Schwartz Carolyn B. Siegel Kathy Skeie Gary and Gwen Solseth Lloyd Sorensen Mary Stage Joann Stephens Rachel Stone Peggy Swanson Cheryl Sykora Juris and Jackie Terauds Norrie Thomas Stan and Kathy Voigtlander Jason Wachtl Daniel and Joy Wadsworth Lindsey Waldof Matt Wandzel Deborah and Mark Weiss Teresa West and Greg Giles Barbara Wheeler and John Cannino

Red type = Family member donor * Matching Gift + Deceased

Hammer Discoveries | 21

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CONTRIBUTORS OF IN-KIND GOODS AND SERVICES Thanks to many local businesses and families for contributing to our homes and Hammer’s Reach for Ralph Fundraiser.

Thank you for your contributions from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018.

Anonymous 3 Squares Restaurant 6Smith ABLE Seedhouse Brewery Absolute Sourcing, Inc. Julie Achterkirch ADOGO Pet Hotel al Vento American Swedish Institute Greg Anderson Bacio Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Barbara Bencini and Bill Janahosky Angela and George Bernhardt Birch's on the Lake Black Sheep Pizza Blue Plate Restaurants BLVD Kitchen and Bar Judy Bourland Steve and Gwenn Branstad Breadsmith Jerry and Cathy Brennan Brost Clinic Cafe Latte Candlelight Floral & Gifts Barry Carlson Casey's General Store Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Chaos Indoor Water Park Chick-fil-A Chili's Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet Coalition Commodore Bar and Restaurant Cose Nuove Country Inn & Suites Crisp and Green Crooked Pint Ale House Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Carol Culp Carol and Susan Curoe D'Amico & Sons Carol and George Daum Charles and Nora Daum Margaret Demshar Tony Determan Ditter Cooling & Heating Donatelli's Lisa and Scott Dongoske Mary Drazan Michael Drazan Elements Therapeutic Massage George Emerson Tom and Vicki Estrem Fat Lorenzo's Lesa and Colin Fenwick Fleurish LLP Dan and Lyn Foley Terry Foster The Foursome The Freehouse Front Row Sales and

22 | Hammer Discoveries

Marketing Chelsey Fugelberg Rebecca and Ron Furnival James and Mary Gag Gear West George and the Dragon Geritom Medical, Inc. Gianni's Steakhouse Daryl Gilpin

Highway 55 Party Rental Linda and Kenneth Holmen Holy Land Restaurant Kent and Marilyn Howe HyVee Supermarket InnerActive Jade Fountain Chinese Restaurant Jake's City Grille

L'More Chocolat LocalTies The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Loffler Companies Lord Fletcher's Luci Restaurants Lunds & Byerlys Maggie's Family Restaurant

Minnesota Dance Theater Minnesota Historical Society Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Minnesota Lynx Minnesota Orchestra Minnesota State Fair Minnesota Twins Minnesota Vikings

“Thank you for all that you do at Hammer. We are so grateful for the exceptional ongoing care provided for our brother, Blair, by the Broadway home staff. Each one is a special blessing and deserves so much credit and appreciation for their gifts of love!!”

— Blair’s family Gina Maria's Pizza Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille Good Day Cafe Carol Gottschalk Gourmet Gift Baskets Graham Jewelers Lisa and John Greenberg Ryan Greenberg and Sara Olson Grizzly's Wood-Fired Grill Dr. Steve Gryzan and Tom Reyner Guthrie Theater Hammer Made Kevin Hannon Mark and Lynn Hansen Meghan Hanson Hazellewood Grill and Tap Room

Jimmy John's David and Sharron Johnson John and Alice Johnson Julie and David Jones Judd Frost Clothiers Karen Lafferty Design Kowalski's Market Luke Kuechly Tom Kuechly Kwik Trip Lafayette Club Lakeside Wines & Spirits Landmark Theatres Let's Dish Sheila and Peter Lind Phil and Barb Lindblad Lions Tap Little Feet Childrens Shoes

Mall of America Mama Maria's Italian Ristorante Massage Energy Therapy Inc. Sami Matthews Maynard's Restaurant Patrick and Victoria McConnell McCormick's Pub and Restaurant Medina Entertainment Center Taya Mergott Katie Meyer MGM Maplewood Mid-America Festivals Milio's Sandwiches Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Gail Moravec Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Quilting Club Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Tony Nelson Denny and Mary Newell Danny Ngo Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg North Shore Scenic Railroad Sani and Gene O'Brien Old Log Theater Omni Brewing Susan and Michael Oreck Packaging Solutions Pal's Sports Cards Panera Bread Park Square Theatre Gina Paulucci

