Bill Bieber and his family have been generous Hammer family members since 1990. With compassion for those we serve and insight about family’s needs, Bill and his family established the Quality of Life Fund in 1993 as a financial resource for the men, women and children with developmental disabilities we support, specifically those who may not have families to help them when they are in financial need. Each year since, Bill has reached out to friends to share our Hammer story about the needs of so many who have very little. Below is an excerpt from Bill’s most recent holiday appeal.

“Since its beginnings in 1923, the mission of Hammer has been to provide adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest. The Quality of Life Fund is a financial resource for the individuals supported by Hammer to ensure that everyone served has the means to live full and meaningful lives. The fund is specifically for individuals like Jim Forsythe who have limited financial resources.

Before coming to Hammer, Jim Forsythe, now 52, shared a single room with 12 other men at a state institution in Faribault. For the first time in his life, at age 29, he enjoyed the privacy of his own room. He now lives in a “home” supported by wonderful staff members that help create a stable, calm atmosphere for Jim and the entire household.

The availability of Quality of Life Funds is a lifeline to Jim. He relies on these funds for many basic necessities including clothing and eyeglasses. Because of your generosity, Jim is able to attend a special summer camp designed for people with disabilities. He looks forward to being at camp every year.

Jim’s story is one of many Hammer successes. I am so grateful for the quality of care Hammer provides for all the 274 men, women and children living in their 36 homes and 10 apartment programs in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Many of these special individuals rely on your contributions to the Quality of Life Fund for basic needs and recreational activities just like Jim.

With gratitude for your generosity and kindness, I’m asking you to please consider a generous gift to Hammer’s Quality of Life Fund today to support individuals like Jim Forsythe. Thank you for considering my request today.

Warmest wishes to you and your family the rest of this holiday season,

Bill Bieber & Helen Meyer”

The Quality of Life Fund provides for special medical needs (such as dental work), procedures (such as massage therapy to manage chronic pain) and medical equipment not reimbursable by Medicaid. It is also used to purchase household furnishings and clothing and provides for recreational activities such as YMCA memberships, Courage Center swim passes and Camp True Friends fees. The Quality of Life Fund has a direct, positive impact on the people we support and is funded 100% by private contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

P. S. If you’d prefer, you can make a secure online gift here.

If you’d prefer, you can call us at 952-473-1261 to make a gift over the phone, or mail your gift. All gifts postmarked by Dec. 31 are tax-deductible for 2014. Thank you!