Decades of devotion have nurtured fulfilling lives

At Hammer & NER, our mission is to provide person-centered support to all those we serve through the highest quality of care. The faces behind the direct support in the homes are pivotal to this mission succeeding. For 17 years, Emily Robillard has carried out this mission through her unfaltering work ethic and compassionate character.

“When I started working at Gardner, Emily provided a warm welcome with stupendous support,” says Program Manager Annie Critzer. “And she is willing to do whatever it takes to help the gals.”

Emily began her career at Hammer Residences in 2007 in the Program Manager in Training (PMIT) program at our Unity home. In 2009, she helped open and manage the Gardner home. She has worked as a DSP, supported the West office front desk, and is currently the Lead DSP at the Gardner home.

                    The Gardner gals with Emily (lower right) and Anna (far right)

The four Gardner gals include Brittni, Lauren, Sara, and Dawn, who are intelligent, ambitious, and have warm hearts. Their love for Emily is no surprise. “I believe that you need to build relationships with each person you support,” Emily says. The goal in the home is to truly enrich the lives of the women who live there.

Emily has helped create many wonderful memories for the Gardner gals from going to prom to attending plays. On the hard days, all agree that listening to a little music goes a long way. “Get to know their likes, dislikes, and find the things you have in common,” Emily suggests. She also knows the importance of building relationships with families. “A big part is earning the parents’ trust,” she says, “and listening to their dreams for their loved one—it’s all a part of the relationship building.”

Emily recently began working as the Special Needs Ministry Associate at Woodridge Church. Practicing their faith is a priority of the Gardner women. “She is good at speaking in church,” Lauren says. Every Tuesday, the gals attend the 7 o’clock service, which Emily facilitates.

“The individuals I’ve supported over the years have been a part of many milestones in my life,” Emily shares. “From getting married to having my daughters, they have all been there with me.” Alternatively, Emily recounts the times she was there during milestones of the Gardner gals’ lives. “Weddings and family celebrations as well as deaths and break ups,” she says. “We mutually support each other.”

  Lauren serves cookies at the Gardner home’s annual Family Gathering

As Emily reflects on the mission of Hammer & NER, she shares her hopes. “I hope we never lose sight of what it means to serve and support the individuals,” she says. “I hope we continue to stay person centered and really invest in the relationships staff have with the people we support.”

Thank you to Emily Robillard for your dedicated work and to all Hammer & NER employees who fulfil our mission every day.

(This article was written by Anna Schmid, who works in our Develpoment department as a Fundraising & Database Specialist. She also works part time as a Direct Support Professional.)