Merger Update
Hammer & NER and Living Well Disability Services entered into a partnership agreement with the intent to merge into one high-capacity organization by January 1, 2026. 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 have higher medical needs.
After six months of integration planning, leadership of both Boards of Directors has agreed to pause merger activities. The purpose of this pause is to allow time for both boards to review the progress that has been made and determine next steps based on the remaining work that needs to be completed. Additional information will be communicated as decisions are made.
Thank you for your continued support,
John Estrem, CEO
Questions can be directed to Barbara Brandt at Barbara.brandt@hammer.org or Heather Heier at Heather.heier@livingwell.org.
Merger Updates
Branding the Future: An Inside Look with Haberman
Jon Zurbey, Partner, Haberman
Jeff Berg, Partner & Creative Director, Haberman
Heather Heier with Living Well Disability Services and Barbara Brandt and Joe Cullen with Hammer & NER, sat down with Jon Zurbey and Jeff Berg with Haberman, to discuss the brand and identify work related to the upcoming merger. Watch this short video to hear where we are in the Branding, Naming, and Identity process. You will be “In the Know” after you watch this video.
Merger eNewsletters
In the News
Star Tribune Article – 5/04/2025 Tom Gillespie, CEO Op Ed.-Budget Cuts for Disability Services
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.