Monthly donors, a group we lovingly call Alvina’s Angels after our founder Alvina Hammer, provide a consistent and dependable investment in our work. As a monthly donor, you choose an amount that meets your monthly budget – whether it be $10 or $1,000, and each month your gift will be automatically billed to your credit card or debited from your checking account. Your regular, reliable donations make it easier for both you and Hammer & NER to budget and plan.

Meet some of our Angels:

Mary Bradley and the County Road F gals

Mary Bradley has been volunteering with the four women at our County Road F home for three years. She takes the time to make each person feel special by giving each one a special, “Mary Saturday” that they look forward to and plan. It means so much for each person to be the center of attention. Mary was recently honored at the Spring Breakfast with a Community Partner Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Hammer & NER.

“Until it was mentioned at the Spring Breakfast, I had not been aware that I could do a monthly automatic donation to Hammer & NER. I already donate in that way to a few causes that are near to my heart, and I knew instantly I needed to add Hammer & NER to the list. The work they do and the dedication they show is so inspiring, I can’t think of a better thing to do with my money!”

Sisters Susie and Rebecca

Rebecca Furnival’s sister, Susie, was served by Hammer for many years, beginning with her time at the Hammer School in the 1960s. Rebecca was a long-time Board member and active volunteer. Although she and her husband, Ron, spend much of their time in Arizona, and sadly Susie passed away in October of 2020, Rebecca remains a loyal supporter and a monthly donor.

“I became my sister, Susie’s, guardian in 2011, the year she turned 50. She had been living in a less than ideal situation in rural Wisconsin. I knew if she moved to Minnesota we would try to find a home for her at Hammer. I continue to donate monthly to Hammer & NER because Hammer changed not only Susie’s life but mine and my sister, Sarah’s, lives. We were able to love Susie and her staff provided her daily needs of living. Susie lived her life to the fullest. Her group home was her family. I want to assist Hammer & NER so that they can continue their vital mission for another 100 years.”

Angela and George Bernhardt

Angela Bernhardt worked in the Development Department of Hammer & NER since 2013. She had an insider’s perspective on how important donated dollars are to the organization and donated via employee payroll deduction program for many years. When she was getting ready to retire from Hammer & NER and move with her husband, George, to Alabama, they signed up to be members of the Alvina’s Angels club as monthly donors.

“I want to remain connected to the many people I got to know during my 10 years in the Development department. I know that my giving has an impact on the lives of others, unlike my monthly giving to Netflix and Audible which only impacts myself. Giving directly and automatically from my bank account is an easy way to support an organization that is very important to me.”

Duane and Kristin Pyka

Kristin Pyka is Hammer & NER’s CFO. She grew up in Long Lake and has known about Hammer Residences most of her life. Her neighbor had a daughter who lived at Hammer School. When Kristin saw an ad that Hammer was hiring for a Finance position 18 years ago, she applied. “I love how Hammer & NER supports both the people served and their staff,” Kristin says. “Reaching your dreams and living life to the fullest is not just for the people who use Hammer & NER’s services!” Kristin and her husband, Duane, feel it is important to give back to our community. “We support Hammer & NER with monthly and annual gifts because we understand the importance of consistent, dependable funding to ensure the sustainability of programs,” Kristin says. “While basic staffing needs are covered by government funding, the quality of services and innovation are funded by our gifts.”

Will you consider becoming a monthly donor? Even a modest amount can make a difference. Please visit our website to learn more: Hammer.org/monthly-giving-angels