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A Place to Call Home

By Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer James came to Hammer in 1948 when he was 11 years old. He had been living in an institution in Rockford, Illinois where he had a few relatives. They stayed in contact with him throughout the years by sending letters, and gifts on holidays and for his birthday....

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Meet the Author and Artist—Nicole Schumacher

New interpretive novel encourages subconscious “play” We have a new author among us! Nicole Schumacher, who provides direct care support at one of our east metro homes, has created an interpretive novel, “Mind the Blackhole.” Now, you may ask, what is an interpretive novel? “It’s a wordless novel...

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The Story of Ralph

In honor of Hammer’s 100th anniversary and NER’s 50th anniversary, we have published Legacies, a special anniversary magazine, celebrating our history, the people we have supported, and those who have made our mission possible all these years. Here is one of the featured stories: Ralph...

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Alvina & Evelyn

In honor of Hammer’s 100th anniversary and NER’s 50th anniversary, we have published Legacies, a special anniversary magazine, celebrating our history, the people we have supported, and those who have made our mission possible all these years. Here is one of the featured stories: Two...

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Celebrating Our Direct Support Professionals

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (Sept. 10-16) is a great opportunity to highlight our dedicated, caring, and innovative direct support professionals who are the heart and soul of supports for people with disabilities. It’s important to recognize and celebrate the amazing and often...

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Learning by Living

A Look Back at Hammer School It’s back-to-school season and as today’s children head back to class, we take a look back at Hammer School, founded 100 years ago, and share some memories of the school and its pupils.     Alvina Hammer founded Hammer School in 1923. Alvina had worked as a nurse at...

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Tim’s Story

My big brother Tim, now 65, has lived at a Hammer & NER group home called First Avenue for seven years. It was our mother’s dream to get Tim into Hammer & NER and she spent two decades working to make that happen. When Tim finally was able to move into First Avenue, Mom would often say she...

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Showcasing Our Homes–The Emery Home

Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. Each month we will “showcase” one of our homes (or apartment programs) and celebrate the people who live there and the staff who support them. In this edition, we would like to introduce you to the people...

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Home Gatherings Offer a Way to Reconnect & Have Fun

Summer is a great time to be outdoors with family and friends. Who doesn’t love gathering for a picnic or finding a fun spot to go swimming? We know lots of folks at Hammer & NER who do! This summer is a particularly special one for getting together as we celebrate Hammer’s 100- and NER’s...

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Remembering a Quiet Gentleman

Greg Johnson’s presence will live on at the place he called home Greg Johnson lived at our Hwy 96 home in White Bear Lake for many years. He came to NER and our convent location in 1989, moving from the state institution in Faribault. Greg was a quiet gentleman who enjoyed the simple things,...

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