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In the News

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Our heartfelt stories about the people we support, our volunteers, Community Partners, and staff members are featured in many of our community newspapers across Minnesota. You never know what stories will brighten your day, so check back often. Please be sure to like and share the good news on your social media platforms.

Cooks in the Kitchen: Helping to serve those who need it most

7/10/2024

White Bear Press

Perk’s Playbook: Dom Colasanti

3/25/2024

Special Olympics Minnesota and Eric Perkins

Huge turnout for Disability Services Day at Capitol

3/19/2024

KARE 11

Hammer CEO joins Down Syndrome Association Board of Directors

3/11/2024

Sun Sailor

2024 Stories

2023 Stories

11/20/2023
Hammer & NER Welcome Ralph in White Bear Lake//Suburban Community Channels

11/16/2023
It’s Give to the Max Day, when Minnesota nonprofits and schools rally to raise millions of dollars//Star Tribunne

10/24/2023
Businesses that Give Back//Lake Minnetonka Magazine

9/27/2023
A century after paving the way for disabled children, Hammer School founder gets a gravestone//Star Tribune

9/16/2023
Partnering to Help Those with Disabilities//The Sheletta Show Podcast

9/14/2023
Hammer & NER employees recognized during National DSP Recognition Week//Sun Sailor

9/01/2023
Taking One Chore Off Their Plates: Volunteers lend a hand to support staff and residents at group homes//WCCO Radio

8/16/2023
Reach for Ralph City Scene Editorial//Lake Minnetonka Magazine

7/3/2023
Hammer’s Reach For Ralph raises record $400K//Sun Sailor

6/16/2023
Hammer & NER’s Reach for Ralph benefit returns June 22//Sun Sailor

6/16/2023
Fishing Trip Story//KARE 11 Sports

6/9/2023
Group seeks to empower disabled people through fishing//WCCO News

6/2/2023
Caregiver’s career mirrors progress for people with disabilities//WCCO Radio

5/24/2023
Cameroon-born Hammer manager finds inspiration in Minnesota//Sun Sailor

4/19/2023
Expressing ‘The Joy of Politics’//White Bear Press

4/5/2023
Hammer & NER rally legislative support for disability services//Sun Sailor

3/30/2023
Amber & Tasha: Sisters, teammates and best friends//Special Olympics MN

3/24/2023
Looking Ahead to Disability Services Day at the State Capitol. //The Sheletta Show

3/24/2023
Disability Services Day at Capitol aims to strengthen direct care workforce//Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

3/21/2023
John Estrem on MN Live this week, to talk about Hammer & NER//KSTP Twin Cities Live

2/15/2023
Northeast Residence turns 50, looks to future following merger // White Bear Press

2020 Stories

12/29/2020
Hammer to acquire Northeast Residence // Wayzata Sun Sailor

9/2/2020
Plymouth Boy Scout Crafts Items for Hammer // Wayzata Sun Sailor

8/5/2020
John Estrem interviewed about staffing shortages due to COVID-19. Click here to watch // FOX 9 News

7/6/2020
Hammer’s virtual Reach for Ralph benefit raises $177K //Wayzata Sun Sailor

5/20/2020
Hammer recognizes volunteers with Community Partner awards//Wayzata Sun Sailor

4/27/2020
Paying it Forward: Hammer Supporter Donates Stimulus Check // Wayzata SunSailor

4/7/2020
John Estrem interviewed about hiring during the COVID19 pandemic. Click here to watch // FOX 9 News

2/27/2020
Hammer, Minnetonka Center for the Arts empower artists with disabilities // Wayzata SunSailor

2018 Stories

12/5/2018
Hopkins book event gives stage to writers with developmental disabilities // Sun Sailor

12/3/2018
‘It’s a gift’: Twin Cities nativity pageant gives adults with disabilities chance to shine // Star Tribune

