Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. The “Showcasing Our Homes” profiles celebrate our homes (and apartment programs), the people who live there, and the staff who support them. Let’s learn about the Lawndale home in Plymouth! The Lawndale...
A sweet reunion with early childhood teachers Chris Ringe joined the Hammer & NER family in 2017 when he moved into our Lancaster home. Chris, who has Down syndrome, is an active, friendly, outgoing guy with a big heart. Earlier this year, as our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser was...
For many of us, sibling relationships are the longest-lasting bonds, surpassing even those with parents, partners, or friends. As a result, siblings often find themselves in the “club-sandwich generation,” balancing support for aging parents, siblings with disabilities, and their own children...
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...
Here’s the story of four lovely ladies who share life together at our Black Oaks home in Plymouth. They have lived together for decades. Diana, Mary, Jackie, and Judy have experienced many of life’s ups and downs, challenges and successes, together. Let’s meet them: Mary is the social butterfly....
The relationship between siblings is one of the most enduring and multifaceted connections in life. For those with a sibling living with an intellectual or developmental disability, this bond can be especially profound. Siblings often take on roles that extend beyond friendship and familial...
Special needs ministry has blessed thousands For 45 years, Pastor Don Anderson’s Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities ministry has brought spiritual nourishment to people in a way that is specially designed for them. It has allowed them to fully participate and express themselves in...
Living a life of advocacy and adventure Around the Cedarwood Apartments in Crystal, Kelly Lee is known as the gal with a personality and smile that can light up a room. She is also a very independent woman who advocates for herself and others living with disabilities. “I am a person with cerebral...
Strength in Commitment to Aging Supports and Education By Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer and Cate Saracen Peters, Director of Workforce Development & Training As a part of our mission, we have made a commitment to support and care for people through all stages of life. More than 20 years...
Steve Kastendieck’s son, Ryan, is supported at Hammer & NER My relationship with Hammer Residences began 15 years ago, when my colleague at Allina Health, and my friend, Joel Amundsen, invited me to sit with him on the Human Rights Committee as a volunteer pharmacist reviewing cases each...
Here is the featured cover story of our summer Discoveries magazine. Decades of devotion have nurtured a fulfilling life To meet the Smith family is to witness the meaning of love and devotion. In addition to raising their own six children, Gary and Shirley Smith welcomed 12 foster children into...
Nurse Appreciation Week–May 6-12 We are grateful to our hard working, talented, and dedicated nursing team that does so much for those we support. Our nurses oversee the medical care for each of our 360 individuals and manage the special needs of those with diabetes and other serious or...
Recent Comments