Dear friends,

I would like to share a story about the positive and life-changing impacts of the relationships our staff have with those we support.

Justin joined the Hammer & NER family in November 1997 when he moved into Cottage Place (now 9th Ave), gradually moving to the Cope House (now Virginia). When he came to us, there were only a few foods he would eat: dry roasted peanuts, American cheese, Chips Ahoy cookies, Miss Debbie’s Swiss Rolls, and Goldfish crackers. We thought, how can this young man be so healthy? But somehow, he was.

In the past, Justin loved going to playgrounds as long as no one else was in the area. He also loved going for long walks with staff when others were not present. Daily cares were difficult for him. He struggled with bathing, haircuts, dressing, and other forms of care. But over the years, with the staff’s persistence, he can now dress himself, shower without incident, tolerate daily cares provided by staff, and go out in the community where others are present.

I recently met with Wade Hartmann, who was the Program Manager (PM) at the Virginia home from 2007-2018. Wade is now a Lead DSP at our Adult Day Service (The Club) program and feels privileged to work with Justin from time to time. Wade says that when Justin’s mom visited back when he was the PM, Justin was not very cordial with her. However, once again, over time and with persistence, the two were able to visit in his living room then gradually sit outside on the wood swing (the swing is one of Justin’s favorite things to do).

Justin working on Legos at The Club with Megan Pierce, Recreational Specialist, Community Life (Wade Hartmann is in the background) 

Wade also said that with the persistence of staff taking Justin out in the community, regardless of what “might” happen, has opened many new doors to Justin’s world. For several years, staff took him to a hotel for a weekend by the Mall of America and they would eat in the food court and shop in many stores, again without incident.

Justin enjoying pizza at Pinz Bowling

The reason I am sharing this is due to how amazing it is when I visit The Club and witness Justin’s interactions with others. One day, he was sitting at a table manipulating Legos while others were busy doing other things around him. In July, he went to Pinz Bowling with this group and ate pizza! Apparently, he will eat just about anything nowadays, which was a real shock considering what he ate when he joined us in the late 1990s. Justin also loves to go to the movie theater and will sit through a movie (taking some Legos with him) while enjoying popcorn and pop. Amazing!

I’m confident that Justin’s growth over the years is due to his staff’s persistence, the respect they show to him, and the relationship they have built with him. Relationships and continuity of care are important for growth. We all remember times when we were nervous about trying something new with the people we support BUT have found it is so worth it. If you do not try, you won’t discover the possibilities and potential of a person.

Sincerely,
Lin Curran
Chief of Operations