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Double Feature: We’re in This Together

Part I By Deb Krug, Direct Support Professional Passionate and creative are the two words that best describe me. I have found that these characteristics serve me well in my work at Hammer. Three years ago, I began working for Hammer as a Direct Support Professional at Lake Place. I was looking for...

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The Travel Bug

By Kim Gharrity, Hammer Donor and Volunteer Monty Python comedian and actor Michael Palin recently quipped: “Once the travel bug bites, there’s no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” I’m pretty sure Hammer Travel volunteer Sandy Hongerholt has...

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For Love of the Story

By Jennifer Larson, Graphic Designer I love a good story. I’m guessing you do too. It’s one thing I love about Hammer – their wealth of good stories. Hammer is all about people, and people make the best stories. I’m a graphic designer and communications consultant, and I started working with...

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Sharing What I Know: My Hammer Story

By Alex Gonzalez, Financial Consultant at Thrivent Financial The story that brings me to Hammer Residences is somewhat selfish. I connected with Hammer because my wife Simone and I have a son with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. His name is Jake. I have sought out new connections,...

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Target’s Model Behavior

By Emily Robillard, Assistant Program Manager Say CHEESE!!! FLASH! Look up here!!!!! FLASH! WOOOO!!! FLASH!!!  Loud, energetic, exciting – all words I would use to describe a Target photo shoot. My daughter Harlee (pictured above) has been modeling for Target since she was about nine months old....

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A March Toward Awareness

By Jason Jenkins, Wayzata Community Editor of the Sun Sailor Hammer Residences reflects on advances, obstacles as it celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Hammer Residences has made a mission out of giving adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live...

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Rich Roots Grow a Learning Partnership

By Cate Saracen Peters, Director of Training and Education It’s no coincidence that Hammer’s leadership has always supported providing our family members with an avenue to expand their knowledge and network of connections related to their loved ones. You see, it is deep in our roots as an...

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Big Adventures in the Big Apple

By Kelly Bosch, Program Manager New York City. This had always been Karen’s dream, always. And, Karen’s plans for this dream were not small. They included all the fun touristy things do to, but at the top of the list was auditioning for the historic Apollo Theater. For ten years, Karen has been...

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Respect: the Other, Better R-Word

By Kris Miller, Self-Advocate My name is Kris. I have been supported by Hammer Residences for about 25 years. I would like to share some of my thoughts and experiences about bullying and why I hope everyone will stop using the R-word. I want you to know that no one should use the R-word. If you do...

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My Life As a DSP

By Patience Zelee, Assistant Program Manager My name is Patience Zelee. I am a single parent of a six year old, and I have worked full-time as an Assistant Program Manager/Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Hammer Residences for seven years. I came to the U.S. from Liberia, West Africa, in 1998....

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Hammer Conversations: A Look Behind the Camera

By Gerick Engle, Video Producer at EideCom I was first introduced to Hammer Residences in early 2014. At that time, I had been working part-time for EideCom assisting on video shoots and doing some filming. So, I was thrilled when I was offered me a full-time position as a Video Producer. The...

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