“Packing Up” Love for Children around the World
Each year, Operation Christmas Child volunteers pack shoe-box-sized boxes stuffed with toys, books, treats, and more for children in need around the world. Recently, some of the people we support got to join in the fun through Christ for People, a ministry for people with intellectual disabilities.
Andy—A Helping Hand & Heart in the Kitchen
Andy attends our day program five days a week in White Bear Lake. Living in one of our homes, Andy participates in many activities offered in the evenings and on weekends with Hammer & NER. When he is not out and about enjoying a local apple orchard, a movie at the theatre, or checking out the zoo, you will find Andy poking his nose in the kitchen at our White Bear Lake office. He not only enjoys the yummy smells but is always wanting to lend a helping hand. The Wednesday morning Cooks in the Kitchen volunteer program is in the basement where our day program is also located.
My Sweet Brother, Mickey
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 Chief Development Officer, Ellen Timmerman-Borer, to reflect on her brother’s life, her mother’s legacy, and the responsibilities that come with caring for a sibling with a disability as they age.
Steven’s New Forever Home
Steve was five years old when our parents made the heart-breaking decision, along with input from their priest and family doctor, to move him to a state institution. Thankfully, as the years went by, community group homes became available. In 1997, Steve moved into NER’s Arcade home where he lived for 27 years, having been blessed with mostly the same roommates the entire time. Our family and Steve had looked to Arcade as his forever home. However, as he has grown older, his health has declined, and we knew we needed to move him to a one-level home. We knew the change would be tough. But we found him his new forever home!
Showcasing Our Homes–Currie
Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. The “Showcasing Our Homes” profiles celebrate our homes (and apartment programs), the people who live there, and the staff who support them. Let’s learn about the Currie home in Maplewood!
Showcasing Our Homes–Zealand Apartments
Each of our Hammer & NER homes is unique because of the people who live and work there. The “Showcasing Our Homes” profiles celebrate our homes (and apartment programs), the people who live there, and the staff who support them. Let’s learn about the Zealand apartment program in New Hope!
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