Employee Anniversaries

ADVOCACY IS AN ONGOING NEED

THINGS TO CELEBRATE—THINGS TO DO!

by Mary Gaasch, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations

Did you know that Minnesota is the only state in the union whose legislature sets the rates that we can pay our Direct Support Professionals? We know that investing in the wages we pay our DSPs and Program Managers means better lives for people with disabilities. Having strong relationships with our legislators means we can begin to build a care infrastructure that works for all.

Families, I know you have spent a lifetime advocating for your loved ones, and I know you are tired. Our staff advocate for folks we serve every day, and they are working very hard. And our self-advocates have been doing this work for a lifetime! But your voices are essential to making things better. We need your partnership in this work.

There are things we can celebrate: Your calls, visits, e-mails, and action alerts made a critical difference during this recent legislative session. But we have a lot of work to do to build a care infrastructure that helps people with disabilities live life to the fullest.

As we move forward, here are some easy ways to continue your advocacy:

1. Get involved with Advocating Change Together!

ACT is a wonderful organization that offers training and support for self-advocates. They also offer a selfadvocacy academy for folks who want to learn more. If you or your loved one is interested, please reach out to me for more information. 2. Host a visit with your legislator or your loved one’s legislator. If you are open to connecting with them, I am happy to manage all the details.

3. Most importantly, vote! This fall everyone is up for election in the state of Minnesota. And much of the

U.S. Congress is up for election, too! I am happy to help get you registered and figure out where to vote.

I will be sharing a lot of information this summer and fall so stay tuned!

I always welcome you to reach out to me with questions or for a cup of coffee! I am here to make this work easy and fun. I am deeply grateful for our partnership. Email me at maryg@hammer.org with any questions.

Lisa and Kris hold a sign at the Capitol.

CELEBRATE A CAREGIVER

Now more than ever, it’s important to recognize the dedication and care our direct support staff provide to the individuals we serve. Our Celebrate a Caregiver program spotlights Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Assistant Program Managers (APM) who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of those they serve. One nominee from Hammer and one from NER are selected each month and receive a $25 gift card to Starbucks, Target, Holiday, or Cub Foods.

MEET OUR LATEST RECIPIENTS!

MARCH

Karen McGowan is a DSP at Hammer’s Zealand apartments program. She has worked at Hammer for 36 years and is a consistent and thoughtful caregiver. She is also an invaluable team member who brings a positive attitude and energy every day. Emmanuel Effiong, a Lead DSP at NER’s Allen home can see a seizure coming from a mile away—or when a person he supports is getting sick or is in pain. Emmanuel noticed when two individuals had a status change and ended up needing surgery. He dedicates himself fully to the care of the individuals we serve and is an excellent advocate for them. APRIL

Rosaline Williams, an APM at Hammer’s Royal Oaks apartments nurtures a relationship with every individual she supports. They trust her and go to her with questions. She listens to them and finds ways to make their lives better on a daily basis. Rita Tri is a DSP at NER’s Belmont home and impacts the lives of those she serves every time she works a shift. Rita always has a smile on her face and can turn a bad day into a great day for the people we support. She is very attentive to the needs of the ladies at Belmont and is dedicated to them. Everyone loves when Rita is on the schedule.

MAY

Victoria Kou, an APM at Hammer’s Kentucky home, is passionate about caring for the individuals we serve. She nurtures great relationships with guardians and family members, day programs, and other community members and organizations important to our work. Victoria does a wonderful job helping the people she cares for to gain skills they can use in their daily lives. Wade Hartmann, a Lead DSP at NER’s Highway 96 home, advocates for the people we serve by helping them stay involved in their relationships, engaged with activities they enjoy, and connected to the community. He spends one-on-one time with each person, engaging them in conversation about the things they are interested in and helping them do activities they enjoy.