2020 Winter Discoveries

Winter 2020 Edition

Discoveries Adapting to keep everyone safe and healthy!

Read the feature story on pages 4-7

GRATEFUL TO OUR HAMMER FAMILY

W

e are coming to the end of an unusual year. That is a world-class understatement! There have been lots of changes in 2020, but that is not what makes it unusual.

If you work in human services long enough, you get used to rapid change. It is not unusual to have to write new protocols, design new trainings, or rearrange a budget a couple of times a year. It is true there was more of that than typical, but that still did not make it an unusual year.

What has been unusual is that we have had to change how we do our work. You have heard me say many times that everything we do at Hammer is done in relationship. It is not always the most efficient way to work, but it is the most effective. In this edition of Discoveries, you will see how we have adapted our daily work to keep everyone at Hammer healthy and safe. It is what we need to do during this time.

Hopefully, it will not have to be forever.

We are used to being face to face with our friends, volunteers, and donors. We enjoy standing shoulder to shoulder with our co-workers. While our direct care staff are still face to face with those we support, there are new barriers of masks, social distancing, and other PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Who knew what that was a year ago?

IN THIS ISSUE COVER

Family Day Picnic Reimagined Car Karaoke 2020

PAGE 2

Letter from John Estrem

PAGE 3

Board Spotlight

PAGE 4-5 A Lifetime of Smiles Through Music PAGE 6-7

More Car Karaoke Fun!

PAGE 8

How Things Have Changed, Yet Stayed the Same

PAGE 9

DEI Council at Hammer

PAGE 10

Staff Milestone Anniversaries

PAGE 11

A Fresh Look

PAGES 12-13

Community Life During COVID-19

PAGES 14-15

Staying the Course to Keep Everyone Healthy and Safe

PAGE 16

The New View in Training

PAGE 17

Mikey Became a Man

PAGES 20-22 Thank You to Our Generous Donors PAGE 23

In Memory

PAGES 24-25 Honor and Memorials/ Alvina

Hammer Heritage Society PAGE 26

To All the Future Buddy's

PAGE 27

Consecutive Giving Society

BACK COVER More Car Karaoke Fun!

We remain grateful. It may not be our preferred way to work, and it may have been extra challenging at times, but we remain steadfast in our mission to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live life to the fullest. We are grateful for your partnership (even if we can only see you electronically these days). The most important part of our work remains the same as always, that the individuals we support are healthy and safe.

Blessings,

Hammer Discoveries Managing Editor Barbara Brandt / barbara@hammer.org Contributing Writers Sheryl Butler, Julia Christianson, John Estrem, Donny Gromek, Kim Hansen, Nicole Hollins, Bhuvana Nandakumar, Jenna Neal, Mindy Rudd, Cate Sarasen Peters, Cathy Thoma, Ginger Venable, and Helena Watson With editing support by Jennifer L. Hipple Photography: Barbara Brandt, Joe Cullen and also submitted by staff members

John Estrem, Hammer, CEO

Graphic Design: Jennifer Larson

HAMMER RESIDENCES BOARD OF DIRECTORS Carol Curoe

Board President University of Minnesota Foundation

*Hugh Kirsch

Board Vice President Minnesota State Offices Employment and Economic Development Department

2 | Hammer Discoveries

Michael Drazan

Board Treasurer Retired Executive, Toro

*Julie Wesley-Wong

Board Secretary Early Childhood Teacher Osseo School District

Barbara Bencini

*Greg Hanson

*Patrick McConnell

Retired Executive, Merrill Lynch

Sales and Marketing

Retired Executive, Ameriprise Financial

*Don Haberman

Retired Math Instructor and ELL Reading Paraprofessional at Sanford Middle School

Bhuvana Nandakumar

Brad Heitzinger

Thrivent Financial

Markwest, Inc.

Tim Haugen Senior Vice President Winthrop Resources

Gary Hays

Attorney, Lathrop GPM Principal, Obsidian Group

Suparbh Consulting

Victor Sugumar

* Indicates family member

BHUVANA NANDAKUMAR, BOARD SPOTLIGHT

THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE COMES FULL CIRCLE “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

S

ervice has always been part of my life. My family has always been very involved with social reform. I grew up in a family of progressive writers with an ethos of service. I grew up in India where, during my childhood, my parents were actively involved with Prema Samajam, an organization that served individuals with disabilities. They always included me, and those experiences had a profound impact on me. My husband, Suresh Krishna, and I have continued to inculcate this spirit of service in our children, Parthiv and Arjav.

Bhuvana with her husband, Suresh Krishna (middle), and sons Parthiv (left) and Arjav (right).

After receiving a master’s degree in nonprofit management and social work from Case Western University, I continued to work with nonprofit organizations around the United States as a board governance consultant. I have also been a teacher for nearly thirty

years. I currently teach science at a local public high school.

When my friend Carol Curoe invited me to get involved with Hammer a couple years ago, it drew me back to my childhood experiences, and I said yes!

I am honored today to be a member of the Hammer Board of Directors and the current chair of the Development Committee.

At Hammer, I see individuals served with grace, compassion, and dignity, and that really sticks out to me. I see staff who work with purpose and dedication.

It’s very special to witness and it is my privilege to serve the organization in whatever way possible. This is an exciting time to be involved as we approach the second century at Hammer. As the organization gets ready to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its existence, I hope the community recognizes the immense legacy of Hammer in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families in and around the Twin Cities over the past century. It’s an honor to be associated with Hammer during this historic time.

I have great regard for the employees of Hammer — from the direct service providers to the CEO, John Estrem, and everyone in between. I try my best to be an advocate for them and share their stories in the community. For example, I often have the Hammer logo as my background in Zoom meetings.

This gives me the chance to talk about Hammer and share something I am passionate about with those who may not be familiar with Hammer. It’s also a way to build and discover connections. I want to give back to this community that has given so much to me and my family.

As a member of the Development Committee, one of the things I love to do is make thank you calls to our donors. I view these calls as an exercise in expressing gratitude for something I am passionate about: Hammer. I am the medium between the donor and Hammer. In these calls, I get to learn about the connection between the donor and Hammer, and that’s very rewarding.

Bhuvana with one of the school children in the school that her family adopted in rural India. Her family has been providing school supplies and visiting to teach regularly for 12 years.

Board member, Victor Sugamar, with Bhuvana at the Hammer Spring Breakfast in 2018.

Hammer Discoveries | 3

A Lifetime of Smiles Through Music

By Donny Gromek, Family Member and DJ

It has been my greatest honor to bring music to the people at Hammer Residences throughout the years. In Hammer’s early years, I watched kids grow into teeny boppers, and then as they grew into adults. They are so excited to see me; their faces light up with excitement and we share a love for music that makes you want to sing and dance.

They request the same songs every year, so of course I play the music they want to hear. I wanted to hug them, but knew I couldn’t this year because of COVID-19 and to protect everyone's health and safety.

I joined the Hammer family when I married Becky Koltes in 1978. That same year Liz, Becky’s sister, moved into her first Hammer home. We were all much younger back in those days, and time has flown by.

