New Family Welcome Packet
INDEX
Hammer & NER Overview
• Our Mission, Vision, Values
• History of Hammer & NER
• Self-Determination
• Communication
• Quality Assurance
• Continuous Improvement
Who’s Who
• Organizational Membership Structure
• Departments
Staff Relations
• Hiring
• Staff Titles & Descriptions
• Scheduling
• Staff Meetings
• Manager Meetings
At the House & Apartment
• Programming
• Illness & Retirement
• Housemates
• Household Upkeep
• Recreation
• Religion, Spirituality and Faith
• Transportation
• Security
• Menus
• Holiday Planning
• Visits from Family & Friends
• Family & Guardian House Meetings
Medical
• Overview
• Nurse Involvement
• Staff Member Involvement
• Medication Systems
• Medical Appointments
• Coordination with Day Services
Finance
• Financial Information
• Authorized Representative (AREP)
• Representative Payee (Rep-Payee)
• Acronyms
Development & Fundraising
• Why Giving is Important
• Our Impact
• Our Goal
• Funds Communication
• Make an Impact. Share Your Story.
• What We Do
• How You Can Help
Volunteer Resources
• The Importance of Volunteering
• Orientation and Training
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Volunteer Recognition
• Who to Contact to Volunteer
Advocacy
• Who Can Advocate
• Advocacy Comes in Many Forms
• Advocacy Action Alert Sign Up
• Who to Contact to Get Involved
Hammer Travel
• Who We Are
• Quality of Service Standards
• Scholarships/Financial Assistance
Glossary of Terms
Mission
Hammer & NER provides adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest.
Our Values
Person-centered
Relational Stewardship Opportunistic
Our Vision Statement
Hammer & NER will continue its tradition of providing leadership and High-quality growth in the field of developmental disabilities.
Hammer & NER’s History
We started from humble roots in 1923 and were founded by Alvina Hammer Rutzen, a nurse who worked at the Faribault State Hospital. Alvina believed people with developmental and other disabilities should have opportunities to learn, grow, and become part of the communities where they lived. She started Hammer School, which later became Hammer Residences
In 1973, a group of parents came together and wanted a better life for their children. They formed Northeast Residence (NER) in a former convent in White Bear Lake
In 2023, Hammer Residences and Northeast Residence merged to become Hammer & NER, one of the largest nonprofit residential disability services providers in Minnesota. Together, Hammer & NER is opening doors and creating opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities. We invite you to get involved and become part of our extended family.
Our Vision
• Hammer & NER will continue its tradition of providing leadership and highquality growth in the field of developmental disabilities.
We will achieve this vision by:
• Providing a broad array of person-centered services that establish the market model
• Providing innovative, responsive, personalized living experiences for all ages
• Expanding our services and those served
• Diversifying our funding sources
• Building, leveraging, and broadening the reach of the Hammer brand
• Providing highly valued and sought-after knowledge and expertise
• Being the workplace of choice for highly committed, professional staff essential to and invested in our individuals and organization
• Recruiting and retaining high quality, skilled, mission-driven staff while improving our employment proposition
• Nurturing a culture of innovation, affirmation and freedom to challenge for continuous improvement
• Achieving operational and program effectiveness utilizing leading technologies
• Reinventing management and decision-making structures that serve our model of services
• Establishing sustainable, innovative, and humble leadership with high expectations, clear roles and measured performance
• "Raising the Bar" in all we do
Self-Determination
Hammer & NER's mission focuses on supporting individuals to "experience life to its fullest." A key component in that pursuit is supporting those we serve in making decisions about their lives and care. Beginning with the intake meeting, we make every effort to tailor our services to the individual; this helps us to ensure that we support each individual's goals and interests. Whether it is determining what to have for dinner, which clubs or groups to join, or what day program they attend, we believe that those we support not only have the right to choose but also have the right to learn from mistakes. We, as staff, and you as family members may not always agree with each decision made, but it is crucial that we work together to support each individual's decisions about their lives. Maintaining that control empowers each individual to live a more enriched and confident life.
Communication
As a provider of day-to-day services in people's homes, we recognize the importance of good communication with the people we support including families and staff. We are committed to providing ongoing communication regarding both the daily and significant events for those living in the home. We also invite and encourage family members to participate as much as they would like, to be a part of this process and to hold us accountable.
This may involve (but is not limited to):
• Regular e-mail updates to families
• Home newsletters where information is shared such as new staff, activities taking place in the home, and staffing changes
• Communication (e-mail or phone) with new staff members
• Regular calls to families just to check in
Quality Assurance in our Homes and Apartments
Hammer & NER's Program Committee is made up of board members, staff members and other committed individuals. This committee developed "Six Quality Measures" to measure the quality of our services at Hammer. We believe that if each home demonstrates the Six Quality Measures, we will have achieved excellence. The Six Quality Measures are used in many ways in our organization, from performance appraisals for staff members, to staff recognition programs, to setting goals for each home to strive to reach.
