spring 2012 discoveries

8/2/2019 Spring 2012 Discoveries

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EDUCATION CORNER

cDIS ovERIESRespecting Abilities. Reaching for Opportunities. Realizing Dreams.ISSUE 90/SPRING 2012

It is widely acknowledged that

regular exercise is necessary

for good health. Many experts

now believe its the closest thing

we have to a silver bullet,potentially combatting chronic

disease and improving our mood

and self-esteem.

Hammer has always placed

a high priority on exercise for

the individuals we serve. Sally Chevalier was aware of Hammers

reputation. As a Board Member of the ULLR Foundation, she thought

we would be a perfect match for their mission: to provide equipment

and opportunities in skiing, biking and other activities for physically and

mentally challenged individuals.

Sally contacted Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Director of Development,

who invited her to tour Hammers central offices in Wayzata. As part of

her tour, Sally viewed our multi-purpose training room where exercise

classes take place. Sally was impressed; she encouraged Hammer to

submit a grant proposal for any needed exercise equipment.

Our mission, stories and needs moved Sally to become a powerful

ambassador on our behalf. She engaged her fellow board members to

choose Hammer as a grant recipient, said Ellen.

Hammers partnership with URRL Foundation has already made

its mark on the individuals we serve. They are reaping the benefits of

equipment purchased for our Exercise Partners Program, the Iron Team

(our weight lifting group), our bowling league and other regular exercise

classes.

The individuals we serve are the beneficiaries of this shared mission

and vision. A new community partnership has been formed!

Exercise Partners

smallhandheldweightsets

5exercisebands 5yogamats

Iron Team 5equipmentmats weightbench barbellset weightrack 8lb.medicineball 2dumbbellsets 5exercisebands

Bowling Leagues

1bowlingramp 2bowlingpushers

Exercise Classes

20yogamats

As a speaker, trainer and coach supporting the nonproft community, I see manyorganizations who struggle in their fundraising efforts. My goal is to helpthem create an environment where there can be ease and joy in raising the dollarsneeded. Ive had the privilege of connecting with the Hammer (Development andCommunication) Team over the past few years and, from what Ive observed, the

staff, board, families and friends within the community truly live the principles I teach.I often remind people that our job as fundraisers and board ambassadors of an

organization is to allow OTHERS to feel great about how they are able to provide support.

Over the past year, Hammer has had some incredible challenges with funding cuts

and the too soon loss of beloved CEO, Tim Nelson. But what most impresses me is theteam has continually asked what is possible? rather than assuming this is impossible.

A quick recap of last year will show you what I mean:

1,406donorssupportedtheHammermissionnanciallyincluding100%oftheboard

66staffmembersprovidedatotalofmorethan$20,000ofsupport

56%increaseinonlinegifts(comparing2010to2011)

300+peopleconnectedwithHammerviaTwitter

721fansconnectedwithHammerviaFacebookhearingstoriesofhopeand sharing their own

These are just a few of the many ways Hammer warmly invites our community to

connect, feel generous and allow meaningful engagement with real people, real storiesand real impact. The Hammer Team sets the bar high for keeping things personal and

what I call donor-centric. Im proud to be a tiny player in such a heart-centered organization.

Communication and

Fundraising Strategist

and Trainer Lori L.

Jacobwith brings

nearly 25 years of

professional speaking,

coaching and training

to her work with social

prot organizations. In addition to working as

a Development Director, Executive Director

and President/CEO for various organizations,

Lori has provided training and coaching for

thousands of organizations and their boards

nationwide. Her strategies and tools have

helped organizations to collectively raise

more than $150 million from individuals.

Connect with Lori via Twitter: @LJacobwith

or visit her website www.lorijacobwith.com.

Lori Jacobwith will be the keynotespeaker at Hammers Annual Meeting.

Saturday, April 14

8:45 am to 11:30 am

Breakfast will be served at 8:45 am and themeeting will begin at 9:30 am.

Exercise Each Day Keepsthe Doctor Away

Jim Still Lovesto Bowl at 81!Jim loves to bowl and hes really good at

it!At81,hesstillaercecompetitoronHammers bowling league with the aid of aspecialized piece of equipment, a bowling

ramp. The ramp allows him to set up hisball precisely using his expert eye andhelps him to avoid injury. A bowling ramp

is one of the many pieces of equipmentpurchased with a recent grant from TheURRL Foundation. Jim would say this was

money well spent!

What I See:More Meaning, More Connection

By Lori Jacobwith

URRL Foundation Grant Helps Hammer Purchase Exercise Equipment

Top: Volunteershelp out duringHammersbowling league

Bottom: Jimshows off hisexcellent formas he lets go of apotential strike

The following groups atHammer beneted fromThe ULLR Foundationsgenerosity:

The ULLR Foundation presents Hammer individual, Joe S., with their grant


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Elen Tieran-BrerDirector of Development and Communication

2

FROM THE CEO PHILANTHROPY FOCUS

$372,886 raised thru July 31, 2011

A Friend in Need

Recently I received a group e-mail informing me that St. Vincent DePauls Thrift Store hadbeen robbed. It hit me on a personal level: Ed Koerner, their Executive Director, is a friend of mine.

I was inspired to respond and asked others to rally on Eds behalf. I replied to all with this

message: I guess its time to send a donation to St. Vincents. What if Eds pals came up with

$3,000topayfortherobberyanddamage?Iwillstartwith$100;times30friendsandwearedone.

Many folks responded generously to help St. Vincents in their hour of need.

Like the friends who responded to help St. Vincents, many of you are friends of Hammer.

