CAREERS EDITION
| WINTER 2023
Discoveries
CAREERS AT HAMMER & NER Gordy, Cate, and their family have been a part of Hammer for the past 42 years. Read Tapestry of a Career on pages 4–5
DEAR FRIENDS,
Spring Breakfast
As the year comes to a close, I am reminded how thankful I am for all the ways you, our extended family, and friends, helped us celebrate our milestone anniversaries this year. Together, we made wonderful memories at our annual Spring Breakfast, the Luau, Reach for Ralph, and the Family Day Picnic — some of the highlights for me during the year. I am grateful for your unwavering dedication to our mission that started with a vision and a purpose in a home in Minneapolis in 1923, and in a convent in White Bear Lake in 1973, with the core belief that people with developmental and other disabilities deserve to live and flourish in a loving and caring environment. One-hundred years later, our values remain the same as we look toward the future: one where people with developmental disabilities are valued and supported and trained caregivers are well compensated, allowing them to provide support in our homes that are fully equipped to serve individuals as they age.
Reach for Ralph
We cannot do this work alone. Thank you for your continued partnership and support which help our staff, more than 500 caregivers, who work in our 68 group homes and apartment programs to support the over 370 individuals served by Hammer & NER.
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John Estrem, CEO
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Blessings to you and your family,
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Family Day Picnic
Discoveries
Managing Editors Barbara Brandt / Barbara.Brandt@Hammer.org Jennifer L. Hipple / Jennifer.Hipple@Hammer.org
Luau
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Contributing Writers Angela Bernhardt, Kelly Bosch, Barbara Brandt, Fred Curran, Lin Curran, John Estrem, Mary Gaasch, Kim Hansen, Jennifer L. Hipple, Nate Reed, Cate Saracen Peters, Cathy Thoma, Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Ginger Venable, Sue Walker Photography: Submitted photos by staff members Barbara Brandt and Joe Cullen Graphic Design: Jennifer Larson
BOARD SPOTLIGHT: DON HABERMAN
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serve on the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, and on the Staffing Task Force. To me, attracting and retaining quality caregivers to do this important and sometimes unseen work of caring deeply for individuals with developmental disabilities is a top priority. You might look at the nice homes, happy people, and financial reports and think things are going great, yet just under the surface is a real and pressing need that can be difficult to articulate and needs to be seen. Some 20 years ago, my wife, Heidi, and I discussed our daughter, Katie, possibly moving into Hammer’s apartment program. I’ll never forget that conversation and our uncertainty and excitement for what the future might look like for Katie. The world is not the way it was 20 years ago, and it’s never going to be the same. There are not enough staff at Hammer & NER—or anywhere. Katie and her friends are getting older and experiencing new challenges. It can be difficult for us to care for Katie, and I often think of the huge undertaking it is for Hammer & NER to be responsible, fully responsible, for 375 individuals. We try to pick up the slack and do what we can, which means stepping in to support not only Katie, but everyone at the Lake Place apartments who we consider an extension of our own family. The holidays and birthdays are huge. Decorating for and celebrating them keeps the fun alive for us, too. We are lucky to live close by and are around a lot. One of the challenges you don’t hear about is the loneliness that many people are experiencing. With fewer staff available, Katie’s work hours cut back, and friends moving out of the apartment into group homes, she is lonely. So yes, I’m very involved and yes, generous financially. I am proud that we have been donors every year since Katie moved in, that we give what we can and then some, and that we’ve included Hammer & NER in our estate plans. I wish more people would do the same. It is about more than just Katie for us, we want to keep it going well beyond our lifetime and know we made a difference.
Katie (center) and her friends
IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 2
Letter from the CEO
PAGE 3
Board Spotlight
PAGES 4-5
Tapestry of a Career Story
PAGES 6-7
Sarah’s Story
PAGES 8-9
In Remembrance
PAGES 10-11
Bonnie’s Next Act
PAGES 12-13
Meet Our New Director of Nursing
PAGES 14-15
Growing a Career and a Friendship
PAGE 16
A Great Place to Grow a Career
PAGE 17
Hammer & NER Alumni
PAGE 18
Meet Joni Purrington — Extraordinary Volunteer
PAGES 19
From Friends to Family. Family, Extended and Loyal
PAGES 20-37
Thank You Hammer & NER Donors
Pages 38-39
Celebrating Our Retirees
Discoveries | 3
Tapestry of a Career Story A working summer becomes a lifelong vocation By Cate Saracen Peters, Director of Workforce Development
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s I reflect on my career, I am humbled and grateful for relationships and the opportunity to support people’s lives as part of Alvina Hammer’s legacy. While pursuing my B.S. degree in Education and Special Education on the East coast, I learned about Hammer’s exceptional reputation of service in our field. A friend and I interviewed and were hired to work as Direct Support Professionals for
“My love of teaching, from a young age, has come full circle with the awesome opportunity to lead a talented training team and continue developing what our workforce needs in these changing times.” 4 | Discoveries
two summers and as relief staff during our holiday breaks from school. That first summer, we were told to prepare to go on a camping trip with the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. That was to be our orientation! Unbeknownst to me at the time, this work would become my lifelong vocation. In the early 1980s, I was faced with a decision between a teaching opportunity and working for Hammer as a Program Manager. In this new role I could impact support in new and different ways while working with people’s broader teams. I had already experienced Hammer’s caliber of excellence firsthand, and their commitment to quality was a constant thread woven through the company culture. I wanted to be a part of that! Years later, I began to serve as a Program Director. I enjoyed the expanded teamwork and learning in our field that was connected to this opportunity. We had the goal of Person-Centered Practices consistently being our guidepost—walking beside people as they navigated life: utilizing their abilities, self-advocating, and facing life’s challenges. In 2005, one such story took shape as a young woman named Sarah determined it was time to move out of her family home. She had a dream to live a life she loved (with a true sense of autonomy) and a strong desire to follow in her sister’s footsteps. Our
collaborative efforts as colleagues and the strength of partnership with Sarah’s parents shined a light on new possibilities, as we focused on finding the right fit for a healthy and satisfying life. Getting there was no easy feat, but together we stayed the course. They say it’s all about timing, and with potential growth on the horizon, an apartment program was born, providing exactly what Sarah needed. Now, 18 years later, Sarah has realized her dream, and continues to live a full and contented life. (Read more about Sarah’s story on pages 6-7.) In 2009, I became the Director of Training which has enabled me to not only help our employees strengthen and expand their skills, but to be a part of creating innovative programs for the people we support. A group of us collaborated on a “Living to Die with Dignity” end-of-life taskforce, and training initiative. It provided support processes and education for the individual, their family, and staff. This included resources for hospice, counseling for staff on grief and loss, and a training focus on the aging process and Alzheimer’s. Our organization has been innovative in supporting people living out their lives in their home (when possible), a unique strength of our services. I’ve been honored to be a part of many end-of-life journeys over the years. One story that is close to my heart is that of Jim Finney’s. Before
Jim with Celia and Mia-Rose
Cate (seated left) with the Program Manager team in 1990
Pictured Left to right: Mack, Matt, Celia, Elsie, Gordy, Cate, and Mia-Rose Three generations including Cate’s parents volunteered or worked at Hammer over the span of Cate’s 42- year-career. Her parents used to host cookouts at their home in Plymouth and her mother was a phone pal for one of the gals we supported in the dorms. Celia worked at Lake Place, her husband, Matt, volunteered at Lake Place, Mia volunteered for events, and Gordy worked as an APM at Welcome Place and later on the Maintenance team
his mother, Elenore, passed away, she asked that I promise to advocate for, and watch over him. Jim became an “adopted” member of our family. He was there for most holidays, held our new babies, and joined family adventures. He quickly became “Uncle Jim” to our children, and I became “Mom” to Jim. I would gently remind him that I was not his mother, and then every time we parted ways
under his breath quietly, he’d say, “Okay Mom, see you later Mom, love you, Mom.” Jim gave us his vibrant personality and heartfelt gratitude for the many life experiences and sense of home we shared as his extended family. I was by his side during his days in hospice and was asked to give the eulogy at his celebration of life, a true honor and privilege. These life moments are like no others
and underscore the importance of relationships in the work that we do, a true gift to all involved. A rich tapestry has emerged, woven by the interconnections, opportunities for growth in service, and collective experience over these 40-plus years at Hammer and now NER. For this, I am thankful.
Discoveries | 5
SARAH’S STORY
A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT HELPS HER LIVE INDEPENDENTLY Joel and Mary Amundson’s daughter, Sarah, resides at our Royal Oaks apartment program. They have provided unwavering support through their volunteer commitments, advocacy work, and active involvement in our fundraising efforts.
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arah moved to Hammer when she was 24 years old and wanted her own place. Sarah has always been a determined person with a strong personality, although she’s mellowed a bit. She began advocating for herself at a young age. Sarah had been in a group home with another organization, but it wasn’t the right mix of personalities, and she needed her own space. Her social worker contacted Hammer to see what might be available. Sarah resided for one year at Zealand apartments sharing an apartment, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the right fit either. Hammer staff sat down with us to see what we thought would work the best for Sarah. We thought she needed her own place. But where? Sarah was doing a work program and needed to come home and have time to decompress, take a breath, and have her own space. She has profound hearing impairment and has difficulty processing information, which can be challenging
for those around her. When her hearing aids are working, she processes about 60% of what she hears. Mary worked with Sarah’s Manager, Ellen, to check out several apartments before finding the Royal Oaks apartments in New Hope. Hammer didn’t have an apartment program there at the time, but the apartment manager agreed to start one and Sarah became the first client. Hats off to Hammer for making that happen 18 years ago. She continues to enjoy her apartment at Royal Oaks. Due to aging and impacts of her medical treatments, Sarah’s skills have decreased recently and her memory has diminished somewhat. The Hammer staff have been supporting her more, as have we. It’s a collaboration, we’re there a lot to support the staff so Sarah can continue living there. Jacob Snell is a wonderful Program Manager and we’re pleased to have people who know and understand her. One of us sees Sarah almost
The Amundson family
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every day. We are doing everything we can to help her remain as independent as possible. We help her get ready in the morning and check to be sure her hearing aids are working. It’s a comfort to us that as Sarah changes, the Hammer & NER staff are right there to see what she can do and what the best opportunity is for her well-being, and they are there to help us with decisions. Strong collaboration is evident. Sarah attends the Pathways to Potential program and enjoys working at the Crystal Community Center and at an organic farm through their eQuality program. Combining the eQuality work program with Hammer & NER, we are so fortunate for Sarah’s supports and opportunities. Jacob reaches out to us almost every day to keep us in touch with what’s going on. If they are short-staffed, we’ll go over to help with Sarah. We’re happy Sarah is where she’s at. We do everything we can to make sure she has a good day and a good week and staff does the same. Between Sarah’s apartment-life living and the Amundson house, she has lots of activities to keep her busy. She’s a sweet girl with a big heart. She has her abilities, difficulties, and deficits but we are thankful she can enjoy a semi-independent life full of meaningful opportunities.
Sarah enjoying her deck
Sarah loves to do any kind of art project
Sarah and her sister, Kristen
Discoveries | 7
IN REMEMBRANCE
Colleen Kelso
Brian Clifford
Greg Johnson
1/9/1982 – 1/20/2023
9/7/1966 – 3/29/2023
10/9/1953 – 4/8/2023
Colleen, supported by Hammer for 11 years, lived at our Unity home. She loved her housemates and always welcomed you with a smile. She stole the hearts of many people and would light up a room. Colleen made many friends through her “make believe” stories. She would spill out things that many of us would think, but not have the guts to say! She was quick-witted, a jokester, and always ready to have fun.
Brian was supported by Hammer since 2015. He lived at our Sheridan home for eight years. Brian was a contemplative and kind man, who enjoyed spending time on his iPad and writing lists. His sisters Sheila and Cathy shared his “We Need to Be” list at his funeral service in March. It was a reminder to be kind, flexible, respectful, a role model, and a good listener. Brian will be deeply missed.
Greg lived at the Hwy 96 home in White Bear Lake. Greg moved into a NER home (the convent) in 1989 coming from a state institution located in Faribault. He was a quiet gentleman who enjoyed sitting while watching others and listening to music.
David Bordsen
Michael Anderson
Vicki Breur
8/23/1976 – 4/8/2023
2/10/1964 – 5/10/2023
10/1/1952 – 7/4/2023
David was supported at our Allen home since 2007. He enjoyed being outside in his yard and in earlier years enjoyed riding his bike in the neighborhood with staff. He loved going to the cabin, boat rides, and swimming at the lake and the gym. David loved watching Barney, spending time with his family, or looking at his photo albums of family pictures. He always greeted passersby by saying, “Hi!” We will miss his goofy sense of humor!
Michael lived at the Broadway home. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, walking in sunshine, and participating in church. Mike delighted in music, stuffed animals, going out to eat, riding in the front seat, watching sports, being read to, bowling, sailing, and swimming. He took pride in his Special Olympics medals, his jobs in the community, playing the harmonica, and in the paintings he created. His humor, oneliners, and smile brought joy to all who knew him.