The Six Quality Measures are:
1. Mission Focus
o Individuals choose and realize dreams/desires and personal goals
o Individuals are encouraged to advocate for their rights and responsibilities
o Everyone is treated with respect and dignity
2. Household Environment and Safety
o The house is well-kept and clean, both inside and out
o The environmental modifications are completed in a timely manner
o Individuals are free from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation
o The physical environment is maintained in a safe manner
3. Customer Delight
o Communication with family, volunteers and others is done in a thorough and professional manner
o People are satisfied with their living arrangement
o Families and friends feel welcome in the home
o Individuals' needs are responded to in a timely manner
4. Life Skill Development
o Individuals are encouraged to participate to their highest level of independence
o Individuals are supported in maintaining meaningful relationships
o Individuals are supported in accessing community resources
5. Quality Staff
o Teams have cooperative approaches to working together
o Teams have a low turnover rate
o Team members have the resources necessary to act on behalf of individuals' needs/desires
o Staff members are well-trained and demonstrate the skills necessary to meet individuals needs/desires
o Program/medical/financial records are accurate and complete
6. Healthy Living
o Individual physical health needs are proactively and creatively supported
o Individual mental health needs are proactively and creatively supported
o Individual spiritual needs are recognized and creatively supported
o Individuals make informed decisions about their health issues
o Individual medications are given as prescribed
Continuous
Improvement
As a thriving organization, we are continuously improving the way our services are provided. We recognize that, as the desires and needs change of those we serve, so must our services. As a result, we have established many ways of gathering feedback from family members so that we may continuously improve our performance. They include:
• Most group homes and apartments hold their own House Gathering annually. These meetings are intended to bring residents, family members, staff and friends together to talk about the past year and what needs to be focused on in the year to come. Everyone is encouraged to discuss concerns and/or give positive feedback with the mutual goal of improving our quality of care.
• We will occasionally seek your feedback with surveys, asking you to rate our performance in supporting your family members.
• We complete an annual satisfaction survey with each of the people we support as a way to prepare for their Annual Planning Meeting.
Second Century Project and Implementation
As Hammer & NER moved into its second century of community support, it was determined that an assessment as well as changes were necessary to better support individuals. As of 2025, we are in the final stages of implementing this plan.
• Each site will be assessed and placed into one of three tiers of service based on physical accessibility, service type and health needs.
• Each site will be grouped into squads.
• Within squads, smaller groups will be identified and placed into co-ops.
• Additional and specialized training modules will be created for specific sites based on the needs of people served at the sites.
• These training modules will be assigned to all staff assigned to that site and co-op.
• Employees are required to complete training for all individuals within their coop and participate in additional in-person orientation.
• Program Directors oversee a squad of 6 – 9 sites, which may be a mix of waiver, apartment and ICF/DD as well as all three tier levels.
• Each site will have a Program Manager and Lead DSP assigned
• A nurse will be assigned to a group of homes for healthcare oversight.
At least annually, we review the need for additional training modules or changes to the required co-op training based on changing needs.
Who’s Who at Hammer & NER
Hammer & NER’s Organizational Membership Structure
Hammer & NER is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under the auspices of the State of Minnesota. We have a Board of Directors who act on behalf of the "membership" (see definition below).
Hammer & NER's bylaws stipulate that the membership has the responsibility to elect the members of the Board, to review the activities and financial condition of the organization and transact other necessary business. These activities are completed at our annual meeting which is held in April each year. All actions of the Board for the previous year are ratified by the membership at the annual meeting.
Hammer & NER's form of governance is unique in that each person we serve has a representative who is a "voting member" of the corporation. Generally, this member is the individual, a parent, guardian or conservator. The members of the Board of Directors are also members of the corporation. All of these members together make up the "membership" of the corporation.
Throughout the year, the ongoing leadership and oversight of Hammer & NER falls to the Board of Directors to fulfill. The Board in turn hires a chief executive officer and delegates management authority to this chief executive and his/her staff. The Board elects officers, creates policies and establishes committees as it sees fit to accomplish Hammer & NER's mission.
The following is a breakdown of Hammer & NER’s various departments including the department coordinator's name and general responsibilities. These departments
enable us to focus our efforts on specific areas and provide the best possible services to our residents and their families.
Leadership
John Estrem, CEO
Program
Sue Walker
Pam Janczewski
Jerry Le Vasseur
Finance
Kristin Pyka
Health Services
Tay Mays
• Oversees Hammer & NER
• Responsible to the Board of Directors
• Supervises C-Suite employees
• Represents the organization within the community
• Comprised of our group homes, apartment programs, case management, support planning, Medica care coordination and in-home services
• Includes all Program Directors, Program Managers and DSPs for our homes
• Responsible for providing the quality service that we continuously strive toward
• Oversees all aspects of individual care, staff training, safety and licensing
• Receives the support from additional departments
• Monitors and maintains our operating and household budgets
• Monitors our individuals’ funding sources, service agreements, etc.
• Able to serve as rep payee for our individuals if the families choose to have them do so
• Has the ability to maintain custodian accounts for our residents to be used in addition to, or in lieu of, a bank account
• Includes our in-house nursing team, as well as a contracted dietician and pharmacy representative
• Our nurses oversee the individuals living in the homes and monitor their health needs
Environmental Services
Tim Eshelman
Development/Fund
Raising
Isaiah Allen
Communication
Barbara Brandt
• Our nurses provide care for everything from minor scrapes to psychotropic medication monitoring in addition to handling communication with physicians
• Trains our new staff members in med administration and other important health and safety issues.
• Our maintenance team is responsible for maintaining our homes' safety and aesthetics
• This team of 3 responds to all requests that come from our house managers, ranging from installing flooring to painting, fixing broken appliances and general home repair
• Hammer & NER also contracts with a home security company to monitor our homes, as well as various plumbing, heating, and remodeling contractors
• Conducts monthly safety inspections in each of our homes
• Responsible for fundraising for Hammer & NER
• Creates and maintains the vital donor relationships that help make Hammer & NER an industry leader
• Works with donors to place donated funds or materials in homes as indicated
• Build relationships with people supported, staff, and stakeholders
• Lead and maintain Hammer & NER’s internal and external communications, brand, and messaging
• Lead social media for Hammer & NER
• Maintain the Hammer & NER website, social media, and
• Communication support departments at Hammer & NER
Advocacy Department
Michael Siebenaler
Volunteer Resources
Cathy Thoma
Human Resources
Kyle Fitzwater
• Works with the Public Affairs Committee around awareness of legislative issues
• Informs staff members about legislative activities and encourages advocacy
• Coordinates resident self-advocacy meetings
• Recruiting volunteers to fill opportunities for service.
