Congrats to Julia Barnhill from Hammer’s (West metro) Gardner home and Kevin Heroff, DSP Float at NER (East metro) on being named our Celebrate a Caregiver award recipients for July!

Each month, we ask Hammer’s and NER’s Program Directors to nominate DSPs and APMs on their team who are going above and beyond to make a difference in the life (or lives) of those they serve. One nominee from Hammer and one from NER is selected and receives their choice of a $25 gift card to Starbucks, Target, Holiday, or Cub Foods.

Click here to learn more about why Julia and Kevin were chosen as our “Caregivers of the Month” for July!

If you missed Reach for Ralph this year, you can watch this highlight video of the event. Thanks to the 230 guests, 50 volunteers, 23 sponsors and lots of community support we raised over $320,000 at our first-ever combined event! 

This well-known service station at 1490 Wayzata Blvd E has been donating to Hammer for almost 40 years. The new owner, Tony, stepped right into the long-term relationship and became one of the biggest Reach for Ralph sponsors this year!

Please support them by buying your gas and getting your car washed or serviced at their convenient location. Be sure to thank them for their support of Hammer, they love to meet our community and are truly great neighbors. 



To find out how your business can sponsor Hammer and NER, contact Angela Bernhardt at ABernhardt@hammer.org or call 952-934-8519.

Lots of fun was had at the NER Luau, which was held once again at Richard Walton Park in Oakdale.

It's been a couple of years since an in-person Luau was held for NER due to the pandemic. But on this beautiful July evening last Tuesday, many NER & Hammer staff, supported individuals, and volunteers came out for great food, conversation, dancing, and fun!

Here's a few pictures from the event. Watch soon for a video of highlights from the NER Luau!

We have a few Hammer employees celebrating significant anniversaries this month.

From left to right in the photo, Ekama Goah (APM, 5 years), Frankshield Mageriah (DSP, 5 years), and Ann Wilmes (APM, 3 years).

Congratulations and thank you for all you do for Hammer!

Here are the NER employees celebrating anniversaries with the company this month.

Kelly Jarosz (DSP, pictured top left, 24 years), Kate Dornfeld (DSP, pictured top right, 17 years), Amy Stamnes (PM, pictured bottom right, 9 years), Gregory DeKeuster (DSP, 6 years), Kevin Fruetel (PM, 5 years), and Elizabeth Schrul (Payroll & Benefits Specialist, pictured bottom left, 4 years).

Congratulations and thanks for all you do for NER!

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

Click here to go directly to the blog to browse all the great content!

Free outdoor concert in Wayzata on Wednesday, July 27 from 6:30 – 8:00pm

Do you like the Beatles? The Revolution 5, Minnesota’s premier Beatles tribute band will be performing and Hammer will be part of the groove.

The stage is set up near the depot in Wayzata Depot Park at 402 E Lake St. in Wayzata.

Hotdogs, chips, and beverages will be for sale by the Wayzata Rotary.

Bring your lawn chair and Come Together with Hammer family members and supporters.

Don’t Let Me Down - Here Comes the Sun - I Want to Hold Your Hand – Help! – With a Little Help from My Friends

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!