It was the early 1920s, a time when women were just beginning to exercise their newly found right to vote and people with disabilities were commonly sent away to live at institutions. Alvina Hammer was a nurse at Faribault State School Hospital, but she dreamed of a better life for the children under her care.“She believed that people with developmental disabilities did not have to live in institutions. She believed that they should just live an everyday life,” said Barbara Brandt, Hammer’s director of communications. “Women didn’t own businesses. Back then it was very groundbreaking of her to even think of this.”Alvina turned her dream into a reality in 1923 when she opened Hammer School, a place in Minneapolis where children with … [Read more...] about Hammer: Life to the Fullest
Nonprofit of the Month – Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
Local children’s hospital celebrates 120 years in AprilWhen Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare opened in 1897, its mission was to care for children in Minnesota with disabilities. This month, the healthcare organization celebrates 120 years of helping children with medical issues live a full life.In keeping with its mission to serve those with special needs, the organization focuses specifically on complex medical conditions that affect a child’s neurological, skeletal and muscular systems.“We’re a children’s hospital but really specialized,” said Nick Hanson, media relations specialist.Gillette helps more than 25,000 patients every year. Their patients typically suffer with disabilities related to cerebral palsy, epilepsy, … [Read more...] about Nonprofit of the Month – Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare
