Welcome to Hammer & NER A Guide for New Families & People We Support
We are so glad you’re here This packet is your guide to life at Hammer & NER. Whether you are the person moving in or a family member or guardian, we want you to feel informed, included, and at home. Please read through this guide, keep it as a reference, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Built by purpose. Guided by what matters most.
About Hammer & NER For over 100 years, Hammer and NER has been one of Minnesota’s most trusted providers for people with disabilities and we carry that responsibility with humility and with pride. We do not take lightly the trust that individuals and families place in us. We honor it by staying committed, staying curious, and refusing to settle for anything less than what our mission calls for. Today we support: 370 people in homes and apartments across the Twin Cities 1,400 people through Case Management and Care Coordination Over 650 staff members dedicated to our mission We are guided by one, simple belief: that every person deserves the opportunity to experience life to its fullest — to make their own choices, build their own skills, and be a valued part of their community. From the very beginning, we tailor support to each individual’s goals and interests, empowering them to make decisions about their own lives and care. By working together to support those choices, we help build confidence, independence, and a more enriched life.
Staying connected As a provider of daily support services in people’s homes, we understand the importance of open, consistent communication with the individuals we serve, their families, and our staff. We are committed to keeping families informed about both everyday updates and significant events, while also encouraging family members to stay involved in ways that feel meaningful to them. Partnership, transparency, and accountability are central to the care we provide. You can also expect: Regular email or phone updates about your loved one Home newsletters with news, activities, and staff updates Invitations to annual House Gatherings and organizational events Periodic surveys so we can continue to improve
How our governance works – with your voice included We are a private, nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors. The Board has general charge and control of all the business, affairs, funds, and property of the organization, providing oversight, setting policy, and hiring a CEO who manages day-today operations through staff and departments. To ensure our leadership stays closely connected to the people and families we serve, our bylaws specify that at least 30% of our Board of Directors are individuals who are family members or guardians of individuals receiving residential services, in-home supports, or other services offered by the organization. What this means for you Partnership, transparency, and accountability remain central to the care and support we provide. Family representation on our Board ensures that the perspectives of the people we serve help guide our strategic direction and priorities. We encourage families and guardians to be as involved as they’d like. Your input matters, and we want to hear from you.
Staff Titles and Descriptions Title
Full Name
What They Do
DSP
Direct Support Professional
Works alongside you daily — supporting routines, activities, meals, and more. Your first point of contact for day-to-day questions.
LDSP
Lead Direct Support Professional
Experienced DSP who also helps coordinate activities, scheduling, and supplies. Often a key contact for families.
PM
Program Manager
Oversees the home. Your main point of contact for questions, concerns, care planning, and communication.
PD
Program Director
Supports your Program Manager and oversees several homes. Contact them if your PM is unavailable or in an emergency.
All employees, regardless of role, must pass a criminal background check. We also verify driving records, licensure, and insurance to ensure employees meet both insurance requirements and Hammer & NER safety standards.
Daily life in the home Your Space Everyone has their own room to decorate and arrange as they like. In apartments, residents have full use of their space. We believe the home belongs to the people living in it — staff are there to support, not manage. Meals & Menus Menus are developed with a registered dietician and rotate seasonally. Dietary needs (low sodium, low calorie, etc.) are accommodated. Residents are encouraged to help with grocery shopping, cooking, and meal planning as much as they want. Daily Tasks & Household Upkeep Residents are encouraged to be as involved as possible in caring for their home — laundry, cooking, cleaning, and more. Staff support residents in building and maintaining these skills at their own pace. Religion & Spirituality We support and encourage residents to practice their faith in the way that works best for them. Staff can help arrange transportation to religious services, and we maintain relationships with community organizations that can help connect people to a faith community. Recreation & Community Staying connected to the community is a big part of life here. Activities are posted regularly and may include: Bingo, movies, arts and crafts, and walking clubs at the East and West offices Bowling league at Texatonka Lanes (spring and summer) Outings, events, and social activities based on individual interests Hammer Travel — trips ranging from Wisconsin Dells to Paris, France (visit Hammertravel.org) Visits from Family & Friends Families are always welcome. We ask for reasonable advance notice so we can make sure your family member is available and housemates are prepared. If your loved one will be away overnight (more than 24 hours), please let us know as this affects our staffing and billing.
