— We have the best volunteers! 406 volunteers donated 10,530 hours. They helped at events like Reach for Ralph, our annual Luau, and Family Day Picnic. They also spent one-on-one time with those we support. Per the Independent Sector, the dollar value (MN) of $36.31/hour equates to $382,344.30!
FUNDRAISING
— Thank you to the 1,056 family members, volunteers, community partners, and Hammer & NER employees who contributed $1,849,481 to support our mission.
Thank you to our 266 first-time donors!
Thank you to our 92 monthly donors (including staff)!
We are grateful to all our donors, volunteers, community partners, and staff who help us live our mission each day. Together, we provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest.
COOKS IN THE KITCHEN
—
Our Cooks in the Kitchen volunteers prepared 6,600 meals for our homes!
EMPLOYEES
— Our 450+ full-time and 120+ part-time employees help us live out our mission each day.
PEOPLE SUPPORTED — More than 360 people reside in our homes and apartment programs. Another 1,498 individuals receive Customized Support Services.
IMPROVING LIVES
— Here are a few ways our generous contributors helped improve the lives of those we support:
• Medical needs not covered by insurance for 20 individuals, including appointments, medications, therapy sessions, and more.
• Dental needs not covered by insurance for 60 individuals, including appointments, dental care supplies, crowns, root canals, and more.
• 121 recreational outings, including community registrations and sporting events, which provide lifeenriching experiences.
• New furniture for 10 homes, including reclining chairs and new mattresses.
EDUCATION GRANTS
— Our donors helped provide $31,000 in employee education grants to staff like Amelia.
Annual Report 2024
LETTER FROM THE CEO
If you were to ask me what the key to our organization’s success and longevity is—after all, we have a combined 150+ years of service, I would say it is the way we have remained true to our values.
Valuing those we serve: To meet the changing needs of those we support as they age, we must continue renovating some of our homes to make them more accessible. We must provide our direct support staff with ongoing and specialized training to care for more medical needs. We must grow and expand our access to resources. With that in mind, in 2024 we began exploring a merger with Living Well Disability Services, which specializes in caring for those with higher needs. Our Boards voted to move forward, and we anticipate completing the merger in January 2026.
Valuing our staff: Over the last few years, we have worked hard to provide staff with pay increases to honor their hard work, dedication, and commitment to ongoing training. A year ago, we were concerned about hiring, but we have made great strides. Now it is about how we retain those staff and keep them satisfied. I am proud of the work we’ve done around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is one of the values we live out each day. Too many people have experienced discrimination in the workplace. Some of our newer staff tell us they came to Hammer & NER because of our DEI work. It’s about creating opportunity for all. It is a value that flows naturally out of our work with people who live with a disability. We value being intentional about removing barriers so that the same opportunities are open to everyone.
Valuing our leadership: Our Board President, Blaine Stephens, just completed his three-year term. His sensible leadership and steady hand have been critical, most especially as we moved through the COVID-19 pandemic and the merger with NER. Blaine kept his eye on the bigger picture which is important in a Board President. I am thankful for all that he has helped us accomplish. Blaine will continue to serve on the Board. Thank you, Blaine.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
John Estrem – CEO
Kristin Pyka – CFO
Isaiah Allen – Chief Development Officer
Lin Curran – Chief of Operations
Kyle Fitzwater – Chief Human Resources Officer
Sue Walker – Chief Program Officer
Valuing our donors and community partners: Once again, we ended the year meeting our fundraising goals. We continue to be amazed by the generosity and commitment of so many individuals and organizations who support our mission. Thank you for all that you do.
Here’s to another year of working together to help those we support continue to live life to its fullest.
Blessings,
John Estrem, CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025
Mitch Ringe, President
Michelle Olson, Vice Pesident
Laurie Moga, Secretary
Richard Stoebe, Treasurer
Robert Lockwood
Barb Peterson
Blaine Stephens
Kevin Walli
Nancy Wurm
Somah Yarney
Our spring All-Staff meeting
The guys from our Jersey home and their staff
LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
As outgoing Board President, I am proud of all we as a community were able to accomplish in 2024. Here are some highlights:
1. We expanded our Cooks in the Kitchen program to our White Bear Lake office by setting up a fully functional kitchen on the lower level. We’re thankful to all the volunteers who helped this growing program gain traction.
2. We launched the much-anticipated Day Supports Program (also located at our White Bear Lake office building).
3. We continue to make accessibility upgrades to our homes. These updates provide more accessible, safe, and comfortable living environments for the people we support and allow staff to maneuver through our homes more easily.
4. We continue to grow our specialized training programs that are designed to meet the specific needs of each person we support.
5. And of course, our annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser is always a highlight, raising nearly $338,000 last year.
There are so many people and organizations to thank for their ongoing commitment which made all these accomplishments possible. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in 2025 by working together to support the mission of this wonderful organization.
Blaine Stephens
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS December 31, 2023 and 2024
Numbers provided are unaudited.
Blaine and his wife, Julia, at Reach for Ralph
JESSICA’S STORY
A life in full bloom
By Ted Wentink & Erin Dunn
Our daughter, Jessica, started her Hammer & NER journey 12 years ago when she moved into the Lake Place apartment program. Although she was 26 years old, we were hesitant to have her leave home, but we also wanted Jessica to develop an independent lifestyle with a close circle of friends. We knew that at some point in our lives, we would not be able to provide everything she needed. We wanted to do everything possible to set her up for success.
We remember when we first met with the team at Hammer to discuss whether Jessica was a candidate for their independent living program. They were so supportive and informative. They painted a picture of how Jessica could realize her dream of living independently, while growing her peer group and forging new relationships. A light bulb turned on for us and we were able to envision what this would mean for Jessica.
Now, 12 years later, Jessica has developed an independent lifestyle with a close circle of friends. We have seen our daughter fully bloom. Hammer & NER provides a variety of activities including cardio fitness, bowling, dances, and healthy cooking classes. They also coordinate transportation to and from work and day programs. They track Jessica’s healthcare needs and manage her finances. Each day, everyone gathers in the staff apartment to enjoy dinner and to talk about their day.
OUT
& ABOUT
Jessica, Erin, and Ted enjoy taking family vacations to ranches where they move cattle and participate in ranch rodeos. Jessica is building her riding skills through the We Can Ride therapeutic riding program.
Jessica has told us some of her favorite memories include the Hammer Travel trips. Every year, we go through the brochure, and she picks a trip. Last fall, Jessica did the Colorado Excursion, which included the Georgetown Loop Scenic Railroad ride as well as visiting the Boulder area. The staff that accompany travelers have always been outstanding.
When we think about Hammer & NER, we know that they serve the most important needs for people. They provide homes—real homes. They have provided Jessica with a sense of independence, and everyone has become part of the family. As parents, they have given us peace of mind.