You have recognized the needs of those we serve and responded generously over the years.

Thank you.

You have helped us provide medical care, accessible equipment like grab bars, wheelchairs

and safety straps, personal items, household furnishings, even staff education grants. Your

commitment and generosity ensures each individual we serve will have a home thats safe

and comfortable. They will be cared for by well-trained staff and receive the support required

to be part of the community.

This year we will continue our excel lent services with your help. Some of our 2012

needs include:

We will likely see cuts in government funding this year. We will be asked to do more with less

as we address the increasing needs of those we serve. We look to you with hope and ask that

you continue to recognize the important work we do. Your support is essential and greatly

appreciated.

I frst read Hammers

mission statement lastAugust after learningabout the death offormer CEO, TimNelson. I had met Tim once

or twice and was familiar with his outstanding

work and Hammers strong reputation. I went to

their website and found it compelling, especially

the mission statement.

Mission statements are often deceptively

simple in concept. I want to understand one

person at a time how these words live at

Hammer.

I have barely arrived; Im still unpacking

my few boxes and Im immersed in learningthe ropes. Part of what Ive learned in this very

short time is that Hammers mission statement

comes alive in the hearts and minds of an

incredibly committed staff. This is especially true

of the direct care staff members. Im humbled

and encouraged in their presence and amazed

at their creativity and devotion to the individuals

we serve. Equally impressive are the committed

staff members who support those who provide

direct care.

Ive also been honored to meet a few

Hammer volunteers. They spoke of a variety

of reasons for giving their time. The common

denominator is their passion to help provide the

best possible experience for those we serve.

My favorite word in the mission statement

is opportunity. Its really what Hammer is all

about: providing opportunity for those who maynot otherwise experience complete participation

in life and in the community. Its about creating

an atmosphere, a sense of possibility, making

opportunity an everyday reality.

I have so much to learn. I am anxious to

get to know the people we serve, their family

members, our staff members, volunteers,

donors and friends in the community.

I am humbled and very grateful for this

opportunity to be part of Hammer and its

mission.

John Estrem, CEO

$400,000 - Capital Improvements funds for 37 home programsincludinglift vans, elevators, paint, windows, landscaping, siding and more

$100,000-QualityofLifefundsformorethan240individualsincluding

medical care, activities, personal needs and more

$10,000Educationgrantsformorethan430staffmembers

Part of what Ive learned in this very

short time is that Hammers mission

statement comes alive in the

hearts and minds of an incredibly

committed staff.

Editors note: After a lengthy and deliberate

search process, John Estrem was chosen

as Hammers new CEO. He has 24 years

of committed service with local nonprots,

most recently, as Executive Director of

Episcopal Community Services. Prior to that,

John served as CEO of Catholic Charities of

Minneapolis and St. Paul.

To learn more about John, please visit www.

hammer.org. Click on News & Events.

Hammer History FlasHcard

Winter Activities:A Longtime Tradition

We have always encouraged the

people we serve to be active no matter

what the weather! Winter activities like

sledding, skating and skiing were popular

traditions at the original Hammer School

in Wayzata. As soon as it was cold

enough, volunteers would create a large

skating rink in the front yard. Wendy

Paulson, current Hammer employee,

was a young volunteer in 1969 and

remembers lacing and re-lacing ice

skates. There was a collection of

hockey skates that everyone shared,

said Wendy. No one paid much

attention to size; we just added socks

until they ft!

The marshland behind the school

provided a gently rolling landscape

for beginning skiers. Everyone was encouraged to go at their own pace, but friendly racing

competitions soon began. Then there was a race back to the dining room for mugs of hot cocoa!

Memories from: Wendy P.

Raised thru March 1, 2012

2012 Fundraising goal $675,000GOAL

$64,625

To provide adults and

children with developmental

disabilities the opportunity to

experience life to its fullest.

$100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000

Ralph Rosenvold (who was the inspiration for namingour beloved Ralph statues) Joe Harrington,Michael Barrow, Mark Jensen


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wish lists:

1st Ave: Tupperware sets and 2012calendars

13th Ave: Dishes and pots/pans

14th Ave: Travel funds, radio/cd playerand umbrella for patio set

Arkansas: VCR, toaster, screens forthe porch, recliner and gas grill

Arrowood: No needs at this time.

Black Oaks: Wii Game

Broadmoor: Kitchen items, ofcechair, DVDs, Wii games, oor lamp

and small table

Broadway: More volunteers todonate their time

Carlson: Wii games, exerciseequipment and DVDs

Cedarwood: Wii

Eden Place: Wii/Wii games, artsupplies, GPS, stereo and tickets to

sporting events

Emery: DVDs, Wii games andmusical toys/instruments

Garland: Corelle dishes, bowls andtupperware

Gardner: Wii, music CDs, exerciseDVDs and tickets to plays

Holdridge: Grill

house highlights:

1st Ave: We had a great time goingto Timberwolves games this winter.

13th Ave: Andy had a wonderful timevisiting family in Chicago over the

holidays.

14th Ave: Brian celebrated his 50thbirthday in February!

Arkansas: We love our remodeledkitchen and have enjoyed cooking

meals in it.

Arrowood: Aaron went to see hisfavorite movie, The Lion King, live at

The Orpheum Theatre!

Black Oaks: In January, State

Representative, Sarah Anderson,joined us for dinner.

Broadmoor: We had a great holidayparty complete with a visit from Santa.

Broadway: We had a fantastictime with family and friends at our

Christmas party.

Carlson: We had a blast participatingin Hammers American Idol Nights.

Cedarwood: The men all enjoy cookingdinner and watching movies in the

evening.

