Heather Heier with Living Well Disability Services and Barbara Brandt and Joe Cullen with Hammer & NER, sat down with Jon Zurbey and Jeff Berg with Haberman, to discuss the brand and identify work related to the upcoming merger. Watch this short video to hear where we are in the Branding, Naming, and Identity process. You will be “In the Know” after you watch this video. 

As our two organizations explore joining forces, the Development Team working group is digging into the details to make sure fundraising and community engagement stay strong. We’re taking a close look at events, databases, donation systems, designated funds, and funding priorities—all essential pieces in making the transition as smooth as possible. 

The team is comparing past and upcoming events to see what works best and how we can blend our approaches. From our big fundraising events to our community gatherings, they’re looking for ways to create engaging experiences.

Since both organizations rely on donor databases and online giving platforms, the group is evaluating how well these systems work together. The goal? A hassle-free donation process that keeps things simple for donors while ensuring financial tracking stays efficient. 

Designated funds and restricted donations require careful handling, and the team is working to ensure that donor intent is respected as the organizations merge. We’re also aligning funding priorities to build a strong financial future with shared goals. 

The Development Team’s work is setting the stage for a unified, effective approach to fundraising. With thoughtful planning, they’re making sure we can continue to keep our community connected and excited about our mission and impact. 

The IT Systems Work Group has been actively exploring a variety of scenarios related to our processes and timelines. One particularly engaging discussion focused on how the two organizations manage email security and archiving. This conversation surfaced some promising opportunities to both reduce costs and streamline our systems.



Looking ahead, our next major task is to map out the sequence in which the underlying technology changes need to occur and establish a realistic timeline. We’re now moving from high-level strategy into the detailed planning phase—time to roll up our sleeves and get into the weeds.



As we come together to form a unified organization, we’re excited to share the many ways this merger will benefit the people we support. By combining our strengths, resources, and expertise, we’ll be able to reach more individuals and families across Minnesota. This means more services, more opportunities, and a stronger voice advocating for the people we support and our staff. It is important for us to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.