Mary Anne with George at their Hale home 

Mary Anne came to NER in 1997 from Pine City where she lived with her mom. Mary Anne was raised on a farm and staff quickly learned that meant waking up early. If you were the overnight staff, you would often wake up with the sense of someone watching over you. Yes, this was Mary Anne who would wait patiently until 6 a.m. to wake you up. Who knows how long she waited in her room. Mary Anne really knows how to make early mornings not so painful. She always has a smile, positive attitude, and something nice to say about you.

Mary Anne loves visitors and makes them feel welcome by offering a pop to everyone who comes to her house. She also loves staying busy in the community by going shopping, out to eat, and on nature walks. You would be amazed by how many birds she can identify. I often wondered if she was just saying any type of bird to see if I would know if she was correct or not.

At home Mary Anne likes to watch TV and the birds outside her window along with doing crafts and Etch-a-Sketch. I have never seen someone be able to write their name on an Etch-a-Sketch as well as Mary Anne. It is rather impressive if she is willing to show you. However, if she sees you trying to look, she will often shake it to erase the artwork.

Mary Anne is a great friend and has taught me to always be positive. If you ever need an uplift, go visit Mary Anne—you will get a smile, a pop, and probably a “You’re so beautiful” or “You’re nice.”

Mary Anne is pictured above with Michelle Hartmann, the Program Manager at her Hale home, at the 2023 Luau.

The post The Marvelous Mary Anne appeared first on Hammer.

On my first day on the job, I got punched in the face.

I quickly learned that “behaviors” are actions that communicate. I told my sister, who I was working with, that I was done and that it wasn’t worth the $6.75 an hour. However, 28 years later, here I am and loving what we are doing for the people we support.

Sondra Hampton

As a DSP, I never thought the little things I did each day would make such an impact on other people’s lives. The routine and stability that we provide is so important, it creates trust and builds relationships. I remember one morning when I was working at the Hale house, Denise called me “Fred” and I said, “Why am I Fred?” Her immediate response was because she was Barnie, and we were best friends.

I really enjoyed working in the homes with the people we support. In 2005, my son, Corey, had his first grand mal seizure and at 22 years old he continues to have them. If it wasn’t for the parents of the people we support that I’ve gotten to know over the years, I don’t believe I would have known how to advocate for him and without my experiences as a DSP I don’t know how my family would have survived the daily challenges that someone with special needs brings to the home. Living the daily struggles makes me so appreciative that there are places like Hammer & NER for the people we support and their families.

As DSPs we often refer to ourselves as coaches or teachers. I have learned so many great values from people that I have worked with over the years that I think I was often the student, and they were the teachers. The thing I have learned the most is the importance of dignity. Dignity goes so far; it is simple and creates lifelong relationships.

Sondra Hampton is Director of Licensing and Quality Assurance and previously served as the Operations Development Manager for Northeast Residence. Sondra joined the organization in 1995 as a Direct Support Professional. Sondra is pictured in the photo above with her son, Corey, and his girlfriend, Kelana, at Hammer & NER’s annual Luau. 

If you would like to receive a copy of Legacies and/or be added to our Discoveries distribution list, please email barbara.brandt@hammer.org. 

The post A Rough Start Leads to Rewarding Career appeared first on Hammer.