• Examples of volunteer opportunities include Board members, Special Events, Community Life activities, Cooks in the Kitchen, Adopt a House, Wellness & Exercise partners, yard work, photographers, dog walkers, musicians, musical instructors, Central Office volunteers, Hammer Travel volunteers and our Make a Friend, Be a Friend program.
• Oversees employee recruitment and retention
• Develops and implements employee-related policies and procedures including the employee handbook
• Oversees employee training including initial onboarding and orientation, annual training
• Oversees employee performance measures and activities including the progressive disciplinary path
• Oversees employee pay and benefits
Hammer & NER’s Employees
Hammer & NER is an exceptional organization that is working to open doors and create opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities. Each employee at Hammer & NER contributes to our mission regardless of their position. Therefore, each person has a special role in the success of the organization.
The work that we do is focused on four core values:
Person-centered
Relational Stewardship Opportunistic
We strive to embody these values as well as foster a culture of collaboration, communication, transparency, and trust. Taking the Hammer & NER’s mission and vision as our guides, we commit to center our efforts and foster a world that provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live life to the fullest. We commit to ensuring that all our work, whether at homes and apartments, through support services, case management and care coordination, or travel, is in service to people with developmental and other disabilities to reach for opportunities and realize their dreams. We have adapted to change and changed with the times, always staying focused on meeting the needs of the people that we serve.
All employees, regardless of where they work in the organization, must pass a criminal background check. We also check driving records to ensure all employees are licensed to drive, their personal cars are insured, and that they have a driving record that meets insurance and Hammer & NER's standards.
Staff Position Titles and Descriptions
Below you will find a listing of Hammer's Residential Support Positions and acronyms.
DSP Direct Support Professional
Direct support professionals (DSP) make up most of our work force. They are the individuals who work most directly with the people we support. They provide the necessary support that enables the people we support to live each day to its fullest. The supports range from house to house and program to program, but typically involve supervision, reminders, and physical and/or verbal assistance of the person they support.
Families will see our DSPs each time they visit the home. DSPs typically can answer daily routine questions, provide observations, and communicate information to the staff team or Program Manager (PM).
LDSP Lead Direct Support Professional
PMIT Program Manager in Training
Our LDSPs have duties very similar to those of the DSP with an element of leadership added. In addition to the duties listed above, they also help the manager complete paperwork, scheduling and financial assistance. Many of our LDSPs are also in charge of ordering supplies, food and medications for our homes.
Our PMITs are individuals who have established themselves as candidates to work toward Program management positions. Often starting as DSPs or LDSPs, these individuals have demonstrated the leadership and mission focus that we look for in our managers. Before becoming managers, PMITs complete our leadership training course and work under a seasoned manager to learn the intricacies of the job.
LDSPs typically play a larger role in family communication. In addition to the above interactions, our LDSPs often manage the coordination of activities and scheduling various appointments.
Family members interactions with PMITs are typically quite similar to those of the LDSPs.
PM Program Manager
PD Program Director
CPO Chief Program Officer
Our PMs are responsible for the daily operations in our homes. In addition to supervising staff, overseeing staff scheduling, payroll, and evaluations, our Manager’s also maintain each individual’s programs and documentation. They ensure that appointments, meetings and communications are completed in a timely manner.
The Program Manager is the go to person for each home. They are the point of contact for individuals and families for all types of communication. They will then provide answers or forward the inquiry to the right department for additional support.
The Program Directors are responsible for providing support and supervision for the house managers and the in-home staff for up to eight homes. Additionally, the Directors' team works on internal improvement projects, completes licensing requirements, and oversees internal committees.
Our Director’s team is always available to answer questions and field concerns. They are the person to contact when the Manager is on leave or unavailable. Additionally, our Directors carry our emergency cell phone and assist the homes and families in emergencies.
The Chief Program Officer oversees all the individuals named above.
You may contact the CPO at any time if you have questions, concerns or suggestions.
Once an employee is hired to work in our homes, they start an intensive and ongoing training process. This training includes:
Two days of general orientation, including but not limited to:
• Vulnerable adult/child protection laws
• Hammer & NER philosophy of service
• Personnel policies
• Person Centered Planning & Thinking
• Rights of People Supported
• Medical issues
• Life safety
Medical Training including but limited to:
• How to use Hammer & NER's medication software to document administration
• How to administer medications correctly
• How to handle medications safely
• First Aid
• OSHA Training
• CPR and First Aid is completed within the employees first 45 days
Physical Intervention Alternative training
Specific orientation at the location they will be working:
• Individual needs/desires
• Individual programming needs
• House routines
• Use of lift van if necessary
Once an employee has passed a tuberculosis test and completed the first days of orientation, they are able to begin training in the house with the manager and house staff. This training is tailored to the specific home where they will be working and includes a review of the individuals' programming and health needs, important routines and interaction strategies.
Also, under Hammer & NER's licensing requirements, any employee who works in a group home is required to attend a set number of additional training hours each year. These alternate classes include training in things like team building,
medication administration, stress management and information on diagnosis and syndromes.
Staff Meetings
Staff meetings are a critical time for the staff team to communicate with each other about the individuals they support and general household issues. Families will be invited to attend and be a part of the process of planning for the home and problem solving any issues that need attention. The following are the parameters for the staff meetings:
• Staff meetings are mandatory for all staff to attend.
• Families may be invited periodically to attend staff meetings to discuss issues related to their family member.
• Confidentiality of the people we support will be honored (sensitive topics such as behavior will be discussed at other times or at a planned time in the meeting with the people we support when family members are not present).
Manager’s Meetings
In addition to the meetings listed above, Hammer & NER's management team meets monthly to discuss changes, updates, and internal issues. These meetings allow for Hammer & NER's administration to update the management team on policy changes, bring in speakers to educate or inform, and encourage collaboration and connection between the managers in our homes and apartments.