4 | Hammer Discoveries

This has been a very tough year for me.

I lost my wife, Becky. Being a people person and a DJ, COVID-19 has been very hard for me, too. Being back with my Hammer peeps gives me such great energy! However, I miss Becky the most, but I also miss seeing Liz and everyone at Hammer as often as I used to at events.

I would prefer to have everyone dancing right up front with me, but this was the next best thing on a sunny summer day.

Seeing the smiles on the individuals’ faces that day, made me cry with joy.

They just mean so much to me because they are such beautiful people, and it is phenomenal to see them so happy. We should all be more thankful.

It’s my pleasure to bring more love into this world. It touches my heart so deeply.

If you can help someone, share your

talents, share your time, share the joy. Do it! Liz and all her friends at Hammer are the greatest, least inhibited, and most appreciative group I play for all year. I can’t wait for my next Hammer gig!

Student volunteers not only directed cars, they also entertained the crowd.

“I laughed, I cried, and we danced. I just love these kids at Hammer!”

— Donny Gromek, Hammer Family Member and DJ In an effort to keep everyone at Hammer safe and healthy, the traditional Hammer Family Day Picnic was not held in the Hammer parking lot, but instead, we gathered in our cars for a car karaoke event, held in the parking lot of Holy Name Catholic Church with everyone in their cars listening to the DJ. You can see more photos of the event on the next page.>>> Hammer Discoveries | 5

FAMILY DAY 2020: CAR KARAOKE EDITION

By Ginger Venable, Event and Project Manager For the past 65 years, Hammer Residences, with support from donors, has hosted a Family Day Picnic. It’s a day for people to gather, share a meal, play games, and DANCE. It truly is a highlight of the year!

Well, as you would imagine, the 2020 Family Day Picnic as we know it, did not happen this year, due to the pandemic and our pledge to keep individuals safe and healthy.

After months of sheltering in place, the team came up with an idea for a COVID-safe experience that got people out of their homes to have some fun.

Family Day: Car Karaoke was held in the parking lot of the Holy Name of Jesus Church on Saturday, September 19.

Guests stayed in their cars, and enjoyed Karaoke by DJ Donny Gromek, a long-time volunteer, in his DJ booth with an FM radio transmitter that allowed his tunes to be heard on attendees’ car radios. From everyone at Hammer, thank you Donny G! Guests were treated to a Dairy Queen Dilly Bar and a realistic-looking microphone! They sang and danced along to the music in their cars.

Thank you to the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic community for generously allowing us to use their parking lot and power box and helping make our day possible. The Holy Name of Jesus Church has a long history of serving people with disabilities and supports Hammer in many ways.

Thanks also to Wayzata High School students who volunteered to pass out treats and get the crowd going.

No matter how long the pandemic lasts, we will continue to keep the individuals we serve safe and healthy. We just need to have some good, safe fun once in a while.

Thanks to our generous donors for making this day possible.

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THANK YOU TO HOLY NAME OF JESUS CHURCH FOR THE USE OF YOUR PARKING LOT FOR OUR CAR KARAOKE EVENT!

Hammer Discoveries | 7

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED, AND YET STAYED THE SAME

By Cathy Thoma, Director of Volunteer Resources When the world changed in March due to COVID-19, Lisa Greenberg and I knew that we, and our volunteer department, would have to change with it.

Initially, we thought that volunteers would be hunkered down, unwilling and unable to engage, due to safety concerns. But what we found was the exact opposite. Our volunteers immediately asked how they could help.

Volunteering was a way to have some semblance of control over this terrible pandemic. So, while how we volunteered needed to change, the desire to help and serve remained the same.

The first order of business was to find 2,000 reusable facemasks for the individuals we support and our caretakers. These were in short supply at the time. The call went out to Hammer’s volunteers, and to the community at large, and did they deliver! We received 2,000 homemade masks within two weeks!

As the pandemic progressed, we asked for assistance with meals in the homes where we needed extra help. Since March, volunteers have supplied 104 lunches and dinners to our individuals and staff. The feedback we received was pure delight and gratitude at the home8 | Hammer Discoveries

cooked meals, take-out deliveries, and monetary gifts for meals!

During the state-mandated stay at home orders, our volunteers and the individuals they support were feeling isolated and lonely. We needed to find a way to keep everyone connected.

How could we make that happen and still keep everyone safe? Zoom!

Zoom! Zoom!

Our volunteers connected with our individuals on Zoom and FaceTime and continued cooking and music lessons, writing sessions, exercising, and just plain old talking. Volunteers started sending letters and emails and dropped off much-appreciated goodie bags.

When apring and aummer returned to Minnesota, volunteers were able to meet outside with the individuals they supported. Arts and crafts flourished at many of the homes, as well as just having a chance to visit together. In all cases, safety precautions were observed. Volunteers wore masks, took their temperature and oxygen levels, hand sanitized, and stayed six feet apart from others.

Fall brought with it the first Hammer Car Karaoke, a replacement for our Hammer Family Day Picnic. We had over 20 event volunteers come to help spread the joy of music with those we serve. We handed out our brand new commercially made Hammer face masks to each volunteer. Thanks to Lisa for managing this project, the face masks are functional, practical, and popular!

As we head into winter, we will continue to be creative in how we keep our volunteers and the individuals we

Lisa and Cathy show their Hammer spirit!

Staff wear volunteermade face masks.

Wayzata High School students direct traffic at Car Karaoke.

support connected and engaged. Lisa and I will make that our top priority, because even though the world has changed, our mission to help those we support live life to the fullest and our volunteers’ desire to make that happen, remains the same.

HAMMER IMPLEMENTS A DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COUNCIL LED BY STAFF MEMBERS

By Nicole Hollins and Helena Watson, Co-chairs of the DEI Council at Hammer During these past years, our country has seen some divisive behavior that has affected our local communities. Some of our citizens of color were usually at the brunt edge of conversations, anger, hate, and aggression. While some people were willing participants, others were silent. Either they did not know what or how to say things, or it just wasn’t on their radar because it didn’t affect them personally.

However, everything changed when the world watched a police officer kneel on the neck of an African American man for over eight minutes, ending his life. The days and months after that would not be the same. People of color and their allies have decided that enough is enough and violence against minorities will not be tolerated. It was at this time that Hammer recognized the need to develop a council that would help heal wounds, have painful conversations, and enact change within their organization.

Left to right: Helena Watson, Program Manager at Sumac and Nicole Hollins, Program Manager at Sheridan and 14th Ave Hammer Homes.

For many in leadership, this was the next step in Hammer’s evolution. While some understood the hurt and could sympathize with those impacted, they couldn’t feel the pain because it had never crossed their doorsteps.

The Hammer DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Council was developed to help shape the policies that might impact the diversity within the company.

As the population changes, so must the diversity within the company. This is not a Minneapolis problem, or an inner-city problem. This is a problem that is found anywhere any person is feeling oppressed while trying to live their best lives. In writing this, I hope that Hammer will continue to work towards equality in every aspect of the job. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly in the workplace, on the street, in the grocery stores, in schools, and in everyday conversations.

