Message from the CEOs
As we continue on our merger journey, our dedication remains the same – Our commitment to those we support is at the core of everything we do.
At Hammer & NER, we’ve long recognized the growing needs of our aging population. Living Well specializes in high-needs care, an area we want to strengthen, while we excel at serving more independent individuals—areas where they could expand. A merger allows both organizations to enhance services efficiently while reducing administrative costs, streamlining systems, and increasing our influence with legislators. Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for those we serve and our employees. Community is central to our mission, and together, we can make an even greater impact. Thank you for being part of it.
John Estrem, CEO, Hammer & NER
Tom Gillespie, CEO, Living Well Disability Services
eNews Letters
In the News
Star Tribune Article – 2/15/2025 Tom Gillespie, CEO + Adolphus Kesseh, Program Manager, as well as Hammer CEO, John Estrem
Merger FAQs
We wanted to share some of the information that we know at this time around the proposed merger of Hammer & NER and Living Well Disability Services.
What is happening between Hammer & NER and Living Well Disability Services?
Hammer & NER and Living Well Disability Services have entered into a partnership agreement with the intent to merge into one high-capacity organization. The vision is to expand support for people served with a continuum of living options, from more independent living to providing specialized care for people who are aging and with higher medical needs.
How would a merger of the two organizations impact support for individuals served?
The goal of the merger is to improve and expand the quality of dependable care and support for individuals throughout their lifetime through a more comprehensive set of services that meet the shifting needs of the people served.
What is the value in combining the organizations?
A merged organization provides the opportunity to expand support for people based on a combination of knowledge and experience. The combination would provide sustainability based on innovation, streamlined operations, and opportunities to increase efficiency.
When would the merger be official?
The goal is to complete the merger of Living Well Disability Services and Hammer & NER on January 1, 2026.
How will employees benefit from a combined organization?
A larger organization offers more opportunities for selecting locations, various types of housing, and greater potential for career advancement.
How will a larger organization, in more locations, impact our advocacy efforts?
A: The merger will make us a large member of ARRM and ANCOR. If we have issues, with legislative fixes, we are in an influential position to get those organizations to join us and make more of an impact with our legislative requests. Additionally, the more homes we operate, in more legislative districts, expand our ability to affect change for our organization at the state and federal levels.
Who would lead a combined organization?
Tom Gillespie, current CEO of Living Well Disability Services, would lead the new organization. John Estrem, CEO of Hammer & NER will be staying on in 2026 in an executive role.
What if I have a question about the proposed merger?
If you have questions about the proposed merger, contact Tom Gillespie, Tom.Gillespie@livingwell.org or John Estrem, jestrem@hammer.org.
Would services in a combined organization be the same?
Current services will be continued, and a larger organization allows us to offer a more comprehensive range of services, then we would be able to as separate organizations.
Would any buildings be sold?
There are no plans to sell any buildings at the time of the merger.
Would any services be eliminated at the time of merger?
All current services will continue as they are today.
How would the merger affect staffing at the group homes?
The merger is not expected to impact the staffing at the group homes.
Would a combined organization remain a nonprofit?
Yes, the new organization will be a 501(c)3 not-for-profit with a volunteer Board of Directors.