Vicki liked doing “girly” things like getting her hair and nails done, as well as dressing up. She liked to go for walks on the trails in the neighborhood, to the park, going to the zoo to view animals, or to see the flowers at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Vicki loved listening to music and watching funny videos on YouTube. She loved watching the squirrels eat corn through the window and bird watching. Vicki loved nature and the sun shining on her face. She loved spicy food and was a little dramatic in the best way possible.
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We are saddened by the loss of our friends who have passed away over the last few months. We celebrate them and honor their memory and are thankful for all the ways they touched our lives. Your gifts helped them lead full lives. Thank you.
Remembering Nicole Our friend, and colleague, Nicole Hollins, passed away September 22. Nicole will be greatly missed by the people she supported and everyone at Hammer & NER.
Frank Palony 10/16/1967 – 7/6/2023 Frank lived at the Currie home and was a part of our (NER) family most of his life, going back to 1975 when he was 8 years old and moved into our ICF home. This was just two years after Northeast Residence opened its doors in what was a former convent in downtown White Bear Lake. There were eight other people in the home at the time. Frank enjoyed sitting in the sun and observing others. Those who worked with Frank came to adore him quickly.
Nicole just celebrated her 10-year anniversary with Hammer & NER. She was loved by all the people she supported through the years. Nicole was a caring and kind person who embraced our mission each day, helping people live full lives.
Wendy, left, supported at our Queensland home, with Nicole, who was the Program Manager at the home
Dale Hovda 7/8/1944 – 7/6/2023 Dale lived at our Tyler home for 25 years. From the day he moved in he transformed the mood of the home. He had this energy about him that made it fun to be around him. Dale was nonverbal, but it was easy to understand him by his expressions — whether he was happy, upset, confused or “looking for trouble.” Dale had so much fun with his foam nerf swords — he would laugh and have that glimmer in his eye letting you know there was no doubt he would be victorious. Going to Twins’ games with Dale was always a blast. He loved being outside in the fresh air and being part of the crowd. He would feed off the energy of the crowd and when the crowd cheered, he would get loud and laugh. When there were loud boos, he would make his displeasure known. Dale added so much to all of our lives.
Elizabeth Kathy, Nicole Hollins (second from left), Chelsey Mitchem, and Elizabeth Hoskyn at our Spring All Staff Gathering at the Heritage Center
Discoveries | 9
BONNIE’S NEXT ACT
NEW ROLE OFFERS PURPOSE, FOCUS, AND FRIENDSHIP By Jennifer L. Hipple, Communication Specialist
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t age 65, when most people are looking forward to retiring, Bonnie Connolly accepted a new part-time job at NER, and it opened up a whole new chapter for her. “My long-time friend, Corrine Schmidt, was NER’s Executive Director at the time,” Bonnie says. “Corrine said, ‘I think I have the perfect job for you.’” At the time, each person supported by NER had a financial book, with bank statements, paystubs, and checkbooks,” Bonnie explains. “Program Managers would bring in their books and I would audit them, making sure they had receipts and that everything added up. I really enjoyed it,” she says. “I got to know a lot of the Program Managers. They would bring people we supported in too and I got to know a lot of them.” Bonnie also helped answer the phone and assisted with setting up management meetings. She says Corrine was right, it was the perfect job for her. When she had been at NER for five years, Bonnie’s husband, Tom, passed away. They had been married for 49 years and were very close. “We did everything together,” Bonnie says. “I was very fortunate to have this job and my four kids to keep me going.” Lisa Heroff is the Director of Finance. “Bonnie had managed her own household finances for years,” she Bonnie with Elvis (Sandy, supported by Hammer & NER) at Trunk or Treat
Bonnie hard at work in her office
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says. “Her audits were always on point. If something was off, she’d figure out how to balance it. However, we recently replaced all the checkbooks with a computer program. Mitch Bremness on our team, helped her. At the time, Bonnie didn’t have a lot of confidence in herself and wasn’t sure she could adapt to the change. She was afraid she would have to quit! I told her she wasn’t going anywhere.”
Bonnie’s daughter, Diane Campbell, is the East metro Office Coordinator. “Diane worked in the schools with special needs kids,” Bonnie says. “There was an opening here and I mentioned it to her. I didn’t tell anyone here that she was my daughter. I didn’t want to influence anyone. She applied and got the job. It’s kinda fun to work with her. She talks to me more here than she does at home!” she laughs.
“The job totally changed,” Bonnie says. “I hadn’t done a lot of computer stuff until I came here.” Now Bonnie creates spreadsheets and SSI reports and supports Lisa. “I’m not real good with computer technology,” Bonnie says. “But any time I can’t figure something out, Mitch will come and set it up for me. I am very lucky to work with such great people— Lisa, Mitch, and Traci. Lisa is a wonderful supervisor. She is always supportive and helpful.”
“The whole team is so encouraging of her,” Diane says. “This is the best thing that could have happened to her after my dad died. She needed the comradery. The job has made her independent. She even bought a car by herself at 78!”
“I’m very proud of Bonnie and all the new things she has learned in the last year,” Lisa says. “She’s gained confidence in herself and I know after we did away with the checkbooks, Bonnie really missed the interaction with the Program Managers (PMs). That’s one of the reasons I asked her to manage the petty cash as the PMs still come in for that and often bring people supported with them. That’s really important to Bonnie.”
Bonnie enjoys having lunch with her co-workers. “We’re three (or more!) generations and we all get along fine,” she says. Joe Cullen, from the Communication team, sometimes joins Bonnie for lunch. “She always keeps us laughing with her stories,” he says. “Bonnie has a quick wit and also isn’t afraid to laugh at herself!” Bonnie has four children, 12 grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. When asked why she chooses to continue working at 81, Bonnie pauses for a moment to reflect. “I work with a very good team,” she replies. “I feel like I’m doing something good here.”
Bonnie and her daughter, Diane, both enjoy working at Hammer & NER
Discoveries | 11
MEET OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF NURSING TYLER’S CAREER PATH LED HER BACK TO HAMMER A SECOND TIME By Jennifer L. Hipple
Tyler, how did you first get connected to Hammer & NER? TYLER: I started out at Hammer as a DSP at our Lee Avenue home about eight years ago. At the time, I was doing private home care as a PCA and cared for a woman who had MS. I had a couple of coworkers who also worked at Hammer. They loved the company and how fun everyone was and that they had good benefits too. That’s how I learned about Hammer.
What influenced your decision to go into nursing? TYLER: I got my bachelor’s degree in biology when I was working as a DSP at Hammer. (My mom was an advisor at Metro State, so I benefitted from reduced tuition.) Then I earned my nursing assistant certificate. After working at Hammer for about four years I got a job as a medical scribe. I always wanted to do something in the medical field, and I loved science and physiology, but I wasn’t sure what it looked like. I was sitting in on conversations between different types of providers and their patients and I really saw a difference between how nurses and nurse practitioners treated their patients and how they went about assessing and providing care for them. It was really a holistic approach. That’s what led me to the nursing path. I started nursing school and stopped working at Hammer so I could focus on school. I graduated from Metro State with an entry level master’s degree in nursing. I already had a bachelor’s in biology. After I graduated, I reached out to Jenna Neal at Hammer, who was the Director of Nursing. I had always wanted to work here as a nurse. I thought it’d be a fun job that would fit what I wanted to do, and I would be able to make a difference in the way that I wanted. I was hired after Hammer and NER combined a year ago.
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Coming back to Hammer & NER as a nurse, have there been any surprises or anything that you didn’t anticipate? TYLER: I remember when I was a DSP, a lot of the employees said once you start at Hammer, you’re going to be here for life. I think it’s because we’re a close-knit company. It’s cool and surprising to see that that is my experience now, too. I can’t imagine where else I would go. There’s a lot of different avenues, but I’m glad to say I’ve found a good fit here; that’s a good feeling.
Describe your role, what does it look like? TYLER: It’s sort of a three-fold position. A lot of what I do as a Director is focused on big picture projects to improve the health of the individuals here, as well as leading the nursing team. One of the projects I’m working on is outlining and revising our nursing procedures so we have standard operating procedures for everything that we’re doing so that it’s easy to measure. I also have my own case load, being hands-on as a nurse in two of our homes. I’ll cover for other nurses too.
We have a lot of people we care for who are aging and living much longer than they did 2030 years ago. How are we addressing it from the nursing perspective? TYLER: It’s one of the biggest issues we’re facing. As people age, their needs are going to increase and change. It will require more training for staff or maybe a different way of training staff. For example, we might have to implement a more routine way of assessing for dementia. We also need to look at how we get funding for some of the adaptive medical equipment they may need. And it affects the number of hours that nurses devote caseload wise because we’re dealing with medical fragility. We’re trying to focus more on the preventative care that we can implement like preventing falls. It involves a lot of
planning and looking ahead. We’re looking at how we can best assess and address the need and work together as an interdisciplinary team to do that.
What’s most important to you about your role at Hammer & NER? TYLER: I think the main takeaway is how important I think our work is here, no matter what role you have. We are privileged in what we get to do because we work for such a vulnerable population who often get overlooked in other facets of their lives. We can make such a big difference for them. I think that’s one of the most rewarding things about my job—knowing I’m making a difference.
Bisi Oyewusi, DSP, with Tyler at our Sheridan home. Tyler is training Bisi to do med passing in the home
Back left to right: Brittany Furey; Diana McClay, nursing coordinator; Joseph Adeboye; Catherine Muchoki; Mercy Ijiyode. Front row: Cindy Garin; Tyler Dvorak, Director of Nursing; and Johnetta Somo (Not pictured is Jenna Neal)
Discoveries | 13
GROWING A CAREER AND A FRIENDSHIP Kelly Bosch has been a Program Director since March 2021 and oversees our apartment programs and two of our waivered homes. She began her career at Hammer as a Program Manager at our newly opened Royal Oaks apartment program.
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n 2005, I was in my last semester of college, doing an internship at another nonprofit organization. I wanted to work with youth in group homes who came from unstable backgrounds, but I took a job working part-time at Hammer while I finished my internship. Barb Matter was a Program Director at the time and asked if I’d ever thought about being a manager as I already had experience as a supervisor. Hammer was opening an apartment program—Royal Oaks—and I was offered a full-time position as Program Manager by Jay Butler. It turned out to be a great opportunity for someone fresh out of college. I learned so much about finding the right fit for the placement of people into the apartment program who would jive with the culture we were creating at Royal Oaks. The individuals would need to have a job and take care of their apartment and be motivated for learning the skills needed to be successful in a supported apartment program. People who come to an apartment program never thought it would be a possibility for them. They come from their family home or group home and
they’re looking for more independence. Every story is magical. We started the Royal Oaks apartment program with three people. Today there are 14. Karen moved to Royal Oaks in 2006. She is a self-proclaimed diva and can be a little sassy, but I love her for it. Going to New York City had always been a dream of Karen’s. Her mission was to audition for the historic Apollo Theater for her 50th birthday. Karen had been singing, dancing, and acting for over 10 years at Interact for the Visual and Performing Arts. She would perform two or three plays a year for large audiences in grand theaters. So, when Karen found out they were holding open auditions at the Apollo, she had to go. Thanks to the generous support of Hammer donors, Joe and Kathy Reiss, we were able to make the trip a reality for her. I traveled to New York with Karen. As soon as we landed, she flashed me the biggest smile and quietly said: “We are in New York City!” The auditions were being held at a studio just five blocks from our hotel. She did her warm-ups while we waited
Kelly (second from left) with Pam Janczewski, Director of Residential Services; Liz Senne, former Program Manager and Case Manager; and Lisbeth Armstrong, former Chief Program Officer
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Karen and Kelly visiting New York City
two hours for her turn. Finally, it was time. Karen stood in front of three judges and belted out the classic tune, “On Broadway.” She ROCKED it! One of the judges told her to “keep doing what you’re doing.” That made her so happy. We went out for filet mignon that night. It was such an amazing experience to see all of this through Karen’s eyes and enthusiasm. She crossed off a lot of things on her dream list, and it was beyond rewarding to be there with her. All these years later, I still enjoy doing things with Karen. I love my relationship with her. I was the Program Manager at Royal Oaks for 11 years. I’ve had some great mentors during my career at Hammer including Katie Bottiger, Barb Matter, Lisbeth Armstrong, and Sue Walker. I’ve learned a lot from each of them— their communication style and the qualities it takes to be in a leadership position. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring other Program Managers. I genuinely love working with the people we support. Literally what keeps me here are the staff and the people we support, the culture, and the values of the organization. We pride ourselves on being the best. Kelly with her husband, Brian, and sons, Kody and Logan
Kelly getting a henna tattoo at the Family Day Picnic, 2017
Kelly with Robin, supported by Hammer, 2021
Discoveries | 15
A GREAT PLACE TO GROW A CAREER MY 45 YEARS AT HAMMER
Kim Hansen served as Hammer’s HR Director for 25 years and will be retiring soon. Here, she looks back at a career that grew and evolved with the organization.