Lives enriched through the civic engagement Hammer iends

News & ANNouNCeMeNts

HAMMER FAMILY FOCUS

3

In this issue enjoy new s from:

1st Avenue, 13th Avenue, 14th Avenue, Arkansas, Arrowood, Black Oaks, Broadmoor, Broadway, Carlson,

Cedarwood, Eden Place, Emery, Garland, Gardner, and Holdridge

The ENGAGE portion of our newsletter focuses on our volunteers and the important work they do every day.

Welcome

New Volunteers:Alice HulbertAndrea Carroll-GloverAndrea M. PuckettAndrew HughesAudrey E. Vaughn

Chhavi BangChristopher D. WipsonCindy Feldmeier

Cole NorellElizabeth M. FluegelErika G. LaDousa

Gloria J. DHeillyHeather NelsonJean E. Nelson

Jeff J. McClureJennifer FoxJessica M. Burns

Jessica VarnadoJoel SandsJohn Traul

Jonathan N. ParkeJoshua MakiJulie S. Akindemowu

Justin D. PuckettKaren Conavatti

A Hamm er House CaptainGoes to t he Capi t o l

By Peggy Crolick

Becoming a Hammer House Captain was the beginning of a

new and exciting chapter for me. I attended trainings offered

by Hammer on pending legislation and received valuable support

about advocating for my son, Rob. I stepped out of my comfort

zone by picking up the phone and scheduling appointments to

meet with my state representatives in both the House and Senate.

The next step was to actually meet with those elected ofcials

to advocate on behalf of all individuals with developmental

disabilities. Arriving at the Capitol, I was lled with a great deal

of nervous tension. Navigating the capitol was a challenge but

very exciting. Once we got our bearings and found our legislators

ofce, the receptionist checked us in and asked us to take a seat.

It was a welcome chance to take a few deep breaths, calm our

nerves and review our talking points.

When we met them, the legislators were very cordial and

welcoming. Because they were not on the Health and Human

Services Committee, they knew very little about the proposed

legislation related to our specic issues but we were able to have

some dialogue about them. I read what I had prepared, thanked

them for their time and gave them a copy of my story.

I left feeling like I had experienced a great opportunity to

potentially affect outcomes at the Capitol by telling my story. It is

a simple act that can make a difference. Because of Hammers

excellent training, it is easy and satisfying. In these trying

budgetary times, government ofcials are looking for change. It is

imperative that we engage them to help secure services for our

family members.

Take Action! Advocate!By Katie Bottiger

Take Action! Advocate! Thats the mantra of Hammers

Public Affairs Committee. We are an action-oriented groupwith many fun ways to help you be involved!

We particularly need more family members to sign up as

House Captains. This is a fun and collaborative way to makea difference and get your story heard at the State Capitol.Please read (and be inspired by!) the stories in this issue from

two advocacy volunteers who have participated this year.And remember, our advocacy work goes on year round!

Contact [email protected] or 952-277-2427 to Take Action!

Advocate!

Hammers PublicAffairs Committee:

A Members PerspectiveBy Kathy Lund

In this time of government budget shortfalls,strong voices advocating for disability

services are essential. Hammers PublicAffairs Committee was formed to lead andprovide support for these advocacy efforts.

Committee members were recruited from theHammer Board, staff and families of thosewe serve. The committee cooperates with

other organizations such as the Association ofResidential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM),the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities

(CCD-MN) and the Arc of Minnesota.Heres a brief summary of what weve

been working on:

Charted Hammer house locations andfamily members homes in relation to publicofcials

Recruited and trained House Captains for

many homes/apartments Organized buses to the Capitol for self-

advocates and family members to go andtell their stories

Encouraged all to write/mail stories aboutwhat publicly-funded services have meantto them

Arranged legislative visits to some of thehomes and apartments

Everyones advocacy efforts are critical.Together, we continue to bring Hammer and

the disability community into much clearerfocus for our states decision-makers. I believeeveryone who cares about the quality of

Hammers services needs to raise their voicein this essential process.

Karen J. CwaynaKatherine HutterKelly M. SintonKristie L. Yoder

Laura D. RahmLisa M. PayneMaria L. Whitlinger

Mark DooleyNicole J. StanawayPaige E. McAuliffe

Pam CorwinPeggy A. MarkeeRachel Buckner

Randi G. PoolRenee J. Falkum-Youngberg

Riley S. Lange

Rona G. PoolRuth JossSally Sladek

Sandeep BangTaylor D. RonchettiTeresa K. Richardson

Tu PhanWendy Brom

Senator Al Franken was asked to bea champion for individuals withdisabilities in June 2011 and visitedHammer. A relationship was forgedwith Nate Bauer and he was able tovisit Franken in Washington DC.

Diana Thompson with Rep. SarahAnderson at Black Oaks. Rep. SarahAnderson was invited over for dinnerby the ladies on January 9, 2012.

Congressman Erik Paulsen visits withLisa Poppe at Sumac in June 2011in support of services for those withdisabilities.

Eden Place: We just opened inOctober and were having fun getting

to know new friends.

Emery: Gina had a great time on herrst date. She went to her schools

homecoming dance!

Garland: We welcomed a newhousemate, Ed, and are excited he is

a fellow Twins fan.

Gardner: We have been busy goingto the YMCA, going to craft classes

and cooking!

Holdridge: We welcomed a newhousemate, Christopher, who is very

involved in the Special Olympics.


