Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. The “Showcasing Our Homes” series celebrates our homes (and apartment programs), the people who live there, and the staff who support them. Let’s learn about the Belmont home in Maplewood!

The Belmont program is led by Program Manager Carrie Anderson. Carrie joined Belmont in 2010, working as a DSP on the weekends. “It was my first time working in direct care,” she says. “I wanted to see if I could make a difference.” She soon became Lead staff and was promoted to Program Manager in 2015.

Let’s meet the other staff at Belmont!

Ifrah

Ifrah Farah – Lead DSP, has worked at Belmont for a year and a half. “Ifrah is great at getting the gals out and about,” says Carrie. “They all enjoy going out to a movie.” Ifrah is always in a great mood and brings life to the house. She is very good at helping the women of Belmont be successful with their goals. “And she’s a good cook,” says Carrie. “Everyone loves her pancakes.”

Rita

Rita Tri – DSP, has been part of the team for seven years. “Rita is person-centered to the core,” Carrie says. “She’s on top of everything. She helps the gals with their daily routines like making lunch and then she’s at the door waiting for them when they get home from their programs.” Rita cares deeply about the Belmont women, helps them with their goals, and makes an impact in their lives.

Kate

Kate Dornfeld – DSP, began working part-time at NER’s (former) extended day program when she was in high school (her mother, Lisa, has worked with the finance team for nearly 30 years). She has worked at several homes and currently covers several overnight shifts each week at Belmont. “Kate is person-centered, caring, and patient,” says Carrie. “The gals love her.”

Seng

Seng Veng – DSP, has worked at Belmont for nearly nine years and works weekend overnights. “Seng is very responsible in managing all his tasks,” Carrie says. “I always know things are taken care of. The gals say he’s a nice person and Jenny thinks he’s funny.”

Sheletha

Sheletha Sanders – DSP, has been a part of the team for just under two years. “Sheletha is another good cook,” Carrie says. “She picks up lots of shifts and can be counted on to help out at the last minute. She is great at helping the gals with their goals and cares. She enjoys helping arrange dates for Jenny and her boyfriend.”

Abdullahi Abdidahir – DSP, is the newest staff at Belmont and joined the team just two months ago. “Abdullahi, who also goes by Kervo (and is a bit camera shy), is new to direct care, so he’s learning a lot,” says Carrie. “The gals like him.”

Let’s meet the people supported at Belmont!

Ann

Ann has lived at Belmont for three years. She is funny, caring, and loves to shop (Target and Five Below are favorites). She enjoys spending time with her mother on Sundays and going to the family cabin. Ann also loves helping to decorate for the holidays.   

Heidi

Heidi moved to the Belmont home 14 years ago. She has a heart for animals, especially her furry companions, a cat, Elizabeth, and a dog, Rosie, who she sees when she visits family. She loves to babysit the pets, which Carrie says helps her feel responsible. Heidi spends every other weekend with her dad and stepmom. She also spends time with her sister and niece. Heidi has a part-time job at the local fire station, where she helps with the cleaning.

Jenny

Jenny moved to Belmont in 2004. She is funny, outgoing, and loves going to her day program. She’s usually up at 5 a.m. in anticipation of the day. Jenny also looks forward to spending time with her family, especially her sisters. Jenny is all about Halloween! Her birthday is the day before. This year, there will be a big party at the house with a Halloween theme and Jenny’s special friend, Andy, will be there, too.

Claire also moved into Belmont in 2004. She loves having her own space and enjoys putting puzzles together either independently or with someone else. She also likes puzzle books and music. Claire is great with directions and can tell you how to get somewhere. On Fridays she goes to IHOP for pancakes and on Tuesdays she goes out and about with her mother. She enjoys spending every other weekend with her dad.

Carrie

Carrie, what drew you to this work?
Carrie: Before coming to NER, I worked in landscaping, and I was ready for a change. I wanted to see if I could make a difference in helping people. I didn’t know if it was for me, but it ended up being the perfect thing for me.

You’ve worked at Belmont for 15 years. What keeps you here?
Carrie: The ladies. They keep me going. It’s a fun and loving home and they enjoy doing things together like going to the movies or shopping. They’ve even gone to camp together. I’ve also helped out at other homes, but this is like a second home to me. I’ve learned so much from the people I support. I’ve learned patience. I learned how to cook here! I’ve also enjoyed being a part of Special Olympics. For several years, I was the head coach of NER’s Special Olympics bowling team and helped with track and field and bocce ball. Those are just some of the great experiences I’ve had.