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...
Specialized training supports aging in place (Program Manager, Edith Ndikum, (above) includes Patty in daily conversation and activities. Advanced training helps staff understand the changing needs of the individual) In the months ahead, we will roll out specialized training and the co-op...
Volunteering Brings About Gifts of Many Kinds Ever since Brooke Vidlund was a little girl, she has had friends and classmates who had special needs. Once she was out of college, she wanted to continue to be involved with those with developmental disabilities. Brooke first became aware of Hammer...
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...
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...
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