11/29/2018
Pyka named a ‘Top Woman in Finance’ // Sun Sailor

11/22/2018
Grants help people with disabilities pay for dental care // Star Tribune

11/20/2018
Grants give healthy smiles to those supported by Hammer Residences // Sun Sailor

11/16/2018
Top Women in Finance: Kristin Pyka // Finance & Commerce

11/16/2018
Top Women in Finance 2018 // Finance & Commerce

10/1/2018
Hammer Residences’ Reach for Ralph a Success // Wayzata Life Magazine

9/26/2018
Hammer Residences Celebrate Support Staff Members // Sun Sailor

9/1/2018
2018 ANCOR Award Nominees // Wayzata Life Magazine

8/28/2018
Wellness in the Woods Builds Awareness for Vitals App // Brainerd Dispatch

8/14/2018
Walker Named Chief Program Officer at Hammer // Sun Sailor

7/18/2018
Hammer Hosts Another Successful Reach for Ralph Benefit // Sun Sailor

7/18/2018
Hammer Residence’s Annual Benefit Raises Over $300,000 // Lakeshore Weekly News

7/5/2018
‘No Words Are Needed:’ Nonverbal Friendship at a Hammer Residence to be Featured at Fundraiser // Lakeshore Weekly News

7/5/2018
Hammer Residences’ Reach for Ralph Benefit Will Be Thursday, July 12 // Sun Sailor

6/29/2018
Making a Difference at Reach for Ralph // Medina Living June 2018

6/27/2018
Open Your Heart to Hammer at Reach for Ralph // Wayzata Life Magazine June 2018

6/27/2018
A Musical Connection // Wayzata Life Magazine June 2018

6/22/2018
Enhancing Our Training Capacity: A Minnesota Organization’s Experience with College of Direct Support // Impact Winter/Spring 2018

6/14/2018
Hammer Residences, Law Firm Seek to Increase Awareness of Sexual Assault Against People with Intellectual Disabilities // Sun Sailor

5/29/2018
Katie Binning Wins TwinWest’s Young Professionals Award 2018 // Sun Sailor

5/18/2018
Hammer Residences Elects Three New Board Members // Sun Sailor

4/20/2018
Parables, a Wayzata Worship Service, Celebrates People with Disabilities // Lakeshore Weekly News

4/21/2018
Eden Prairie senior RaNiyah Taylor Named 2018 Hammer Community Partner // Sun Current

4/20/2018
Partners in Play // The Pioneer

4/19/2018
Local Organizations Recognized by Hammer Residences as Community Partners // Sun Sailor

2/1/2018
Hammer CEO John Estrem named President of the Board of Directors at Clare Housing // Sun Sailor

1/25/2018
Friend of Hammer, Denny Newell, Featured in Wayzata Life Magazine // Wayzata Life Magazine

2017 Stories

12/19/2017
Hammer Concerned About Potential Cuts Needed for Federal Tax Bill // Sun Sailor

11/2/2017
This is Medicaid Coalition Warns Paulsen: Medicaid Cuts Would Depreciate Life for Many // Lakeshore Weekly News

11/2/2017
Hammer Residences Hosts ‘This Is Medicaid’ Press Conference // Channel 12 News

9/11/2017
Hammer Residences Honors Direct Support Professionals // Sun Sailor

8/25/2017
Hammer CEO Elected to Statewide Position // Lakeshore Weekly News

8/25/2017
Hammer CEO John Estrem elected board president of ARRM // Wayzata Sun Sailor

8/11/2017
John Estrem Elected Board President of ARRM // ARRM.org

8/1/2017
Meet Your Neighbor: Meet Craig // Wayzata Life Magazine

7/26/2017
Caregivers Step Into the Spotlight at Hammer’s Reach for Ralph Benefit // Wayzata Sun Sailor

7/17/2017
Art Show to Benefit Hammer Residences // Lakeshore Weekly News

7/13/2017
From the Heart: Retired pastor discusses why he became a Hammer caregiver // Wayzata Sun Sailor