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$25,000 or GreaterAnonymous

$10,000 - $24,999Bruce and Celeste AmlickeArgall/Hibbs FoundationThe Steven Argall TrustJohn and Nancy BergMr. Bob CumminsDrs. Mary and Jan Tanghe

$5,000 - $9,999AnonymousElaine and Robert BacheThe Caridad CorporationColdwell Banker BurnetMr. and Mrs. Frank FreemanLurie Besikof Lapidus & Company, LLPMike and Pam SimeSit Investment Associates FoundationKarl StoltenbergThe Tuckner FamilyVillage Gives Back Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999Anonymous (3)Joel and Mary AmundsonMarshall and Dru AndersonLisbeth and Mark ArmstrongLeigh BaileyTom and Angela BlanchetteMs. Sandra C. CarlsonJohn and Andrea CaseyCity Club FoundationFlaherty Family FoundationPatricia and Dennis FlemingJohn and Deborah FoxDebra and Jake GjoraasDon and Heidi HabermanThe Harrington FamilyPaula Hirschoff and Chuck LudlamPatricia and Michael Houston

Bill and Joan KrippnerVirgil and Patricia LeihLeJeune Family Foundation

* Lexus Pursuit of PotentialLions Club of PlymouthJeanette and Larry LiukonenJon P. MatejcekTaya MergottMs. Mary MetzlerSolveig Misner and Leigh WoldNational Christian FoundationJean NelsonKate and Richard OlsonLillian OrensteinE.B. Osborn Charitable Trust

+Ralph PettyjohnRuth Pope and Arnold JohnsenDan and Katherine PoppeSusan and Andrew ReinJoseph and Kathleen ReisMs. Carla RoseRotary Club of WayzataHugh and Margaret SchillingWilliam and Joyce Sexton

Family FoundationJulia and Bill SorensonSt. Philip the Deacon Lutheran ChurchCharles and Ellen Swanson

* TCF FoundationAlan and Barbara TennessenMr. Michael W. Tenney

* Thrivent Financial for LutheransFoundation

TolomaticUllr FoundationRon and Michele WaldMrs. Mary WesleyWright-Hennepin Cooperative

Elec. Assoc.

$500 - $999ACI Asphalt Contractors, Inc.James and Patricia AmlickeMargaret and Thomas BarrettPeter and Julie BirgerssonJohn Meridith and Maryann

Brandenburg-MeridithMr. and Mrs. Neil BrownKate BuddRae Carlson TrustRichard and Judith CorsonGary and Susan CramerDavid and Debra CzechEric and Paula DahmerThe Flannery FamilyMarilyn FryerKeith Gasner and Janet Benway

Ms. Kathryn H. GlenSusan Argall Haas and Brian HaasLH Hendrickson CompanyJohn and Terry KruseGregg and Stephanie LarsenMichele and Bob LukeBrian LundPhilip and Barbara MacNeillMichael and Julie McGlynnFredrick and Christine MeyerGary and Linda NelsonOtten Bros. NurseryJohn and Gigi OssannaMary PattersonDoug and Marilyn PaulDan and Linda PelakDavid and Sharon PettersonMs. Chris PoppeMs. Rita SchofeldJane and Don ShafferMrs. Loretta SolingerThomas and Jeanne SweenMrs. Marie TucknerThe Vala Family

Gary and Vicki WyardWayzata American Legion Post 118

$100 - $499Anonymous (2)Tim and Wanda AaserAccessories to Go...LLCAllegra Print & ImagingJanet and David AndersonLisa AndersonMs. Patty AndersonMr. Robert AndersonRoy and Donice ApplequistMrs. Dorothy A. BaileyJohn and Patricia BaileyMs. Susan BakerJohn and Sheila BarbettaLawrence and Jo Ann BarbettaCheryl BarnesKatie and Richard BarrettLester and Barbara BauerJosephine BergeDavid and Ann Marie BernerPaul and Terri BesterBarbara and Edward BiesThe Binning FamilyBobs Shoe Repair, Inc.Patty BohlineMark and Sara BonkDan and Katie BottigerPeter and Cindy BoyntonMr. and Mrs. R.W. BrustBusiness Choice, Inc.Al and Toni CadyCharles and Deb CarlsonDr. Gerald CavanaughCliff FoundationJohn and Pauline ColemanCommunity Involvement Programs

Jerry and John CraigPeggy and George CrolickMichael and Michelle CuppyLynne Dablow and Connie SchultzRichard and Tammy DahlKathleen Riley and David DanielsMs. Carla DanielsonJudith and Kent DavidsonKevin and Kimberly DickisonLoretta DockenLisa and Scott DongoskeMarjorie and Charles ElliottMrs. Helen EvansG. Everett Enterprises, Inc.Maureen and Todd FaulknerBeth FondellMr. and Mrs. Paul Freeman

Shirley FreemanGadge USAMichael and Sue GardnerKim and Pat GharrityBruce and Kimberly GillespieRosemary and Lawrence GleasonMichael and Cindy GleysteenRobert and Patti GlumackMr. Samuel GoadStanley and Luella Goldberg

Family FoundationMr. David J. GoldenBecky and Don GromekGary and Kathleen HadleyMrs. Leota HalesSharon and Jack HammangDonald and Ida HannaDr. Daniel HartnettRonald and Janet HaskvitzMelvin HecktWilliam and Elizabeth HeegaardRobert and Kathy HendricksonMr. Robert A. HenselMary Hill

Mr. Robert B. HillJon and Mary-Michelle HirschoffLinda and Kenneth HolmenJohn and Colleen HooleyJ. Jerome and Ruth HopperstadRichard and Julie HorbergAlan and Diane HornerJames and Ann Howard Family