There are also numerous other areas to learn and grow within Hammer & NER such as key work in DEI, Person Centeredness, Technology training, and annual mandatory training and opportunities driven by the Department of Human Services.
At the House and Apartment Building
Programming
Our primary goals in caring for our individuals are to ensure their safety, nurture talents and build skills. To achieve these goals, we work with the families, day programs and other team members to develop a comprehensive set of documents below called our Program Plan.
• An Individual Abuse Program Plan (IAPP)
o This document is a compilation of information about the individual's potential for risk in various situations. This plan not only informs staff and team members of risk, it also provides support and guidance about how to avoid, and respond, if necessary to those potential risk situations.
• Functional Skills Assessment
o This document serves as a supplement to the IAPP but focuses more on capabilities versus risks. This plan informs team members about the individual's specific needs in various situations and informs them about the type of interactions and assistance that should be provided.
• Support Plan
o We work with the county case manager to ensure that an updated Individual Support Plan is in place and implemented.
• Person Centered Practice
o At admission and at least annually thereafter, we interview each person to determine changes in their desires for services.
o We minimally ask and work with them to determine what is important to and for them.
o Overall support plans include person centered approaches based on their lifestyles, culture and learning styles.
• Formal Outcomes
o We work with the individuals, their families and other team members to assess areas for skill building. Upon identifying these areas, we work together to develop outcomes that will assist the individual in building these skills. We track data on these outcomes to assist in the evaluation of these skills and determine the level of success. These outcomes are updated as needed, depending on a number of factors including success rate, participation and relevance.
• Informal Outcomes
o Also the result of discussions with families and team members, informal outcomes are designed to aid in maintaining skills. These are mainly used to ensure that certain activities that the individual is able to complete independently are occurring regularly.
These programs are developed by the Team beginning at the 45-day Initial Support Planning meeting (30 days for ICF/DD) which is scheduled to allow your loved one to move and get settled in their new home. It also allows team members to assess any new needs that may arise as a result of moving to a new setting. These meetings then occur at least annually to assess needs, wishes and concerns. As with all communication, your input on these documents and outcomes is highly encouraged.
All staff members are trained in Hammer & NER's procedures regarding handling emergencies. If an emergency takes place when managers and directors can't be reached, Hammer & NER has an emergency cell phone which is always carried by one of the program directors. Our staff members are directed to call the emergency cell phone if they are having trouble getting help. Also, while we try to deal with all feasible issues internally, staff members will not hesitate to call 911 if the situation calls for it.
What Happens When a Resident is Sick, Between Jobs, or Retired?
If your family member is not feeling well enough to go to his/her typical daytime activity and needs to stay home, we will provide the appropriate staffing necessary. A Hammer & NER nurse is assigned to each house and can help determine what care is necessary for him/her. If your family member is between jobs or is retired, we have a program where he/she is able to go during the day for recreation and leisure activities.
Housemates
While everyone at Hammer & NER has his/her own room, we work very hard to ensure good housemate compatibility within our homes. In addition, we are committed to the following:
• Inviting prospective referrals to visit, tour, eat dinner and participate in at least one house event with potential housemates.
• We support and encourage self-advocacy within and outside the home and community by hosting house meetings, house gatherings and advocacy at the capital.
Despite our best proactive efforts, conflicts can come up between housemates at any time. We have, on occasion, moved people around within the Hammer & NER community when a conflict requires such action.
Household Upkeep
It is our belief that the homes belong to those living in them and that our staff members are present to act as support. In homes, an individual may decorate and keep their room as they wish. In an apartment, the same is true of the whole apartment.
Therefore, all the tasks that are involved in keeping a home running are done by those individuals as much as possible. We encourage those living in our homes to be as involved as they can be in caring for all aspects of their home life, including laundry, cooking and housecleaning. Each house has a budget for groceries and cleaning supplies.
We develop a program that works with the individual's abilities. If an individual is not capable of doing a job by themselves, a staff member will work with them to help improve or maintain their abilities. We also have a maintenance crew who can be called in to modify or repair equipment as needed.
Hammer & NER has staff members who are responsible for communicating to all our program staff about recreation and leisure activities going on in the area. Activities that take place at the East and West offices include bingo, movies, arts and crafts, walking club etc. Hammer & NER also has a bowling league at Texatonka Lanes in the spring and summer. Individuals are able to choose which activities they enjoy and would like to participate in with the
assistance of staff. All recreation opportunities are posted on Hammer & NER's Intranet, and all staff members have access to recreation information.
Religion, Spirituality and Faith
Many of the individuals we support practice their unique faith in their own way. We encourage and support people to practice and celebrate their religion and faith, whenever possible. Hammer & NER has a relationship with many organizations in our communities as well as volunteers who can drive individuals to and from facilities. We do our best to keep these relationships strong and will assist in finding a religious community if individuals are in need of assistance. It should be noted that many of our wonderful and hardworking employees practice their faith as well and with that may be provided time during their shifts to pray or otherwise practice their faith in private.
Transportation
All of our homes and apartments have a designated vehicle. Our staff members provide transportation to and from activities to promote community integration. When there is not a Hammer& NER vehicle available, our staff members must use their own vehicles. In this case, they document the miles they've driven and get reimbursed accordingly. Staff members also get reimbursed for their expenses when taking an individual on any kind of activity that costs money.
Most of our individuals work with day programs or job placement companies; transportation to work or day programs is provided by the company they work with.
Some of our individuals can also sign up for their own rides through Plymouth Link, Metro Mobility, ride share providers, or the local bus serve. If an individual uses these services, they are responsible for the costs. If you have transportation questions, please reach out to your site Program Manager or Program Director for specific area providers.
Security
Keyless entry systems have been installed in each of our homes to better ensure the security of our homes. All our employees and some individuals that we support have a badge. Before entering a home, they 'wave' their badge in front of the keyless entry sensor. This gives us the ability to control
access for all card holders at any time or unlock doors remotely from the main office via the Internet.