Left to right: Sarah and Cathy, supported at our Sumac home are staying busy at home. Helena Watson, Hammer Program Manager and Co-Chair for the Hammer DEI Council, works extra hard to keep everyone engaged, healthy, and safe.

Left to right: Nicole Hollins, Program Manager at Hammer's 14th Ave Home helps the guys supported there stay active at home with Community Life online activities.

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MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES IN 2020 Hire Date

Name, House

Years

4/24/1975

Rose Rizzi, Central Office - Archivist

45

6/3/1980

Nancy Jackson, 13th Avenue - DSP

40

2/14/1990

Jan Hopper, 1st Avenue - DSP

30

4/2/1990

Tim Eshelman, Central Office - Director of Environmental Services

30

6/13/1990

Jay Butler, Central Office - Program Director

30

6/25/1990

Patty Hastings, Central Office - Account Specialist

30

8/31/1990

Joan Boerschinger, Ridgeview - DSP

30

8/31/1990

Calvin Whitmore, Lawndale - DSP

30

10/3/1990

Dan Bottiger, Central Office -Director of IT

30

2/7/1995

Paul Wilson, Carlson- DSP

25

9/25/1995

Kevin McLaughlin, Central Office - Payroll Specialist

25

2/7/2000

Stefanie Miller, Central Office - Receptionist

20

4/14/2000

Jill Peters, Holdridge - DSP

20

9/22/2000

Tom Ryan, Central Office - Director of Hammer Travel

20

10/9/2000

Abiodun Ogunwale, Broadway - DSP

20

11/13/2000

Leslie Wilson, Black Oaks - DSP

20

“I was so surprised to find your beautiful flowers, personal card, and generous gift. I’m honored to work for such a great company and work with so many great people. Stone Creek is wonderful. I am happy and look forward too many more years at Hammer. You make everyone feel valued and appreciated. I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge everyone for their years of service.”

— Kim Whalen

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A FRESH LOOK

by Kim Hansen, Director of Human Resources

W

hen COVID-19 started, many businesses had to shut down including hair salons, which left individuals we support, like the rest of us, a little shaggy. Each of us can relate to our hair growing out of control during these past eight months of quarantine. We had to get creative on hairstyles and problem solve what to do with our over-abundance of hair.

Betsy Stromberg, Stone Creek, has cut her family and friends’ hair for many years. She thought during this unprecedented time of salon and barbershop shutdowns, she could offer the service for the individuals we support at Hammer; give them a fresh look.

Since then, Betsy has given over 70 haircuts at sites including

Black Oaks, Lakeside, Knollway, Wentworth, Emery, Stone Creek and 1st Ave. One man will only allow Betsy to cut his hair and asks specifically for her. After the haircut, he keeps looking in the mirror admiring his fresh look and showing off his haircut.

When she picks up a shift at another site, one man always asks for a haircut, whether he needs one or not. Betsy has become quite popular.

When someone needs a haircut, Betsy receives an email then gets to work. Problem solved!

Thank you to Betsy for sharing her talent and helping people enjoy a fresh look again.

Betsy giving Elsa a muchneeded trim.

Betsy giving Pat a fresh new look that lifted his spirits!

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COMMUNITY LIFE DURING COVID-19

By Julia Christianson, Community Life Coordinator

T

hroughout the past few months, Community Life has been finding creative ways to bring purposeful, skill-building activities to our individuals at Hammer while staying safe. Our goals during this pandemic have included maintaining as much normalcy as possible and staying consistent with our three areas of focus: Wellness, Fitness, and Nutrition.

With the help of our amazing Hammer staff, we have been able to offer a wide variety of activities. In late August, we offered an “End of Summer Event” at Hammer’s central office parking lot. We set up a large tent and planned out two weeks of events for our individuals.

These activities included the ever-favorite Bingo, Just Dance!, and coloring. In addition, Pastor Don joined us for “Songs with Pastor Don” as many of our individuals were missing their Tuesday evenings at the Wayzata Free Church. The End of Summer Event was a great success as many of our individuals were able to enjoy seeing their friends and participate in some of their favorite activities while staying safe.

During the last week of October, Community Life held a “Ghostly Get Together” that included an assortment

Above: Hammer staff dressed up and handed out candy to individuals at the Trunk or Treat event in the Hammer parking lot on Oct 31.

Beth is in her happy place making art at the tent event held in the Hammer parking lot under a nice shaded tent.

Left: Jasmine enjoys coloring during the Tent event outside in the Hammer parking lot in August.

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of activities that were both in person and virtual. Throughout the week, we offered Halloween-themed activities such as Halloween story time, crafts, Jeopardy!, and Bingo. We even found a way to continue the tradition of Hammer’s Haunted House. One of our Hammer individuals, Tony, puts together a haunted house in the central office each year for our individuals to enjoy. This year, we filmed the experience so a virtual haunted house walk through could be enjoyed from the comfort of everyone’s home. Finally, we ended the week with Trunk or Treat at Hammer’s central office. Many of our central office employees participated in this event by wearing costumes, decorating their cars, and handing out candy so our Hammer individuals could enjoy the Halloween activity safely.

office. However, with the current situation, we were unable to offer that this year. Instead, we had a Hammer Thanksgiving To-Go! We provided a full Thanksgiving meal for everyone who signed up to enjoy at home on Thanksgiving Day. In addition, we are finding ways to bring the traditional holiday festivities to each of our individuals at home or through a virtual format.

From the lighting of the mishumaa saba for Kwanzaa to the lighting of the menorah for Hanukkah to the lighting of the tree for Christmas, we plan to keep the spirit of the holidays alive in the upcoming months and continue to find ways to keep our Hammer individuals engaged, active, and excited for our upcoming events.

Outside of our larger events, we have been offering resources and activities on a weekly basis. Each week, Community Life sends out an email filled with activities and resources for the upcoming week. Many of these activities can be done at home or through a virtual format such as Zoom. In addition, we offer a weekly live activity over Zoom. These activities range from workout sessions to crafts and games. Any of our Hammer individuals are able to join in on these weekly activities to socialize with their peers while enjoying the day’s planned activity. Even more, Community Life has been creating a wide assortment of videos that our individuals and staff can access and utilize at any time. These videos include tutorials for working out, baking, cooking, crafts, audio books, and more!

For the upcoming months, we are brainstorming ways in which we can keep the spirit of the holidays alive. For Thanksgiving, we traditionally have a Hammer Thanksgiving at the central The most popular event was the Dance Party with Pastor Don, on a summer evening under the tent in the Hammer parking lot. There was a LOT of twisting and shouting!

Hammer Discoveries | 13

STAYING THE COURSE TO KEEP EVERYONE HEALTHY AND SAFE

By Jenna Neal, Director of Health Services and Hammer Nurse

T

he Hammer Health Services Department consists of five full-time nurses, one dose-filling nurse, and one nursing coordinator. When we first heard of the COVID-19 virus that was spreading at the beginning of 2020, the Health Services Department started purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies in bulk, with the goal of keeping our individuals and staff members safe. No dollar amount mattered when keeping the individual’s health as a top priority, which initially made our budget for the year go out the door.

