Pivot, Adapt, and Always Be Creative

By Julia Christianson, Community Life Coordinator

Throughout this last year, the Community Life department has been asked a countless number of times how our work has changed with the pandemic of the past year. With the help of our amazing staff, individuals, and supporters, we have continually adapted and found unique ways to support everyone at Hammer and keep them active and involved. Throughout this challenge, we have also stumbled upon a few activities and events we plan to continue in future years!

Every month, our department releases a monthly activities catalog. These catalogs include a variety of indoor, outdoor, and virtual activity ideas for the month. In addition, the catalog includes a movieof-the-month section that features food and activities to go along with the movie. Each of our catalogs also includes a “staff segment” that provides relevant information, articles, hobby ideas, and more to promote a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to our monthly catalogs, we send out a weekly planner email. It includes activities to attend or try out at home for each day of the week. We include art projects, workout videos, and fun events going on in the area.

Continuing with the theme of adapting, our department shifted to providing virtual activities each month so individuals can still participate in some of their favorite activities and see their friends safely.

Some of our virtual activities have included Bingo, trivia, yoga, and more. We even hosted our annual Hammer’s Got Talent contest virtually. You can watch each of the performers’ amazing talents on our website: hammer.org/hammers-got-talent-2021

With the rollout of vaccines and warmer weather, we have been able to start up some of our in-person activities with limited capacity. In May, we had another Tent Event in the parking lot of the central office. There was live music, arts and crafts, Bingo, and more for our individuals to enjoy all weekend long. In addition, we have our annual fishing trip this summer in Brainerd. Those participating will enjoy spending time with friends and, of course, fishing! We will also be able to start up our Hammer Bowling League which will run from June – August on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. Finally, we are excited to offer Hammer’s Walking Group again this summer. Twice a month, participating individuals will meet at Fish Lake Park and enjoy a beautiful walk together.

Everyone at Hammer, including the Community Life department, has pivoted, adapted, and gotten creative in the last few months. We look forward to seeing all our friends in person once again. And for all our fans of the show “Friends,” Ross’s amazing advice to “PIVOT, PIVOT, PIVOT” will continue to be our motto as we navigate these times and continue to provide purposeful activities for our individuals and support our staff.

John Estrem, CEO, calls numbers for Bingo at the Tent Event.

As we start to be together again, while still being safe, we found simple and inventive ways to have fun!