Fire alarm systems in some homes are monitored by a security company and are directly linked to the fire department. If the alarm is tripped, it immediately calls a central monitoring company that notifies the fire and police departments, who then responds to the call. These systems are checked regularly by our maintenance staff as well as annually by the fire marshal. Additionally, Hammer & NER staff members perform fire and severe weather drills on a regular basis in our homes (excluding apartments)
Household Menus
In the interest of providing the individuals we support with a healthy variety of meal options, we contracted a registered dietician to assist with the development of our menus. These menus rotate on a seasonal basis and considerations are made for various dietary needs. Our dietician creates plans for individuals with specific needs such as reduced sodium, reduced calorie, reduced cholesterol, etc. Of course, we recognize there is always an element of choice regarding meal planning, so occasionally changes or substitutions might be made to suit individuals' specific tastes or preferences. Menus were recently updated as of May 2025.
Holiday Planning
Scheduling staff time for holidays can be a challenging process. We ask that family members inform us of holiday plans as much in advance as possible but request a minimum of two weeks' notice regarding your holiday plans. This will enable us to figure out if we need staff scheduled or if the house will be closing during a particular holiday.
Visits from Family and Friends
We believe that family interaction and involvement is critically important for the individuals we serve, and we encourage families to feel welcome in our homes or apartments. We welcome all families to visit, join us for dinner, participate in outings and in general become an involved member of our community. In the interest of scheduling, we do ask that family members provide at least a moderate notice so that housemates can be prepared, and staff can make sure your family member is available and not othe rwise engaged.
It should be noted that the state rate setting methodology dictates our payment structure for services and includes a slight adjustment for “leave days”. If your loved one is out of the house more than 24 hours, we do not get reimbursed for services. Based on the frequency of leave days, we may need to request additional funding and an increase in the rate. Ultimately, this increased rate is up to the county.
Family & Guardian House Meetings
Typically, Hammer & NER programs enjoy hosting an annual "House Gathering." These events offer a wonderful opportunity for the personality of the household to "shine" and for families, individuals, staff and management to come together as a team and plan for success in the coming year. House Gatherings vary in frequency, theme and formality but often involve a presentation from the manager or director, input from our executive team and involvement by individuals. Hammer & NER also host organization wide events for all stakeholders: Spring Breakfast, Reach for Ralph, Summer Picnic
Changes and End of Life – Continuum of Care
Hammer & NER recognizes that our needs change as we age, and we work hard to support these changes in a graceful manner. We have modified our services or resources to be able to continue to serve people throughout their entire life. We will do this with the support of families, medical professionals and hospice services whenever appropriate. Based on changing needs, we will review our internal openings and discuss potential changes to services as well as location in an effort to best provide services.
Our end-of-life mission statement is: "It is Hammer & NER's intention to foster an open culture which recognizes and supports all phases of life. For those we serve, their end-of-life planning will be compassionate and personalized, guiding all involved in the process with dignity and respect."
Medical at Hammer & NER
Today, individuals with developmental disabilities are seen in various communities, settings, houses, and schools. To meet the needs of the people we serve, specialty nursing practice in developmental disabilities has evolved. At Hammer & NER a partnership model of nursing care has evolved. The partnership model emphasizes the equal partnership among the nurse, the caregiver and the person we serve as all partners working to maximum quality of life and minimizes the limitations associated with the disability. The process of maximum quality of life and minimizing the limitations are facilitated by our in-house nursing department. At Hammer & NER we are proud of our nursing team that has over 50 years of combined nursing experience of consulting and empowering staff members and medical providers to ensure quality care for those we serve while supporting each other.
Nurse Involvement
The function of a Hammer & NER nurse is to promote optimum development and health of the people we serve and assist other staff in meeting the regulations necessary for licensing. Every home/site is assigned a nurse who will interact with
individuals in a supportive, caring and professional manner. The house nurse participates in an assessment of each person they serve. From the assessment, plans are created to meet the individual needs of the person being served.
Implementation of interventions is completed by a partnership with the nurse, staff and person being served. Lastly, an evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions is an ongoing process by the entire team to meet the care needs of individuals. Staff members know they can call the nurse at any time if they have a question or concern. There is an emergency nurse cell phone that is carried by one of our nurses at all times.
Sta ff Member Involvement
The staff members who work in our group homes participate in a rigorous training program of health services that include Activities of Daily Living, First Aid and Medication Administration. These staff members implement the health plan developed by the house nurse in conjunction with families and medical providers. These care plans are continuously updated with feedback and observations based on staff members’ daily interactions with the individuals they support.
Our direct support professionals are able to contact our nursing team any time of day via phone and email. Our nursing team also provides after-hours emergency cell phone coverage 7 days a week 365 days of the year.
Medication Systems
Hammer & NER uses CaraSolva (see Glossary) for documentation of medication administration. It provides electronic access to medication records for Hammer & NER nurses and direct support professionals in each home. This improves accuracy, increases efficiency and allows staff members to respond to medical needs with the most up-to-date information.
Hammer & NER uses a pharmacy called Geritom. We strongly recommend the use of Geritom to ensure consistency for our staff members who administer the
medications. Hammer & NER 's medication training includes specifics related to Geritom's packaging styles and label information: deviations from this packaging can prove troublesome in the medication administration process.
Medical Appointments
Hammer & NER is mandated by state and county agencies to provide our individuals with proper medical care. As an organization, we ensure that other individuals we support are seen by all necessary medical professionals in a timely manner. In most cases, Hammer & NER nurses and/or house staff will schedule, transport and advocate for all individual's medical appointments. We do encourage families to stay involved with this process as much as possible so, in some cases, these duties are shared with families.
