Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. The “Showcasing Our Homes” profiles celebrate our homes (and apartment programs), the people who live there, and the staff who support them. Let’s learn about the Arkansas home in St. Louis Park!

The Arkansas program is led by Program Manager Tyler Textor. Tyler has worked at Hammer & NER for 27 years and has been at the Arkansas house the whole time. He began as a part-time DSP, working the early morning shifts while he attended Metropolitan State University in the afternoons. After graduating with a B.A. in Human Services, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do next. His Program Director suggested he apply for the Program Manager (PM) position at Arkansas as the current PM was transitioning into a new position at Hammer. Tyler applied and got the job. Twenty-seven years later he still enjoys being at the Arkansas house.

Let’s meet the staff at Arkansas!

Elsie

Elsie Nsoh – Lead DSP, has been part of the team for six months. “Elsie does a great job with her duties as Lead DSP which helps me in a lot of ways,” Tyler says. “Elsie is a great cook and enjoys cooking a lot of the meals during the week, and the guys love it. The funny thing about her cooking—even though it tastes great, she says she doesn’t always eat what she cooks as she is a picky eater.”

Gavin with David

Gavin Nye – DSP, has been part of the team for 11 months. “Gavin works part-time and enjoys getting the guys out for rides or an occasional stop at either Speedway or Holiday for a soda,” Tyler says. “He has a great relationship with everyone who lives at Arkansas. One of them, David, got Gavin interested in knitting, something David does every day. Gavin learned how to knit on his own and if there is time during his shift, the two will sit and knit together.”

Jacoblyn

Jacoblyn Kamara – DSP, has worked at Arkansas for almost a year now. Jacoblyn works the overnight awake shift during the week. “Jacoblyn is one of those staff who comes in for her shift with a smile and jumps right in to get whatever she needs to complete for the overnight,” Tyler says. “She has a great relationship with all four guys at Arkansas. One of them just melts when she comes in for her shift or when he is awake in the morning. He continuously says that he will marry Jacoblyn. She smiles and says, ‘OK’.”

Dennis

Dennis Zelee – DSP, works the overnight awake shift during the weekends. Dennis has worked at Hammer & NER for over 18 years and has been at Arkansas for nearly four years. “Dennis is one of those staff that you can always rely on to help with anything extra that needs to be done,” Tyler says. “Dennis is a great problem solver and you never have to worry about anything; Dennis will get it done. Everyone at Arkansas enjoys his presence and are excited when he comes in.”

Bertrand

Bertrand Ngoua – DSP, has worked at Arkansas for over six years and currently works part-time. “Bertrand enjoys helping out with any task that needs to be done,” says Tyler, “whether it’s doctor appointments, shopping with the guys, or taking them out for van rides or any activities that they are signed up for, Bertrand jumps right in. Bertrand is a huge soccer fan who plays when he is off. He enjoys watching soccer with the guys and explaining the rules of the game. All the guys enjoy it when Bertrand works.”

Shannon

Shannon Dunlap – DSP, has worked part-time at Arkansas for two years. Shannon works every other weekend. “She sometimes will work all alone but will still manage to get the guys out for a long van ride or out for lunch; something the guys all enjoy,” Tyler says. “They have a great relationship with Shannon and are happy when she is working.”

Grace

Grace Freeman – DSP, has worked at Arkansas for three years. Grace initially worked the overnight awake shift but has since transitioned to a part-time role. “Grace jumps right in and will do whatever needs to be done on her shift,” Tyler says. “She along with a few other staff, likes to cook, which the guys all enjoy. Grace is a good problem solver and will get her tasks done.”

Let’s meet the people supported at Arkansas!

Jim

Jim has lived at Arkansas for three years but previously lived in one of Hammer Residences’ apartment programs. Jim’s bedroom is downstairs, and he has the whole lower level to himself. “Jim is a nature guy and loves to sit in his recliner in front of the patio doors and watch the birds at the bird feeder as well as all the wildlife that come into the backyard, including deer, turkeys, coyotes, and foxes,” says Tyler. “Jim is a big Packers fan. With the other guys in the house being Viking fans, the rivalry becomes a fun one on game days!” Jim has a great personality and enjoys joking around with both staff and his housemates.

David

David (Dave) has lived at Arkansas for five years. He moved to Hammer Residences in 1968 when he was 5 years old. David is well known among people who have worked and lived at Hammer Residences over the years. “David always has a smile on his face and enjoys people,” Tyler says. “He likes to introduce himself as a ‘ladies’ man.’ David enjoys knitting hats (his sister helps him finish them) and often offers one to visitors as a special gift.” David is also a sports fan and enjoys watching the Vikings, Twins, and the Minnesota Wild. “Whatever hometown sports team is playing, he is wanting to watch it,” Tyler says.

Mitch

Mitch has lived at Arkansas for 11 years. He lived at another Hammer home prior to moving to Arkansas. “Mitch is known throughout Hammer & NER as a huge Minnesota Twins fan,” Tyler says. “No matter what the team’s record is or what the current score of the game is, Mitch will watch it until the end. He is also a baseball encyclopedia. He knows so much about baseball and not just about the Twins, but baseball in general.” Mitch also enjoys being around people, socializing, and having a good time.

RJ

RJ has lived at Arkansas for seven years. “RJ is a huge ‘gamer’ and enjoys playing all sorts of video games,” Tyler says. “He enjoys being around his housemates, but he also tends to keep to himself.” RJ is the youngest at Arkansas and is the only one who currently works. “He recently got a new job through his day program at Michaels in Plymouth,” Tyler says. “He has been working there a couple times a week. RJ is a hard worker and is very proud of his accomplishments including taking Lyft on his own.” RJ and David enjoy going bowling together each week at nearby Texa-Tonka Lanes.

Tyler

You’ve worked at Arkansas for 27 years. What keeps you here?
Tyler: Over my years here at Arkansas, we have had 10 different individuals living here, and each one has been special to me. I grew up with a cousin who had Down’s syndrome. I wanted to care for others with special needs just as my cousin was cared for. I enjoy coming in every day and doing my best to make sure these four gentlemen have a great quality of life. I have built a great relationship with each of them and their families. One of my goals is to put a smile on their faces on a daily basis. I am thankful that I have been able to work at this house all of these years.

As PM, what hopes or dreams or goals do you have for the home?
Tyler: I would love to see the guys go on a trip somewhere. Three of the guys are getting older and two are experiencing memory issues. David came to Hammer when Evelyn Carlson was here (as Executive Director) and was part of Hammer’s Ironman group. He is the last of that group.

It is a relaxing house to be at. The guys love visitors and love being around people. It is a relaxing house. This is their house, and I want them to have a good quality of life. I will sing or act goofy, just to make them laugh. On Mondays when I come in, they’re ready to chit chat and catch up—even RJ who isn’t big into conversations. They’re living life to the fullest.