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was going to community college in 1978 when I did an internship at Hammer. After I graduated with a two-year degree, I accepted a full-time job working on the boys’ floor in the dorms. We were called residential counselors back then. I was in charge of scheduling staff. Our Executive Director at that time, Roger Deneen, encouraged me to go back for my four-year degree so I could advance in the company. I wanted to be able to count on myself and be able to be promoted, so I attended weekend school at St. Catherine’s University while working fulltime at Hammer. While I was going to school, I was promoted to Program Director. There was a group of us that started about the same time. We all got married and had kids and now we’re grandparents!
In 2022, I took on a newly created opportunity and became Hammer & NER’s Director of Employee Experience. I follow up with employees to assure they’re off to a good start with the company and have a good experience working here. I enjoy delivering anniversary goodies to our employees. People are surprised when they see me coming. They often say, “Oh, I forgot!” Well, we didn’t. It’s so wonderful to thank people for what they do. I like surprising them with money, treats, or flowers. We have had such great leadership and I have loved who I work with and the people I’ve supported. Certainly, in 45 years you will experience a lot of things in life, good and bad. I’ve never wanted to leave, it’s such a great place to be.
I eventually went to work at our Carlson home. This was in the late ‘80s when we were closing the dorms and moving people into group homes. From Carlson, I took a new position doing direct care part-time and being a part-time Program Manager at our 13th Avenue home. One of the sites, an ICF (Intermediate Care Facility), was extremely challenging. We had taken this group home into receivership from another company. I asked to have it as just one site as a director. I knew I could get it in better condition if I could focus on it. It was a challenging process, but we did it. That was our Clear Springs home, which is now Lawndale in Maple Grove. I was a Program Director for 10 years. We restructured when Tim Nelson became the CEO and created a half-time HR and half-time training role that I accepted. Hammer is known for coming up with some unique positions! When I became HR Director, Sue Walker and Cate Saracen Peters were the two Training Directors. The team grew over the years and now it’s a well-rounded department that includes HR and Training—we’re interconnected as we work so closely together. I was the HR Director for 25 years and celebrated my 45th anniversary in June. I love the work that we do and the people we support. The fact that people had faith in me that I had the skills to advance in the company and be a leader was important to me. 16 | Discoveries
Kim with her son, and Bonita Nelson and Todd Solseth, both supported by Hammer, 1987
Cate Saracen Peters and Kim have enjoyed long careers and friendship together
HAMMER & NER ALUMNI
CONTINUING CAREERS IN SUPPORTING DISABILITY SERVICES By Mary Gaasch, Director of Advocacy & Community Relations
O
ur employees have always done great work for people with disabilities. Meet three Hammer & NER alumni who continue to make a difference in the way people with disabilities live and work. They will always be part of our Hammer & NER family!
Living Well Disability Services. Tom’s powerful testimony at the legislature this year influenced the investment our legislature made in disability services. Tom says: “My time at Hammer taught me just how impactful caring people with a shared mission can be. I saw that building a network of support for those we serve, as well as ourselves, is far more important than focusing on individual tasks. With the right support, all people are capable of great things and have amazing gifts to contribute to the world around them. Some of those gifts require the support of others to truly shine.”
Kate Bottiger (Hammer 1992-2014): Kate started as a DSP and went on to serve in many roles, including Program Manager and Program Director. Kate is now the Executive Director for Reach for Resources, a nonprofit that provides many services for people with disabilities and their families. Of her time at Hammer, Kate says: “My passion for people with disabilities was ignited at Hammer. When I started, I had gone back to school for medicine, but I fell in love with the work. I loved assisting individuals to live to their fullest. I wanted to help them live as independently as possible and that passion continues today.”
Brion Curran (NER 2002-2023): Brion wore many hats but closed her career in the HR department. She left NER for her new job, State Representative! As a legislator, Rep. Curran has been a champion for disability services and worked to make sure the state invested in our work. Of her time at Hammer & NER, Brion says: “Serving people with disabilities taught me how important it is to have strong advocates in every corner. I watched the disability community work hard to get needed resources from the State of Minnesota year after year. When the opportunity to run for State Representative came up, I knew it would be the perfect way to be a voice on the inside, prioritizing our most vulnerable neighbors. I am so proud of the work we continue to do together and look forward to the many positive changes we will keep making to improve the lives of Minnesotans.”
Tom Gillespie (Hammer 2003-2018): Tom started as a DSP, then went on to serve as a Program Manager, Program Director, and Chief Program Officer. Today he is President and CEO of
We are grateful for these three advocates and for all our employees, past and present, who continue the good work of building communities that welcome and include people with disabilities. Together, we make a better world for all of us!
Discoveries | 17
MEET JONI PURRINGTON—AN EXTRAORDINARY VOLUNTEER HER DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION HAVE ENSURED NER’S SUCCESS By Jennifer L. Hipple
A
s we approach the end of our 50-year anniversary celebration, we must recognize a woman who has been involved with NER from the very beginning. In the early 1970s, Joni Purrington, a physical therapist who worked with children with disabilities, knew how vital it was to bring an organization like Northeast Residence into White Bear Lake and the surrounding area. She was a member of the Advisory Board of the organization prior to becoming a Board member, fundraiser, and champion for NER’s mission as the first nine children were welcomed into the program in 1973. As one of NER’s first Board members, Joni has served as Board President and Vice President of the Board several times over. She has also personally recruited many Board members over the years and has used her experience and knowledge to help educate Board members on their duties and responsibilities. Over the years, Joni has also volunteered at an array of special events including dinners; golf tournaments; silent auctions; Walk, Run, & Roll fundraisers; the annual Luau; and employee company picnics. Joni has done it all! In years past, she organized blood drives at NER, making it easy for staff to donate blood if they chose to. She also volunteered at NER’s former Adult Day Care as the Physical Therapist.
passion and dedication for our work have made her a mentor to many and she has always worked diligently to support Executive Directors in their work to further our mission.” We wouldn’t be where we are without Joni Purrington’s dedication and determination to ensure we are the best we can be. “When COVID-19 hit, Joni was President of the Board,” Lin says. Thanksgiving 2020 was the first major holiday and Joni wanted to do something for our staff and the people we support. “Joni decided to buy pies for each home,” Lin says. “She ordered them and was going to pay for them herself and then deliver them all. A few of us told her we would help. Joni brought all the pies to the office, and we divided them up and delivered them to all our homes. She could feel what others might be going through and would ask, ‘What can I do?’ She has always been so thoughtful in that way.” Joni is the kind of person who, whenever a challenge comes up, looks for a way to navigate it. She has been an incredible friend and supporter of NER and the people we support. Thank you, Joni, for 50 years of selfless giving of your time, your talents, and your gifts.
NER’s Chief of Operations, Lin Curran, says Joni has always been a champion of NER. “For years, Joni has gone out into the community to raise awareness of our mission,” Lin says. “Joni’s
Joni with Michelle and Steve Olson whose daughter, Tiffany, is supported by Hammer & NER
Joni and Hollie during Selfies with Santa, 2019
Interested in volunteering with Hammer & NER? Visit our volunteer page: hammer.org/volunteer or contact Cathy in our Volunteer Resources department: cthoma@hammer.org 18 | Discoveries
STAFF MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES Kim Hansen
Director of Employee Experience
Human Resources
45 years
Ellen TimmermanBorer
Chief Development Officer
Development
40 years
Carla Pleasants
Direct Support Professional
Gramsie
35 years
Michael Bryant
Program Manager
Lawndale
30 years
Kelly Jarosz
Direct Support Professional
Hale
25 years
Tyler Textor
Program Manager
Arkanses
25 years
Miriam Mark
Direct Support Professional
Hugo B
20 years
Timothy Hanson
Direct Support Professional
Jersey
20 years
Aaron Briggs
Direct Support Professional
Lancaster
20 years
Thomas Russeth
Direct Support Professional
13th Avenue
20 years
Joseph Keymah
Direct Support Professional
Lawndale
15 years
Brenda Witt
Program Manager
Nelson Place
15 years
Jacqui SmithSpraggins
Direct Support Professional
Royal Oaks
15 years
Diana Semakula
Float Specialist
Support Specialist
15 years
Patrick Abe
Direct Support Professional
Zealand
15 years
Kay Puetz
Program Manager
Cedarwood Apartments
15 years
Michael Shay
Information IT Service Manager
15 years
Kossi Amedome
Direct Support Professional
Emery
15 years
Alterlene Capehart
Direct Support Professional
Emery
15 years
Michael Bryant, 30 years
Kelly Jarosz, 25 years
Carla Pleasants, 35 years
Kim Hansen (left) and Ellen Timmerman-Borer celebrate 45 years and 40 years respectively
Tyler Textor, 25 years
Discoveries | 19
FROM FRIENDS TO FAMILY. FAMILY, EXTENDED AND LOYAL By Angela Bernhardt, Director of Major Gifts
I
n the 100-year history of Hammer Residences, you could argue that there is no one who has made a larger impact than Bill Bieber.
His beloved son, and best friend, Jim, moved into a Hammer group home in Wayzata in 1991. Jim was 19 years old. From the start, Bill’s dedicated efforts made Hammer the absolute best place for Jim and everyone supported by our services. Bill believed they deserved more than just the basics provided by government funding. He understood fundraised dollars were the only way to bridge the gap between essential needs and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities. For the past 20 years, Bill would send a letter to his many friends and colleagues describing the peace of mind he had with Jim at Hammer and ask for financial support for his favorite nonprofit. His heartfelt letters have raised more than $1.1 million.
Bill Bieber
We are so thankful for the many friends Bill introduced to us. They have become our loyal supporters, friends, and family, extended. It was with the encouragement of Bill that we created the Quality of Life Fund. This fund is used to enhance the lives of those served by Hammer. It is for something big, like medical needs not covered by insurance, sometimes small but necessary things like a new pair of shoes, or a day of fun out on the town. Since the Fund was created, more than $2.4 million has been raised and distributed to impact lives. In his final act of selfless giving, Bill made known his desire to have memorials directed to Hammer Residences upon his passing. Almost 60 friends made gifts in his memory and many in honor of Jim. Loyal supporters make it possible for the legacy of Bill Bieber to continue impacting the lives at Hammer & NER.