Fund of The Mpls. FoundationMs. Pam HoweImaging PathRobert and Ann JacksonMs. Kathleen JacobsonMs. Amy JensenMark and Laurie JeterFranz and Cynthia JevneSeth and Melissa JohnsonSherri and Steve JohnsonTheresa and Timothy JohnstonDorothy KepriosMs. Kim KepriosBarbara and David KleistKnights of Columbus #3949Ann KoernerJo Ann KoltesVera KoppKaren LaffertyJames and Gayle LandtStephen and Susan LangMark and Joni LauffenburgerBridget and Rob LayneHerbert and Kathie LevyPaul and Janice LindbloomLions Club of NE MinneapolisJoseph LundMrs. Mary K. LundTimothy LundMichelle and Jimmy LureenDeane and Nancy Manolis

Joe and Pricilla McCartyVictoria McConnellTerry and Mark McFarlandDavid and Shirley MellenMNC StribbonsRobert and Taylor MoorMatthew and Marty MuellerRenee MuellerNasim and Mark NamyMs. Jennifer NelsonChristine and Thomas NickelsMs. Carol M. NikolaiNadim and Souha NimehOlseth FoundationAl and Vicki OlsonMary and Michael OngstadMoyosola Osire

Betsy and Bruce PankoninCarol R. PattersonMary Kaye Pfau

* Pohlad Family FoundationChristine and Joseph PorcelliJames and Elizabeth RamslandEdwin and Christina RitchieStanley RosavesJeanne and William RouchMindy Rudd and John CraynockGreg and Lisa RyeRobert and Bonnie ScheerMr. Donald C. SchrodenAudrey and George SchultzDavid and Joan SchultzSemmer GroupBill and Diedre ShinnBetty SmithMs. Renee E. Solinger-AudetteDean and Ruth SpatzHarriet and Edson Spencer FoundationMrs. Nancy StoneMr. and Mrs. John SweeneyJon and Marcee Thompson

Nancy and Richard TimpEllen Timmerman-BorerMr. and Mrs. Clifford TraffBarb TucknerJohn, Cheryl and Cory TucknerMrs. Sherry UnderdahlMark and Kathy WallraffJulia WesleyMichael and Mackie WesleyTracy Wessel Johnson and David

JohnsonBill and Doreen WestJohn Wetterlund and Laurel FeddemaMary Ann and John WoltersPamela and Tom Wright

Under $100Robert and Claire AlberMs. Marie A. AltmanDr. J. David AmlickeChace and Barbara AndersonMs. Gervae AndersonJoan AndersonAnderson Race ManagementMr. Calvin W. Aurand, Jr.John and Kandi BanasiakAnn BarnesMs. Janet BastJim and Sandy BeckmanDarrell and Kenwyn BeckstromMr. Thomas P. BedardKerman and Ardyce BensonMrs. Dianne BergMr. Elijah BergSteve and Lynn BerglundTimothy BeversdorfRichard and Lin BleckDonald and Trish BoegelMs. Joan Boerschinger

Donna BonelloRobert and Linda BorovanskyMr. Dave BrandSteve and JoAnn BrandtMr. Aaron BriggsJoan and Quincy BrownMs. Kristina Bruggeman-MaagMaurice and Yvonne BryanMichael Bryant and Phelomina

Silva- BryantWes Bue and Denise EngK.R. and Audrey BurglundMs. Shirley BuryPaul and Mayone ByronScott and Sharyn CaltonAnn CampbellJohn and Evelyn Carlson

Judy CarlsonMarlan and Patricia CarlsonMs. Tomeko ChampionCornell and Liz ChunClare N Al Enterprises, IncDavid and Mary Kay ClarkSusan and Denny CotaMr. Desmond CourtneyDavid and Candy DavisPatty & Dave DittrichJohn and Judi DoddsMs. Gailend DrewBetty DurenbergerJack and Bernice EngdahlJohn and Virginia EngferAllen EricksonDaniel and Joan EricksonJerry and Pat EricksonTheodore and Marilyn EricksonTodd and Leslie EricksonMr. Tim EshelmanGary and Cindy FehrmanMarvin and Rosemary FishMike and Linda Fiterman Foundation

Ms. Karen FlippoFood Perspectives, Inc.Ms. Phyllis GenestMs. Phyllis Genest-SteinOlga GinzburgMs. Sara GivandJean and Bill GjetsonVictor GlantzDan GokeyEsther GoldbergBen GoldishDonna GorskiSue and Ilja GregorShirley and Lowen GrodnickFlorence GronbergSusan HagemanDavid Hagen and Patricia OBrienShirley HammesMs. Kim HansenMark and Libby HansenPatricia and Ben HastingsChuck and Sandy HatfeldJudi and Jim HathawayPamela HawthorneKay HempelKatherine HickmanDick HillDick and Phyllis HoffmanVirgil and Marlys HoffmanErik and Mary HollequeJ. M. HolmesMs. Jan HopperKerry HoustonMs. Melissa HutchinsCarl and Martha JacobsonNoel and Ruth JagolinoTim JanssenMs. Amy JohnsonDenise Johnson

