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 Nelson Place home in Minnetonka!

The Nelson Place home is led by Program Manager Brenda Witt. Brenda has worked with Hammer & NER for 17 years. Nelson Place is the third home she has supported. Brenda previously worked at a day program for people with traumatic brain injuries.

Let’s meet the other staff at Nelson Place:

Gismos

Gismos (Lead DSP) joined Nelson Place in August 2024. Gismos likes to cook. Making ribs is one of her specialties. She also enjoys taking everyone out for walks at the mall or other activities in the community. She recently took one of the guys out to a Twins game. Gismos likes spending one-on-one time with the individuals or hanging out with them as a group. “Her position is so important to us,” says Brenda. “Otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to go out as much as we do during the week.”

Tom has been at Nelson Place for nearly 10 years. “Tom has a great ability to serve the guys in ways that meet their needs,” Brenda says. “He makes bath time fun for one of the guys and has found that making silly jokes and rhyming works well with another individual.” Tom has a good rapport with everyone and treats each person as an individual. He also knows how to manage their time well. “They discuss what needs to be done and how to get it done on time,” Brenda says, “such as when and what to pack for going away for the weekend to visit family. He is great at managing details.”  

Leo

Leo joined Nelson Place nearly eight years ago. “He takes the guys out a lot,” says Brenda. “One of them adores Leo and the families adore him as well. He spends a lot of one-on-one time with one individual on the weekends.” Leo takes the guys out for walks around the malls or out to parks in the neighborhood. They also enjoy bowling and participating in the Hammer & NER bowling league.

Jordan

Jordan is new to Nelson Place—he was hired in January. Brenda says Jordan has previously worked in this field. “He is a fast learner and is really on top of things,” she says. “He goes the extra mile, which I appreciate.”

Now, let’s meet the guys of Nelson Place:

Todd

Todd moved to the Nelson Place home in 2013. He likes to play basketball and Skee-Ball. He also enjoys going to Chucky Cheese. “Todd has grown so much with his social skills,” says Brenda. “We’ve worked on encouraging him to come out of his room and now he likes to hang out with staff in the common areas. He’s come a long way. Once he meets you and you tell him your name, he’ll never forget it.” Todd attends a day program and is learning job skills. Brenda says he loves music and has attended many concerts. His favorite singers include Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Shakira, and Taylor Swift. In fact, he recently saw Katy Perry in concert. He also watches music videos on his computer.

Michael C.

Michael C. is a homebody and has a very set routine. “Over the years he has learned to advocate for himself, which is a huge growth area and need for him,” Brenda says. “He knows what he wants and the order he wants it in. He’s also very good at advocating for himself. Routine in absolutely everything to him.” While Michael only has the use of one hand, he does an amazing job at accomplishing daily life skills on his own such as dressing himself. One of his favorite activities is swinging on the swing in the basement. “He will swing for an hour twice a day while listening to his favorite album, Eric Clapton’s Unplugged,” says Brenda. “He also enjoys sitting outside on the bench, whether it’s during the heat of summer or the cold of winter.”

Sam

Sam loves gaming and is a foodie. He likes to travel with his family and enjoys talking on the phone with them each day. He spends most weekends with his family. They have pets which he loves. “We’ve obtained a job coach for him,” says Brenda. “He goes to a day program while he looks for a job.” Sam is very personable, loves to meet new people, and will ask about your family and your pets and will remember the details. “He’s truly interested in people and their families,” Brenda says. “And he carries a smile on his face that never seems to go away.”

Michael M.

Michael M. loves music and has an impressive library of music. “He loves to sing and dance and knows the lyrics to a lot of songs,” says Brenda. “He’s our music man.” Michael also enjoys shopping, especially for snacks and his beloved Coke Zero. “He’s a big helper around the house too,” says Brenda. “He sets the dinner table, fills drinks, and helps staff by getting things from the refrigerator in the garage or opening the garage door for staff when they arrive. He also makes his own lunches.” Michael’s room is below Todd’s, and they learned they can talk to each other through the air vents. He likes spending time with family, especially up at the lake. He also goes on the annual Community Life fishing trip every year.

What drew you to this work?
Brenda: I remember when I was first interviewed, I was asked why I wanted to work here, and I said that a smile from an individual makes my day. When that smile comes around, or an impromptu dance move or singing, that just means everything to me.

Brenda

What makes this program special?
Brenda: All the guys are friends, they’re all in their 30s. They do their own laundry and have their own goals like working on losing weight. Hammer & NER recently bought every individual a portion plate and so we are all learning more about healthy portions and nutrition. They also like to play basketball in the driveway. Sometimes our Program Director, Anna Byro, will come over to shoot hoops with them. Gismos played basketball in high school, so she and I play with them, too.

How are families and guardians involved?
Brenda: Families here are great; they help us a lot. We recently had our house gathering and they were so helpful with that. They are very involved with their loved ones—we’re a big happy family in that regard. All four of our individuals have family connections every weekend, some may go to church or spend the weekend with family.

There’s something unique about the name “Nelson Place,” tell me about that.
Brenda: Our name doesn’t come from the street we’re located on like most of our Hammer & NER homes. The home was opened in 2011 shortly after our CEO, Tim Nelson, suddenly passed away. We’re named after him. Also, we live on Caribou Drive, and we didn’t want new staff ending up at Caribou Coffee so “Nelson Place” was a great choice.