By Joe Cullen, Communications Specialist

After working for over 20 years as a reporter and producer in the cable television industry, I was looking for a career change. I knew that I wanted to stay in communications creating media. I also was especially keen on finding a job at a nonprofit where I could use my skills to help promote an organization that I was passionate about.

I couldn’t have asked for a better fit than Hammer Residences! I was immediately drawn to their mission because I’m the father of a 15-year-old son with autism.

Piggy-back rides are the best.

Being the father of a son with special needs gives me unique insight into how the families of the individuals we support feel. Anytime I’m writing or creating a video, I always try to think about how I feel as a parent. I want the world to know my son as a person and value his accomplishments.

It’s been a unique fifteen months so far during my time at Hammer for sure! Just as I felt I was hitting my stride after about four months, COVID-19 entered everyone’s lives and I’ve been working primarily from home ever since. My wife is usually upstairs during the day homeschooling Josiah while I work in the basement. Part of my job is filming “virtual tours” so that families can see what the homes look like when there are openings. I’ve been thankful for these filming opportunities, because it gives me a chance to see the homes, meet the staff, and individuals.

Swinging at the park together on a warm summer day.

I look forward to the day when we all can get back to our regular routines, but it has been rewarding to try to help inspire and motivate our staff through a series of videos we call “Friday Favorites.” Every Friday I help create and edit a video that shows what our staff and supported individuals have been up to. We’ve done everything from show off staff pets to showing off everyone’s parents for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

I am thrilled to be working at Hammer and can’t wait to see what the future holds.