Throughout the past nine months, the Hammer nurses have focused most of our time and attention on our group homes and apartment programs’ health and safety. In the beginning, the guidelines for group home-type settings were vague, and we were categorized into the “long-term care/ nursing home” category by the CDC and MDH. We completed extensive research and evolved our practices with Living Well, INC, another company similar to Hammer, to create a COVID-19 Pandemic Plan.

The MDH adopted several of our policies and procedures to establish recommendations for group homes across the state.

With ever-changing guidelines, we continue to use innovation and evidence-based best practices.

Most of the individuals we serve at Hammer Residences are diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability and may have other comorbidities.

This puts our individuals in the “high-risk” category for Making PPE kits. contracting COVID-19 and having negative consequences when fighting through the illness. We have had to establish additional precautions, more than the general population takes to keep everyone safe. We put all “non-essential” medical appointments on hold for six months, and our nursing team started utilizing “triage strategies” to determine how necessary 14 | Hammer Discoveries

it was to bring someone to urgent care or the emergency room.

We have to weigh the risks versus benefits and advocate for our population every day.

There have been some positive changes and ideas that we have adapted along the way. Throughout the past nine months, we started utilizing Telehealth medicine more than ever before. This has become a time-saving health and safety process that is more person-centered for our individuals. Completing appointments from the comfort of one’s home decreases exposure, improves comfort, and provides opportunities for more people to be involved in an appointment.

When most of the world started to go back to their own “normal,” most of our individuals could not do this due to being high-risk. This has taken a massive toll on the physical and mental health of those we support. They have followed a more staggered approach to seeing loved ones, going back to day programs, and continuing with medical appointments. Many individuals still are home all day. The individuals that we support may not be able to fully understand the situation and the “why” behind why they cannot go see their family, friends, or participate in activities that they enjoy.

Supporting the individuals through person-centered practices from our fantastic staff members has helped to keep them feeling safe and assured during this uncertain time.

Our exceptional direct support professionals, assistant program managers, and program managers have stepped up to the plate during this time. They used extensive cleaning regimens in the homes and apartments, continuous health monitoring, and new ways to participate in activities at home. Their dedication to the individuals we serve has not gone unnoticed and is why we are thriving as an organization today.

Extra cleaning supplies were purchased for our 45 homes and 9 apartment programs to keep staff and employees safe and healthy.

MEET THE HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT NURSING TEAM AT HAMMER

Cindy Garin

Brandi Sterry

Making PPE kits.

Our entire organization has come together to do their part to support each other during this time. For example, our finance department has set out to obtain PPE loan forgiveness that has outweighed some of the initial costs. Our contracted case managers worked with nurse Cindy to create over 400 PPE kits for staff to feel safe when caring for a COVID-19 positive individual.

Our nursing coordinator, Diana, became the supply chain master and ensured all resources were provided to staff. Nurses Brandi, Kristin, and Johnetta test individuals when needed.

Nurse Kris has become the dose-filling queen to ensure that our medication administration is safer and promotes more independence in our group homes. Our HR and finance departments have stayed up to date with changing rates and ensuring we are getting funded during this time.

Diana McClay

Kris Harrington

Kristin Baker

Johnetta Sumo

Our Community Life department has put together "stay at home" activities and outdoor get-togethers that follow all safety protocols. The list is endless. Throughout my past six years at Hammer, I have observed some amazing leadership, delegation, and advocacy, and it shines through during times like this.

As the cases continue to rise during the winter months, we continue to stay confident in our abilities, resources, support, and strategic planning to ensure the safety and health of our individuals and staff at Hammer Residences.

Jenna Neal, Director of Health Services

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THE NEW VIEW IN TRAINING Taking challenging change to new places…

By Cate Saracen Peters – Director of Workforce Development

A

dapting to change takes a healthy balance of collaborative spirit, creativity, innovative ideas, and a solid foundation to jump off of. As a team we’ve been blessed with all of these attributes.

The need for Hammer’s training program to expand our online footprint was clearly evident that first week in March, when challenging change presented itself to everyone, everywhere.

The challenge before us? How to best develop engaging, supportive, accessible trainings that would meet all employee needs from afar, while maintaining that all important connected and personal feel.

Supporting employee learning needs virtually would now be our ongoing strategy and end up strengthening our training offerings into the future.

We assessed what we had in place and utilized those training frameworks to our advantage. It is important to understand that virtual learning doesn’t have to have a lot of bells and whistles. Our goal is to be clear, purposeful, and easily accessible.

Statistically, adult learners really do prefer short, digestible chunks of information, delivered in a variety of ways.

Condensing our live in-person classes to both the online and virtual platforms was the agreed-upon path to take.

Where to begin? Clearly, without question, our top priority was the onboarding training process for new employees. Our immediate goal? In this largely virtual environment, it was important to us to provide each new hire with a personalized warm welcome. We used a simple communication strategy of pairing an introductory phone call with a letter that laid out their supportive training plan, including how to connect virtually to orientation without missing a beat.

Our collaborative work culture at Hammer has been a key element to supporting the success of our new hires.

With HR, Program, and Nursing’s excellence we have the

16 | Hammer Discoveries

strength and precision required to ensure that each step of the new employee’s experience is as seamless as possible.

In March, adapting to this unexpected change in direction quickly for the onboarding training process was essential. In creating our new online orientation, Lisa Barker’s (Training and Education Manager) excellence and momentum was bar none. We decided to go with a hybrid learning plan which includes: two to three days of instructor led virtual classroom via Microsoft TEAMS, self-led assignments, self-led eLearning lessons through the Hammer Training Portal, and follow-up Tech to Success supports, all before our new hires start at their program site.

“From an instructor viewpoint: virtual orientation has allowed more flexibility for new employees that we had not been able to offer before."

— Lisa Barker

In the past three months, we’ve continued to make strides in streamlining this training and communication process.

The implementation of these changes is to better support not only new employees, but also the program managers and nurses with their on-the-job training efforts at our programs. This is where training becomes truly in person for the first time in the new hire’s employment with us.

What have we learned? Change of this magnitude is an opportunity to build strength. COVID’s impact has brought about some positive change in our training delivery, with increased online and virtual options for our workforce.

In this new working world, our employees need us to be flexible, meeting them where they are.

Moving ahead, our current challenge is sustaining our quality while meeting our employee learning needs virtually. In order to fully achieve this goal, we are working on increasing our use of both internal and external training resources. Across our organization we have subject matter experts who are invaluable, with the abilities to share in the instructor role for all employees. We continue to collaborate with other providers and rely on training agencies as valued resources.

Welcoming new employees to Hammer: John Estrem, CEO, (lower left) and Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer (lower right), regularly join in on employee orientation.

We are encouraged by having the opportunity to grow the adult learning options we provide for our employees at Hammer. This shift of working toward remote work and education will now serve as a complement in the training we provide. The training team will continue to look at new ways of how to best support remote learning.

In these uncertain times, the Hammer training team is committed to supporting our employees to feel connected, valued, and encouraged, so that they can focus their energies on helping the people we serve to live their lives to the fullest.

