Why I became a trip leader 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...
Sharing the journey of a sibling with special needs Michelle Olson is a Hammer & NER Board member. She and her husband, Steve, utilized NER’s former respite program to help care for their daughter, Tiffany (Tiff), when she was younger. Their other daughters, Chrissie and Nikki, grew up...
Decades of devotion have nurtured fulfilling lives At Hammer & NER, our mission is to provide person-centered support to all those we serve through the highest quality of care. The faces behind the direct support in the homes are pivotal to this mission succeeding. For 17 years, Emily...
Dear friends, I would like to share a story about the positive and life-changing impacts of the relationships our staff have with those we support. Justin joined the Hammer & NER family in November 1997 when he moved into Cottage Place (now 9th Ave), gradually moving to the Cope House (now...
In 2009, Martha Gschneidner was preparing to send her youngest son to college. Desiring to give back to her community with her added free time, she sought out volunteer opportunities. This desire to give back would lead to 15 years of volunteerism and generosity with Hammer & NER. Through...
A sister’s devotion ensures he lives his best life Julie Wesley-Wong is Vice President of the Hammer & NER Board and chairs the Board’s Advocacy committee. Her brother, Mickey, joined the Hammer family in 1978 when he moved into the boys’ dorm on the Hammer campus. Recently, she sat down with...
Seventeen Years of Love and Laughter with Lynn Meet Bethany Collins, one of our Hammer & NER volunteers, who has grown a strong friendship with Lynn, who is supported at our Zealand apartments. By Bethany Collins Seventeen years ago, I set out on a journey that would change my life. I had just...
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...
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...
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...
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