Andy & Sarah with the Fall 2019 Hammer Floor Hockey team

When asked what their favorite memories are, Andy recalled that sometimes people who have never played hockey arrive feeling intimidated saying, “I can’t play hockey!” But shortly after they are putting a puck in the net and yelling, “I scored a goal!” Seeing the confidence this builds is inspiring.

Sarah’s favorite moment was when Richard made his first goal. He got all of the players, the staff and coaches chanting his name and cheering for him. It was the moment when Sarah realized that this was the reason they were all together. The goal isn’t necessarily to get the puck in the net, but more to celebrate victories, to encourage, to laugh together and support one another while feeling loved and included.

Sarah continues to stay engaged because of the personal connections she has made. She loves hearing about the players’ vacations, weekend outings, what happened at work, pets, birthday, favorite foods, new shoes… all of it! Sarah says, “When I go to play I am not going to “volunteer”. I am going to hang out with my friends.”

Andy enjoys being greeted with the excitement and smiles of the players. Whether the player is a beginner or Olympian, everyone is supported but also encouraged to be their best. There isn’t any talk about the varying levels of skill or ability. Their connections have become bigger than the game. “We have become a hockey family!”

Sarah agrees. What she likes best about Hammer Floor Hockey is that the program is very inclusive. Anyone is welcome and no hockey experience is needed. It is heartwarming to see participants cheer each other on, pass to one another, give high fives and work together. This has touched her life. “Being a part of Hammer impacts my life simply by just making me happy. It is something I really look forward to doing.”

Andy says that volunteering with Hammer has had a major influence on his life by giving him new friendships and introducing him to amazing people. He recommends others to volunteer at Hammer.

“Just do it! I was apprehensive at first that I didn’t have enough to offer or contribute. I learned that there are not expectations to live up to and all you have to be is yourself. I 100% guarantee that spending time with these good people will be good for you!”

Thank you so much Andy and Sarah for creating a win-win Floor Hockey League! You bring joy to everyone who participates! We appreciate your dedication to those we support at Hammer.

If you want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit Hammer.org/volunteer

Previous Volunteers of the Month

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Tom’s favorite memory is when he brought Alex to the Wayzata James J Hill Day.  “We were planning on meeting my daughter Jackie there, and the sight of watching Alex sprint over a block through the crowd to give her a hug was totally priceless!” Tom says that seeing the pure joy on Alex’s face when he walks in the door to pick him up is all that he needs to stay engaged.

When asked what he likes best about volunteering at Hammer, Tom had this to say, “Everyone at Hammer is so supportive and positive to the mission of supporting these wonderful people and I am always greeted with warmth and excitement. Spending time with Alex gives me pure joy. It doesn’t seem like I’m volunteering as I get as much out of the experience as Alex does.”

Thank you, Tom, for being such a crucial part of Hammer’s mission. By your participation, you are helping Alex live life to the fullest!

If you want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit Hammer.org/volunteer

Previous Volunteers of the Month

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Terry, Stacy, and Sunny.

Terry Martin began as a pet therapy volunteer with Hammer starting in January 2017. Since then he and his dog Sunny have volunteered each week with Stacy at Welcome Place. Terry was recently trained on how to use a lift van, which opened up the many different things that Stacy, Terry, and Sunny can now do together.

Stacy and Sunny have a special bond.

When asked why he volunteers, Terry said, “We always enjoy each other’s company and have had several adventures this summer.  Since I have been able to use the lift van, we have gone to Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Minnehaha Falls, three different patio happy hours where dogs were allowed, and a concert at the Lake Harriet band shell.  Even when we don’t get to go out, we have a good time just hanging out together, talking and playing catch with Sunny. Stacy and Sunny adore each other.”

Terry and Sunny have volunteered at Welcome Place since January 2017!

Thank you Terry and Sunny for volunteering with Stacy. Since January you have totaled 75 volunteer hours!  But more importantly you have brought happiness and “Sunnyshine” into Stacy’s life.

If you would like to Make a Friend Be a Friend, please contact Cathy Thoma at cthoma@hammer.org or 952-345-8554. We have a place for you!

Check out all our opportunities at Hammer.org/volunteer

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Kim says, “Toby and I have been reading with Julia ever since, sometimes doing puzzles.  Toby plays quietly with his toys until we finish. We’ve also been able to spend time visiting informally with some of the other housemates too.  A couple of years ago we started to go for walks in the neighborhood with Jake.  If it is raining, Jake will brush Toby instead.  Jake loves to talk MN sports so I have to make sure that I am up on the latest.  He knows that I am Packer and Badger fan so I have to be prepared to defend my teams!

What keeps them coming back? Kim said: “The folks at Lakeside (the people we support and staff) have always made us feel very welcome and appreciated. Toby even has his own box of Milk Bones for a treat after a walk.  Toby adores the attention and it makes me glad to see the smiles when we arrive and to know that our visit has made others happy.”

Want to learn how you can make a difference? Check out our volunteer opportunities at hammer.org/volunteer

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