Jim Bieber
Bill was on the Board of Directors for six years and key to the successful fundraising efforts necessary to build the central office in Wayzata. Modest and humble, he reluctantly allowed us to put a small plaque on the building recognizing his contributions and agreed to name our family meeting room, The Bieber Room in honor of his son, Jim. He is pictured with former CEO Tim Nelson at the Building Dedication Ceremony in 2009
20 | Discoveries
GIFTS RECEIVED IN MEMORY OF BILL BIEBER ALIGHT Franz and Karen Altpeter ATEK Companies William and Jill Bartel Jim Beckmann John Brewer Brad Briggs Jeannie Burns Buckner John Budd Chuck and Mary Carlsen Shari Case Paul and Mary Cederberg Bruce and Diane Diiro Sara Downs John Dupont
The Fabie Family Brad Frank The Gage Family Foundation Skip and Char Gjersdal Suzanne and David Goodwin Joseph Green and Trudi Anderson Dwight Hammermeister Michal and Jane Hanson Larry Hendrickson and Barbara Forster David Hey and Barbara Roy Pat Humphrey Sheila Hunter Delmont Johnson
Judith and Larry Johnson David Kauppi Duncan and Anne Lee Patrick Lewis Paul and Janice Lindbloom James and Carol Lynum Harvey Mackay Donna Moores Danielle Myers Tamara Nelson David and Linda Newton Vance and Darin Opperman Mark and Robin Osmanski Dennis Plain Paul Plitzuweit
Kevin Pollman Kathryn M Ramstad Gary and Susan Rappaport Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Louis Robards and Mary Coleman Samuel Rosen Colleen Ryan Ted Schmitz Linda Schultz Craig and Maureen Shaver Mitchell and Elva Sill William and Kathleen Wanner Brooke Welch David and Page Wigren
DONORS SINCE 2015 TO BILL BIEBER’S ANNUAL APPEAL Philip Ahern Pete + and Margie + Ankeny John and Patricia Bailey Raymond and Mary Lou Barton John Bean Andrew Bennett Ted Bigos Jeff and Widdy Bird Steve and Gayle Brehm Ward and Kris Brehm Dick and Sandra Brown Greg and Lisa Buck John and Carol Busacker Al and Toni Cady Chuck and Mary Carlsen Paul and Mary Cederberg Michael and Ann Ciresi Richard and Judith Corson Bob and Joan Cummins Thomas A. Cusick Edward and Sherry Ann Dayton Frank and Sue Dosal Dennis and Megan Doyle Patrick Ferguson Bob and Terrisa Fisher Paul and Mary Freeman Stanley and Luella Goldberg Suzanne and David Goodwin Samuel Hanson L.H. Hendrickson Company Marge Heegaard Roger and Cheryl Ann Heegaard Rob and Signe Hensel David Hey and Barbara Roy William Hodder John and Colleen Hooley Alan and Diane Horner James and Sally Hornig Hutchins Family Foundation Eric Janus and Carolyn Chalmers Mark and Laurie Jeter Franz and Cynthia Jevne Bradley A. Johnson
Dale and Janice Johnson Barbara Koch Laurence LeJeune + Anthony Leuthold Patrick Lewis Stephen and Judy Lewis Paul and Janice Lindbloom Andrew and Jennifer Matysik Kerri and Travis McAfoos John and Kelly McCoy Bob and Polly McCrea Michael and Julie McGlynn Dave and Debbie Meyer Fredrick and Christine Meyer John Meyer Paul and Christine Meyer Tom and Kathy Miller Robert Moor Patty and David Murphy Chip and Jani + Norris David Norris Michael O’Connell and Susan Hayes Kathy O’Connor + Dan and Mary O’Keefe Mark and Robin Osmanski John and Gigi Ossanna The Honorable Alan C. Page Gregory Page and Kathleen Blatz Kay Phillips and Jill Mortensen Abe Quiring Tom and Mollie Raih James and Elizabeth Ramsland Kathryn M Ramstad Gary and Susan Rappaport Kevin and Denise Reilly Ted and Mary Rogers Kim and Bill Rose Colleen Ryan Dudley and Marti Ryan Daniel Schweitzer William and Joyce Sexton
“When I first arrived at Hammer, Bill was one of the first people to reach out to me. He quickly became a friend, mentor, and advisor. He had a powerful desire to see me, and Hammer, be the best, to ensure our future of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.” — John Estrem, CEO, with Bill and Jim
Sill Family Fund Mitchell and Elva Sill Mike and Pam Sime Douglas and Kathryn Smith George Soule Dean and Ruth Spatz Howard and Tillie Stacker Ben and Mary Stephens Sullivan Family Fund Austin and Marti Sullivan Thomas and Jeanne Sween TCF Foundation
Bill and Jill Toles Tim and Patricia Tucker Richard and Lynn Voelbel Whitney Foundation Gary and Vicki Wyard + = Deceased
Discoveries | 21
HAMMER & NER HERITAGE SOCIETY Thank you to these incredible individuals who make a lasting impact by including Hammer & NER in their estate plans. It can be as easy as designating us as a beneficiary on your retirement accounts or life insurance plans to leave your lasting footprint for generations to come. To learn more, please contact Angela Bernhardt at Bernhardt@Hammer.org or 952-345-8519. Anonymous (7) *Leonard+ and Mary+ Aase Lisa M. Anderson *Margaret+ and James+ Argall Steven Argall Trust Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong David and Sue Astin *Dorothy A. Bailey+ Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver 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 Rosemary and Marvin+ Fish
Shirley (Rip) and Ted+ Freeman Jean and Bill Gjetson Carol Gottschalk Don and Heidi Haberman *Donald A. Hartmann+ *Robert B. Hill+ *Claire+ and Don+ Hinrichs Robert and Sharon Hoffman Linda and Kenneth Holmen Dean Hongerholt Trust Beulah+ and Ingvald+ Hongerholt Patricia and Michael+ Houston *Mary Ann+ and Jack+ Huddleston Christopher and Peggy Klug Wayne Krippner Trust Bill+ and Joan+ Krippner Laura Langer Robert and Michelle Luke Lewis+ and Jill Mithun
Jean and Tim+ Nelson Denny and Mary Newell Bruce and Merry Jo Parker Susan and Nino+ Pedrelli Steven and Paula Peterson Father Don Piche Joan and Norm Purrington *Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Robert M. Reed+Trust Kent and Traci Scholten *Clara Schonlau+ Elaine and Marshall+ Siegel Don and Annie Smithmier Deloris+ and Wallace+ Solseth *Luverne Steffel Estate+ Ellen Timmerman-Borer and Kevin Borer *Dale+ and Elaine+ Timmers Barbara Tuckner *Grace+ and Paul+ Voetmann Pete and Carolyn Wahtera *Mary Wesley+ *Karole Whipps+
* = Legacy gift received + = Deceased Blue = New to society
Shortly before Bill Krippner passed away in April 2023 he wrote, “My son Wayne is probably going to outlive me. I need to look out for his future. With him living at Hammer & NER, I trust he is in safe hands. Because of that, I have included them in my estate plans. I want to be sure they have the funds to care for him after I am gone.”
22 | Discoveries
Make a gift directly from your IRA to Hammer & NER. If you are age 70½ or older, you can give a gift directly from your IRA to support Hammer & NER. While you will not receive an income-tax deduction, you will not pay taxes on any distributions made directly to Hammer & NER. 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. You can contact your IRA plan administrator to request that a qualified charitable distribution be made directly to Hammer & NER today.
CONTRIBUTORS | Donations from October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023 Thank you families, friends, foundations, and local businesses for contributing to Hammer & NER. Your remarkable support makes people’s lives better and we appreciate your generosity.
Red = Family Members = Matching Gift Company ♥ = Monthly Donor + = Deceased
$100,000 +
Medica Foundation Daum Family Fund / Suresh Krishna & $5,000 – $9,999 John and Maryann Carol and George Daum Bhuvana Nandakumar Anonymous Merideth Teresa M. Fleischhacker Charitable Fund Gregory Anderson Patricia A. Fleming Sani and Gene O’Brien Elaine and Robert Bache $50,000 – $99,999 Bruce and Merry Jo Parker Otten Bros. Nursery Leigh H. Bailey Charitable Peter Flint and Jan Susan Argall Haas and Plymouth Lions Symchych Susan and Nino + Pedrelli Fund / Leigh Bailey and Brian Haas ♥ Roehl Family Foundation Front Row Digital Christine Poppe Freda Marver Richard and Katharine / Kate and Jerry Roehl Gjetson Family Fund / Paul Schultz Bloomer Family Olson Charitable Fund Siegel Family Foundation Jean and Bill Gjetson ♥ Josh Smith Foundation / Steve and Plymouth Housing / Elaine Siegel Linda and Bob Geri Bloomer and Family Graves Family Charitable and Redevelopment Karl and Laurie Fund / Gregory and Tomaschko Thomas and Pamela Authority - CDBG Stoltenberg Jiselle Graves Wynona Warner Brennecke The Estate of Dale and Jeff and Libby Streinz Warners’ Stellian Polly and Kurt Brungardt David Hardt Elaine Timmers Charles and Ellen John and Cindy Hitt Company Inc. / Scott Herman Family Swanson Jensen Family Charitable Gerald M. Caruso, Jr. $25,000 – $49,999 Barbara J. Tenney + Fund /Jerry and Laura $1,000 – $4,999 Sarah Caruso and Dick Fred C. and Katherine B. Suplemental Needs Trust Hurrelbrink Jensen Anonymous (4) Andersen Foundation Michael and Barbara Dawn and Paxton Jevnick Joel and Mary Amundson Coldwell Banker Burnet Argall/Hibbs Foundation Tenney Rick Lang and Mary Beth Dr. Kevin and Barbara White Bear Lake Bieber Family Foundation Tony’s Wayzata BP Olson Amundson Coldwell Banker Realty / Bill Bieber + Twin City Heating, Air Cynthia Laurent Anderson Family Cares Foundation Delta Dental of and Electric Charitable Fund / Bruce Patrice and James Dahl ♥ Martinson Clinic Minnesota Foundation Julie Wesley-Wong and Foundation and Debbie Anderson Jim and Brenda Damiani Geritom Medical Wymond Wong ♥ Mutual of America Edward Anderson Minnesota Housing Janet and David Finance Anderson ♥ Janet M. Robert Marshall and Dru Charitable Fund / Janet Anderson Robert and Bill Luther ♥ Rachel Anderson and Ringe Family Charitable Gregg Anderson Fund / Mitch and Judi Savannah and Derek Ringe Archambault Richard M. Schulze David and Sue Astin Family Foundation ATEK Companies Drs. Mary and Jan Bacio Tanghe Bame Foundation Barbara J. Tennessen Barnes and Noble Windsong Donor Advised Nancy and Paul Battaglia Fund / Gail Munsell Bruce Baumeister Mark Berquist $10,000 – $24,999 Jeff and Widdy Bird AK Material Handling Tom and Angela Systems ♥ Blanchette Amlicke Family Gary and Sally Bluem Foundation / Bruce and Boeing Company Celeste Amlicke Sarah and Benjamin John and Nancy Berg Bower Conan and Amy Crum Pete and Mandi Brandon Donahue Family Bremer Bank Bob Lockwood and his daughter, Druanne, Charitable Fund / Paul Jerry and Cathy Brennan and Charlotte Donahue enjoyed the Family Day Picnic, one of Hammer Bright Funds Foundation Mary Drazan Teresa Brown Kathy Ganzer and David & NER’s long-running traditions. They enjoyed Tim and Julie Bullock C. Piehl The Cargill Foundation seeing old friends and all the fun activities. Joseph and Shelly Barry and Debbie Carlson Hoesley Charitable Fund The Family Day Picnic is for families and is Rae Carlson + Trust ♥ Horton Holdings, Inc Sandra C. Carlson supported by family donations. Pat Houston Alfred G Colling Todd Kimmes Anonymous
Discoveries | 23
David and Debra Czech Charitable Fund Joe and Sondra Dahmer Charitable Fund Kelly Daily Belle Davenport Gerry and Vicki Degner Loretta Docken Louis Doelz Lisa and Scott Dongoske Sharla and Blake Duerre Erin Dunn and Ted Wentink Eden Prairie Community Foundation Eide Bailly, LLP George Emerson Enterprise Holdings Foundation Esch Construction Supply, Inc. Christina Fair Eric Fazendin Matthew Fish and Xiaoni Niu Rosemary Fish ♥ Fox Investments / Jim and Sue Fox John and Deborah Fox Sean Foy Rebecca and Ron Furnival ♥ General Mills Beth Gildemeister Darold and Debra Gjorass Charity Fund Kathryn H. Glen Carol Gottschalk Greater White Bear Lake Community Foundation Steve and Jean Guenther Hadley Family Charitable Fund / Gary and Kathleen Hadley Greg and Kathy Hanson Dr. Daniel Hartnett Family Foundation Ronald L. Haskvitz Haugen Family Foundation / Tim and Amy Haugen Jack and Kate Helms Mary Hilgert Mark and Nancy Hirschfeld ♥ Paula Hirschoff and Chuck Ludlam Linda and Kenneth Holmen ♥ Sarah Homuth-Goar ♥ Anne Housh Ronald E. Hovda Kent and Marylyn Howe Ron and Lori Hume Mark Johnson
24 | Discoveries
Brandon Eddy and Alex Greene, of Geritom Medical, took the stage as our Reach for Ralph Presenting Sponsor. Thanks to the 26 sponsors who contributed over $125,000 and helped us raise a total of $416,551 – our biggest fundraiser ever! If you would like to support the people who call Hammer & NER home and their caregivers as a 2024 Reach for Ralph sponsor, please contact Nate Reed at Nathan.Reed@Hammer.org. The 2024 event takes place June 13! Save the date! Ron and Marlene Johnson Sherri and Steve Johnson Steven and Teresa Kastendieck ♥ Chip and Debbie Kemppainen Hugh and Julie Kirsch ♥ Christopher and Peggy Klug Knights of Columbus 3758 Carolyn and Doug Kohrs Jo Ann Koltes ♥ Mary Kuechly Leah Kuypers Karen Lafferty Design Mike and Connie LaRoche Gregg and Stephanie Larsen Lexus of Wayzata Karen Lieberman Sheila and Peter Lind Michael and Karen Linn ♥ Lions Club of Wayzata Andrew P. Litecky
Living Well Disability Services Robert Lockwood LOCO Partners Robert and Michelle Luke ♥ Mary K. Lund Russell T Lund Charitable Trust Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata Terry and Deb Lynner Philip and Barbara MacNeill Jeff and Caren Martin Marvin’s Greenberg Family Fund Darlene and Thomas McCarthy John and Molly McDonald Brian McEnaney Taya Mergott Mary Metzler and Elliott Mills MidCountry Bank Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Patty and Mike Molden
Steve and Debbie Morelan ♥ Moren Charitable Fund / Kathryn S. Moren and Mark Thompson Bob and Karen Morgan Matt and Marty Mueller Nancy and Mike Nafziger Netsmart Technologies Denny and Mary Newell Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg Northwest Area Jaycees Ogilvy Mary and Michael Ongstad ♥ S.B. Osborn Charitable Trust / Bartley and Kandi Osborn Cliff Foundation / Clifford and Mary Lou Otten Mary Patterson ♥ Michael Patterson and Deborah Hollman Glen and Maria Pawlowski Foundation PepsiCo Foundation Ann Peterson
Barb Peterson and Melissa Brunsvold Steven and Paula Peterson Father Don Piche ♥ John and Vicki Pink Sharon L Pipes ♥ Douglas and Pam Plocek Dan and Katherine Poppe Laura and Gary Poulsen Joan and Norm Purrington Mark and Karen Rauenhorst Foundation Susan and Andrew Rein Heather and Sam Reinert Joe and Kathy Reis Michael and Cheryl Rosenblatt Audrae Rosenzweig + Rotary Club of Wayzata Kennon Rothchild Jeanne S. Rouch Sanford, Pierson, Thone and Strean, P.L.C. Saras Foundation
Corrine and Denny Schmidt Floyd and Shirley Schneider Rita Schofield Kent and Traci Scholten Fund Schroll Family Fund / Steve and Tami Schroll George and Audrey Schultz Sears Imported Autos, Inc. Jane and Don Shaffer ♥ James and Margie Sillery Thomas and Lee Ann Silver Marie Silvernagel Renee E. SolingerAudette ♥ David Sovell St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church Mark and Gayle Stage Stagetime Productions Ben and Mary Stephens Blaine and Julia Stephens Chris M Strande ♥ Success Fitness & Traning Center Victor Sugumar and Anita Victor Denine Taylor ♥ Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation Barbara Tuckner ♥ John Tulloch Twin Cities Closet Company UnitedHealth Group Dollars Emp. Giving & Dollars for Doers Bruce and Carmen Volkart Pete and Carolyn Wahtera Kevin Walli and Tani Maruyama Mark and Kathy Wallraff William Walsh Carla Warner James and Sandra Warner Family Fund Wayzata Wines & Spirits Jim and Cathy Wesley Michael Wesley ♥ Western National Insurance Group Diane M and Timothy J Williams Brad and Cheri Wivell Mary Ann and John Wolters Nick Wolters
Bill and Bonnie Young Les and Mary Anne Young’s Charitable Foundation
$500 – $999
Anonymous (4) Allegra Print & Imaging AmazonSmile Teresa and Ken Amerman James and Patricia Amlicke Bob and Colleen Anderson Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong ♥ Bank of America John and Sheila Barbetta ♥ Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta ♥ John and Meryl Barrow Mark and Carolyn Bauer ♥ David and Jean Baumeister Genevieve Baumeister Jake and Nan Beard Jim and Sandy Beckman Laura Lee and Kyle Berger Muriel Bonertz Lisa and Dave Boss Peter and Cindi Boynton David Brand Diane Bruns Jen Burleigh-Bentz Leo Byron Paul and Mayone Byron Charles and Deb Carlson Marlan and Janis Carlson Mark and Rebekah Cibuzar Mary Coleman ♥ Pauline Coleman ♥ Mike and Vanessa Conner Patrick Conry Don and Carol Curwick Eric and Paula Dahmer Lynne and Bill Dolan Tina Douglas Wayne Duerschmidt Lori Duffney Kay and Rick Emery Tim Engebretsen Gordon and Nancy Engel Bob and Terrisa Fisher ♥ Anne Freeman and Christopher Higgins David Freeman and Patricia O’Rourke Freeman Stephen Gales Dan Ganzer Rachel Ganzer
Maureen and Gregory Grazzini Sue and Ilja Gregor ♥ Don and Heidi Haberman Sharon Hammang Donald and Ida Hanna Adam Hansen Breanna Hanson and Andy Pekoll Denis and Caroline Harrington
Norm and Rochelle Hart Bill and Marie Heiland Robert and Kathy Hendrickson The Italian Gourmet JK Interiors Inc. ♥ Brian Johnson ♥ Terry and Timothy Johnston ♥ Lane and Patty Jorgensen
Adam Kastendieck Dan and Diane Kirchoffner Dan H. Klein Knights of Columbus 13359 Gary Krainak and Margaret Peck John and Terry Kruse Matt Kukla Herbert and Kathie Levy
Mayor Dan Louismet and City Administrator Lindy Crawford (not pictured) from White Bear Lake were greeted with smiles by the four ladies who live at County Road F. Virjean, Sandra, Linda and Missy (not pictured) were excited to show off their house, rooms, and gardens. Sharing the many things they enjoy about living in White Bear Lake and so much more was fun for the ladies. There was also an opportunity to self-advocate about issues important to them. Denise Ring (left) and Beatta Smith (right) have been caring for the ladies for many years.
