By Ted Wentink & Erin Dunn

Our daughter, Jessica, started her Hammer & NER journey 12 years ago when she moved into the Lake Place apartment program. Although she was 26 years old, we were hesitant to have her leave home, but we also wanted Jessica to develop an independent lifestyle with a close circle of friends. We knew that at some point in our lives, we would not be able to provide everything she needed. We wanted to do everything possible to set her up for success.

We remember when we first met with the team at Hammer to discuss whether Jessica was a candidate for their independent living program. They were so supportive and informative. They painted a picture of how Jessica could realize her dream of living independently, while growing her peer group and forging new relationships. A light bulb turned on for us and we were able to envision what this would mean for Jessica.

Now, 12 years later, Jessica has developed an independent lifestyle with a close circle of friends. We have seen our daughter fully bloom. Hammer & NER provides a variety of activities including cardio fitness, bowling, dances, healthy cooking classes, and more. They also coordinate transportation to and from work and day programs. They track Jessica’s healthcare needs and manage her finances. Each day, everyone gathers in the staff apartment to enjoy dinner and to talk about their day.

Jessica has told us some of her favorite memories include the Hammer Travel trips. Every year, we go through the brochure, and she picks a trip. Last fall, Jessica did the Colorado Excursion, which included the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad ride as well as visiting the Boulder area. The staff that accompany travelers have always been outstanding.

When we think about Hammer & NER, we know that they serve the most important needs for people. They provide homes—real homes. They have provided Jessica with a sense of independence, and everyone has become part of the family. As parents, they have given us peace of mind.

(Photo above: Jessica, Ted, and Erin enjoy taking family vacations to ranches where they move cattle and participate in ranch rodeos. Jessica is building her riding skills through the We Can Ride therapeutic riding program.) 

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My sister and I didn’t have much while growing up. Our parents worked odd hours to make ends meet, but no matter how hard it was for them, we were able to enjoy fun family vacations. I have fond memories of going to Universal Studios and riding the Backlot Tour attraction and the E.T. Adventure. We also drove to Las Vegas in an RV. There are pictures of me as a baby riding on top of an elephant in Thailand.

I have been fortunate to travel to several states and to places like China, Thailand, and Mexico. I had the pleasure of immersing myself in different cultures. It was a privilege to be able to do these kinds of trips, especially when I had money to do it on my own. However, I realized, after working at Hammer Residences, that not everyone had the same privileges as I did. Learning about our sister company, Hammer Travel, that provides all-inclusive vacations for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, piqued my interest back in 2017. The belief that everyone should have the ability to travel is what made me apply to become a Trip Leader, because I wanted the individuals that I supported to have the same experience I had when I was young.

Steve meets Minnie

One of my greatest experiences as a Trip Leader was leading a trip to Disneyland in September 2023. There were two brothers who had never traveled before. They experienced sheer joy visiting Disneyland and doing it independently. The eldest brother wanted to see the ocean. We made his dreams come true when we took the travel group to the Santa Monica Pier. He smiled from ear to ear, feeling the warmth of the sand between his toes, and getting to dip his legs in the ocean. It brought me joy to see him experience something I have done many times in my life.

Enjoying the Disney attractions

I also led a group on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas in March 2023. One traveler was an avid traveler with Hammer Travel, but with his decline in health, wouldn’t be able to travel much longer. During departure to Florida, one of his family members told me that the Disney Cruise may be his last trip. I made it a priority that he would have the trip of a lifetime.

Being a Trip Leader for the past five years, I have seen the impact that we have on the travelers. From novice travelers to the most experienced, Hammer Travel creates memories that keep bringing travelers back wanting more. I hear stories from individuals I support about the exciting things they were able to do, things that wouldn’t be possible without the innovation and ingenuity from two former Program Managers who saw there was a need in this population. Hammer Travel broke the barriers by creating trips that are inclusive to all.

If you would like to learn more about Hammer Travel or becoming a Trip Leader, contact Tom Ryan at tom.ryan@hammer.org.

Steve Watanaskul is a Program Manager at Hammer & NER’s Arrive apartment program in Eden Prairie.

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This wasn’t Ryan’s first cruise–he’s actually a veteran “cruiser.” “This was like my 8th,” he says. Ryan has done quite a bit of traveling with Hammer Travel including a trip to London last fall. He’s looking forward to his next trip and highly recommends seeing the world. “Life is just too short,” he says.

Ryan is supported at our Stone Creek apartment program in Plymouth. “The staff are amazing, and I have a lot of friends there,” he says. He also enjoys his job at Kowalskis where he works in the deli area. “I’m doing pretty good for 40,” he says with a smile.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

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Hammer Travel opens up a world of adventures

Jim checking out the cockpit, 2016

Since 2009, Hammer Travel has supported over 2,000 people as they fulfilled their travel goals. Going hand in hand with Hammer’s mission, Hammer Travel promotes personal growth, social inclusion, independence, and self-confidence, through the joys of travel. Whether visiting a new city or cruising Alaska, travel is a world-expanding experience that plays an important role in one’s quality of life.