In order to adequately track all medication orders, changes and updates, our nurses developed a unique "referral form" for each appointment. These forms include all of the individual's medications, allergies, medical diagnosis, etc., as well as areas for the physician to transcribe orders as they see fit. Also on this form is the contact information for the house nurse so the physician's office can fax the form to the nurse when the appointment is completed. This system ensures that all orders are communicated efficiently and effectively.
Coordination with Day Services
Hammer & NER house staff members and nurses also communicate and coordinate medical needs with others i.e. day programs, schools, family members etc. With adequate notice and open communication, we make sure that all team members have the medications they need for administration when that need occurs outside of the home.
Financial Information
Figuring out the details for one's finances can be very tricky. As a service to our individuals, Hammer & NER can act as your family member's Authorized Representative for County administered programs as well as Representative Payee for Social Security benefits. The following information is being provided to aid you in deciding whether or not you wish to utilize this service.
Authorized Representative (AREP)
The Authorized Representative is the person who acts on behalf of the individual to administer all county forms and apply for all programs that they are potentially eligible for.
Hammer & NER’s Responsibilities as AREP
Hammer & NER completes and submits all reviews
Hammer & NER completes and submits reports
Hammer & NER handles all county financial requests
Hammer & NER knows the County financial team
Hammer & NER receives funds directly if the resident is eligible for Housing Support
Family Responsibilities as AREP
Family completes all reviews
Family completes and submits monthly reports
Family handles county financial requests
Family deals with the County directly
Family will receive a monthly bill from Hammer &. NER for room and board charges
Representative Payee (Rep Payee)
The Representative Payee is the person who acts on behalf of the individual to administer Social Security benefits.
Hammer & NER’s Responsibilities as Rep Payee Family Responsibilities as Rep Payee
Hammer & NER completes and submits annual accounting to Social Security
Hammer & NER submits all reviews
Hammer & NER receives Social Security funds directly
Hammer & NER documents personal needs used in the Custodian Account
Hammer & NER applies Social Security funds toward room and board costs
Family completes and submits annual accounting to Social Security
Family completes and submits all reviews
Family receives Social Security funds
Family keeps track of all funds and must set aside personal needs each month
Family will receive a monthly bill from Hammer & NER for room and board charges
Possible Financial Acronyms You May Encounter:
RSDI - Retirement, Survivors & Disability Insurance: Federal money paid to an individual monthly based on a parent’s entitlement records or a deceased spouse. To qualify, the Social Security Administration will determine if the person is eligible.
SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance: Federal money paid to individuals monthly based on work credits earned by themselves.
SSI - Supplemental Security Income: Federal money paid to individuals monthly based on financial need. Recipients must be elderly or disabled and have insufficient work credits available to meet their basic needs as set forth by the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
SSA - Social Security Administration: A federal agency responsible for administering SSI, SSDI, and RSDI.
MSA – Minnesota Supplemental Aid: A State program that is available to adults that are disabled, aged, or blind that meet certain guidelines through the county they are residing.
GRH - Group Residential Housing, known now as Housing Supports: State program that is administered to the Provider to assist with paying the difference between the room-and-board rate and the individual’s available income.
MA - Medical Assistance/Medicaid: A public program that helps individuals with their medical expenses.
MA - EPD - Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities: State program in which disabled individuals who earn over $65.01 per month, but whose total income is over the MA guidelines. A premium will be invoiced from the State, the premium is based on average monthly income. The program covers the same services as regular MA.
SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A program that helps people in community settings to pay for food. *Note: This program is not available to Group Home Individuals because their food needs are provided in their room and board costs.
Additional acronyms that pertain to benefits can be found at https://mn.db101.org/glossary.htm
Fundraising at
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to its fullest—regardless of their challenges. Donations help us provide vital services and programs to ensure every person we support is valued, belongs, and has the resources they need to thrive. Join us in making a lasting difference!
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to help individuals with developmental and other disabilities live life to its fullest.
OUR IMPACT
370 People supported in homes and apartments
1,500 People supported by Customized Support Services
68 Homes and apartments within the Twin Cities
608 Full and part-time employees at Hammer & NER
The Hammer & NER Development Department is dedicated to advancing our mission by building meaningful, long-term relationships with individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations. We prioritize equity, inclusivity, and collaboration to create sustainable funding sources that empower our community and foster systemic change. Through transparent and mutually respectful engagement, we aim to create lasting partnerships that support the well-being and belonging of those we serve.
Donors can contribute to Funds that most closely align with their interests and passions:
Area Of Greatest Need Fund
These funds are used where there is the greatest need for those served. Of all the ways to give, this fund allows us the most flexibility to fulfill our mission.
Home Improvement Fund
Hammer & NER has an ongoing need for funds to make repairs and improvements to each home to meet the special needs of the people we serve.
Home Activities Fund
Gifts to this fund can be designated to a specific Hammer & NER home for activities such as a special dinner or event. These opportunities help to create the uniquely joyful atmosphere experienced in our homes.
Quality-of-Life Fund
The Quality of Life Fund is a resource for individual residents, especially those whose families who cannot help them financially. Contributing to this fund is one important way to assure that all members of the Hammer & NER family have the resources to live full lives.
Staff Training and Education Fund
This fund offers educational grants and training for Hammer & NER ’s dedicated staff members to gain knowledge in order to provide optimal services for the people we serve.
Endowment Funds
Through dollars earned from Hammer & NER’s Endowment Funds, we are able to develop programs, cover unexpected costs, and resolve challenging issues. Donors can make outright as well as planned gifts to the endowment funds.
For more information contact Isaiah Allen, Chief Development Officer, at Isaiah.Allen@hammer.org or call 952-277-2436 or visit our website at Hammer.org/give.
Make an Impact. Share Your Story.
The Communication Department strategically advances the organization by raising public awareness and increasing the visibility of our services, sharing success stories, and highlighting the positive impact your support has on the individuals we serve.
Here’s What We Do
• Build new relationships to increase storytelling opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify and develop personal stories.
• Strengthen internal communication to engage and inform employees.