We look forward to the year ahead with great anticipation as we support our workforce through new ways of training.

Tech to Success Program (pictured below) are Tech platforms that new hires will interface with on the job.

Hammer Discoveries | 17

MIKEY BECAME A MAN

by Sheryl Butler, Hammer Family member

For years, as an occupational therapist in Wayzata Schools, it has been an honor to share Hammer’s good reputation with families who really need Hammer. I have worked with kids with disabilities from kindergartners to young adults, sharing the possibility of Hammer with their families.

Then, somehow the stars aligned, and Hammer became home to my son, Mikey. That’s what I call him because no matter how old he is, he’s my baby boy.

Mikey lives near me in Minnetonka and has found his Hammer family. Hammer feels like family to me, too.

The flexibility, even during COVID-19, to visit safely, to be as involved as I want, to plan holidays, and have yard parties with all the guys and their families is great.

Last summer I would stop by and hang out, armed with a bags of chips and water, and sit outside visiting. We even got to know Mikey’s wonderful neighbors who often stopped by to say, “hello” and comment on the garden boxes out front.

Mikey has come to love his roommates, as well as his caregivers. He has had so many opportunities to develop new friendships and create his own memories with “the guys.” Even when it was difficult to find staff, they figured out how to find activities to do at home, or to get Mikey out of the house for at least a ride around the neighborhood. I am so grateful that he has had a safe and caring place to be in this pandemic.

I didn’t expect Mikey to grow in so many ways when he left my home. When he first moved in, I felt like I was dropping off my 5-year-old for a play date and never picking him up again. However, Mikey found his life at Hammer and became a man. He has more skills, more opportunities, and more relationships. His life has become fuller. It’s a gift to him and me.

I have been able to stay very involved in Mikey’s life and with Hammer. I hosted a couple of Facebook fundraisers so that Mikey and his roommates could get some new appliances. What a hit! My family, who mostly live in Chicago, could stay connected through Facebook. They made gifts and are able to check in 18 | Hammer Discoveries

Mikey and mom, Sheryl. Go Twins!

Now that seems like 100 years ago.

on Mikey and follow Hammer’s Facebook page. Probably the only good thing to come out of COVID-19 has been Mikey’s public service announcements reminding everyone to “Wear Your Mask,” “VOTE,” and “Be Kind.”

We share Hammer’s posts with family to keep them up to date and hopefully make them smile.

Recently, when Mikey’s new roommate moved in, Grandma Judy in Chicago learned that Mikey’s friend loved to get mail. Now Grandma Judy is writing postcards and sending care packages to share her love, stay busy, and be connected to Mikey and his pals. Mikey’s roommate loves the mail and has a new pen pal. I love that Mikey has been able to stay connected to so many people since his move to Hammer. As a mom, nothing is more important than knowing that Mikey is able to stay connected to those who love him so much!

“Mikey found his life at Hammer and became a man. Now he has more skills, more opportunities, and more relationships. His life has become fuller which is a gift to him and me.”

—Sheryl Butler

Mikey and his BFF, Gabe, at Hammer's Family Day Picnic (pre-COVID-19).

An outdoor visit with mom and neighbors always puts a smile on Mike’s face.

Hammer Discoveries | 19

CONTRIBUTORS

| Donations from July 16, 2020 – November 10, 2020

Extraordinary changes have occurred and yet your remarkable support continues. You are among thousands who believe in providing safe and healthy lives for people at Hammer. Thank you for your unwavering generosity.

$50,000 +

Haugen Family Foundation / Tim and Amy Haugen $25,000 – $49,999 Ronald E. Hovda Bieber Family Foundation Knights of Columbus #3758 / Bill Bieber Mike and Connie LaRoche Mary Drazan Robert and Michelle Luke Richard M. Schulze Mary K. Lund Family Foundation Dr. Deane Manolis John and Maryann $10,000 – $24,999 Merideth Greg Anderson Fredrick and Christine Delta Dental of Meyer Minnesota Foundation Denny and Mary Newell Hennepin County John and Gigi Ossanna Earl L Johnson Trust Michael Patterson and / Earl and Beverly Deborah Hollman Johnson Tim and Teresa Perisic Thomas and Mari Lowe Steven and Paula Metropolitan Regional Peterson Arts Council Susan and Andrew Rein Rotary Club of Wayzata $5,000 – $9,999 Siegel Family Foundation Tony Determan / Elaine Siegel / Paul Susan Argall Haas and and Melissa Siegel Brian Haas David Sovell Ron Haskvitz Stein Giving Fund / Tom Joseph and Shelly and Laura Stein Hoesley Charitable Fund Victor Sugumar and Martinson Clinic Anita Victor Foundation Michael and Barbara McGlynn Family Tenney Foundation / Michael Thrivent Financial for and Julie McGlynn Lutherans Foundation * Medica Foundation Dan and Katherine Poppe Tradition Capital Bank Minneapolis and Colleen Ryan Wayzata Paul Schultz TricorBraun Mike and Pam Sime Sherry Underdahl Karl and Laurie Voelbel Family Fund Stoltenberg / Richard and Lynn Voelbel $1,000 – $4,999 Rebecca and Ron Wayzata BP Service Anonymous Furnival Center Ameriprise Financial Gift Kathryn H. Glen Gary and Vicki Wyard Matching Program * John and Jean Goad Senator Paul Anderson Del Grote $500 – $999 John and Patricia Bailey Emily Harris AK Material Handling Tim and Julie Bullock Sarah Homuth-Goar Systems - Josh Smith The Cargill Foundation Pat and Michael Houston Janet and David Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. Bill Luther and Janet Anderson Patrice and James Dahl Robert Bialke Allstate Insurance Edward and Sherry Ann Tom and Rose Mary Agency Dayton Meyer Boeing Company Gift Enterprise Holdings MPMG- Minneapolis Match * Foundation Portfolio Management Cliff Foundation / Clifford Maryanne Galvin Group Otten Carol Gottschalk Matt and Marty Mueller Gerry and Vicki Degner Grizzly's Wood-Fired Grill Mary Patterson Louis Doelz Tom and Cheryl Pelkey Brenda Fillipitch Anonymous

In summer, fall, and winter your gifts make lives better at Hammer.