Discoveries | 25
Joan Loer Dr. Alison and Bill Lynch Katherine Magy Markwest Inc. Rick and Terri McCarthy Metro West Inspection Services Laurie and Doug Moga Deb Mosnik Paul and Stella Nelson Allan and Vicki Olson Michelle and Steve Olson ♥ Susan and Michael Oreck Pentair Pierson Family Fund / Chris and Becky Pierson Anthony Pricco David and Karen Quinby Family Fund Lynne Rasmussen Catherine Reller Buck and Kim Riesgraf Tom and Diane Russell Mike and Susie Scherer Marty and Leilani Schlundt Keli and Andy Selness Allison and Phillip Shatzman Teri Shaughnessy Shine WealthAmeriprise Financial Bob and Linda Simmons Smith Charitable Fund / Dannette Smith Michael and Marilyn Sullivan Will and Lottie Steinke/ Christensen Insurance Group Ben Taylor and Kate Kelly William Thorson and Nancy Miller Thrivent Choice Program Richard and Nancy Timp ♥ John and Jody Tzucker Mark and Karen Uecker UrbanWorks Architecture LLC Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation Robert Bruesewitz and Joanne Wesley Thomas Wesley and Janice James Thomas and Rose Winkels Family Catholic Intiative Fund Jonathan and Amy+ Wivell
26 | Discoveries
Lotus Pharmacy volunteers served dinner at the Luau in July. Volunteers from the community are part of our Family, extended. If your group would like to get involved, make a difference, and have fun, contact Cathy Thoma at 952-3458554 or cthoma@hammer.org to learn more.
Jackie Wulf ♥ Mark and Wendy Yungner Ray Zawislak Linda Zimmerman and Associates
$100 – $499
Anonymous (10) 54th South Storage The 614 Company Lee and Caryl Aanenson Amir and Sarah Abdelwahed Margaret and John Abdo Theresa Acevedo Activision Blizzard Bernie Aldrich Tim and Michelle Allen Jerry and Marla Jean Alstead Tom and Ann Althauser Steven Anderson and Cynthia O’Shaugnessy Carole Arwidson Betsy and John Asturias Eve Badran Richard and Joan Baker
David Barrett Katie and Richard Barrett Stephen and Charlene Barron Elaine Becker Michelle Bernloehr Barb Betz David and Mary Bjarnason Andy Bleck Conrad and Mary Bloomquist Scott Bocklund and Peggy Hill-Bocklund Jim and Paula Borer Beth and Scott Bouman Missy Braem Chayse Brandon Brian Brandvold Katie Bredesen John and Emily Brenengen Patricia Brown Paul Brownell Sheletta Brundidge Steve and Mary Bunnell Robert and Susan Burns Business Choice, Inc.
Jullie Bustos Teresa and Mathew Callahan Calm Terri Cantrall Kathy and Greg Carlson Scott and Gerda Carlson Tim and Kelly Carlson Ann Catherwood Vonnie Chan Joey and Taylor Christensen Rachel and Donald Christensen Heather and Jason Cieslicki Debbie Cisewski Matt Clark Bethany Collins Glenda Condon Madonna Cormier Gary and Susan Cramer Heather Creighton Anne Cuddy Brion and Brandi Curran Rob and Susan Dahlin ♥ Diane Dalbey Holly Damiani
Judith and Kent Davidson ♥ Catherine DeCelles Kenneth and Rita Dedeker Julie and Stephen Deuth Cal and Katy Dirks Donkers Lydon Giving Fund Meg and Tim Dornfeld Peggy Douglas Benjamin Drews Joleen Duda Tom and Char Dunaski The Dunning Family Nate Durtschi East Metro Lutheran Action Council (EMLAC) Nate Eckhoff Edge Orthodontics, LLC Jill Eisenberg Sara Eisenberg Marjorie and Charles Elliott Paul and Wendy Engelman Jim and Susan Erickson G. Everett Enterprises, Inc. Michael and Jackie Fair Donald and Clova Falenczykowski Corey Falls FAN HQ Gene and Cindy Farrell Margaret Faulhaber Francesco Favazza Tom Fitzpatrick and Mary Ebnet Michael and Sandra Foley Rita Fox Jaci Frederick Tom and Joan Freidel Barrie Froseth Raymond and Leslie Gaffney JoAnn and Roger Gaio Morgan Gallo Andrew Ganesh Pete Ganzer Linda and Terry Garvert Charitable Fund Paul and Amy Gauer Judy Gelina Phyllis and Rich GenestStein Larry and Debbie Getlin Barbara Gill Tom and Susie Gillespie Rosemary and Lawrence Gleason Golden Valley Country Club Google
Greg Goranson Diane and Mark Gorder Donna Gorski Randy and Jeri Gort Peter and Karen Graff Cathy and Jeff Green Sharon Green Bob and Sue Greenberg Alex and Samantha Greene Clayton Gripp Lynn and Bryan Groll Andrew and Suzanne Grossman Debby Grote Connie A. Gunderson Debra Hagen John and Kathy Hamilton Jessica Hammer ♥ James and Susan Hansen James and Judith Hardek Natalie Harder Anne Harmon, Alexander, Connor and Stephen Patterson Mark Hartman
Jenna Haskvitz Gary and Kris Hays Loren and Kristen Heeringa Family Charitable Fund Devan Heinsen Karen Heintz Kay L Hempel Jo Ann M. Henricksen ♥ Heritage Embroidery & Design Rose Hexum Mary Marquretta Hill ♥ Kim Hoffman Robert and Sharon Hoffman Michael and Ann Hofkin Kelly and Mike Hoglund David and Linda Holzinger Hopkins Rug Artists Jeanne Horwath Roger and Elaine Hovda Meredith E. Howell Inspire Brands Randall and Heidi Isaak
Vicki Jackman Richard and Kathleen Jackson Aleda and Roy Jacobson Jean and Paul Jaeger Gena and Joe Janetka John Jarvis Amy Jensen Chris and Sarah Jewett Judith and Larry Johnson Matt Johnson Trevor Johnson Corly and Nick Jones Margaret and Roger Jones Dr. Sonu Joseph Judd Frost Clothiers Carol Juergens Julie Jurrjens Naomi and Barry Kassler MaryAnne Kayiatos Jasmin King Jim and Betty Klande Barbara and David Kleist ♥ Vicki Klima
Helena Watson, caregiver for nine years, invited her sister and her husband, Joanna Davies and Sando Davies to celebrate our 100th and 50th anniversaries at the Spring Breakfast in April. They joined 400 members of our Family, extended as we shared stories from the past, our vision for the future, and celebrated our anniversaries.
Jean Klinck Nancy Kloehn Everett and Jane Klosterman Knights of Columbus 13506 Knights of Columbus 3949 Jill Kohler ♥ Margaret Kolden Joe and Gina Koltes Steve and Kay Koltes Korese & Korese PC Kathleen Kozlak Paul and Sally Kraske Ronald and Gina Krippner Terrance and Mary Ann Kukla Wayne and June Kulas Karen and Sean Lafferty Nancy and Dan Lagermeier Laura Lakemacher Jeffrey and Susan Lambert Jim Landt and Judy Grochon Steven Langsdale Javan Larson Kurt and Constance Larson Wendee Larson Audrey Gail Lazarus Joy Leibman Gary and K. Diane Lichter Phil and Barb Lindblad Maureen Lindgren Little Nectar Co Elaine Loeffler ♥ Loffler Companies Connor Lovdahl Mark and Linda Lucke Mary Lydon and Chuck Donkers Terry and Debra Lynner Fund Ronald Machtan Donald and Susan Malafa Melissa and Steve Mark MartinPatrick 3 Marcia Massee Don and Lorraine Mathiowetz Mike and Lisa Maurer Anna Maus Charles J. McCarthy and Elizabeth Jacobson April McClellan-Dunning Paul D. McConnell Colleen McCoshen Preston and Betsy McMillan Medcalf Family Fund / Tom Medcalf
The Medtronic Foundation Dr. Andrew Mekhail Tom and Rose Mary Meyer Douglas and Sherrill Michel Barry and Mary Jo Miller Dan Mills Minnesota Orchestra Rick and Jeanne Moe Larry Moos Sheila Morgan Daniel Moudry Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Quilting Club Larry and Barb Mueller Andy and Karen Nelson Brent and Karen Nelson Erik Nelson Gary and Linda Nelson Jean Nelson Jennifer Nelson Mike and Karen Nelson Mark and Ingrid Nemzek Ed and Mary Oberg Roger and Joan Off William Olive Barbara Olson Laurie and Rich Olson Stacy Olson Katherine Otteson Daniel and Tara Owens Jared Oxborough Christopher Palmer Elizabeth and Bruce Pankonin Park Tavern Jan Parks Donald and Barbara Paschke Passau Land Care Richard Passolt Bob and Sue Past Carol Patterson Eric Petersen Anna and Ramsey Peterson Bob and Juanita Peterson Mindee Peterson Ripley and Mary Peterson Tom Peterson The Phoenix Residence, Inc. Pickleball Paul Leslie and Kevin Pleasant Scott and Karin Poellinger Brittany Porrazzo Aaron and Peggy Pouliot Karen Poulsen + Daniel Powell Robert Powell
Discoveries | 27
After several years’ absence we returned to Riley Lake for our Eden Prairie picnic. In attendance were the Arrive, Renew, and Lake Place apartment programs with new additions Vicksburg Village and Cedarwood apartments. The weather was beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the afternoon. Your gifts made this event possible.