In Honor ofBruce, Celeste and David Amlicke

Jean and Bill Gjetson

Marshall and Dru AndersonBill and Diedre Shinn

Michael AndersonDavid and Sharon Petterson

Lisbeth ArmstrongBarbara and David Kleist

Kelly BonkMark and Sara Bonk

Ben CarlsonSteve and Lynn Berglund

Julie EngdahlJack and Bernice Engdahl

Jack and Bernie EngdahlJill and Michael Kelly

Josh EricksonStefanie Miller

Reva HorowitzLillian Orenstein

Sondra KunssinsTerry and Nancy Kirsch

Residents of Knollway HouseAllen Erickson

Andrew LeVoirVictor Glantz

Kathy LundJudy Welker

Patricia McCartyJoe and Pricilla McCarty

Raymund MendozaBarbara Anne Mack

Katie MuellerMr. Larry MuellerRenee Mueller

In Memory ofJosephine BarrowDavid and Ann Marie BernerDavid and Mary Kay ClarkMaureen and Todd FaulknerPamela HawthorneMs. Rose M. RizziThomas and Delores Shaw

Marlene BeekmannRobert and Beth Vorpahl

Albin and Rae CarlsonRae Carlson Trust

Francis CrolickVirgil and Patricia Leih

Frances CummingsRobert and Beth Vorpahl

Jean EngdahlJack and Bernice EngdahlJill and Michael Kelly

Ted FreemanWilliam and Elizabeth Heegaard

Dr. Robert GoadMr. Samuel Goad

Florence GormanPatricia and Ben Hastings

Paul HecktMelvin Heckt

Denny HymansonShirley and Lowen Grodnick

Richard JorgensenKerman and Ardyce Benson

Scott KempfAudrey and George Schultz

Eugenia KennedyRichard and Lin Bleck

George KepriosDorothy KepriosJeffrey and Kathryn Smith

Mrs. Kishels FatherMarvin and Rosemary Fish

Ginny KlingnerSusan Pedrelli

Bob KoltesBecky and Tom GromekTheresa and Timothy JohnstonJo Ann KoltesChristine and Allen Strande

Pat LindgrenRoy and Donice ApplequistMr. and Mrs. R.W. BrustK.R. and Audrey BurglundJohn and Evelyn CarlsonMarlan and Patricia CarlsonJohn and Judi DoddsJohn and Virginia EngferDaniel and Joan EricksonTheodore and Marilyn EricksonJ. M. HolmesCarl and Martha JacobsonThe KroschelsJoann LinbladPhil and Barb Lindblad

Harvey and Phyllis LundinJohn and Barbara McCartanCharles and Joanne MertaJohn and Judith MeyerIna NesmoeCurtis and Karen OkesonGordan and Shirley PetersonMarianne SelfBeverly SpeikersPhilip and Arvida SteenMr. and Mrs. Clifford TraffSuzanne TschimperleDouglas and Lois Weyh

Louzelle LukeMichele and Bob Luke

Marty MetzlerMs. Mary Metzler

Doug, Otto, Selma andTim Nelson

Gary and Linda Nelson

Anders OlnessJamie Korzan

Carolyn StevensonMarvin and Rosemary Fish

Dan, Jim and Holly DamianiFreda NewhouseJosephine Berge

Michael DavidLauren MitchellMs. Sandra C. Carlson

Sue OreckLillian OrensteinHerbert and Kathie Levy

Herbert and Kathy LevyLeslee and Mert ShapiroSusan and Michael Oreck

Robert and Susan BurnsMary CyralltonJack and Linda HallbergNancy Waterbury

Ms. Rose M. Rizzi

We gratefully acknowledge contributers who have given to Hammer November 1, 2011 through January 31, 2012

MEMORIALS AND HONORARIUMS

Tim NelsonChace and Barbara AndersonLisbeth and Mark ArmstrongMargaret and Thomas BarrettMr. Elijah BergPeter and Julie BirgerssonJohn Meridith and Maryann

Brandenburg-MeridithWes Bue and Denise EngBusiness Choice, Inc.Lynne Dablow and Connie SchultzSue and Ilja GregorMs. Kim HansenPaula Hirschoff and Chuck LudlamMs. Amy JensenMs. Kim KepriosBarbara LebowitzMichelle and Jimmy LureenDeane and Nancy ManolisJean NelsonMarjorie and Bob SpanjersBridget Ulrich

Jim ORourkeBarbara Wheeler

Janet Paulsen

Anonymous

Mrs. Frances PoferlMr. Wallace RolesMs. Gervae Anderson

Ralph PettyjohnJoan AndersonRobert and Linda BorovanskySteve and JoAnn BrandtScott and Sharyn CaltonAnn CampbellCornell and Liz ChunBetty DurenbergerJerry and Pat EricksonTodd and Leslie EricksonGary and Cindy FehrmanDavid Hagen and Patricia OBrien

Chuck and Sandy HatfeldMelvin HecktDick HillDick and Phyllis HoffmanErik and Mary HollequeDonald and Louise Johnson

4

Donald and Louise JohnsonMr. Momo J. JohnsonHeidi and Jeff JoppsWinifred JurrjensJill and Michael KellyCheryl KinneyHugh and Julie KirschTerry and Nancy KirschMr. Dan H. KleinElizabeth KleinDebby KniebelJordan Kortmansky and Sarah BarthelJamie KorzanKay KrafkaThe KroschelsLarry and Susan KuglerJohn and Marcia Lally

Susan and Jeffrey LambertJane LansingPhilip and Betty LansingBarbara LebowitzKathleen and Kevin LeightonGary and Mary LessardLiberty Diversifed InternationalLil BuddiesJoann LinbladPhil and Barb LindbladDr. and Mrs. John LinnerMs. Mary Lou LoackerJean LondonWayne and Karen LundgaardHarvey and Phyllis LundinArdell MackBarbara Anne MackDick and Sally MackieJoan Mc ArdleJohn and Barbara McCartanMr. Kevin McLaughlinTerri and Michael McLeanJo MendozaCharles and Joanne Merta

