Friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts—and for the people we support, it’s essential. But while friendship itself is free, the moments that make it thrive often come with a cost. A lunch out, a special event, a hobby with friends—these are the experiences that build connection, joy, and belonging. Please donate to support the many activities that friends at Hammer & NER enjoy together. Here are a few examples:

Friends Alyssa and Marnie

Marnie & Alyssa
Marnie and Alyssa (Alyssa is supported at our Lake Place Apartment program) have been friends for a year and a half now, through Hammer & NER’s “Make a Friend, Be a Friend” program. They get together twice a month, and Marnie says it’s always fun with a touch of adventure thrown in. “We enjoy getting outdoors and engaging in activities around our community, plus we never miss a chance to talk together and share laughs,” Marnie says. Recently, Alyssa shared some of her favorite times with Marnie. “It was special to reflect on all the experiences we’ve had and how close we’ve grown,” says Marnie. “Some highlights for her include visiting the Russian Museum of Art to see the Russian doll exhibit, enjoying Bachman’s Spring Flower Show, checking out the scarecrows at the Arboretum, shopping in Excelsior, and attending a kettle drum concert. We also LOVE going out to enjoy a meal together whenever we meet up,” Marnie says.

Friends Jenna and Sarah

Jenna & Sarah
Jenna and Sarah (Sarah is supported at our Royal Oaks Apartment program) make plans to hang out once a month and have been friends for just over a year now. They have enjoyed a variety of activities together including going out to the movies, eating out together or going to a coffee shop, or staying in have to dinner together at Sarah’s place. “When we hang out at Sarah’s, we tend to like crafty activities like painting or coloring, scrapbooking, working with modeling clay, or painting our fingernails,” says Jenna. “When it is nice out, we play a game on her patio and go for a short walk in her neighborhood.” Jenna says It’s fun to have a friend to plan these connections with and gives them both something to look forward to!

The Rockford ladies

The Rockford Ladies
The four Rockford ladies are a perfect example of what it’s like to live with your friends. Stephanie, Carla, and Cindy have lived together for over 25 years–since the house first opened! They have had only one roommate change in all those years: when Amy was chosen as their new housemate five years ago. They agree it’s been another perfect fit. The ladies love to do everything together, including going to the movies, playing bingo, doing crafts, going shopping, going on Hammer Travel Trips, visiting the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, or talking about anything Disney related. The ladies have had the chance to try some new things this year from going to a Vikings game and MN Wild game and even taking a trip to Hershey, PA. What started with friendship, has truly developed into a Rockford family. Stephanie, Carla, Cindy, and Amy just enjoy being together every day.

Friends Ryan and Chris

Ryan & Chris
Ryan first met Chris (supported at our Lancaster home) during Chris’s senior year of high school when he sat down with Ryan at lunch. “He recognized me from the football team,” says Ryan. “We quickly formed a friendship. Chris came to my games, and I attended his adapted sports events. Through that, I got to know Chris, his friends in the DCD program at Maple Grove, and his wonderful family: Judi-Marie, Mitch, and Lauren.” Ryan says his bond with Chris has lasted well beyond high school. “Chris cheered me on as a Gopher football player, stood by my side as a groomsman in my wedding, and today knows my children.” Chris has been an incredible friend to Ryan and has inspired him as a school principal to advocate for DCD students. “Seeing the independence and purpose Chris has gained through his group home and Hammer & NER’s activities is why I am so grateful to support this amazing organization. Chris is truly a lifelong friend, and I am blessed to know him.”

Sharla and her friends at Nelson Place 

Sharla & the Nelson Place Men
As a volunteer at Nelson Place, Sharla says she has had the joy of spending time each week with four incredible young men. “Together, we fill our year with activities and adventures,” she says, “exploring the neighborhood on walks, attending Christ for People, enjoying games at Scheels, celebrating holidays, catching movies, bowling, crafts, playing board games, and sharing meals on special occasions. What I treasure most, though, are our conversations about family, pets, and the things we’re looking forward to.”

Friends Susan and Kelly

Susan & Kelly
“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Kelly (who is supported at the Cedarwood Apartments) over the past few years,” says Susan. “We get together once a week and hang out, usually working on a jigsaw puzzle.” Sometimes it’s just the two of them, and sometimes some of Kelly’s friends join in. “We laugh and have lots of fun together. Some of the puzzles Kelly and her friends choose are pretty challenging and I am constantly amazed at Kelly’s patience to finish the puzzle!”