In this new year, Hammer Residences and Northeast Residence (NER) are now, officially, one organization. Our passion for a shared common mission of serving people with developmental and other disabilities is what brought us together. We have much to celebrate in 2023 as Hammer marks its 100^th anniversary and NER its 50^th anniversary. What a happy coincidence!   

Throughout the months ahead, we will be sharing stories about our past, present, and future. It’s important to know where we’ve been, to celebrate how far we have come, and to have a vision for the future and a plan for getting us there. 

As Hammer & NER celebrate our two milestone anniversaries we’ll be celebrating in many ways: We’ll host parties at our homes, as well as larger gatherings like our annual Spring Breakfast (April), Reach for Ralph (our annual fundraising gala in June), a festive luau (July), and our decades-old Family Day Picnic (September). We’ll officially recognize our dedicated volunteers in April and our direct support staff during DSP Recognition week in September. There will also be much storytelling: In fact, look for a special anniversary magazine later this spring. So, stay tuned!

Hammer & NER CEO John Estrem is scheduled to appear LIVE on KSTP Channel 5's "Minnesota Live" morning show (sometime between 9:00-10:00 a.m.) Thursday, February 23! We're very excited about this great opportunity to tell Hammer & NER's story!

John will be talking about Hammer's 100^th anniversary and NER's 50^th anniversary, sharing about the people we serve, our incredible staff, and what our future looks like. We encourage you to tune in or set your DVR. 

We recently said goodbye to Brion Curran, who has worked in the East Metro (NER) for 20 years.

Brion (center, alongside fellow HR employees Kyle Fitzwater and Kim Hansen) worked in a variety of roles for NER over the years and was most recently as a Sr. HR Generalist and Safety Director. In November, Brion was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“After 20 wonderful years at Hammer & Northeast Residence, I am continuing disability advocacy at the State Capitol as the State Representative for the White Bear Lake area. Although I will deeply miss this amazing organization, I am happy to take on a new role that has a positive impact on those we serve and our entire team. I encourage you to engage in Hammer & Northeast Residence advocacy efforts, write letters to your legislators, and visit the State Capitol!”

We're so excited to return to the Minnesota State Capitol in person this year! Disability Services Day at the Capitol takes place on Tuesday, March 28.

In Minnesota, our legislators determine the funding to help people with disabilities live their best life, including the rates we pay DSPs. For many years, Hammer & NER have joined with other providers for a special day to amplify the voices of people with disabilities and their support staff. Our big turn-out at the Capitol has resulted in big investments in our services and our staff! But there is a lot more work to do, so let's rally in the Rotunda on March 28!

And this year we are making it easier than ever for the individuals we support, their families, and our staff: You can sign up by emailing Hammer & NER's Advocacy Director, Mary Gaasch at MaryG@hammer.org. 

For more information on Disability Services Day at the Capitol, click on this link.

Attend a virtual training on "How to tell your story" on either February 23 at 11 a.m. or March 22 at 3 p.m. Registration coming soon!

The training is open for families, staff, and the individuals we support. Come with your questions and leave with some effective advocacy tools!

We have several west metro employees celebrating significant anniversaries this month.

Clockwise from top, Jill Kunze (Program Manager, 40 years), Nicole Hollins (PM, 10 years), Mickel Christensen (PM, 5 years), Amelia Gesirr (PM, 3 years), and Brendan Coleman (DSP, 3 years).

Congratulations and thank you for all you do!

Here are the east metro employees celebrating milestone anniversaries this month.

From left to right, Beatta Smith (DSP, 3 years), Denise Ring (Lead DSP, 5 years), and Obaraeze "Charles" Ubu (DSP, 5 years). 

Congratulations and thanks for all you do!

Each month in "Happenings" we'll be featuring some of our favorite photos of the people we support "out & about" having fun in their communities. Enjoy!



Hammer Floor Hockey is back!

Volunteers Andy and Sarah have been coaching Floor Hockey for the past 9 years and it’s always a good time. Here's some photos from a recent game!

Have you checked out the blog on Hammer & NER's website recently? You should because there's some great new content on there!

Click here to go directly to the blog to browse the latest stories!