Romelyn Prokop Mary and Robert Putnam R. F. Moeller Jeweler Henry Radintz Richard Radley Bill and Deb Ramsey Susan H. Rappaport Revocable Trust Dawn Rauen Redstone Michael and Marlene Rees Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Linda and Michael Richardson Carolyn Riley Edwin and Christina Ritchie Jean and Don Rohrer Bradley and Kelly Roles Stan Rosaves Cathy and Kirk Rose Karen and Tim Rose Terry and Cathy Roth Dan Ruppert-Kan Olivia Ryan Marvin and Judy Saarela ♥ Sue Salomone Karen Sames Alice Sanders Norma J. Schaefer Revocable Trust Scott Schaffer Ann L. Schenkel
28 | Discoveries
Peter and Geri Scherer Tony and RaeAnn Schmalzbauer Shanna Schmitt Zane Schultz and Courtney Johnson Doug and Donna Schwab Nancy Schwalen Lisa Schwieters Science Museum of Minnesota Macy + and Tracy Seymour ♥ Linda Shaffer Tyler Sheley and Lacey Brown Terry Silver Andrea Simonett Eleanor and Ivan Skoog Gary and Shirley Smith Richard and Mary Snydle Diane Solinger and Jerry Cook Timothy and Cheryl Solinger David Somers Spire Credit Union Tom and Pam Spitznagle John and Sarah Sprenzel Sally Spry Mary Stage Eileen, Trudy, Carolyn and Tom Stead Arthur Stickley
Nancy C Stone Stonebridge Capital Advisors Danielle Strege Jon Sturgis Sadie and Owen Sullivan Elaine and Mark Taggatz Mona Talley Target Strategic Sourcing Team Thomas and Constance Tart Donald and Rita Tasto Lou and Pam Taylor Trish Tennyson Eldon and Addie Tessman Michael and Susan Tewksbury The Standard LLC Theater Latté Da Kara Tholkes Ashvin Thottempudi Phil and Myra Toconita Richard Todd and Patricia Haswell Alicia Luther Toms and Steve Toms Amanda Trnka ♥ Andrew Tulloch Jackie Ulrich Sherry Underdahl Amy Van Ert-Anderson Lois Van Keulen Rick and Sandra Vazquez
Jake and Sarah Veldman Ronald and Shirley Vescio Jeff and Sandy Visser Nancy Vogt and Mark Quern Lori Wagner Barbara Waldoch Edward and Teresa Walker James and Julie Walsh Kathleen and Daniel Walsh Angela Warner John, Gina and Gus Waterhouse Connie and Ben Webber Erik Wellman Abbie Wesley Yun Linda and Bob Westenberg Barbara Wheeler and John Cannino Lisa Wichmann Paul and Janice Wicklund Jim and Jen Wieland Michelle Wildenauer Alan and Connie Wilensky Winifred Designs Rob and Michelle Wolf Margaret Wong Rick and Mary Worringer
Ginny and John Worthington Jennifer Young Nancy Zeik Robyn Zeller Dale and Claudia Zellmer Maria Zimmerman Chris Zimonick Dennis Zitnak
Under $100
Anonymous (17) Abbott Labs Richard and Laura Abbott Claire Ambriz Barbara F Amram Living Trust Christine Anderson Elwood Anderson Jeanne Anderson Jeanne and Anthony Anderson Kevin and Lorraine Anderson Sonja Anderson Tanya Anderson Linda Anlauf Gayle Appelbaum Steve Arenson Kerry and Jill Audette Georgia Bailey Bill Baker Amy and Stan Baratz Alex Barczuk
Jeannette Barrett Melanie Barry Carol Barthelemy Ronald and Christy Bateman Margaret J Bauman Darrell and Kenwyn Beckstrom Ben the Baker Ken Bence
Gene and Marilyn Bratsch Barbara and Larry Brauch The Brawley Family Clare Brees-Oswald Mark and Jenny Bretheim Mary Ann Brown Jamie Bruns
Gary and Catherine Carruthers John and Cheryl Casper Terra Charley Don Chillstrom Jake Christensen Hailee Clark Kathleen Clark Matthew and Lisa Clifford
As part of our anniversary celebration many of our homes and apartments hosted celebrations with their families. These Home Gatherings give the people we support a chance to meet each other’s families. This group met at Plymouth Colony. Barb Benshop Kiki and Larry Berg Jonathan and Joanna Berger Jill Berthiaume Sara Bible Patricia Bill Jon and Mary Jo Bishop Meggan Bjorlund Black Sheep Pizza Alvin and Julie Blau Jan Blount Paul and Carlyn Blum John and Chrisse Bonnes Deanna Brandt
Shi Bu Wes Bue and Denise Eng Cara Buettner Holly Burns Victoria Burrow Cheri Burton-Ulmen Gary and Stacey Bush Teri Butler Carolyn Cade Cafe Latte JQ Calderon Pat Camp Samantha Cantrall Cory and Mary Carlson Judy Carlson
Patty Coles Jacquelyn Connelly Beth Cook Pearly Cook David and Lynn Cookson Scott and Deborah Cooper Rae Cornelius Jim and Renee Cornwell Allen and Elizabeth Crawford Cucumbers Kerry Culver Patricia Cunniff Joseph and Tamra Daley Thomas Danielson
Andy Davies Olivia Decelles Tracey Demorett Designs for Learning Special Ed Team Marlene Dickey Ronald Dickson Jerry and Irene Diedrich Justine Doanldson Domacin Restaurant & Wine Bar Tess Donahue Carrie Dornisch Dusty Drahos Lauren Dries Patrick and Beverly Duda Chloe Duffing Marlene and Daniel Ebert Taylor Eckerline Emagine Theaters Empower Health and Fitness Matt English Paula Engstrom Paula Erato Daggett Allen and Audrey Erickson Judy Ferretti Gary and Debra Finn First Avenue & 7th Street Entry Eileen Fisher Madison Fisher Jon Fjalstad Flamm and Shaw Family Charitable Fund Ruth Foley Thomas and Cynthia Forster Bobby Fox Dana Fox Susan Franklin Joel and Nancy Franz John Frederickson Rachael Freed Miriam Freidson Barbara and Lon Friedman Donna Friedman Rita Friedman Sally Fritze Thomas and Claudia Froistad Arthur Fry William and Claudia Fyten Mark Ganzer Sue Garnett Tim Garry and Family Hugh and Marjorie Garside Sean Geist Chuck Geneslaw
Robert and Carolyn Gerdes LeRoy and Darlene Gilbert Lisa Girard Robert and Patti Glumack John and Jean Goad Marlene Goldberg Alicia Gordon Macalus Jan Grabo Steven and Cynthia Grindy Joe and Nancy Groenjes Daniel Grossman Randy Gunderson Jeffrey Gunelson Judith Gyurci Michael and Sarah Hagglund Rob and Marsha Hamer George Hamilton Lisa Hannum Scott Hardek Tom and Shelly Harris Erica Hart Lisa Heine Downs Jess Heitland Ronald and Barbara Hellenthal Rebecca Helms Samantha Hempel The Hennen Family Greg and Katherine Hickman Mary Hillary Milton and Karen Hinman Cori Hintzman Brian Hobbins Ruth Lange Hoffman Jordan Holtz Ron and Judy Horn Susan Hunt Alex Hustedt Mai Lena Huynh Kristin Hysjulien Tom Jacobson Lenore James Constance Jennison Ronald Jensen and Judy Ostendorff Betty Jodzio Cheryl and James Johnson Denise Johnson JoAnn Johnson Pat and Clifford Johnson Thomas Johnson Corey Jolma Tom and Janice Jordan David and Julie Jungkunz Just for Me Spa Richard and Nancy Kaner Amy Karls
Discoveries | 29
Wanda Kauffman Michael and Maureen Kayser Giving fund Barbara Kellet Kendra Scott Store MOA Kim Keprios and John Everett Kingsley and Joan Kerrick Mark and Miriam Kieffer Laura King Skylar Kistler Kari Kitrell Rachel Klaven Rick Kleinbaum Carley Kleinhans Peter and Robin Knaeble Family Charitable Fund M. A. Kneeland Nancy Kolb Janet Kopchinski David and Jane Kostik Jeffrey Koval Joel Kraft Steven and Jennifer Krahn Ruth Kranick Clint Kranz Paul Krause and Joan Cox Mary Kreck Britni Krieger Paula Krippner Cassandra Kuebler Joe Kukla Hart and Susie Kuller Janet Kunkel Kwik Trip Annette Lam Renee and Mark Lampe Laura Langer Dennis and Karen Larson Peter and Lynn Larson Frances Laven Michael Lee Taylor Lee David Leinoff Dr. Richard and Joan Lentz Marshall Levin Marcia and Fred LeVoir Lions Tap Melissa Livermore Jeff and Diane Lovich Linda and Woody Lowry Luci Ancora Cucina Italiana Trevor Lueders James and Debra Lund Nikki Lund R. J. Lusky and P. J. Eckelberry Mary Lutz Sue Lynott
30 | Discoveries
Craig Lyon Gail Machov Mad Capper Dennis and Linda Maetzold Terrance and Jeanine Magalis Rachel Manz Victoria Marley Shannon Marlin Kevin and Ann Martin Helen Mason Jean Massaro-Simpson and Douglas J. Simpson Howard Mathison and Mari Rovang Nicole McCain Jane McDonald and Colleen O’Malley Catherine McDougal Terry and Mark McFarland John and Vickie McGrath Dennis and Kathryn McGuire Kevin and Katherine McKeon John and Molly McShane Sandra and Paul Mead Lily Merritt Kim Mesun Regan and Gerry Miller Tena Miller Sharon Mills Minneapolis Institute of Arts Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Minnesota State Fair Minnesota Wild Connie Mitchell Alli Moga Alfreda Monahan LuAnn Mordick Karen Morgan M. Ruth Mulcahy Darlene Murphy Larry Myers Lucille Nadeau Tyler and Ann Nelson Kenneth Nicholls Mary L. Nichols Jeff and Lisa Niederloh Dave Noren Northern Taphouse Rebecca Nutt Luke Olliff Dawn Orden David and Vicki Oster Tamil Palanisamy Warren and Patty Park Parley Lake Winery Dee O. Pederson Revocable Trust Cheryl and Tom Pelkey
Board member Don Haberman (center) is a dedicated advocate for disability services. His daughter, Katie, is supported by Hammer & NER. In March, they attended Day at the Capitol where they met Representative Kelly Morrison (left). “Talking with our legislators is important and we need to be advocates for those we love,” Don says. Nicole Pereira Daniel Perzichilli Elizabeth Peters Susan Peterson Colette Petitt Kris Pettit Phil’s Tara Hideaway Cecilia Piche Mary Plank Joseph Polta Phillip and Lorraine Poppler Carol Porter Prime Therapeudics Tina Provetto Nancy Qualls-Fox Laura Rahn Christine and Luis Ramirez Robert and Carol Rathje Rebecca Reber Nancy Recibe Joseph Rehme Sharon and Julie Reinert
James Reissner Nandi Rieck Sarah Ring River Bank Gifts & Decor Edward Robbins E J Rodine Donald and Bonnie Roeder Nicholas and Peggy Rolfes Brenda and James Rossman Kelly Royer Greg Ruhland Aaron Ruikka Running Aces Steve and Sharon Runtsch Marjorie Rutkowski Debby Saadi Richard and Debora Salhus Regent Scandrett Megan Schaefer
Angie Schauer Vicki L Schlechter Supplemental Needs Trust Cory Schmidt Gregory and Debra Schmit Gerald and Alice Schmitz Lisa Schneider Schuler Shoes Chuck and Yvonne Selcer Muriel Seltz Carol Shapiro Faith I. Shatzman Jeffrey and Cari Shaw Nan Shaw Jan Marie Shaw-Flamm Kerrin E Shay Mary Shutt Loras and Rosemary Sieve Emilee Sirek William Sislo Gabriel and Angela Skelly
Devin Sloan Terrance Smith Daniel Spector Katrina St. Claire St. Paul Saints Pete and Lois Stadick Stages Theatre Company Kendall Stark Linda Staupe Marcia Stephens Kristin Stern Lorraine Stevenson Katherine Steward Greta Stritesky Kevin and Jane Stuessy Summit Liquors Jerry and Judy Suprenant Peggy Swanson Sandra Teichner Sue Thayer The Waters of Plymouth Kaye Theony Hannah and Dean Thibodeau Lenore Thommes Beth Thompson Duane Thompson Morgan Thompson Three Rivers Park District Lisa Tomis Top Golf Trader Joes Maple Grove Trader Joe’s Katie Trafton W. Bart and Gretchen Trebnick Judy Truc Barb Turk Twin Cities Bakery Drivers Pension Fund Clair Tyra
Reverend John and Genevieve Ubel Jim Ulrich Diana Varecka Living Trust Chris Veerkamp Sara Volkman William and Janice Vornwald Mark and Rhonda Wacholz Lisa Walsak Linda Waltenberg Margaret Wangensteen Kathryn Waterhouse Janet Weisberg Wells Fargo Business Banking Courtney Wendell Richard and Diane Wesely Natalie White Richard and Elisabeth Wiener Deb and Thomas Williams Guyle and Barbara Wills Nathan and Liz Willson Aleena Wilson Maranatha Wilson Alma Wolff Carlye Wright Bob and Jeanniie Zaikaner-Fink
Congratulations to Dustin and Yuna on your wedding! Dustin’s brother, Micah, lives in one of our group homes. Dustin and Yuna are committed to helping provide the highest level of care for Micah. They generously put their commitment into action by requesting their wedding guests donate to Hammer & NER in lieu of a wedding gift. Thank you!