• Publish our Discoveries magazine twice a year, sharing impactful stories of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Develop an Annual Report highlighting financial health and key updates.
• Pursue media opportunities to expand and broaden our reach.
• Enhance social media presence through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a blog.
• Maintain an updated website with current and useful information.
• Create engaging videos to introduce our mission to new audiences.
• Support fundraising events like Reach for Ralph and other organizational events.
Here’s How You Can Help
• What is the story you have to tell?
• What photos or brief information can you share with us to help illustrate your story?
• Are there any upcoming opportunities for us to document or attend an event to help develop a story?
• Does your loved one want to be a voice for individuals with disabilities?
• Can you share a photo of an individual supported living their best life?
• Do you want to contribute a future article to our Discoveries magazine, or write for our weekly blog?
• Do you want to highlight a caregiver for the high quality of their service for an ARRM Award or ANCOR Award (Please provide details.)
If you would like to know more about how you can support our communication efforts and help further our mission, please contact Barbara Brandt, Director of Communication, at Barbara.Brandt@hammer.org or 952-277- 2448
Who We Are
Hammer & NER’s Volunteer Department will connect volunteers, who share common interests, with individuals with developmental disabilities in order to contribute to living life to its fullest. Through the support of volunteers, we will seek to connect resources with the individuals we support, staff, and systems as a means of growing our work and mission The volunteer department at Hammer & NER has over 600 active volunteers.
Orientation and Training
Volunteers are matched to positions according to their interests and availability. All volunteers are interviewed, screened and go through volunteer orientation prior to starting their role. Volunteer screening includes the interview, criminal background checks, and driver’s license checks if the volunteer will be driving their vehicle. Volunteer orientation includes Hammer & NER’s history, volunteer policies and procedures, confidentiality, HIPAA, and our maltreatment policy/procedure.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many volunteers work directly with the people supported based upon common interests. These one-one volunteer positions include, but are not limited to basketball, bowling, church drivers, computer tutors, concerts, crafts, exercise partners, guitar instructors, journaling, movies, museum escorts, out to eat, piano instructors, pet therapy, reading tutors, sports, voice lessons. All of these needs are based on the
current needs and wants of the individuals we support. Hammer & NER also has many volunteer opportunities that usually do not have direct contact with the individuals we support. These volunteer roles include: Cooks in the Kitchen volunteer, office assistants, event assistants, committee members, newsletter writers, photographers, gardeners, rakers, window washers, and board members.
Volunteer Recognition
We recognize our volunteers throughout the year with birthday cards, anniversary cards, welcome cards, and an annual thank you from all of the people supported and staff. We also nominate volunteers throughout the year for community awards. We also recognize our staff for working well with volunteers. The volunteer staff writes articles for Hammer & NER’s newsletter, Discoveries, where you will also find our most up-to-date volunteer needs. We also put out a volunteer e-newsletter three times per year. And, we also submit volunteer stories to our website, staff newsletter, and to community publications.
Interesting in Volunteering?
You can enhance someone’s life by just spending time with them! Helping a person with intellectual and other disabilities reach their goals is an amazing gift that you can give.
As a volunteer, you will help people experience life to its fullest. It is our hope that by making a friend, a strong bond will develop, and the relationship continues for many years.
Everyone who resides in Hammer & NER supported homes, and their families, are invited to join our advocacy efforts.
Advocacy Comes in Many Forms
Hammer & NER offer ways to help individuals get more involved in the issues that affect you and our homes, residents and families. Government programs provide the majority of our resources to serve residents. It is critical that we express our needs and concerns to those who regulate and fund our services.
Hammer & NER also offers a seat on the Advocacy Committee. This is a group of family members and volunteers who meet once per month to discuss current issues and how we may respond to them.
You are invited to join them.
Join our advocacy team by registering for action alerts and news on our website at Hammer.org/advocate
You can also contact our Director of Advocacy, Mike Siebenaler, at Michael.siebenaler@hammer.org
Hammer & NER Travel, LLC
Hammer & NER Travel, LLC is a subsidiary of Hammer & NER that provides travel opportunities for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Since 2009 Hammer & NER Travel has offered quality and safe travel experiences that promote social inclusion, independence, self-confidence and personal growth. This department of Hammer & NER not only serves people living in our residential programs, but from around the country as well, which enhances the cultural aspect of travel and broadens the reach of our mission.
With trips ranging from a two-night stay at the Wisconsin Dells, to a week in Paris, France, there is a trip for everyone’s interest and comfort level. To find out more visit Hammertravel.org
Our Quality - of - Service Standards
• Safety: Our travel team receives thorough update-to-date training, including CPR, First Aid, Behavioral Supports and other training specific to individuals needs to benefit safety and enhance the trip for travelers and staff alike.
• Destination/Variety: We strive to make every experience unique by finding destination specific activities as well as visiting the popular attractions.
• Level of Assistance Ratio: Our staff-to-traveler ratio is typically 1:4 but can be reduced depending on need.
• Traveler Satisfaction: Our travelers will be provided with a detailed trip itinerary, nonstop flights (unless prohibitive), efficient and safe transportation at each destination, comfortable accommodations, excellent staff support, and a range of wonderful activities.
• Social Excursions: we offer trips with exciting activities that promote social enhancement, interaction, and friendship while staying closer to home.
• Family Travel Assistance: Let us assist you with finding the accommodations and services that best suit your needs, or we can put together an all-inclusive vacation package for your family, including a staff member to travel with you if desired.
• Individual Vacation: We can help to arrange vacations for individuals and groups alike. If you prefer to travel by yourself or exclusively with a group of friends, give us a call and we will work with you to put together an all-inclusive vacation package (with staffing if needed) tailored to your wishes.
Scholarships
Travel plays an important part in living a full life, experiential learning and much more but can be expensive. We are proud to offer a solution by providing limited financial assistance to select individuals interested in traveling on group trips with us.