Katie Pease, Hammer Training Consultant, Trip Leader – I’m happy to share a part in making travel dreams come true for the people we support. Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to travel, and if someone needs a little extra help to be safe and supported, that’s what we’re here for. I really enjoy seeing our travelers embrace all the new things that can be a part of traveling. Sometimes it’s navigating through nerves with airport security, trying a new food, or walking slowly together into the water to touch a dolphin. I enjoy working through challenges as they arise and having a ton of fun along the way.

Having lots of fun at All Things Hershey, 2022

Joe, Traveler, Hammer’s Stone Creek Apartments – I’ve traveled a lot with Hammer Travel. I’ve been to New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Branson, and Disney Halloween Magic at Disney World. I love seeing new places and it’s fun to meet people from other states and make friends with them. My favorite trip so far was “All Things Hershey” to Hershey, PA. We visited Hershey Park, went on rides, and learned about the history of Hershey. I also like going to Wisconsin Dells. I just enjoy myself.

Malik Mohamud, Trip Leader, Hammer & NER Program Manager – Witnessing the joy and excitement on travelers’ faces is truly awe-inspiring. We celebrated a lady’s birthday during a late-night luau in Hawaii. For her, it was an extraordinary experience to mark her special day in a place she had never imagined visiting. Individuals can accomplish goals they never thought possible. One traveler had a deep connection to Pearl Harbor, passed down through family stories. His dream was to be part of the Pearl Harbor experience during our Hawaii trip. His excitement was palpable as he eagerly took pictures and immersed himself in the history that had captivated him for so long.

Pam Whitcomb, Volunteer – I enjoy providing a safe space for people to freely expand their comfort zones and experience new adventures. On one trip, an Alaskan cruise, one of the travelers with a progressive muscle disease wanted to just swim in the hot tub. The pool staff operated the lift, and we got him in the tub and a few of us went in with him. He was happy as a clam! There are always challenges, but it really helps to have a good team of staff and volunteers that work together on the difficult issues. That can turn a tough situation into a good one!

Cindi Laurent, Volunteer – I really enjoy the people I meet and the things we do. My favorite trip was swimming with the dolphins. We had a gal with pretty serious physical issues (wheelchair bound) and we weren’t sure how we were going to work out her swim. The trainers at Discovery Cove were amazing. One of them wrapped her around the dolphin and then wrapped himself around her so she could experience the swim. We all had tears in our eyes at the joy on her face. 

JenniLee Wilson, Caregiver, Coordinator-MSCC, Inc, Olsonville (Carlton, MN) – We had a client who wanted to see a WWE (professional wrestling) show and I had no idea where to go about making it happen until a guardian suggested Hammer Travel. The four trips we’ve been a part of have been some of the most well planned, relaxing, and fun the clients I serve have had. We took one of the people we support to Louisiana. It’s been great to see how independent he has become after the trip. He’s really stepping up to the plate to do big things on his own.

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Andy loved his Jamaican beach vacation.

Andy was one of 11 travelers (along with three staff and volunteers) who enjoyed four warm tropical days in Jamaica in February (he was happy to miss the Minnesota snowstorm). What were some of Andy’s favorite parts about his Jamaican adventure? “I liked the food, but the spicy chicken was too spicy for me,” he says. “The waitresses were really nice.” Andy also enjoyed meeting new people on the trip and hanging out together. He liked walking in the ocean but kept to the shallows as he doesn’t swim. “I had a good time,” he says. “I wish we could have stayed longer.”

Lin Curran is Hammer & NER’s Chief of East Metro Operations and is friends with Andy. “He had been a little nervous about the trip,” Lin says, “however, he did go and came back saying he’d had a great time. He had overcome his fears.”

Over the years, Hammer Travel has provided trip experiences to over 1,500 travelers, about half of whom are part of the Hammer & NER family, extended. The all-inclusive vacations are open to adults (across the country) with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Trip expenses are private pay or supported by grants.) Hammer Travel trips are designed to help people with disabilities grow their self-confidence and independence, expand their social connections, and increase their awareness of the world around them.

“It’s so nice that the people we support are once again participating in life experiences like this,” Lin says.

Andy back home near the warmth of the fireplace.

Andy is already thinking about his next trip. “I would like to go on a cruise, or maybe to Wisconsin Dells. I hope there are other things to do than swim,” he says. Yes, Andy, there will be lots of other things to do. We wish you well on your next adventure wherever it may take you.

If you would like to learn more about Hammer Travel, please visit: Hammer Travel | Vacations for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

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