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...
Any parent has likely heard the phrase, “the days are long, but the years are short.” The years may be short, but my son, Josiah, definitely isn’t! It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny toddler running around the house and now I have an 18-year-old young man who is almost as tall as me (I’m...
At Hammer & NER, we believe that a person’s home should be a sanctuary of comfort and independence, no matter their stage of life. I’m pleased to share the thoughtful and necessary updates made to our 9th Avenue home to promote a more accessible and comfortable living environment. In...
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...
Calling all volunteers! Get ready to put on your aprons and grab your frying pans because an exciting volunteer opportunity is now also available in the east metro at our White Bear Lake office. If you and your friends enjoy cooking and are passionate about making a positive impact for the...
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...
Every person on earth deserves to have their basic needs met which include being loved, comforted, and having a sense of belonging. We all need emotional warmth and a sense of belonging; this includes individuals who are experiencing cognitive decline. James and I have known each other for the...
I was thrilled to join the Hammer & NER Board of Directors in January. Participating on the Board, Program Committee, and Advocacy Committee comes with a learning curve, however, not without wonderful support from other volunteers and staff members. The Hammer & NER Vision and Strategic...
New program fills unused space in East office In a nutshell, there have been many changes to external day programs, staffing within our homes, and our ability as an organization to provide community engagement due to the staffing changes post pandemic. These left many of our individuals home or...
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...
Together we raised $342,093! 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...
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...
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 Gramsie home in Shoreview! The Gramsie home...
The Community Partner Award honors those who make significant contributions to Hammer & NER through their time, talent, and treasure. Over the years, we’ve recognized 83 Community Partners who serve as role models of compassion and service. They have made a positive impact on the lives of...
The Community Partner Award honors those who make significant contributions to Hammer & NER through their time, talent, and treasure. Over the years, we’ve recognized 83 Community Partners who serve as role models of compassion and service. They have made a positive impact on the lives of...
The Community Partner Award honors those who make significant contributions to Hammer & NER through their time, talent, and treasure. Over the years, we’ve recognized 83 Community Partners who serve as role models of compassion and service. They have made a positive impact on the lives of...
Andy’s journey with Hammer & NER Many people who live in our apartment programs and are used to living more independently are now “dancing a bit slower” as they age. When their health needs become more complex, the reality is that they will need to move to a group home where they can receive a...
Walking Alongside Those We Support to Raise Their Voices We had a GREAT day during Disability Services Day at the Capitol on Tuesday. About 100 people from Hammer & NER were in attendance including those we support, their staff, family members, Board members, and volunteers. We really know how...
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