In a small but growing community, a dedicated pharmacist, Dan Goltz, was among the founding individuals who supported Home and Community Options (HCO) from the very beginning. Long before the organization became what it is today, Dan was there—helping to shape policies, support individuals with disabilities, and ensure that HCO had the resources it needed to thrive. Over the years, his involvement opened his eyes to the immense needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and the tireless work of those who supported them.
We recently met with Dan to talk about HCO’s history. As he reflected on his journey, he recalled the early days of working with the organization when he was fresh out of school. “I was amazed at how much HCO grew and how much need there was in our community,” he said. What started as a modest initiative blossomed into an expansive network of homes and support services that profoundly impacted the lives of many. At the time HCO became an agency, there were only a handful of similar organizations in Minnesota, meaning they were truly paving the way and learning as they went.
His pharmacy played a crucial role in supporting the agency, particularly when pharmacists were first allowed to administer flu shots in the early 1990s. He and his team set up clinics where residents and staff from all over could gather for their vaccinations. “It was more than just getting a flu shot; it became a social event. People would reunite, say hello, and for many, it felt like a gathering of friends,” he reminisced.
But not every moment was easy. He recalled challenging situations, such as a resident who had difficulty receiving a flu shot due to extreme distress. “There were times when I had to step back and say, ‘I’m sorry, we just can’t do this today.’ Safety had to come first.” Yet, these were rare exceptions in an otherwise fulfilling experience.
Dan also played a key role in strengthening HCO’s medical support by working with national pharmacy organizations to develop better ways of collaborating with HCO and the individuals they served. He helped write policies and procedures for the agency, ensuring a solid foundation for safe and effective medication management. Additionally, he conducted trainings to help HCO staff understand the medications being used by individuals, equipping them with the knowledge they needed to provide the best possible care.
Over time, his perception of individuals with disabilities evolved. “My involvement with HCO changed my life,” he admitted. “It changed the way I saw things and my attitude toward people with disabilities. I just hadn’t been exposed to it before. It was truly an eye-opener.” He credited his wife, Nancy, a special education teacher, with giving him some early insight into what to expect. Her experience in the field helped him gain a deeper appreciation for the work being done to support those in need.
Medication had not always been at the forefront of their concerns in HCO’s early days. “Sister Yvonne and I didn’t think medication would be such a huge deal when HCO first started,” he recalled. But as the organization grew, it became clear just how critical proper medication management would be. Sister Yvonne, a visionary leader, played a major role in guiding HCO’s development. “She was an incredible woman—smart, sharp, and always prepared. She knew exactly what needed to be done.” He remembered a time when she handed him a packet of papers and said, “This is what’s out there, but this isn’t us—we need to fix this.” He knew she meant business.
His connection to HCO extended beyond his professional role. Dan and his family volunteered with HCO’s theatrical productions, with his daughter even playing the English horn in one of the musicals. Together, they spent time behind the scenes, helping bring productions to life and strengthening their bond with the HCO community. Recently, they helped spearhead the Rivertown Lions Halloween Family Fun Fest with donations going to HCO.
Even after retirement, he remained deeply grateful for his experiences with HCO. “The people I worked with were amazing and did amazing work,” he said. “I was just a small cog in a much larger wheel, but I’m proud of the role I played.”
Looking back, he recognized the ever-growing challenges faced by organizations like HCO, especially with increasing governmental regulations and financial pressures. Yet, he remained hopeful. “It all comes down to teamwork, trust, and knowing you’re working with good people who care.”
His journey with HCO had been unexpected, but it left an undeniable mark on his life and career, shaping his perspective and deepening his compassion for those who needed it most. And though he had long since put away his pharmacist’s coat, the relationships and lessons he gained from his time with HCO would stay with him forever.