Quality Assurance in our Homes and Apartments Our Program Committee — made up of board members, staff, and community partners — established six Quality Measures that guide the care and support provided across our homes and apartments. These measures focus on: Supporting personal goals, choice, dignity, and independence Maintaining safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for homes Building strong communication and positive experiences for individuals and families Encouraging life skills, relationships, and community connection Ensuring well-trained, compassionate staff and strong teamwork Supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being The Six Quality Measures are embedded throughout our organization and help guide staff development, recognition, and continuous improvement efforts.
Continuous Improvement We continuously work to improve how our services are provided. As the desires and needs of those we serve evolve, our services must evolve as well. To support ongoing improvement, we’ve created multiple ways to gather feedback from family members: Most group homes and apartments hold an annual House Gathering. These meetings bring residents, family members, staff, and friends together to reflect on the past year and identify priorities for the year ahead. Everyone is encouraged to share concerns and offer positive feedback with the shared goal of enhancing our quality of care. At times, we’ll request your input through surveys, asking you to rate our performance in supporting your family member. We also conduct an annual satisfaction survey with each person we support to help prepare for their Annual Planning Meeting.
Staff in Training Once an employee is hired to work in our homes, they start an intensive and ongoing training process. 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 employee's 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 can 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. 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.
Self-Determination We believe the people we support have the right to make choices about their own lives — from what’s for dinner to where they work. Our role is to inform, support, and empower, not to decide. We ask families and guardians to join us in that spirit, even when it means respecting choices we might personally see differently.
Your Program Plan We partner with you to develop a comprehensive set of documents called our Program Plan which is developed beginning at the 45-day Initial Support Planning meeting (30 days for ICF/DD). This allows you to get settled at your new home while allowing It the team to assess any new needs that may arise as a result of moving to a new setting. These meetings occur at least annually. The plan includes: Individual Abuse Prevention Plan (IAPP) — identifies risks and how to prevent or respond to them Functional Skills Assessment — captures capabilities and the type of support that works best Support Plan — developed with the county case manager Person-Centered goals and outcomes — built around what matters most to the individual Formand and information outcomes - assessment of areas for skill to develop outcomes that align with the individual. 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.
A partnership approach to exceptional care Nursing & Medical Support Our direct support professionals are able to contact our nursing team at 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. For medical appointments, our staff will typically schedule, transport, and advocate for residents. We encourage families to stay involved as much as they’d like. Medications We use CaraSolva, an electronic medication tracking system, to ensure every medication is documented and given correctly. We work with Geritom pharmacy for consistent packaging and labeling. Families are welcome to ask questions about medications at any time. If Your Loved One is Sick When a resident isn’t feeling well enough to attend their daytime activity, we provide appropriate staffing to support them at home. A nurse will help determine what care is needed.