7/10/2017
Reach for Ralph is July 20 // Coffee with KARE 11

7/6/2017
Reach for Ralph Benefit Date Set for July 20 // Lakeshore Weekly News

7/5/2017
Earle Brown Center Hosting Reach for Ralph Fundraiser on July 20 // Brooklyn Park Sun Post

6/29/2017
Hammer Residences Named a Top 150 Workplace for Eight Consecutive Year// Lakeshore Weekly News

6/21/2017
Hammer Residences Named a Top 150 Workplace for 8 Consecutive Years // Minneapolis StarTribune Check out the Star Tribune listing»

6/15/2017
Hammer Residences Given the ARRM Cares Award 2017 // Wayzata Sun Sailor

6/13/2017
Artist supported by Hammer Residences displaying artwork at the University of Minnesota // Wayzata Sun Sailor

6/8/2017
Geoff Makousky is Hammer Residences 2017 ARRM Cares Award Winner  // Read the Press Release»

6/6/2017
Hammer Volunteer Opportunity Featured on Coffee with KARE  // KARE 11

5/23/2017
Hammer Invites Community to Education Forum // Plymouth Sun Sailor

5/10/2017
Column: The people behind the stories // Sun Post

5/10/2017
‘We Matter’: People with disabilities and those who serve then rally at the Capitol // Lakeshore Weekly News

5/2/2017
Hammer Residences Celebrates Volunteers // Wayzata and Plymouth Sun Sailor

4/27/2017
Our family finds joy in being advocates for people with disabilities // The Press

4/26/2017
Golden Valley family forms strong bond volunteering with a man supported by Hammer Residences // The Sun Post

4/24/2017
Building bonds: Hammer’s volunteers find lifelong friends // Lakeshore Weekly News

4/22/2017
2017 Hammer Community Partners say volunteering is about family // Minnetonka Sun Sailor

4/20/2017
Hammer Announces its 2017 Community Partner Award Recipients // Sun Sailor

2/20/2017
Lakewinds Roundup Raises $10,306 for Hammer Residences // Minnetonka Sun Sailor

1/10/2017
Hammer Holiday Home Run Event Video // Wayzata Sun Sailor

2016 Stories

12/7/2016
Love Finds A Way When Andy Met Molly Story // Wayzata Sun Sailor

10/18/2016
Wayzata Celebrates the 2016 Person of the Year // Wayzata Sun Sailor

10/1/2016
Enthusiastic Supporters Help Hammer Residences Raise Over $250,000 // Wayzata Life

9/29/2016
Hammer and Wayzata’s James J. Hill Days … A Meaningful Community Tradition //  Wayzata Sun Sailor

9/27/2016
Celebrating Summer and Family at the Hammer Family Picnic // Lakeshore Weekly News

9/15/2016
Going Way Back: Hammer and JJ Hill Days Collaboration Continues // Lakeshore Weekly News

9/15/2016
Hammer Program Director to Receive ARC Minnesota Award // Sun Sailor

9/15/2016
Hammer Honoring Workers who Support People with Disabilities // Lakeshore Weekly News

9/12/2016
Lakeville Woman to Receive ARC Award // SUN This week

9/12/2016
Hammer Honoring Workers Who Support People with Developmental Disabilities // Sun Sailor

7/20/2016
A Record Night of Support at Hammer’s Reach for Ralph Event // Sun Sailor

7/12/2016
A Home for a Lifetime: Hammer’s Reach for Ralph Benefit is Set for Thursday // Lakeshore Weekly News

7/7/2016
Hammer’s Annual Reach for Ralph Benefit Returns on July 14 // Sun Sailor

7/2/2016
Hammer Continues to be a Top 150 Workplace // Lakeshore Weekly News

6/2016
Making a Difference in the Community – Sue Gregor // Wayzata Living Magazine