Red = Family Members = Matching Gift Company ♥ = Monthly Donor + = Deceased
Micah and Dustin
Discoveries | 31
The Gift of an Education Touches Many Lives By Jennifer L. Hipple
J
omarie Williams works hard to balance her role as the Program Manager for our Tyler and Merrimac homes with raising a young son and attending Metropolitan State University. Our education grants have given Jomarie the opportunity to continue her undergraduate degree in human services and double minor in family studies and disability studies. “It’s helping me improve the quality of care I give to the people I support,” she says. Jomarie started at Black Oaks in 2014 and became a support specialist. In 2018, she became the Program Manager at Welcome Place. “A few days later I found out I was pregnant,” she says. “I left for a couple years to spend more time with my son.” When she returned, she became the Program Manager for the Tyler house and was later asked to help manage our Merrimac home, too. Jomarie says the sense of family is what keeps her here. “Hammer & NER makes the people we support the priority,” she says. “You also develop relationships with people you work with. We all have one goal: for the people we support to be safe and receive what they need. Every person I’ve supported has touched me in their own way,” Jomarie says. “When I was pregnant, one of the women I supported didn’t want me to touch her or transfer her because she was afraid it would hurt the baby. I would assure her it would be okay. It meant a lot that she was concerned for me and the baby.”
Jomarie Williams
Before coming to America in 2009, Jomarie studied sociology and social work. “I didn’t know if it was the right path,” she says. “I then studied to be a medical assistant, but I didn’t like it when it came to the internship. I stopped going to college to help my family, but I kept the secret from my mom. Then she passed away and I knew she knew the truth. I went back because of her—and for my son.” Jomarie takes 16 credits each semester and is on the honor roll. She’ll graduate in May 2024. “The things I already do at work go hand in hand with school,” she says. “When I learn something new, I try to change what I’m doing. It has opened my eyes more. At this point in my life there’s a lot this degree can do for me. I’m happy that I chose this time to do it. It means more to me. I want to thank those who go above and beyond to make these opportunities available for the staff to better equip themselves.”
Jomarie with John Estrem at the ANCOR Policy Summit in Washington D.C., October 2023
Our education grants are made possible by our generous donors and have helped over 100 employees achieve their educational goals. Thank you. 32 | Discoveries
IN MEMORY OF | Donations from October 1, 2022 - September 30, 2023 Thank you for your generosity and kindness in remembering those you have lost. Lynn Aase Philip and Barbara MacNeill Blair Anderson Bob and Colleen Anderson Michael M. Anderson Anonymous Barbara F. Amram Sonja Anderson Kerry and Jill Audette David Barrett Jeannette Barrett Carol Barthelemy Barb Benshop Jon and Mary Jo Bishop Gene and Marilyn Bratsch Mary Ann Brown Cheri Burton-Ulmen Carolyn Cade Don Chillstrom Allen and Elizabeth Crawford Joseph and Tamra Daley Andy Davies Marlene Dickey Marjorie and Charles Elliott Robert and Carolyn Gerdes Sue and Ilja Gregor Debby Grote Judith Gyurci Anne Harmon Milton and Karen Hinman Randall and Heidi Isaak Lenore James Ronald Jensen and Judy Ostendorff Barbara Kellet Laura Langer Catherine McDougal John and Vickie McGrath Sharon Mills Alfreda Monahan Alexander, Connor and Stephen Patterson Robert and Carol Rathje Susan and Andrew Rein Gerald and Alice Schmitz Muriel Seltz Richard and Mary Snydle Marcia Stephens Lorraine Stevenson Lenore Thommes Judy Truc Diana Varecka Margaret Wangensteen Richard and Diane Wesely Nathan and Liz Willson Kathy Bacon George and Audrey Schultz Adam Barbetta John and Sheila Barbetta
David Bencini Dr. Darcy Grostick Timothy Peter Browne Ron and Lori Hume Diane E Carlson Barbara Waldoch Brian Clifford Anonymous Theresa Acevedo Katie Bredesen Rae Cornelius Patricia Cunniff Joleen Duda Patrick and Beverly Duda Margaret Faulhaber Rita Fox Steven and Cynthia Grindy Karen Heintz Mary Hillary David and Jane Kostik Dennis and Linda Maetzold Dennis and Kathryn McGuire John and Molly McShane Regan and Gerry Miller Darlene Murphy M. Ruth Mulcahy Dee Pederson Nicholas and Peggy Rolfes Karen Sames Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe Michael and Susan Tewksbury Kaye Theony Linda and Bob Westenberg Jo Culbert James and Julie Walsh Willie Daily Jacquelyn Connelly Kelly Daily Brenda and James Rossman Kermit Dietritch Aaron and Peggy Pouliot Ryan Duffy David and Vicki Oster Greg Esch Mary and Michael Ongstad Mark and Kathy Wallraff Sandy Fine Allison and Phillip Shatzman Marvin Fish Amir and Sarah Abdelwahed Jerry and Marla Jean Alstead Stephen and Charlene Barron Ronald and Christy Bateman Angela and George Bernhardt Patricia Bill Scott and Deborah Cooper Matthew Fish and Xiaoni Niu Rosemary Fish Susan Franklin Barbara and Lon Friedman
Kristina Gjengdahl attended our day program for many years. She was planning to move into one of our homes when she passed away in December 2022. Her family acknowledged their support of NER by requesting their friends donate to Hammer & NER in lieu of flowers at her funeral. Rita Friedman Tom and Susie Gillespie Marlene Goldberg Golden Valley Country Club Michael and Ann Hofkin Denise Johnson John and Alice Johnson MaryAnne Kayiatos Kim Keprios and John Everett Rick Kleinbaum M. A. Kneeland Kathleen Kozlak Joy Leibman Dr. Richard and Joan Lentz Marshall Levin Gary and K. Diane Lichter R. J. Lusky and P. J. Eckelberry Gail Machov Terrance and Jeanine Magalis Melissa and Steve Mark Marcia Massee Rick and Jeanne Moe Renelle and Doug Nelson Tyler and Ann Nelson Roger and Joan Off
Colette Petitt Debby Saadi Jean Massaro-Simpson and Douglas J. Simpson Twin Cities Bakery Drivers Pension Fund John and Jody Tzucker The Waters Plymouth Richard and Elisabeth Wiener Margaret Wong Michael Fish’s Mother Rosemary Fish Anderson Wallace Fox Bobby Fox Nancy Estrem Fuller Margaret Kolden Robert Gavigan Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Kristina Gjengdahl Richard and Laura Abbott Kevin and Lorraine Anderson John and Cheryl Casper Matthew and Lisa Clifford Madonna Cormier Paula Erato Daggett
Discoveries | 33
Thomas and Claudia Froistad Joe and Nancy Groenjes Michael and Sarah Hagglund Ronald and Barbara Hellenthal Thomas Johnson David and Julie Jungkunz Korese & Korese PC Melissa Livermore Donald and Susan Malafa Charles J. McCarthy and Elizabeth Jacobson LuAnn Mordick Daniel Moudry Daniel Perzichilli Decilia Piche
E. J. Rodine Jean and Don Rohrer Steve and Sharon Runtsch Sue Salomone Shine Wealth- Ameriprise Financial John and Sarah Sprenzel W. Bart and Gretchen Trebnick Reverend John and Genevieve Ubel Jacquie Van Guilder Jeff and Sandy Visser Dennis Zitnak
“Simply put, Hammer & NER is the Gold Standard and I feel extremely fortunate that my daughter Leslie is part of such an extraordinary organization.” — Rosemary Fish In October of 2022, when Rosemary’s husband, and Leslie’s dad, Marvin Fish passed away, in lieu of flowers, memorials were directed to Hammer & NER. With this final act of kindness and generosity, Marvin’s legacy of selfless giving will live on at Hammer & NER.
34 | Discoveries
Bob Grahek Mark and Kathy Wallraff Becky Gromek Carol Gottschalk Bob Koltes and Becky Gromek Terry and Timothy Johnston Jo Ann Koltes Chris M Strande Joan Hall Peggy Swanson Dana Haskvitz Jake Christensen Joey and Taylor Christensen Rachel and Donald Christensen Jenna Haskvitz Ronald L. Haskvitz Trevor Lueders Sadie and Owen Sullivan Mark Hempel Kay Hempel Brad Hill Thomas P. Bedard Heidi Hirschoff Paula Hirschoff and Chuck Ludlam Richard Hoese Allen and LaVonne Ribbe Michael Houston Pat Houston and Kerry Houston Rose M. Rizzi Karen and Tim Rose Anne Johnson Sue and Ilja Gregor Colleen Kelso Debby Grote Inspire Brands Ronald Machtan Devin Sloan Sue Kerrick Kingsley and Joan Kerrick Ken Klinck Anonymous Bernie Aldrich David and Mary Bjarnason The Brawley Family Pat Camp David and Lynn Cookson Jaci Frederick Debra Hagen Loren and Kristen Heeringa Chris and Sarah Jewett Betty Jodzio Janet Kunkel Dennis and Karen Larson Helen Mason Nicole McCain Larry Moos Kenneth Nicholls Katherine Otteson Bob and Juanita Peterson Tom Peterson James Reissner Edward Robbins
Doug and Donna Schwab Eileen, Trudy, Carolyn and Tom Stead Jon Sturgis Jerry and Judy Suprenant Rob and Michelle Wolf Nancy Zeik Bill Krippner Tanya Anderson Cory and Mary Carlson Thomas Danielson Designs for Learning Special Ed Team Jerry and Irene Diedrich The Dunning Family Paula Engstrom Gary and Debra Finn Thomas and Cynthia Forster Joel and Nancy Franz LeRoy and Darlene Gilbert Jan Grabo Daniel Grossman Ruth Lange Hoffman Steve and Kay Koltes Mary Kreck Paula Krippner Ronald and Gina Krippner James and Debra Lund Sue Lynott Mark and Lynne Mahowald Andy and Karen Nelson Phillip and Lorraine Poppler Rebecca Reber Nancy Recibe Michael and Marlene Rees Linda and Michael Richardson Nandi Rieck Rose M. Rizzi Beth Thompson Duane Thompson Barb Turk Linda Waltenberg John, Gina and Gus Waterhouse Kathryn Waterhouse Deb and Thomas Williams Josseph Ladner Jean and Bill Gjetson Lisa Laura Lakemacher Joel Loer Jackie Ulrich Jeanette McChesney Richard and Debora Salhus Molly McLaughlin Christine Daniel Donald and Clova Falenczykowski John and Deborah Fox Rita Fox Tim Garry and Family Barbara Gill Peter and Karen Graff Don and Heidi Haberman
Katie Haberman Brian Hobbins Jean and Paul Jaeger Cheryl and James Johnson Peter and Lynn Larson Frances Laven Marcia and Fred LeVoir Mary Lutz Alicia Gordon Macalus Kevin and Katherine McKeon Shanna Schmitt Loras and Rosemary Sieve Adrienne McMillan Preston and Betsy McMillan Larry Menzel Ardys Nelson Barry and Mary Jo Miller Tim Nelson Wes Bue and Denise Eng Jean Nelson Lil Orenstein Herbert and Kathie Levy Nino Pedrelli Nancy Kloehn Anthony Pricco Arthur Stickley UrbanWorks Architecture LLC Joe Pomerleau Elizabeth and Bruce Pankonin Jim Rieder Barry and Mary Jo Miller Sue Ring The 614 Company Gayle Appelbaum Steve Arenson Amy and Stan Baratz Melanie Barry Kiki and Larry Berg Jonathan and Joanna Berger Paul and Carlyn Blum Gary and Stacey Bush Sara Eisenberg Miriam Freidson Sue Garnett Bob and Sue Greenberg Andrew and Suzanne Grossman Mark and Miriam Kieffer Laura King Nancy Kolb Jeffrey Koval Hart and Susie Kuller Jeff and Diane Lovich Sheila Morgan Susan and Michael Oreck Gary and Susan Rappaport Chuck and Yvonne Selcer Carol Shapiro
Jeffrey and Cari Shaw Nan Shaw Sandra Teichner Bob and Jeanniie Zaikaner-Fink Wallace Roles Jill Berthiaume Alvin and Julie Blau Teresa and Mathew Callahan Tom and Shelly Harris The Hennen Family Cori Hintzman Jeff and Lisa Niederloh Bradley and Kelly Roles Maria Zimmerman Mary Rutkowski Anonymous Barbara and Bill Brandt Ruth Foley William and Claudia Fyten Raymond and Leslie Gaffney James and Susan Hansen John and Alice Johnson Rose M. Rizzi Marjorie Rutkowski Gregory and Debra Schmit Suzie Saarela Rebecca and Ron Furnival Christopher Schlechter Elaine and Mark Taggatz Alan Schmitt Barbara Waldoch Susan Seymour Macy and Tracy Seymour Mary Shirley Jenna Haskvitz Chuck Speerschneider Jean and Bill Gjetson Steve Tart Thomas and Constance Tart Barbara Tenney Michael and Barbara Tenney Patricia Thayer Sue Thayer Robert Tjossem Barbara and Bill Brandt Jerry and Marie Tuckner Mary and Michael Ongstad Phil and Myra Toconita Anne Tulloch Priscilla Lundin Vivian Wallraff Mary and Michael Ongstad Barbara Tuckner Mark and Kathy Wallraff John Wicks Nancy Wilson Jean and Bill Gjetson
Alysha Klinck with her dad, Kenneth Klinck, who danced into Heaven on May 19 and is now pain-free and in peace. Ken is also survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jean; and son, BJ (Whitney) Klinck. Ken believed in community involvement and gave his time freely to help serve adults with special needs acrosss MN. He left a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Bev Wright Eleanor and Ivan Skoog David Easton Marilyn Shapiro Bruce Simon Susan and Michael Oreck Lane Laddusaws sister Peggy Shirley McMonagle Char Montei Alonzo Moses Mary Beth Mozzocchi’s mother Marcy Pearlman Amanda and Mark Prokopowicz infant son
Deb Wirz Verl Wiseheart Josh Wimmergren John and Vicki Pink Gary Bottiger David Bauman Wilbert, Kathryn and Michael Becker Rose M. Rizzi Eva Krause Greg Pfeiffer’s mother Marc Rosenberg Alan and Connie Wilensky
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EMPLOYEE GIVING Donations from October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
We are proud to acknowledge our staff members who have chosen to make financial donations to Hammer & NER through payroll deductions and one-time donations. They see first-hand the tremendous impact of donor dollars in the lives of co-workers and those we support.