John and Judith MeyerBarry and Mary Jo MillerEmily MillerRoss and Darcy MillerStefanie MillerBeryl Moenga and Wicliffe OngigeJanet MoldaAnne and Derrick MonroeJoe MuellerMr. Larry MuellerTim MuellerLucy MullinsRichard and Kay MusilE.J. NelsonIna NesmoeNeh NgosongMs. Joanne NolanMs. Rukayat ObaColleen OBrienRichard and Jeanne OKeefeCurtis and Karen OkesonDebbie OlsonDonald and Virginia OlstadSusan and Michael OreckMs. Maima ParkerShala PaskeThomas and Susan PaskeEllen, Jeff and Abby PearsonSusan PedrelliMr. and Mrs. John PetersonGordan and Shirley PetersonMr. Stephen D. PetersonBarry and Kathleen PetitBruce PettyjohnSara PettyjohnMr. and Mrs. John PiersonGerald and Sharon PipesPatricia PocrnichMary and Robert Putnam

Seth and Melissa JohnsonSherri and Steve JohnsonElizabeth KleinDebby KniebelVera KoppJohn and Marcia LallyJane LansingPhilip and Betty LansingDr. and Mrs. John LinnerWayne and Karen LundgaardDick and Sally MackieJanet MoldaLucy MullinsColleen OBrienShala PaskeThomas and Susan PaskeBruce PettyjohnSara PettyjohnMr. and Mrs. John PiersonCharlotte RiceMary Jane RogersReye Royse and Kasey WrightDeVon and Mary SchmidtFran SchmidtTom and Kathy SchoeberlDonald and Barbara SteinkampMarlys Torgerson

Paul and Sandra TorgersonBruce WarnerGeorge and Carol Williams

Francis RyanGadge USA

Betty SchmaltzArdell Mack

Loretta ShilsbergMs. Susan Baker

Florence SivanichPaul and Terri BesterDan GokeyPatricia and Ben HastingsLions Club of NE MinneapolisDebbie OlsonMs. Jill S. Widseth

Toots TiemannMs. Peggy Swanson

Jerry TucknerChristine and Joseph PorcelliMary and Michael OngstadMark and Kathy Wallraff

Butch WilliamsSusan and Denny CotaBarry and Mary Jo MillerMs. Peggy Swanson

Charles E BrownBill Gullickson Sr.Burt McGlynnTim NelsonJim ORourkeShirley Freeman

Tom KaliszewskiJan StarkCheryl Kinney

Lillian BenensonElliot HersteinSusan and Michael Oreck

Janet GenslerElliot Herstein

Thomas UristaLillian Orenstein

Dennis HymansonJackie & Shel Kolners DaughterEdward PasterElaine Siegel

Paula TankenoffHoward WeisskopfAlan and Connie Wilensky

Lawrence and Mary ReksteinMs. Rachel RevelsCharlotte RiceJanene RiedemanSue RingMs. Rose M. RizziMary Jane RogersMr. Wallace RolesJean and Frits RoozendaalJulane RoseReye Royse and Kasey WrightMatthew SandersRobert and Ann SchenkelDeVon and Mary SchmidtFran SchmidtTom and Kathy SchoeberlMs. Nancy Schwalen

Marianne SelfMs. Elizabeth SenneMr. Josh SensoPaul SerberMr. and Mrs. ShawRon and Veronica SheldonCari and Jeff SheleyGabriel SkellyCatherine SmithDouglas and Kathryn SmithJeffrey and Kathryn SmithGary and Gwen SolsethMr. Lloyd SorensenJane SoshnickMarjorie and Bob SpanjersMr. Warren SpannausBeverly SpeikersCarrie SporerCharles StanleyMs. Margaret Starr-KnoxPhilip and Arvida SteenDonald and Barbara SteinkampTony and Sandy StevensChristine and Allen Strande

Ms. Peggy SwansonMs. Esther SwenDon and Marlene TombersMarlys TorgersonPaul and Sandra TorgersonMs. Becky TrebDavid and Jo Ann TschimperleSuzanne TschimperlePaul and Sarah TucknerBridget UlrichGay UrnessLynette and Rick VanSoestAnne and Nolan VaughanRobert and Beth VorpahlDaun WahlMs. Sue WalkerMs. Suzanne WanousBruce WarnerJudy WelkerDouglas and Lois WeyhBarbara WheelerPaul and Janice WicklundMs. Jill S. WidsethMs. Denise WidstromMr. Peter Wiering

Alan and Connie WilenskyGeorge and Carol WilliamsJudith and David WillitsMr. Jon WoidyllaMs. Kelly YrjanaMr. Dennis ZeleeEd and Labelle Zeller

* Matching Gift Company+ Deceased

While every effort is madeto ensure the accuracy ofour donor records, errorsoccasionally occur. If yourname has been omitted,misspelled or misplaced,please accept our apologiesand contact Julane at952.277.2435.


5/6

5

Hammer Named

a NatioNal

top 50 Best

NoNprofit

iN 2012

Save the Date

Mark your

calendars

for our

annual

fundraising

event!

When:Thursday evening,

August 2, 2012

Where:

Nicollet Island

Pavilion, Minneapolis

What:Live entertainment,

silent/live auction, food,

cash bar, wall of wine and more

Why:Support our mission of

providing adults and children with

developmental disabilities the

opportunity to experience life to its fullest.

Host:Rena

Sarigianopoulos

of Kare 11 News

Recently, our 448 employees learned exciting news!Hammer wasnamedoneoftheTop50BestNonprotOrganizationstoWorkforin2012.This

isthesecondtimewereceivedthishonorfromTheNonprotTimes(anational

publicationfornonprotexecutives)andBestCompaniesGroup.