Financial Information Managing finances for a family member can feel complex. Hammer & NER can help by serving as Authorized Representative (AREP) and/or Representative Payee (Rep Payee) for your loved one — but these are your choices to make. Authorized Representative (AREP) The AREP handles county programs and forms on behalf of the individual. Here’s the difference between Hammer & NER serving as AREP vs. your family doing it:
If Hammer & NER is AREP
If Family is AREP
Completes and submits all county reviews and reports
Family completes and submits all reviews and reports
Handles all county financial requests
Family handles county financial requests directly
Receives Housing Support funds directly
Family receives a monthly bill from Hammer & NER for room and board
Representative Payee (Rep Payee) The Rep Payee manages Social Security benefits. Here’s how that breaks down:
If Hammer & NER is Rep Payee
If Family is Rep Payee
Submits annual accounting to Social Security
Family submits annual accounting to Social Security
Receives Social Security funds directly
Family receives Social Security funds
Applies funds toward room and board costs and documents personal needs
Family keeps track of funds and sets aside personal needs monthly
Financial Information (continued) Common financial terms You may encounter some of these acronyms when navigating benefits: SSI — Supplemental Security Income: Monthly federal income based on financial need SSDI — Social Security Disability Insurance: Monthly federal income based on work credits RSDI — Retirement, Survivors & Disability Insurance: Based on a parent’s or spouse’s entitlement MA — Medical Assistance/Medicaid: Helps cover medical expenses MSA — Minnesota Supplemental Aid: State Cash Assistance Program for eligible adults Housing Supports (GRH) — Helps cover the gap between roomand-board cost and individual income For a full glossary of benefit acronyms, visit: mn.db101.org/glossary.htm
Stronger, together Your involvement helps create a stronger, more connected community for the individuals we serve. Visit hammer.org to learn of all the ways you can get involved.
Ways to get involved Advocacy Government funding supports most of what we do. That means your voice matters to lawmakers and policymakers. Hammer & NER has an Advocacy Committee — open to residents, families, and volunteers — that meets monthly to discuss current issues. You are welcome to join. Sign up for advocacy action alerts: Hammer.org/advocate Contact Mike Siebenaler, Director of Advocacy Michael.Siebenaler@hammer.org
Philanthropy Donations help ensure everyone we support has the resources to live fully. You can give to funds that align with what matters most to you: Area of Greatest Need — maximum flexibility to support where help is most needed Home Activities Fund — designated to a specific home for events and experiences Quality-of-Life Fund — supports residents who may not have family financial support Home Improvement Fund — repairs and accessibility modifications Staff Training & Education Fund — helps staff grow their skills Endowment Fund — long-term sustainability for our programs
Contact Jenny Rengo, Chief Engagement & Philanthropy Officer jennifer.rengo@hammer.org
Share your story Your experiences can inspire others and help grow awareness of our mission. If you’re open to sharing a story, a photo, or an article we’d love to hear from you. Contact Jenny Rengo jennifer.rengo@hammer.org
Hammer Travel Offering quality and safe travel experiences that promote social inclusion, independence, selfconfidence and personal growth. Visit hammertravel.org or call 877-345-8599
Volunteering We have over 600 active volunteers. There are opportunities for every interest and schedule: ‘ One-on-one activities Event support Committee membership and board service and so much more!
All volunteers are screened and oriented before starting. Contact Cathy Thoma, Director of Volunteer Resources Cthoma@hammer.org 952-345-8554
Your Program Manager is always your first point of contact, and the team below is here to support you as well.
Title
Contact Information
Your Program Manager
Specific to your home
Your Program Director
Specific to your home
CEO
Matt Buley Matthew.Buley@hammer.org 952.277.2422
Executive Team Chief Financial Officer
Kristin Pyka kristin.pyka@hammer.org 952-277-2400
Chief Engagament & Philanthropy Officer
Jenny Rengo jennifer.rengo@hammer.org 952-345-0110
Chief Human Resources Officer
Kyle Fitzwater Kyle.Fitzwater@hammer.org 952-473-8629
Senior Director, Program Operations
Jerry Le Vasseur Jerry.LeVasseur@hammer.org 651-419-8586
Senior Director, Program Services
Pam Janczewski pJanczewski@hammer.org 651-419-8737
Thank you for trusting Hammer & NER We know transitions can bring both excitement and uncertainty, and we are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way. Together, we will build a partnership centered on care, connection, dignity, and helping each person live their best life. We are grateful you’re here.
This resource is reviewed and updated regularly. If you know of a resource that should be included, or if any information needs to be updated, please don't hesitate to let us know. Updated: October 2026
Wayzata Office 1909 Wayzata Blvd. Wayzata, MN 55391 952-473-1261 Hammer.org
White Bear Lake Office 2539 County Rd E East White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-765-0217