6/1/2016
“Hammer Time” with Alex and Leo // Life to the Max, Ep. 242

5/26/2016
Joe and Kathy Reis: Making a Difference // Medina Living, June 2016

5/17/2015
Hammer Hosts Family Education Forum in Wayzata //Sun Sailor

4/21/2016
Sun Sailor honoring volunteer John Flynn, a Direct Service Volunteer // Sun Sailor

4/15/2016
Rachel Thomas New Director of Customized Support Services // Mpls/ St. Paul Business Journal

4/11/2016
Volunteer Appreciation Week – Honoring Knights of Columbus // Lakeshore Weekly News

4/1/2016
Four Hammer Volunteers Receive Community Partner Awards//Lakeshore Weekly News

3/9/2016
Hammer and Opportunity Partners Join Forces // Lakeshore Weekly News

2015 Stories

12/21/2015
Kevan Nitzberg Names Art Educator of the Year//ABC Papers

12/16/2015
Connections Through Art //Lakeshore Weekly News

11/24/2015
A Seat at the Table: A Hammer Thanksgiving Tradition // Lakeshore Weekly News

11/10/2015
Give to the Max Day 2015 // Lakeshore Weekly News

09/27/2015
Hammer Residence Appoints New Chief Program Officer // Sun Sailor

09/27/2015
Hammer Residence Hires New Director of Communication // Sun Sailor

08/13/2015
Opinion – Government: An Invitation to Partner // Sun Sailor

07/23/2015
25th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act // KARE 11 News

07/23/2015
Landmark ADA Law Celebrated 25 Years Later // Channel 12 News

07/14/2015
Hammer Celebrates Living Beyond Disabilities Through 25 Champions of the ADA Video Series // Weber Shandwick

07/09/2015
Help Hammer “Imagine the Possibilities at Annual Reach for Ralph Benefit // Sun Sailor & Sun Current

06/14/2015
These Companies Have Been Top Workplaces Every Year // Star Tribune

06/04/2015
The 2015 100 Best Companies to Work for Awards // Minnesota Business Magazine

05/28/2015
Person Centered Technology – Creating the Future of Support // Sun Sailor

04/14/2015
EP Givers Nominee: Hammer Helps the Disabled Thrive // Eden Prairie News

03/19/2015
A March Toward Awareness // Sun Sailor

03/10/2015
Blazin’ with Heart // Lakeshore Weekly News

01/16/2015
Hammer Residences Selected as Weber Shandwick’s 2015 Pro Bono Client // Lakeshore Weekly News

01/08/2015
Sen. Klobuchar Celebrates ABLE Act with Visit to Hammer Home // Sun Sailor

2014 Stories

 12/29/2014
Minnesotans with Disabilities Pleased with New Law // WCCO

12/29/2014
Senator Klobuchar Celebrates ABLE Act in Plymouth // KSTP

12/29/2014
ABLE Act to Help Families with Disabilities // Channel 12 News

12/18/2014
A Reminder of Happiness in Every Brush Stroke // Sun Sailor

11/27/2014
Hammer Thanksgiving // KARE 11

11/14/2014
Hammer Improves Quality of Life // Richard M Schulze Family Foundation

11/03/2014
Powerful Conversations // Lake Minnetonka Magazine

10/23/2014
Hammer Receives Community Partner of the Year Award // Sun Sailor

09/16/2014
‘Hammer Conversations’ Follow Adults Living with Disabilities, and Thriving // Lakeshore Weekly News

09/09/2014
People on the Move: Thomas Gillespie // Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

08/26/2014
Hammer Residences Hire Two in New Roles // Sun Sailor

08/26/2014
ARRM Member Hammer Residences Introduces New Video Series // ARRM “Whats New(s)?” Blog

07/29/2014
A Night of Giving at Hammer’s Reach for Ralph Benefit // Sun Sailor

07/28/2014
Hammer Residences Joins Disability Visibility Project as Media Partner // disabilityvisibilityproject.com

07/10/2014
Hammer Residences Introduces Insightful New Video Series // Sun Sailor

06/24/2014
Hammer Residences Named Top Workplace for Fifth Year // ARRM “What’s New(s)?”

