Rich Stoebe

I was thrilled to join the Hammer & NER Board of Directors in January. Participating on the Board, Program Committee, and Advocacy Committee comes with a learning curve, however, not without wonderful support from other volunteers and staff members. The Hammer & NER Vision and Strategic Plan is inspiring, and I am thoughtfully looking for ways to support this essential work.

My wife, Anne, and I are lifelong advocates for choice, equity, and inclusion for all, including our daughter. At 32, April continues to learn and grow to build her independence. While she doesn’t like it when her disability gets in the way, it hasn’t stopped her from reaching her 10-year anniversary at work or trying new challenges like indoor rock climbing and snowboarding.

Anne, April, and Rich Stoebe

We also know that choice requires the right amount and type of support at the right time. Like many of you, our family has experience in navigating the system of support. The information can be complex, and decisions can be difficult. This challenge motivates me to join you in advocating for disability rights and working to make life a little less complicated for people with disabilities, family members, and caregivers.

Hammer & NER has a remarkable history of creating lifelong options for people through professional and dedicated support. In my opinion, the commitment to staffing as the top strategic imperative for the organization will result in a fuller life for people today and in the future. It is also encouraging to hear about the recent progress in advocating for more inclusive reimbursement rates for apartment services. It’s a milestone that will improve lives. It also demonstrates how to lead system changes that benefit many organizations supporting people in similar situations.

I know there is much more to learn. In the meantime, I am telling everyone I know about Hammer & NER as I figure out how to actively contribute time, talent, and resources.

Rich Stoebe is a Hammer & NER Board Member, Parent, Advocate, and Volunteer

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CEO of Coldwell Banker Burnet, Joe Reis and wife Kathy

The company mission statement includes the language: Positive Experiences for our Customers and Communities. With community support in mind, the company created the Coldwell Banker Burnet Foundation to support housing-related needs of people at all stages of life in the communities served. For the past several years, Coldwell Banker Burnet Foundation has been the presenting sponsor of Hammer’s signature fundraising event, Reach for Ralph.

“Because we live and work in the community, we give back and support organizations that help those in need, like Hammer,” said Coldwell Banker Burnet CEO and longtime Hammer volunteer, Joe Reis.

Joe and his wife Kathy began volunteering for Hammer Residences more than 25 years ago through their church, Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. In 2010, Joe joined Hammer’s Board of Directors building on the relationships he developed with the people served by Hammer, who he drove to church so many Sunday mornings. Those precious relationships deepened during worship and fellowship, guiding his and Kathy’s commitment to Hammer.

“We believe in Hammer’s mission to help those we serve live life to the fullest, respecting their abilities,” said Joe and Kathy. “We truly believe we have received more than we have given.”

Joe, Kathy, and Don

One special friend was Don Rudd, who came to live at Hammer as a child and was supported for 41 years before he passed away at the age of 55. Joe recalls their special relationship fondly. “Our family learned from Don’s positive attitude, the way he approached people with such exuberance. After mass, Don greeted many with ‘Good to see you, how are you?’ Whatever their response, he always responded, ‘I AGREE’. He was such a joy to be around. At Don’s memorial service, his sister Mindy remembered the gifts he brought to her life. She said that for so many years, she thought she was helping and teaching Don. In the end, she realized it was he who was teaching her and so many others. As I listened to her, I thought, I AGREE!”

Joe, Karen, and staff in NYC

Another special friend is Karen Thorud, a talented singer and performer who has appeared in numerous productions at the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. She lives in a Hammer apartment in Crystal. Karen always dreamed of traveling to New York City. Joe and Kathy learned about Karen’s dream and made a personal commitment to make her dream come true. “During her trip to NYC, she had a chance to try out at the Apollo Theater, attend Mama Mia on Broadway and do lots of sightseeing. Karen shared the details of her trip with us with such infectious joy. She definitely made us feel like we had made a big difference in her life.”

“We are very proud of Joe for going above and beyond in volunteering in the community,” said Robin Peterson, president of Coldwell Banker Burnet. “He is a fine example of how our leaders and employees value service and are committed to giving back.”

Join us at Reach for Ralph, Hammer’s annual summer benefit on Thursday, July 14th.
Purchase Tickets

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It was 2009, and I was having a bad day at work. I stepped out of the elevator on my way home and ran into a coworker, Mark Flannery who was the immediate past President on the Hammer Board of Directors.  He said, “I have great news! We want you to join the Board at Hammer!” Immediately, I went from a bad to great mood.

I have long admired Hammer, almost from the moment I arrived in Minnesota. It was 1985 and my wife, Bonnie, was pregnant with our first child. We became serious about finding the right church. After looking around, we found our way to Holy Name of Jesus in Medina. That’s where I first learned of Hammer. I saw a young man wearing a cowboy hat, sitting in the front row. He was glowing, smiling, socializing with everyone, and loudly singing (very much off-key).  The young man with Down syndrome turned out to be our dearly departed friend, Donnie Rudd. Looking around the church I saw multiple adults with Down syndrome. Expecting our first child and new to Minnesota, I wondered why there were so many adults with developmental disabilities sitting at mass. Was there something in the water? Inquiring, I learned these individuals were supported by Hammer Residences. As a ministry, parishioners would drive them to mass each week. At Holy Name we have been able to embrace the gifts Hammer has brought to our faith community.

Daughter, Allison, on right with Lisa

It took a while, but eventually, I found my way to the Board. I joined to give back, to help people with challenges, and to exercise the skills I’ve gained over the last thirty plus years in sales and leadership positions. However, something quite profound has happened; I have received more than I have given. I’ve learned that the more I do, the better I feel. And, it’s not just me. My family has also benefited. Bonnie and our daughter Allison, when not away at college, volunteer as well.

During my tenure on the board, I have seen strong growth in the individuals we serve and the services we offer. One area I have particularly enjoyed is Hammer Travel. Starting as an idea from program managers, Josh Senso and Tom Ryan, it has blossomed into a growing business. Not only does it provide our own residents the opportunity to “live life to the fullest” through travel, but it now serves people with disabilities from all over the United States.

I receive so much joy hearing the stories of the travelers. Some of my favorite stories include: a forty year old man confined to a wheelchair who rode a roller-coaster at Disney World for the first time; a woman from New Mexico who traveled to NYC, to meet the stars of the Today Show and be on the set of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; the recent group who attended Twin’s Spring Training and joined Joe Mauer on the field; or the group at a NASCAR race who were invited into the pits and onto the track.

So for me, what started as a bad day, has been “all good” ever since!

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