Hammer CEO, John Estrem, had this to say about the honor, This national

acknowledgement is a testament to the quality of service Hammer has cometo be known for in the wider community. The heart of Hammer is our ability

to retain a team of dedicated professionals who have kept a clear focus on

our mission to help individuals have the opportunity to experience life to

its fullest.

The specific rankings on the winners were announced early April which

coincides with when this newsletter went to press. For an update on where

Hammer ranked and more information, visit www.hammer.org and click on

News & Events.

T his years Ralph in the Schools Curriculum was supported in partby a grant from The Kopp Family Foundation.Their generosity allowedus to accept Plymouth Creek Elementary/Wayzata School Districts invitation

to present the curriculum, Unexpected Friendships: Finding the Lands of

Courage and Kindnessfor the second consecutive year. This curriculum gives

students and Hammer self-advocates the chance to get to know one another

by participating in three different workshop activities in October, November

and January.Through the Ralph in the Schools Curriculum, students participate in

activities that build awareness of bullying behaviors and learn how to combat

these behaviors with courage and kindness. In addition, the students learn

how to form friendships with people of all abilities.

Hammer is looking forward to continuing this successful partnership

withtheWayzataPublicSchoolsandwillworktoimprovetherstgrade

curriculum with Plymouth Creek Elementary educators. Stay tuned for more

exciting news about this great outreach and collaboration.

Did you know that HammersRalph in the School Curriculumhas been featured by KARE-11News, Plymouth Magazine andLakeshore Weekly News?

To view these features, go tothe News and Events sectionof our website.

Ralph Goes Backto School

Stacey (far right), a self-advocate, shares her story with the

assistance of her direct support staff, Naterre.

(Left) Volunteers, Dru Anderson

and Brian Kelley, help with the

clean-up.

(Far left) Sue Gregor, Hammer

Board Member and Ralph in the

Schools Committee Member,

supports the frst graders as they

play Finding the Lands of Courage

and Kindness.


6/6

6

HAMMER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hammer Residences, Inc. provides

adults and children with developmental

disabilities the opportunity to experience

life to its fullest.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Jon Matejcek, President

Dashe and Thompson

Barbara Tuckner, Vice President

Tuckner Consulting, Inc.Afliation:FamilyMember

Joseph Reis, Treasurer

Coldwell Banker Burnet

William R. Young, Secretary

Herzing University Online

Lisa M. Anderson, Immediate

Past PresidentUniversity of St. Thomas

Sondra J. DahmerAfliation:FamilyMember

Beth E. Fondell

U of Mn Institute on Community

Integration

SusanD.Gregor

Wayzata Public Schools (retired)

Linda M. Holmen

Teacher, self-employedAfliation:FamilyMember

Day JamesMytech Partners, Inc.

John A. JohnsonING(retired)Afliation:FamilyMember

Steve LeVoirGeneralMillsAfliation:FamilyMember

Michelle Lureen

The Business Bank

Mary E. Patterson

Bloomington School District (retired)Afliation:FamilyMember

Jane E. ShafferHennepinCountyGovernmentAfliation:FamilyMember

Thomas SilverHawkins & Jahnke Associates

Donald SmithmierRumble,LLCandGoKartLabs

Alan WilenskyAttorney, self-employed

Lisa PoppeResident Board Advisor

Managing Editor

Lynne Dablow

Editors

Julane Rose, Bridget Ulrich

Guest Writers

Peggy Crolick , Lori Jacobwith, Kathy Lund

Staff Contributors

Katie Bottiger, Lynne Dablow, John Estrem,

Wendy Paulson, Cari Sheley,

Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Bridget Ulrich

Reach for Ralph Save the Date

Julie Jurrjens Design

Discoveries Graphic Design

Karen Lafferty Design

This is awesome! shouted Troy in a burst of joy.

He was swimming in the warm waters off the coast of

Hawaii a place any of us can imagine as joyful. But

Troy, 40, uses an electric wheelchair, making it a huge

challenge to swim anywhere, especially in the ocean.

Troy realized his dream in January with the help of Hammer

Travel and another mission-focused organization, AccesSurf

of Hawaii.

When he booked his trip, Troy let Hammer Travel knowhis wishes. They started searching immediately for some

additionalexpertiseandfoundtheperfecttinAccesSurf.Their

mission is to empower people with disabilities by providing

therapeutic educational programs on water recreation.

Shortly after Troy and his Hammer Travel Trip Leader, Brian Kelly,

arrived in Hawaii, they met with Mark Marble, Founder of AccesSurf.

Marks immediate response was, Lets make this happen today!

Make it happen they did! After meeting at a nearby beach, Mark

and Brian transferred Troy from his wheelchair into a special beach

chair. They were then able to move the beach chair through the

sand and immerse it in the ocean. With the help of a life jacket, Troy

couldthenoatrightintotheocean!Itwasanamazingmoment!

We all had goose bumps, said Brian. Troy could not stop grinning.

Troyisthekindofguywhoseestheobstaclesbutndsaway

around them, said Brian. Troys dad told him at a young age that

just because he was in a wheelchair it did not mean he could notachieve anything he wants. Troy really took that advice to heart.

Troy is still gleeful from his Hawaii experience but

already planning more travel adventures. When asked

whats next, he happily gave us his travel

bucket list including Germany, France,

Spain, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Go,Troy!

6

Watch Troy Swimin the Ocean!

Swimming in JoySwimming in Joy

spring 2012 discoveries

Documents