Board Spotlight

REFLECTING ON 40 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

by Laurie Moga, NER Board Member and Volunteer

Ioriginally got involved with Northeast Residence (NER) in 1983. My brother, Pat, had used the respite program for a few years, so after I graduated from high school, I applied for a job and worked there during two of my summer breaks and winter midterms while going to college. I worked with some great staff and I loved working with the variety of people who came through the respite program.

After I graduated with a marketing degree, I thought I’d get a job in that field, but things changed. I got married then found myself drawn back to NER in 1989. I worked at NER part-time while raising my four children. After nearly 30 years, I left in 2018. For 20 of those years, I was a lead staff and worked with many wonderful parents who entrusted their loved ones to our care. In 2020, I found myself getting drawn back to NER once again, this time to serve on the Board of Directors.

After our father passed away, Pat continued to live with my mother, but as she aged that became more difficult for her. NER was starting to open more homes, and the opportunity came up for Pat to move into the Arcade home in the early ‘90s. He has lived there ever since. Pat has had many of the same roommates, house parents, and several dedicated staff for many years. He loves where he lives and they have become a big happy extended family.

I am very excited for the future of NER now that we have combined with Hammer. I see so much potential and growth opportunities. I’m astounded by the large number of dedicated volunteers Hammer has. I’m invested and want the best for our organization and feel I can be a voice for all the wonderful people we serve now and into the future.

My husband and I have four grown children plus four grandchildren that keep us very busy. I have worked for the Mahtomedi School District for 16 years. I started with K-2 as a special ed para and for the past five years have worked as a job coach in our Transition program working with young adults. I also volunteer at our church and work part time as a care companion for an elderly woman. Let’s just say I like to keep busy.

No matter how busy I am, I know that the joint mission of Hammer and NER is important. I’m glad I can invest time and financial resources into organizations that are making a big impact for so many people and their families.

From left, Laurie with her brother, Pat, and their sister, Mary Wigstrom.

Discoveries

Managing Editor Barbara Brandt / Barbara.Brandt@Hammer.org

Contributing Writers Lin Curran, John Estrem, Mary Gaasch, Jennifer L. Hipple, Nate Reed, Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Cathy Thoma

Photography: Submitted photos by staff members Barbara Brandt and Joe Cullen

Graphic Design: Jennifer Larson

2022-2023 NORTHEAST RESIDENCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Blaine Stephens

Board Chair Perforce

Michael Drazan

Board Treasurer Retired Executive, Toro *Michele Olson Secretary Retired RN *Greg Hanson Sales and Marketing *Robert (Bob)

Lockwood

Retired Executive Cardinal *Laurie Moga Mahtomedi School District

Kevin Walli

Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick

* Family member served by Northeast Residence