Andy is a great help in the kitchen

We would like to shine a light on a certain someone who has been helping out with various groups who volunteer with our weekly Cooks in the Kitchen program on the East side. His name is Andy, and he is one of the many fabulous folks that we support here at Hammer & NER.

Andy attends our day program five days a week in White Bear Lake. Living in one of our homes, Andy participates in many activities offered in the evenings and on weekends with Hammer & NER. When he is not out and about enjoying a local apple orchard, a movie at the theatre, or checking out the zoo, you will find Andy poking his nose in the kitchen at our White Bear Lake office. He not only enjoys the yummy smells but is always wanting to lend a helping hand. The Wednesday morning Cooks in the Kitchen volunteer program is in the basement where our day program is also located.

Cooks in the Kitchen is a program that brings people together to prepare meals for some of our homes. For Andy, it’s not just about the cooking—it’s about enjoying those meals that are often sent home with him to enjoy with his housemates. When asked what his favorite meal is, he just smiled and said, “I love them all.” Andy has a goal to learn more about cooking and baking, which he is really excited about.

Joni Purrington, a past NER Board member, shares that, “Andy gets right in and adds value and gets things done. He is truly helpful.” I couldn’t agree more. I love being greeted by Andy and his smile on Wednesday mornings. He always wants to help me set things up for our awesome volunteers.

Kelly Rashaw volunteers each month with a team from Scentsy and has worked with Andy a few times. They like to have music playing while they cook and have found that Andy loves the oldies. “He really wants to help, and he holds himself to perfection,” she says.

We are proud to have Andy as part of our Hammer & NER family.  We look forward to seeing Andy continue to thrive, both in the kitchen and beyond. He reminds us all that it’s not just about the tasks we complete, but the heart we put into them. And in that regard, Andy is truly a chef of kindness.

Andy with Cooks in the Kitchen volunteers from The Lacek Group