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!”

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Lauren and Dawn, from our Gardner home, at the Lions’ waffle breakfast. Behind them are Lions Club members joined by Isaiah Allen (at right), Hammer & NER’s Chief Development Officer.

If you are fortunate enough to have a friend you have known for 30, 40, 50 years or more, you know what a special gift you have. You have weathered challenges and changes together, celebrated one another’s successes, and learned from each other. Such is the case for our long-time partnership with the folks of the Lions Club of Wayzata.

We honestly don’t know when the relationship started, but both organizations have been an integral part of Wayzata for over 70 years. When you have mission-minded organizations in the same small, but growing community, they are bound to connect. The mission of the international Lions Club is to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives. Our shared values have led to a long and valued relationship.

“Being a part of a community like the Lions of Wayzata and helping local organizations like Hammer & NER is good for the soul,” says Tim Anderson, President of the Lions Club of Wayzata.

Since 1986, this humble group of community members has donated annually to Hammer & NER for a total of $58,000. Each year, on the last Saturday in February, the Lions organize a waffle breakfast fundraiser, open to the community, at St. Bart’s Catholic Church in Wayzata. They invite the people we support to attend as their guests. It has become a favorite event for many! Some of the proceeds benefit Hammer & NER. The community can also support the mission of the Lions Club by purchasing pull tabs at the Wayzata Muni.

Thank you to the Lions Club of Wayzata for everything you do for the people we support and our larger community. We look forward to many more years together!

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For nearly two years, The Lacek Group, a loyalty, CRM, and brand marketing company based in downtown Minneapolis, has been a valued partner of Hammer & NER. Among their fundraising efforts is the “Lacek Soup Smackdown” held each November. Through this and other creative fundraising activities, 175 employees were inspired to donate over $20,000. And then Ogilvy, their parent company, joined them in matching these gifts! They also donated 18 laptops to our dedicated Direct Support Professionals for their personal use.

Volunteers (here and in photo above) get cookin’ with Cooks in the Kitchen

The Lacek Group’s employees have spent over 324 hours volunteering in every opportunity we have presented to them. Each month we see them at our East and West “Cooks in the Kitchen” programs, making delicious meals for many of our homes. Employees also “adopted” our Gramsie and Kentucky homes! Lacek employees work in groups that spend time with our individuals, where they enjoy coloring posters together, playing Jenga, getting their nails painted, and celebrating Halloween with cool themed glasses. Recently, Lacek employees made birthday cards for the people we serve, people who sometimes have no family or friends to send greetings.

Hammer & NER CEO John Estrem presented The Lacek Group with a Community Partner Award 

Volunteers also beautified one of our homes by refreshing the front yard with plants, flowers, and new grass. Several Lacek employees have volunteered at our special events for two years running, including Reach for Ralph, our Annual Spring Breakfast, our All-Staff Meetings, as well as Disabilities Day at the Capitol.

In May, their Know and Grow team invited a group of Hammer & NER staff to share their insights on working with people with developmental disabilities. This demonstrates a sincere interest in becoming more knowledgeable about the needs of those we support.

We appreciate the leadership of The Lacek Group for offering employees an opportunity to volunteer with us. Together, we make a difference. Thank you to everyone at The Lacek Group for everything you do!

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A huge thank you to our 300 guests and 50 volunteers who participated in our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser on June 13. The event SOLD OUT! Our theme, Caring for the Heart, is about caring for the lives of the people we support and their caregivers. Our people are aging, and our work force is shrinking. You have helped us meet the increasing needs of our rapidly aging population and provide the training and skills our staff need to feel confident and comfortable in their work.

HIGHLIGHTS

· Anne, Linda, Malik and Stacy shared stories about a lifetime of care that Anne has received for 50 years.

· Chris, a young man who is served at our Lancaster home, created a bidding war during the live auction with his offer to “bring coffee and donuts to your next company meeting.” He charmed the crowd and shared his gratitude to the bidders and his mom and dad after selling three donut deliveries at $2,400 each! It was a magical moment.

Visit our Reach for Ralph page at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you to:

· Enjoy the photo gallery from the evening

· Watch the event video featuring the ladies of Black Oaks, who have a combined 152 years of living life to its fullest at Hammer & NER.

Your generous support and enthusiasm mean so much to the 370 people we support, their amazing caregivers, and all of us at Hammer & NER. A special thanks to our generous sponsors.

If you missed out, you can make a difference today by giving a gift at Hammer.org/2024-thank-you

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In March 2020, the world changed forever—we faced one of the most significant challenges of the century: COVID-19. During the pandemic we locked down and cared for our 370 individuals 24/7. The people we supported were unable to go to their jobs. All specialized day programs were closed. Suddenly, we needed staff at our 68 homes all day. Many businesses and nonprofits closed, including several group homes similar to Hammer & NER, due to a lack of caregivers. We managed to stay the course thanks to our dedicated nursing team, devoted caregivers, strong family support, donors, and community volunteers. Our mantra became: We cannot close!

While there were a chaotic few weeks, our caregivers stepped up, working more than 60 hours a week. A few moved out of their own homes and avoided their own families for extended periods. Our nursing staff provided PPE equipment and loyal care to the people who got COVID.

We sent an urgent appeal to our long-time supporters. Within three months, 950 people donated over $500,000! We were so grateful for these funds as various needs were identified and staffing issues were addressed.

The Volunteer Resources department sent out a request for reusable face masks. We received 2,000 within two weeks! As the pandemic progressed, we asked for assistance with meals. In the first year alone, volunteers provided 960 meals. When the holidays rolled around, we received 1,620 holiday cookies.

Pivot to Virtual
Family members and volunteers found ways to stay engaged with Zoom and FaceTime. They continued cooking, music lessons, writing sessions, exercising, and just plain old talking. The Community Life department also moved to virtual experiences. Zoom bingo, arts and crafts, Hammer Idol (our talent show), and other games helped us stay connected. When the weather got warmer, we rented large tents and brought in special guests to entertain.

Jon and his sister, Beth, used an iPad to connect during the pandemic

Serving vulnerable adults, we were one of the priority groups to be offered the COVID-19 vaccinations. To date over 1,500 vaccines have been administered to the people we support and our caregivers. Our nursing team also administered thousands of COVID tests.

Thanks to forward-thinking emergency preparedness plans we succeeded in keeping the people we support and our caregivers relatively safe. Sadly, we lost several individuals due to COVID and other underlying health conditions. Our caregivers made incredible sacrifices to care for both their own families and the people we support.

Ginger Venable joined the Hammer & NER Development team in 2012 and serves as our Event & Project Manager.

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