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A Sister’s Point of View

My name is Pat Peterson and my youngest brother Kelly was moved to a state institution when he was very young. That happened in the 1960s to some people with developmental disabilities who could not be cared for by their family. Kelly was born with Down syndrome, and was not very healthy when he...

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“Hammer Time” with Alex and Leo : Life to the Max

Watch the story of Alex and Leo, brothers and Special Olympics Unified Doubles Tennis Partners. Together, they have won the Special Olympics Minnesota State Tournament twice in a row, and are on track for a third gold this year. Leo lives in a Hammer home, and lives a full life revolving around...

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ARRM Cares Award Winner Alex Kriz

The four people in the house where Alex works, live almost exclusively with physical disabilities and are sometimes a little more reluctant to participate in activities. Circumstances such as weather, prep time, transportation, and accessibility all make getting out of the house difficult,...

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Gaining a Grasp on Grief

Hammer is a unique company that supports their employees’ passions, and I’ve been privileged to take advantage of that support.  Let me explain. My name is Maggie Bauer. Along with being the assistant Program Manager in one of Hammer’s apartment programs I am also a Certified Grief Recovery...

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Hammer Family Education Forum 2016

In Its Third Year: HAMMER’S FAMILY EDUCATION FORUM GETS A FACE LIFT! Thursday, May 5th 5:30p to 8:30p Click to RSVP by Monday, April 25th. What’s New? 2016 Brings about engaging ways for you to connect and contribute at Hammer’s May 5th Family Education Forum. After a light dinner, join us...

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A Brother’s Experience with Special Olympics

The following is a guest article written by Special Olympics Board Member and brother, Jamie Spencer. Have you ever witnessed a stranger perform a gesture so simple yet impactful that it left a lasting impression on you? I’d like to introduce you to “Johnny the Bagger” and his story. Why is such a...

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Celebrating Who We Are Through Active Engagement

By: Kevan Nitzberg Parent Member on the Hammer Board Public Advocacy Committee Member As a teacher at the high school level I know how sports can help to build community, self-worth, and leadership for the participants as well as the fans. My wife and I have seen how important sports have been to...

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A Hobby Turns Into a Gift of Warmth

People with disabilities have a great deal of talent that can sometimes go unrecognized. Sometimes, all it takes is a keen eye and thinking outside the box to make something that seems ordinary, into something extraordinary. The Ask  Jan Hopper, manager at one of the Hammer homes, recently asked...

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Field of Dreams

Back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Woody and the Nitzberg families got together to fill a need that was not being met in the Wayzata area. That need was to provide kids with special needs the opportunity to get involved in sports.              After meeting...

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