06/16/2014
Wayzata-based Hammer Residences Recognized as Top Workplace // Lakeshore Weekly News

06/16/2014
Hammer Residences Inspires with Its New Video Series // Lake Minnetonka Magazine

06/15/2014
Hammer Wins Top Workplace Award for Fifth Straight Year // Star Tribune

05/21/2014
New Hope Woman Called a “Trail Blazer” for Others // Channel 12 News

05/15/2014
Hammer Hires New Director of Advocacy & Volunteer Resources // Sun Sailor

05/15/2014
Employee’s Performance Encourages Plymouth Company to Hire 97 Others with Disabilities // Sun Sailor

05/13/2014
Individuals from Hammer Try Their Hand at Archery // Lakeshore Weekly News

04/24/2014
EP Giver: Hammer Helps Those with Disabilities Live Life to the Fullest // Eden Prairie News

04/24/2014
Hammer Receives $140K Grant from Cargill // Sun Sailor

04/14/2014
Hammer Residences Receives $140K Grant for Renovations  // Lakeshore Weekly News

04/01/2014
What My Services Mean to Me // ARRM “What’s New(s)?” Blog

03/25/2014
Father, Son Push Bill that Would Pump $2 Million into Improving Disability Services // KSTP 5 Eyewitness News

02/14/2014
Editor’s Pick for Best Nonprofit // Lake Minnetonka Magazine: “Best Of” Edition

01/29/2014
Reshaping the Way the World Views Autism – One Family at a Time // Sun Sailor

01/17/2014
Minn. Fans Talk on Imminent Dome Deflation // WCCO

2013 Stories

 11/15/2013
An Unlikely, Yet Likely Friendship // Eden Prairie Sun Current

11/2013
Hammer Celebrates 90 Years of Helping People with Disabilities // Lake Minnetonka Magazine

11/5/2013
Living on Ives Lane: Hammer Home Residents Make Good Neighbors // Plymouth Magazine

8/20/2013
Growing Independence: A Story from a Self-Advocate in Eden Prairie // ARRM News

8/8/2013
Hammer Residences Recognizes Medina Residents // South Crow River News

8/7/2013
Joe and Kathy Reis Recognized for 23 Years of Service with Hammer Residences, Inc. // Lake Minnetonka Magazine

8/5/2013
Philanthropy Beat: CEO Helps Disabled Partake in Fuller Lives // Star Tribune

7/31/2013
Hammer Supporter Joe Reis, Coldwell Banker Burnet CEO, and his wife Kathy were awarded the Hammer Community Partner Award // MPLS-SP Business Journal

7/28/2013
Joe and Kathy Reis Have Been Awarded the Hammer Residences Inc. Community Partner Award for their Volunteerism and Community Service // Pioneer Press

7/24/2013
Hammer Residences Celebrates 90 Years // Sun Sailor

7/19/2013
Eden Prairie Mayor to Visit Hammer Residences’ Lake Place Apartments on August 12

6/18/2013
Hammer Residences Celebrates 90 Years of Helping the Disabled // Lakeshore Weekly News

6/17/2013
Star Tribune’s Top 100 Workplaces in Minnesota! // Star Tribune

6/12/2013
Celebrating Kids of All Abilities in Plymouth // Plymouth Magazine

5/21/2013
Hammer Residences Honored for Services at Eden Prairie Sites // Sun Current

Hammer Residences Wins Eden Prairie’s Human Rights Award // Eden Prairie Patch

3/4/2013
Hammer Residences, Inc. Hires New Director of Communications // MPLS-SP Business Journal

1/28/2013
Plymouth Creek Students Get a “Ralph” of Their Own // Sun Sailor