Hollie from our Rollingview home had fun at The Club’s Pizza-Making Party.

Over time, Hammer & NER’s Community Life activities have truly created a sense of community that keeps growing stronger. These events are designed for everybody: inclusive, welcoming, and all about making sure everyone feels like they belong. People come for all kinds of reasons: to hang out with friends, try something new, or just to get out of the house and have fun.

Our volunteers are a huge part of this community. They genuinely enjoy connecting with the people we serve, and they always show up with positive energy and a smile. Many of them have formed meaningful connections and keep coming back, year after year. For example, one of our Thanksgiving volunteers, Vikki Dodds (in the header photo), has made the event a tradition for herself. “I have volunteered at the Thanksgiving dinner for four years now,” Vikki says. “I really enjoy the people supported at Hammer & NER. I receive much more than I give, plus I get to share in the meal!”

The Smith family enjoys volunteering at our annual Family Day Picnic. Their brother, Mike, is supported at our McGlinch home.

We also see many friendly faces returning each year to volunteer at our Family Day Picnic, including the Smith family, whose loved one, Mike, is supported at our McGlinch home in Wayzata. “The annual Family Day Picnic is a fun-filled event you don’t want to miss,” says Mike’s sister, Mandi Smith Brandon. “Our family volunteers wherever we are needed, from food serving to the cake walk—you name it. The joy on the faces of everyone is contagious. The event is so heartwarming, gratifying, and loads of fun!”

“The Club” Supports Friendship & Fun
A new and growing part of Hammer & NER’s Community Life program is the Day Supports program (a.k.a. “The Club”) that takes place Monday-Friday at our East office in White Bear Lake. The program was developed to help fill in the gap for people who no longer had a day program to go to after COVID-19. The Club provides those we support the opportunity to hang out with their peers, enjoy community outings, and participate in activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. Together, they are experiencing a renewed sense of community.

It’s clear that Community Life activities have become more than just events—they’re a space where friendships are made, fun is had, and people feel connected. Whether you’re attending, volunteering, or just stopping by, there’s something special here that keeps everyone coming back.