20 | Hammer Discoveries

Father Don Piche Lisbeth and Mark John and Vicki Pink Armstrong Judi Marie and Mitch David and Sue Astin Ringe Garry and Shannon Banks Jeanne Rouch John and Shelia Barbetta Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe Lawrence and JoAnn Lois VanKeulen Barbetta Mark and Kathy Wallraff Mark and Carolyn Bauer Western Collegiate Barbara Bencini and Bill Hockey Association Janahosky Thomas and Rose John and Nancy Berg Winkels Laura Lee and Kyle Nick Wolters Berger Timothy and Diane $100 – $499 Beversdorf Anonymous (2) Scott Bocklund and Tom and Ann Althauser Peggy Hill-Bocklund AmazonSmile Beth Bouman

Gerald and Gwen Bruzek Ann Marie Catapano Paul and Mary Cederberg Mary Coleman Pauline Coleman Alfred Colling Glenda Condon Christine Cook Darlene and Lonnie Cooper Kevin Crowley Carol and George Daum Judith and Kent Davidson James and Norma Driver Blake and Sharla Duerre Tracy and Travis Eisenbraun Jim and Susan Erickson G. Everett Enterprises, Inc. Matt Everson Gene and Cindy Farrell Cindy Feldmeier Harry and Elizabeth Fischman Marvin and Rosemary Fish Bob and Terrisa Fisher Rita Fox Judy Gelina GEN Financial Management Bruce and Kim Gillespie Jean and Bill Gjetson Colleen Glennon Peter and Karen Graff Sue and Ilja Gregor Debby Grote Phil and Brenda Grove Steve and Jean Guenther Kenneth and Val Haga Robert Hagerman David and Sharon Hall George Hamilton Donald and Ida Hanna Mark and Libby Hansen Barbara Hardie Robert and Kathy Hendrickson Shelly Hill Mark and Nancy Hirschfeld Linda and Kenneth Holmen Pam Howe Vicki Jackman Brian Johnson Heidi and Jeff Jopp A. Joppru

Joel Kantola Adam Kastendieck Steven and Teresa Kastendieck Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson Dorothy Keprios Barbara and David Kleist Vicki Klima Everett and Jane Klosterman Jill Kohler Jo Ann Koltes Terrance and Mary Ann Kukla Becky Lane Kurt and Constance Larson Cynthia Laurent Herbert and Kathie Levy Jeffrey Lewis Gary and K. Diane Lichter Karen Lieberman Michael and Karen Linn Lions Club Twin Cities Airport Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King & Stageberg PA Rick and Jeanne Moe Jack Moy Tom and Debbie Muralt Mutual of America * Erik Nelson Mike and Karen Nelson Kenneth and Cathy Noblet Mary and Michael Ongstad Susan and Michael Oreck Mark and Robin Osmanski Bruce and Merry Jo Parker PepsiCo Foundation * Mary Kaye Pfau Pierson Family Fund / Chris and Becky Pierson Christine Poppe Kelly Putney Karen Quast Rae Carlson + Trust Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Linda and Michael Richardson Cathy and Kirk Rose Audrae Rosenzweig

Richard and Nancy Timp Phil and Myra Toconita Barbara Tuckner UnitedHealth Group Dollars Emp. Giving & Dollars for Doers * Ronald and Shirley Vescio Wells Fargo Business Banking Michael Wesley Julie Wesley Wong and Wymond Wong William and Doreen West Barbara Wheeler and John Cannino Karole Whipps Brad Wicklund Paul and Janice Wicklund Virginia Worthington Bill and Bonnie Young Frank Ziacik

Under $100

Thank you for the generosity that makes my education grant possible.

I am very happy and appreciative to be selected as a grant recipient. My financial burden of paying for school has been greatly relieved and I can focus on learning and less on making ends meet. Your generosity is a huge support in my educational pursuits.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Sincerely, Grace Mindy Rudd and John Craynock Tom and Diane Russell Marvin and Judy Saarela John Sacks Alice Sanders Macy and Tracy Seymour Jane and Don Shaffer Ina Shaughnessy John and Francoise Shirley Gary and Shirley Smith

Renee E. SolingerAudette Dean and Ruth Spatz Mark and Gayle Stage Michael and Anne Stern Chris Strande Elaine and Mark Taggatz Thomas and Constance Tart Denine Taylor Trish Tennyson Eldon and Addie Tessman

Mariyam Adam Mussa Darrell Ansel and Loni Ansel Elsa Arteaga Lee Barrett Melanie Barry Mark and Kathy Bauer Thomas P. Bedard Darcy Bell Keith Beresheim and Darcy Grostick Joanie Bernstein Bailey Blethen Marty Bundy Teresa Carlin-Franks Harold and Marilyn Christensen Betty Cole Johnny Cornely Rob and Susan Dahlin Dirk Deyoung and Sarah Parsons Cal and Katy Dirks Mitch Dubya Eileen Saarela Bell Living Trust William and Gail Fellers Debby Fisher Kohrt Sara Francis Shirley (Rip) Freeman Steven and Julie Friedman Sally Fritze Tony Galarce Erik Gangestad Tyler Gangestad

Hammer Discoveries | 21

EMPLOYEE GIVING

Donations from July 16, 2020 – November 10, 2020 Hammer employees give everyday to make sure that those we serve are safe and healthy. Your financial support goes above and beyond.

Thank you for your personal commitment to making life better at Hammer.

We are celebrating you; outside, with masks and keeping our distance. We are grateful that you are staying close to us with your financial support. Thank you!

Zak Gangestad Kristen Gildemeister Robert and Patti Glumack Doug and Susan Greenberg Clark Gregor Trey Gutierrez John Haeg Arvin and Twila Halvorson Sharon Hammang Jessica Hammer Paul Handberg Wendi Harmsen Gary and Laura Hawley Jo Ann M. Henricksen Mary Marquretta Hill John Hobday Pamela Holcomb Grace Huibregtse JK Interiors Inc. Pat and Clifford Johnson Sherri and Steve Johnson Jeff Jones Richard and Nancy Kaner Sharon and John Kapeluck John and Diane Kerr Gilbert and Dawn Kinnunen Hugh and Julie Kirsch Dan H. Klein Toni and Brad Knorr

Marcia Kolb Luke Komarek Emmet and Norma Kurtz Jeffrey and Susan Lambert Tara Lambert Helen Larson Audrey Gail Lazarus Levi Family Giving Fund Joyce Lindahl Ron Linebarger Sue Macintosh Melanie Majerus Alex Marie Nicole Marie April McClellan The Medtronic Foundation * Steven Michels Boyce Barry and Mary Jo Miller Brook Miller Chuck Mosey Jeff Mueller Diane Orenstein and Frank Levin Jeff Peterson Lois Peterson Brian Quast Dan Rabin and Jonna Kosalko Mark Raduziner

LaVergne Raskob Joy Robbins Donald and Bonnie Roeder Georgann Rumsey Dr. Marvin and Stefanie Segal Peter Senty Barbara Serbin Paul Shambroom Lucie Shiff Clayton and Barb Shonka Ronald and Karen Sigal James and Margie Sillery Sherry Smith Michael and Jennifer Speca Rosemary Stalter Chuck Stephens Janet Stroebl Peggy Swanson Barbara Thode Laurie Twiehaus Angie Vaneman Rose Wahl Dick A. Willis Guyle and Barbara Wills Rachel Woods Jackie Wulf

+ = Deceased ď‚Ť = Matching Gift Company

22 | Hammer Discoveries

Dianne Berg Katie and Matt Berg Angela and George Bernhardt Joan Boerschinger Dan and Kate Bottiger Barbara and Bill Brandt Aaron Briggs Michael Bryant Tomeko Champion-Patrick Suzanne and Bill Christianson Ramona Cushman Brandon and Christine Eddy Ashley Emerson Tim Eshelman Lisa and John Greenberg Kim Hansen and Mickey Joldzic Mark and Lynn Hansen Patty and Ben Hastings Jan Hopper Elizabeth Hoskyn Denise Johnson Momo J. Johnson Ann and Robert Martinka William Mbu Kevin McLaughlin Stefanie Miller Katherine Noon Maima Parker Jill Peters Kristin and Duane Pyka Rachel Revels Rose M. Rizzi Thomas Russeth Cari and Jeff Sheley Isabel Sultana Esther Swen Cathy and Morgan Thoma Mikitra Thomas Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer Jerry Towianski Regan Vanevenhoven Diana Vang Ginger and Tom Venable Samantha Vokaty Sue and Kim Walker Dennis Zelee

MEMORIALS 2019 – 2020 We have always honored the individuals we supported who have passed away during the year at our Spring Breakfast each May. Due to COVID-19, we did not have our 2020 Spring Breakfast. However, we still wish to honor the lives of our friends who are no longer with us.