Nino and Susan Pedrelli Pizza Luce Pizzeria Lola Punch Pizza R. F. Moeller Jeweler Red Rabbit Restaurant and Bar Red Stag Supperclub Redstone Rick Bronson's House of Comedy Roasted Pear Rock Elm Tavern Nancy Rondone Audrae Rosenzweig Terry and Cathy Roth Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge Sak's Sports Bar Carole Sayer Kent and Traci Scholten Tammy Schroden SeaLife - Mall of America Peter and Jen Sellwood Margie and Jim Sillery Bob Slayton Diane Solinger and Jerry Cook St. Paul Grill St. Paul Saints Stages Theatre Company Stevie Ray's Improv Company Betsy Stromberg Kathy Suddendorf Rebecca Sundquist Sunshine Factory Sushi Fix Denine Taylor Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours Theatre in the Round Three Rivers Park District Fred Tigas and Paula Mitzel Total Wine Trader Joe's Twin City Heating & Air Mark and Karen Uecker Regan Vanevenhoven Vineyard Vines WA Frost and Company Mark and Kathy Wallraff Wayzata Bay Car Wash Linda Westenberg Winestreet Spirits Wise Acre Eatery Wuollet Bakery Yellow Tree Theatre Yogurt Lab Young Joni Dale and Claudia Zellmer Zerorez Zivix, LLC

>>

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ALVINA HAMMER HERITAGE SOCIETY We are proud to honor you: visionary individuals who have made a Legacy Gift by including Hammer in your estate plans. Thank you for your extraordinary investment in our mission!

Anonymous (7) *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 *Rae + and Albin + Carlson *Rae Carlson + Trust Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Richard and Judith Corson Carol and Susan Curoe Judith and Kent Davidson Lisa and Scott Dongoske John Estrem Marvin and Rosemary Fish

Shirley (Rip) and Ted + Freeman Jean and Bill Gjetson Don and Heidi Haberman *Donald A. Hartmann + *Claire and Don + Hinrichs Linda and Kenneth Holmen Beulah + and Ingvald + Hongerholt Dean Hongerholt Trust Patricia and Michael Houston *Mary Ann and Jack + Huddleston Joan + and Bill Krippner Wayne Krippner Trust Laura Langer Robert and Michelle Luke Lewis and Jill Mithun Jean and Tim + Nelson

Bruce and Merry Jo Parker Father Don Piche *Robert M. Reed +Trust Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Kent and Traci Scholten *Clara Schonlau + Elaine and Marshall + Siegel Don and Annie Smithmier Deloris + and Wallace + Solseth Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer Barbara Tuckner *Grace + and Paul + Voetmann Pete and Carolyn Wahtera *Mary Wesley + Karole Whipps

* Legacy gift received + Deceased

You, too, can leave a legacy so your cherished values live on. If you already have a will, a quick phone call to your attorney is all you will need to add a charitable gift to Hammer. You can also designate Hammer Residences as a beneficiary of your retirement fund (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) and life insurance plan. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a will? Now is a great time to start planning and to consider including Hammer Residences.

Contact Angela Bernhardt or Ellen Timmerman-Borer at 952-473-1261 for more information.

HAMMER EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTORS These Hammer employees have chosen to make additional financial contributions to Hammer. 100 percent of your gift goes to changing the lives of those we serve and to the caregivers who support them. Thank you for your contributions from January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018.

Dianne Berg Angela Bernhardt Joan Boerschinger Dan and Kate Bottiger Barbara and Bill Brandt Aaron Briggs Michael Bryant and Phelomina Silva-Bryant Alterlene Capehart Tomeko Champion-Patrick Colin and Chelsea Clark Patrick Curoe Ramona Cushman Janine Eastep Brandon and Christine Eddy Deanna Edeh Ashley Emerson Tim Eshelman John Estrem Mary Gaasch and Matt Koncar Theo-Wiaplah Giple Lisa and John Greenberg Jessica Hammer Mark and Lynn Hansen

Kim Hansen and Mickey Joldzic Patty and Ben Hastings Allison Hendrickson Jan Hopper Denise Johnson Momo J. Johnson Patricia Jones Jim Landt Martinka Family Kevin McLaughlin Emily Miller Stefanie Miller Jo Nolan Katherine Noon Rose Ogunti Maima Parker Jill Peters Megan and Joe Pint Kristin and Duane Pyka Rachel Revels Rose M. Rizzi Samantha Robinson Thomas Russeth Tom Ryan and Katie Bell

Cate Saracen-Peters and Gordon Peters Brittney and James Severson Cari and Jeff Sheley Jacob Snell Margaret Starr-Knox Esther Swen Terriann Thommes Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer Jerry Towianski Regan Vanevenhoven Diana Vang Ginger and Tom Venable Sue and Kim Walker Suzanne Wanous Dennis Zelee

Carla and Stephanie enjoy a night out at Reach for Ralph this year.

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

Hammer Discoveries | 23

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 31688 Hammer Residences, Inc. 1909 Wayzata Blvd.

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

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ARRM DAY AT THE CAPITOL

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MARCH 12, 2019

ANNUAL SPRING BREAKFAST

HAMMER DAY AT THE CAPITOL

SATURDAY APRIL 13, 2019

MAY 7, 2019

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REACH FOR RALPH EARLE BROWN HERITAGE CENTER THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019

THANK YOU DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION FOR THE $30,000 GRANT TO PROVIDE OUR INDIVIDUALS WITH CRITICAL DENTAL CARE. Look at these great smiles!

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