Limited resources are available for financial assistance; therefore, not everyone will be able to receive a travel scholarship. Recipients will be selected based on financial need, travel history, expected benefit, desired travel destinations and more.
Call the Hammer Travel department at 877 - 345 - 8599 for more information .
Abbreviation
Glossary of Terms
Carasolva Electronic medication administration record
CIK
Cooks in the Kitchen
DHS Department of Human Service
Demographic
Collateral Update
CaraSolva is the computer-based medication tracking system that Hammer & NER uses. This system is used for med sheets and tracking medication administration records. This system is maintained by our nursing staff and is used by our staff to ensure that we are providing individuals we support with their medications and treatments.
Cooks in the Kitchen is a volunteer opportunity that supports our programs in providing meals each week.
DHS sets policies and directs payment for most of the services provided. DHS regulates licensing and standards for waivered homes and apartments throughout Minnesota
Demographics/Collaterals are forms that we use to keep all pertinent information about our individuals in one location, typically stored in our Netsmart system. These forms contain vital information such as birth dates, guardianship info, hospital preference, day program info, insurance, etc.
DSP
Direct Service Professional
DSPs are the household staff members that provide supervision and support for the individuals we serve. They focus on the day-to-day cares of the household and individuals.
Float
Support Staff
GT GrapeTree
Our Float staff serve as Direct Support Professionals that go where the needs are. They are managed by our Scheduling Manager that assigns them to the houses that are in need of staffing.
GrapeTree is a staffing agency that assists companies like Hammer & NER when we have open shifts. In the event that we are not able to fill a shift with our staff, we call GrapeTree and they fill the shift with their support staff. These staff are all trained in CPR, medication administration, first aid, etc.
HRC Human Rights Committee
Hammer & NER’s Human Rights Committee oversees the use of psychotropic medications and right restrictions for our ICF programs. This committee is comprised of program directors, family members, community members, a pharmacist and a nurse. The goal of this committee is to ensure that our individuals are taking the most therapeutic dose of medications possible and that the restrictions in place have an active plan to be removed or lessened. Individuals are reviewed based on their stability (determined through their interfering behavior or additions of new psychotropic medications) but at least annually The committee meets quarterly.
LDSP Lead Direct Support Professional
MDH Minnesota Department of Health
Leads provide support and guidance to the DSPs on shift as well as assist the manager in some administration duties. They can have a particular focus like Medical, Financial or Activities but all of them have the skills to help in those areas.
Minnesota Department of Health regulates licensing and standards for ICF homes throughout Minnesota
Metro Mobility
Metro Mobility is a transportation company that is used for many individuals to get around the city. In many cases, Metro takes our residents to and from work and in some cases, provides transportation for medical appointments or activities. Metro covers individuals served by BI, CADI, DD waiver.
Metro Move
MyEvolve Netsmart
Metro Move is a new public transit choice for people who are on the West side of the Metro and are served by a BI, CADI, or DD waiver and take regularly scheduled trips to access day support services, jobs, and community resources. It offers a wide service area and extended hours of operation. Plus, riding Metro Move does not impact a person’s ability to ride Metro Mobility. People eligible for both services can choose to use either service to best meet their needs.
Our Netsmart system is a fully web-based, ONCcertified electronic health record with comprehensive clinical, financial and operational features where we pull data for outcomes and bill for services. It was designed specifically for intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism service, behavioral health among other demographics. The platform is comprised of simplified evaluation tools that enable real-time access to individual records – from anywhere.
PD
Program Director
PM Program Manager
Program Directors supervise the Program Managers while also serving on committees, managing licensing and various quality improvement projects.
The Program Manager is the supervisor of the home. They are responsible for overall operations in the homes and are the direct supervisors for the
PMIT
Program Manager in Training
QOL Quality of Life
LDSP and DSP. They are the primary contact for the guardians.
Program Managers in Training are staff members who are in the process of learning the role and duties of a Program Manager. These individuals assist with meeting preparation as well as administrative duties.
Hammer' & NER’s Quality of Life Fund is a pool of donated money that is available for the individuals we support. This fund is intended to help our individuals take part in activities and life-enriching experiences. This fund helps ensure that money is not an obstacle for individuals to enjoy full lives.
RFR
Reach for Ralph
Referral Form Medical documentation form for appointments
Ride Service
Our largest annual fundraising event. Each year a new theme is chosen to celebrate Hammer and raise funds for the coming year to support our individuals.
Referrals are used for all medical appointments. These documents are prepared by our nurses and are brought to appointments either by staff or family members. These forms are filled out by the physician and are used to track changes in orders, medications, etc. It is crucial that we are informed about all appointments so we can provide the referral to best support any changes from the physicians.
Lyft/ Uber Lyft and Uber are common ride services that our individuals have access to in cases where Metro services are unavailable.
SP Support Plan The Support Plan is comprised of three different forms the Self Satisfaction Survey, ISSA (Intensive
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self-service Assessment), and IAPP (Individual Abuse Prevention Plan).
The Self Satisfaction Survey is where the individual can state what is important to them and establish what is important for them.
The ISSA covers functional skills, strengths and abilities in areas in which the individual may need support covering information from Activities of Daily Living, communication, dietary needs among other areas, as well as staff ’s responsibilities to help the individual. It can also be called the SelfManagement Assessment.
The IAPP covers any potential areas the individual is susceptible to by others, the person’s risk of abusing other vulnerable people and how staff will support the individual to prevent harm from happening
All of these forms are used to cultivate goals and outcomes for the individual to work on and grow.
UR Utilization Review
The utilization review is a bi-annual audit of Hammer's documentation as it relates to our residents. This audit is carried out by an external agency for our ICF homes. For our waivered homes, we complete an internal audit. These audits serve as an opportunity for our homes to get outside feedback and ensure we are completing our documentation properly.