Thank you for being part of helping them live a full life supported by Hammer.

Art Lehmann July 17, 2019 Plymouth Colony

Adam Barbetta July 23, 2019 Zealand

Doug Aaser October 4, 2019 Cedarwood

Chris Schlechter October 10, 2019 Tyler

Forrest Christianson April 16, 2020 Lawndale

Joseph Pomerleau April 25, 2020 Lee Ave

Ryan Duffy May 4, 2020 Welcome Place

Julie Hammes May 16, 2020 Sheridan

Michael Keprios May 26, 2020 Broadway

Jeannie Mahan July 4, 2020 Queensland

Dana Haskvitz August 17, 2020 Lawndale

Susan Saarela October 4, 2020 Sheridan Hammer Discoveries | 23

HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS

| Donations from July 16, 2020 – November 10, 2020

Your gifts are a celebration of life, birth, anniversaries and so many other special occasions. We are grateful that you include Hammer and those we serve during these important times in your life. Thank you for your kind gifts.

In Honor of

Arrive Staff Terrance and Mary Ann Kukla Kristi Bader and Gary Swartz Susan and Michael Oreck Bill and Jimmy Bieber Paul and Mary Cederberg Colleen Ryan Black Oaks Staff and Jill Mike and Connie LaRoche Broadway Staff Susan and Andrew Rein Robert and Susan Burns Rose M. Rizzi Caregivers at Hammer Steve and Jean Guenther Donald and Ida Hanna Mark and Lynn Hansen Vicki Jackman Mary Patterson Father Don Piche Cari and Jeff Sheley Carlson Staff Ginger and Tom Venable

In Memory of

David Davenport John and Nancy Berg Bailey Blethen Sue and Ilja Gregor Ryan Duffy Gilbert and Dawn Kinnunen Larry Finch Eldon and Addie Tessman Carolyn Goad John and Jean Goad Becky Gromek Carol Gottschalk Jo Ann Koltes Judith Hagen John and Vicki Pink Alvina Hammer Kathryn H. Glen Dana Haskvitz Darrell and Loni Ansel Melanie Barry Harold and Marilyn Christensen

24 | Hammer Discoveries

Mick Christianson Jim and Susan Erickson First Avenue Staff Sarah Homuth-Goar Karen Lieberman Audrae Rosenzweig Fourteenth Avenue Staff James and Margie Sillery Lisa Greenberg Doug and Susan Greenberg Hammer Staff Mary Patterson Hampshire Staff Rick and Jeanne Moe Mark Hansen Cari and Jeff Sheley Brad Hill Thomas P. Bedard Jersey Staff Sherri and Steve Johnson Mike Kline Blake and Sharla Duerre Chan Klug Tracy and Travis Eisenbraun Knollway Staff Bruce and Kim Gillespie Robert and Michelle Luke

Sam Krainak Emily Harris Wayne Krippner Linda and Michael Richardson Lake Place Staff Peter and Karen Graff Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe Kelly Lambert Tara Lambert Nelson Staff Tom and Debbie Muralt Queensland Staff Judy Gelina Renew Staff David and SueAstin Cal and Katy Dirks Michael Patterson and Deborah Hollman Rockford Staff and Sarah H Brian Johnson John and Alice Johnson Sheridan Staff Jean and Bill Gjetson Jacob Snell Lois VanKeulen Stone Creek Staff Christine Poppe Tom and Diane Russell Sumac Staff Marvin and Rosemary Fish

Betty Cole Harry and Elizabeth Fischman Steven and Julie Friedman Barbara Hardie Ron Haskvitz Gary and Laura Hawley Shelly Hill Pamela Holcomb Luke Komarek Emmet and Norma Kurtz Minneapolis Portfolio Management Group Levi Family Giving Fund Kelly Putney Dr. Marvin and Stefanie Segal John and Francoise Shirley Janet Stroebl Brad Wicklund

Donald Joyce Barry and Mary Jo Miller Peggy Swanson Barb Kavalauskas Carol and George Daum Mike Keprios Dirk Deyoung and Sarah Parsons John Haeg Kenneth and Val Haga Andrea Kaufman and Jim Jacobson Georgann Rumsey Bob Koltes Jo Ann Koltes Chris Strande Mike McDonald Peggy Swanson Rachel McWhorter Helen Larson Leota Murray Jean and Bill Gjetson

Thank you for the loving care, understanding, and attention you give day after day.

Thirteenth Avenue Staff Richard and Nancy Kaner Tyler Staff Elaine and Mark Taggatz

Vicksburg Village Staff Scott Bocklund and Peggy HillBocklund Pat and Michael Houston Samantha Vokaty Gary and Shirley Smith

Orville and Vonnie Olson Beth Bouman William and Gail Fellers David and Linda Holzinger Arvin and Twila Halvorson John and Diane Kerr Joe Pomerleau Sharon and John Kapeluck Henry Pryor John and Vicki Pink Susie Saarela John Sacks Eileen Saarela Bell Living Trust Susan Seymour Macy and Tracy Seymour Annette Shapiro Diane Orenstein and Frank Levin Ronald and Karen Sigal

Alan Strande Chris Strande Steve Tart Thomas and Constance Tart June Tessman Eldon and Addie Tessman Edward Thode Barbara Thode Jerry and Marie Tuckner Phil and Myra Toconita Jim Warner Robert Hagerman Meem Asp Thomas Campbell Frank Chase Ted Stoen Shirley (Rip) Freeman Dr. Hiram Drache Erling (Jake) Yaeger Allen and LaVonne Ribbe

ALVINA HAMMER HERITAGE SOCIETY You are a visionary who has made a legacy gift by including Hammer in your will or other 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 A. 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 Robert and Sharon Hoffman 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 Steven and Paula Peterson 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

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 do to add a charitable gift to Hammer. You can also designate Hammer as a beneficiary of your retirement fund (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) and life insurance plan. Now is a great time to start planning and to consider supporting the future of individuals living at Hammer. Contact Angela Bernhardt or Ellen TimmermanBorer at 952-473-1261 for more information.

Make a Gift Directly from your IRA to Hammer. If you are 70½ or older, you can give a gift directly from your IRA to support Hammer Residences.