Kim Hansen, Director of Employee Experience, is pictured with her partner Mickey Joldzic. She has worked at Hammer since 1978 when she began doing direct care. For 19 years, she has been making a personal financial donation through payroll deductions. She oversees Education Grants, the Emergency Car Repair Program, and Service Awards and knows more than anyone else the importance of fundraising to support the work of Hammer & NER. As she prepares to retire in December, Kim plans to continue her financial support as a monthly donor. “I am proud of all that I accomplished in my career at Hammer & NER and humbled by the kindness of so many donors who made it all possible.”
36 | Discoveries
Dianne Berg
Abdimalik Mohamud
Angela Bernhardt
Katherine Noon
Joan Boerschinger
Maima Parker
Kelly and Brian Bosch
Jill Peters
Dan and Kate Bottiger
Kristin and Duane Pyka
Barbara and Bill Brandt
Nate and Kari Reed
Aaron Briggs
Rachel Revels
Michael Bryant
Rose M. Rizzi
Tomeko Champion-Patrick
Colleen Roberts
Suzanne and Bill Christianson
Emily and Dan Robillard
Joe and Tahni Cullen
Thomas Russeth
Lin and Fred Curran
Cate Saracen Peters and Gordy
Christine Daniel
Peters
Ashley Emerson
Elizabeth Schrul
Tim Eshelman
Michael and Janice Shay
John Estrem
Cari and Jeff Sheley
Kyle and Steven Fitzwater
Jacob Snell
Justin Fulakollie
Christ and Rachel Southa
Lisa and John Greenberg
Isabel Sultana
Kim Hansen and Mickey Joldzic
Michele Swanson
Mark and Lynn Hansen
Esther Swen
Patty and Ben Hastings
Cathy and Morgan Thoma
Lisa and Rick Heroff
Kevin Borer and Ellen
Jennifer L. Hipple
Timmerman-Borer
Jan Hopper
Jerry Towianski
Elizabeth and Jim Hoskyn
Diana Vang
Momo J. Johnson
Ginger and Tom Venable
Toni and Brad Knorr
Samantha Vokaty
Sue and John Legeros
Sue and Kim Walker
Ann and Robert Martinka
Dennis Zelee
William Mbu Kevin McLaughlin Stefanie Miller
IN HONOR OF | Donations from October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 Thank you for making a gift in honor of someone special. 14th Avenue Staff Steve and Mary Bunnell Anderson and Patterson Families Carol Patterson Arcade Staff Kathy and Greg Carlson Arrive Staff Renelle and Doug Nelson Anne Bailey Leigh Bailey and Freda Marver Jimmy Bieber Ward and Kris Brehm Suzanne and David Goodwin Patrick R. Lewis Lew+ and Jill Mithun Ray and Mary Mithun Ben and Mary Stephens Broadway Staff and Patterson Family Mary Patterson Michael Butler James and Judith Hardek Riley Anne Christensen Ronald L. Haskvitz Mary Coleman Margaret and John Abdo Currie House Staff Scott Bocklund and Peggy HillBocklund The DeAngelis Family Anne Freeman and Christopher Higgins Sharla Duerre Birthday Donna Friedman Danielle Dunaski Tom and Char Dunaski Marlene and Daniel Ebert Dawn and Paxton Jevnick Ellen Eid Lisa Hannum Mary Fedor Judy Ferretti First Avenue Staff Sarah Homuth-Goar Leslie Fish Debbie Cisewski Gardner Staff Kathy Ganzer and David C. Piehl Joshua Giemza Jerry and Laura Jensen Sarah Homuth Goar Brittany Porrazzo Brock Hamilton John and Kathy Hamilton
Hammer Staff Lisa and Scott Dongoske Vicki Jackman Mary Patterson Ron Haskvitz Jenna Haskvitz Andrea Simonett Holdridge Staff Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg Liz Hoskyn at Queensland Judy Gelina Sara Husfeldt and Rockford Staff George Hamilton John and Alice Johnson Jersey Staff Sherri and Steve Johnson Kentucky Staff Linda and Bob Tomaschko Sam Krainak Ann Catherwood Ginny and John Worthington LaBore House Staff Mark Hartman Lake Place Staff Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe Paul Lambert John and Chrisse Bonnes Lancaster Staff Mitch and Judi Marie Ringe Mary LaRouche Warren and Patty Park Lawndale Staff Linda and Bob Tomaschko Alex Lindblad Phil and Barb Lindblad Bob Lockwood Bruce Baumeister John Patterson Magnum Nancy Mangum Denise Mulvaney Jan Blount Janet Kopchinski Nelson Place Staff Ronald and Shirley Vescio Travis Nitzberg Corly and Nick Jones Michael and Sue Oreck Anniversary Gena and Joe Janetka Allison and Phillip Shatzman Faith Shatzman
Farah/Peterson Wedding Hailee Clark Morgan Gallo Dr. Sonu Joseph Dr. Andrew Mekhail Larry Myers Daniel Powell Erik Wellman David Plocek Douglas and Pam Plocek Rob Reisgraf Elaine Loeffler Renew Staff Cal and Katy Dirks Michael Patterson and Deborah Hollman Rose Rizzi Margaret J Bauman Robert and Susan Burns Emily Robbilard Mary Plank Andy Seymour Constance Jennison Patrick Shay Michael and Janice Shay Cari Sheley Rick Lang and Mary Beth Olson Trish Tennyson Sheridan Staff Mary and Michael Ongstad Sumac Staff Rosemary Fish Andy Tanghe Donald and Clova Falenczykowski
Ruth Tita and Stone Creek Staff Christine Poppe Janet Tuckner Carla Warner Tyler Staff Elaine and Mark Taggatz Vicksburg Village Staff Scott Bocklund and Peggy HillBocklund Matt Weiss Allison and Phillip Shatzman Steve Wilmes Diane Bruns Kristen Wivell Todd Steger Zealand Staff Jane and Don Shaffer Mark and Wendy Yungner Carlson Home Staff Doug Hanna Kerry Houston James McKune Michelle Nelson Gretchen Ribbe Judy Tombers Jean Vit Rose Rizzi Dr. Mitch Bender Gena and Joe Janetka Anniversary Steve Kozberg Merton and Leslee Shapiro Anniversary Michael and Sue Oreck
Enjoying the annual Luau
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CELEBRATING OUR RETIREES Hammer & NER Board of Directors
THEIR LONG CAREERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS SUPPORTED OUR MISSION
Blaine Stephens Board Chair Perforce
BARB MATTER - DIRECTOR OF QUALITY ASSURANCE
Bhuvana Nandakumar Vice President Suparbh Consulting Victor Sugumar Board Treasurer Thrivent Financial Julie Wesley-Wong Board Secretary Osseo School District Don Haberman Board Member Markwest, Inc. Greg Hanson Board Member MATTER Tim Haugen Board Member Senior Vice President Huntington National Bank Robert Lockwood Board Member Retired Executive, Cardinal Laurie Moga Board Member Mahtomedi School District Michelle Olson Board Member RN, Retired Mitch Ringe Board Member General Mills, Retired Barb Peterson Board Member Clinical Professor, School of Nursing University of Minnesota Kevin Walli Board Member Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, Retired
38 | Discoveries
By Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer Barb’s 42-year career with Hammer began in 1981 when she was fresh out of college with a degree in social work. She was hired as a resident counselor (a title which later became Direct Support Professional) and was later promoted to Program Manager and then became a Program Director. Barb has overseen our utilization review for many years (state mandated semi-annual survey) and helped with our internal quality assurance of our waivered homes. She is the guru of ICF regulations. Barb has been a strong mentor and teacher for managers. She nurtures them, teaches them, holds them accountable. She does the same for staff so they can provide the best care for the people they support. Barb spends a lot of time fostering those relationships and making sure they know their job and do it well.
Barb at our Reach for Ralph event
Barb has a really soft heart, a huge heart. She has focused on the people we support who have the highest needs. She advocates for them to make their lives as person-centered and full and rich as possible. Barb will stop by one of our homes because she knows someone would like to have their hair brushed or braided or she knows they’ll finish napping at 1:30 and she’ll show up at 2:00 to visit with them. She’ll go over to a home (even if she’s wearing her little pointy heels) to help with a transfer because she knows there is a new staff person. Barb says our mission of living life to the fullest is the little things we do with and for each other.
Barb with Mickey, supported by Hammer & NER
CRAIG MEINKE – PROJECT MANAGER, MAINTENANCE By Lin Curran, Chief of Operations and Fred Curran, Director of Maintenance, East Office Craig retired earlier this year after working on NER’s maintenance team for over 20 years. Fred recruited Craig when NER began adding more and more homes—in fact, NER doubled in size every seven years. Each home needed to be modified to meet the needs of those who would live there. Craig was very hands on and would take on projects like building decks, replacing flooring, building retaining walls, and doing lots of bathroom remodels. He wasn’t afraid to tackle any project. Craig was always there to respond to emergencies when they arose. He could be relied on to go the extra mile.
Craig Meinke
Craig also worked as a project coordinator and would go out and get bids if we had to have people come in and do the work. Craig was quiet, but friendly. He worked well with the people we support and enjoyed interacting with them. He had a genuine care and concern for them. Their health and safety and well-being came first. He was also a very kind gentleman and always had a smile on his face. Craig and Fred
DIANNE BERG – LEAD DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL By Kim Hansen, Director of Employee Experience Dianne Berg is retiring from her role as the Lead Direct Support Professional at our west metro Lakeside home. Dianne joined Hammer Residences in 1986, after working as an occupational therapist. She has a B.A. in education. She started at the second group home we opened, the Tyler home, in Hopkins. Over the years, she has worked at our Tyler, Black Oaks, Merrimac, and Cedarwood homes. When she came to Hammer, Dianne says she got to know every person we supported. She did a lot of multiple-home management as a Program Manager and Program Director. However, she found she preferred doing direct care—the “day-to-day stuff.”
Dianne sporting a SHINE t-shirt in honor of DSP Recognition Week
Dianne is a super-talented sewer and enjoys doing crafts and various creative endeavors. One year she knitted a hat for the Ralph statue in front of the Hammer West office and later made him a big scarf, too. She made cloth masks when COVID-19 first hit. In addition, Dianne has sewed many Memory Bears, a special memento made from the favorite clothing of a loved one who has passed away. That’s just an example of the caring and thoughtful person Dianne is.
Dianne makes Memory Bears for those who have lost a loved one
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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 31688
Hammer & NER 1909 Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-1261 Hammer.org
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Staff enjoyed our annual Fall All Staff Gathering at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center. Staff members connected with each other, enjoyed a meal, prize drawings, and a program.
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