Investing in Tomorrow
My relationship with Hammer Residences began 15 years ago, when a colleague at Allina Health invited me to sit with him on the Human Rights Committee as a volunteer pharmacist reviewing cases each month. He, like me, has a child with a developmental disability.
Aging Gracefully with James
James and I have known each other for seven years. It’s safe to say that I have aged with James just as much as he’s aged with me. We both have had to adjust in ways that we could never have imagined. Reflecting on how James has impacted me, he has taught me so much about living life; that even in the darkest times there is always a reason to smile.
Advocating for Disability Rights
Rich Stoebe joined the Hammer & NER Board of Directors in January. He says 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, he says, and he is thoughtfully looking for ways to support this essential work.
Day Supports Program is a Day Brightener!
There have been many changes to external day programs, staffing within our homes, and our ability as an organization to provide community engagement due to the staffing changes post pandemic. These left many of our individuals home or “retired” from their previous day programs. They spent a lot more time at home and lost out on opportunities to engage with peers, get out and into the community, and participate in activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. Simply put, many needed a reason to get up in the morning. Recently, the lower-level area of our Eastside office space, which was historically used by Northeast Residence (NER), was turned into an extended day supports space.
A Family Affair
To meet the Smith family is to witness the meaning of love and devotion. In addition to raising their own six children, Gary and Shirley Smith welcomed 12 foster children into their home over the years. Their eldest son, Mike, who was born with cerebral palsy, has been part of the Hammer & NER family since 2008.
Thank you for Caring for the Heart at Reach for Ralph!
A huge thank you to our 300 guests and 50 volunteers who participated in our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser on June 13. Caring for the Heart is about caring for the lives of the people we support and their caregivers. Our people are aging, and our work force is shrinking. You have helped us meet the increasing needs of our rapidly aging population and provide the training and skills our staff need to feel confident and comfortable in their work.
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