While you will not receive an income-tax deduction, you will not pay taxes on any distributions made directly to Hammer. A gift from your IRA also reduces your taxable income, which could help reduce your Medicare premiums and the amount of Social Security benefits that are taxable.

Contact your IRA plan administrator to request that a qualified charitable distribution be made directly to Hammer Residences today.

The family of Christopher Schlechter wants to thank all the staff at Tyler who took care of our dear brother as we remember his passing one year ago in October.

Hammer Discoveries | 25

ALL THE FUTURE BUDDYS

by Mindy Rudd To explain in 250 words or less, why I still give to Hammer, is tantamount to giving an Academy Awards acceptance speech and successfully remembering every last person you mean to thank.

It can't be done!

For forty plus years, my little brother, Don (Buddy), was given a life at Hammer I could never have dreamed for him. If you get me started, I could tell you enough joyful, funny, lovely stories about Buddy to make you finally fall asleep in your soup! We all feel that way about our loved ones. We all feel they were singular, gifted, special. The amazing thing is the people at Hammer think so too. They show it day in and day out by tending with compassion to the hopes, dreams, health, and well being of those entrusted to their care.

I live on the East Coast now and have for many years. When I try to explain the love and caring that goes into running Hammer, my friends look at me in wonder. I usually end up throwing up my hands and saying, “It's a place you or I would want to live!”

I can guarantee you there is nothing that comes close to Hammer Residences on the East Coast. Nor have I heard of such an extraordinary place anywhere else in this country. We lucked out! We have the rarest of rare organizations that love our loved ones as we do. And it’s right under our noses!

Some things are worth nurturing, worth saving, worth supporting even when it's not always convenient or financially easy. Buddy had a wonderful life and in a big way, Hammer is responsible for that.

I still give to Hammer for a million reasons. But mostly for all the future Buddys to come, who also deserve (and will receive) a wonderful life, thanks to Hammer.

“I still give for all the future Buddys to come, who also deserve (and will receive) a wonderful life, thanks to Hammer.”

Don (Buddy) living his full life, prepared for a fishing trip,

26 | Hammer Discoveries

CONSECUTIVE GIVING SOCIETY You are among our most steadfast donors, supporting those we serve for 10 or more consecutive years. Your terriffic track record of giving makes all the difference in our world. Thank you.

Anonymous Joel and Mary Amundson Bob and Colleen Anderson Gervae Anderson Greg Anderson Janet and David Anderson Marshall and Dru Anderson Pete and Margie Ankeny Fund Argall Hibbs Foundation / Susan Argall Haas and Brian Haas Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong Elaine and Robert Bache Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Garry and Shannon Banks John and Shelia Barbetta Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta Katie and Richard Barrett Dianne Berg John and Nancy Berg Josephine Berge Bieber Family Foundation / Bill Bieber Tom and Angela Blanchette Conrad and Mary Bloomquist Joan Boerschinger Dan and Kate Bottiger Aaron Briggs Michael Bryant and Phelomina Silva-Bryant + Candlelight Floral & Gifts Tomeko ChampionPatrick Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Suzanne and Bill Christianson Pauline and John + Coleman

Alfred Colling Richard and Judith Corson David and Debra Czech Joe and Sondra Dahmer Charitable Fund Judith and Kent Davidson Edward and Sherry Ann Dayton Lisa and Scott Dongoske Marjorie and Charles Elliott Esch Construction Supply, Inc. Tim Eshelman Marvin and Rosemary Fish Bob and Terrisa Fisher Patricia A. Fleming Food Perspectives, Inc. Shirley (Rip) Freeman Phyllis and Rich GenestStein Bruce and Kim Gillespie Jean and Bill Gjetson Rosemary and Lawrence Gleason Kathryn H. Glen Donna Gorski Sue and Ilja Gregor Don and Becky + Gromek Martha and Edward Gschneidner Don and Heidi Haberman Gary and Kathleen Hadley Donald and Ida Hanna Kim Hansen and Mickey Joldzic Dr. Daniel Hartnett Ron Haskvitz Patty and Ben Hastings Robert and Kathy Hendrickson Mary Hilgert Mary Marquretta Hill John and Cindy Hitt Linda and Kenneth Holmen

Would you like to make a gift to Hammer in honor or memory of someone special? You can use the enclosed envelope, go online, or just send us a note along with your contribution.

Jan Hopper Alan and Diane Horner Pat and Michael Houston Pam Howe Denise Johnson John and Alice Johnson Momo J. Johnson Sherri and Steve Johnson Margaret and Roger Jones Heidi and Jeff Jopp Dorothy Keprios Hugh and Julie Kirsch Dan H. Klein Knights of Columbus #13096 Knights of Columbus #13359 Knights of Columbus #13506 Knights of Columbus #3949 Jo Ann Koltes Bill Krippner Jeffrey and Susan Lambert Jim Landt and Judy Grochon Wally Lentz and Susan Nixon Marcia and Fred LeVoir Herbert and Kathie Levy Paul and Janice Lindbloom Hosain Lipson and Angie Weber Thomas and Mari Lowe Mary K. Lund Dr. Deane Manolis Darlene and Thomas McCarthy Patrick and Victoria McConnell Kevin McLaughlin Taya Mergott John and Maryann Merideth Mary Metzler and Elliott Mills Barry and Mary Jo Miller

Stefanie Miller Lewis and Jill Mithun Patty and Mike Molden Larry Mueller Matt and Marty Mueller Renee Mueller Jean Nelson Denny and Mary Newell Jo Nolan Allan and Vicki Olson Mary and Michael Ongstad Susan and Michael Oreck Otten Bros. Nursery Betsy and Bruce Pankonin Bruce and Merry Jo Parker Maima Parker Carol Patterson Mary Patterson Doug and Marilyn Paul Dan and Linda Pelak David and Sharon Petterson Susan and Greg Pfeiffer Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority Christine Poppe Dan and Katherine Poppe Mary and Robert Putnam James and Jane Ramsland Randy's Environmental Services Joe and Kathy Reis Rachel Revels Edwin and Christina Ritchie Rose M. Rizzi Rotary Club of Wayzata Jeanne Rouch Mindy Rudd and John Craynock Ann L. Schenkel Rita Schofield William and Joyce Sexton Family Foundation Jane and Don Shaffer

Cari and Jeff Sheley Elaine Siegel Thomas and Lee Ann Silver Mike and Pam Sime Renee E. SolingerAudette Margaret Starr-Knox Karl and Laurie Stoltenberg Chris and Allen Strande Charles and Ellen Swanson Peggy Swanson Esther Swen Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe TCF Foundation Barbara Tennessen Michael and Barbara Tenney Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer Richard and Nancy Timp Jay and Lisa Tschetter Barbara Tuckner Jack and Cheryl Tuckner Sue and Kim Walker Mark and Kathy Wallraff Wynona and James + Warner Wayzata American Legion Post 118 Julie Wesley-Wong and Wymond Wong Michael and Mackie Wesley Paul and Janice Wicklund Alan and Connie Wilensky Mary Ann and John Wolters Bill and Bonnie Young Dennis Zelee

While every effort is made to ensure 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 | 27

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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Equal Opportunity Employer