Operating a lift van while keeping the individual safe requires specialized training. Donor dollars help us pay for the lift van and required training.

Greetings,
I was fresh out of college when I began my career at Hammer 47 years ago. I provided direct support to young adults living in the dorms on the Hammer campus. As I advanced in my career, I could see the difference we were making in people’s lives by providing them with the dignity, care, and compassion they deserved. Today, I am honored to oversee our caregivers and nursing team. I see the dedication and care they bring to their jobs each day.

Together, we are working to help those we support live a full life.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the ongoing workforce shortage. Many of the people we hire do not have the skills required to care for our aging population and attend to their special needs. We must provide our staff with initial training as well as ongoing advanced training. More than 35% of the people we serve are over 50 years old. Our specialized training programs are designed to equip staff with the knowledge and skills required to address their evolving needs to age with dignity.

Our dedication to providing top-notch care includes bringing in experts for specialized training. This investment in our workforce ensures that our caregivers, many of whom perform tasks equivalent to those of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), have the expertise for managing complex conditions. We are exploring the addition of a gerontologist to our team, which will require additional funding. The funding we receive from the state is not enough to meet our vital needs.

Comfort’s training and understanding of those she supports, demonstrates the crucial impact needed of a skilled and empathetic caregiver.

To continue to provide advanced training for our direct support staff, we need your financial support.

Your gift today demonstrates your belief in the need for well-trained caregivers.

A shining example of our commitment to exceptional care is Comfort Ahavit, Lead Direct Support Professional at our McGlinch home. With over 20 years of experience at McGlinch, Comfort has developed a profound understanding of those she supports. Her advanced training has prepared her to manage the complex medical needs that come with aging. In addition to the training she has received at Hammer & NER, Comfort has completed two years of nursing school and now serves as the Medical Lead at McGlinch, guiding staff with her advanced knowledge.

Personally, I am so proud of everything Comfort has accomplished. Her compassion and dedication is inspiring.

As we continue to strive for excellence in care, your contributions play a vital role in helping us provide ongoing training, recruit specialized staff, and enhance the lives of those we serve.

We ask you to join us in this important mission to ensure that every individual receives the compassionate, expert care they deserve as they age.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

Sue Walker
Chief Program Officer

P.S. Direct Support Professionals Week is September 8 -14.
Is there a caregiver at Hammer & NER that you would like to recognize? Make a gift in their honor and include a note of gratitude that we will share with them and publish on our Facebook page.