Hammer Residences, Inc.

03/22/2026

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In Minnesota, we welcome and protect all of our neighbors - and we’ll continue to recognize the potential of all people to live, learn, work, and thrive.

03/21/2026

💙💛 Today is World Down Syndrome Day! 💙💛

Every year on 21 March, people around the world come together to celebrate people with Down syndrome and speak up for their rights, inclusion, and wellbeing.

This year, we are standing Together Against Loneliness.

If you are wearing bright socks today — we love you. 🧦 If you are sharing this post — thank you. 💛 If you are learning something new about Down syndrome today — welcome. 💙

Every share, every sock, every kind word makes a difference. Happy World Down Syndrome Day! 🎉

💙 By donating to or raising money for World Down Syndrome Day, you support the work of organisations like Down Syndrome International and our Network members, as we strive to create a more inclusive society for people with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities worldwide. Find out more: worlddownsyndromeday.org/fundraising

👉 worlddownsyndromeday.org

03/19/2026

We hope to see you at the Capitol on Tuesday! If you'd like to attend with us, find more info at https://hammer.org/advocate-2026-capitol-signup/

Day at the Capitol is less than a week away! Plan ahead with our event app, informational webinar, policy info sheets, and more.

Check it out here: https://www.arrm.org/events2/day-at-capitol

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Hammer & NER! 🍀

Today we’re feeling extra lucky to be part of such an incredible community—filled with amazing people, dedicated staff, and meaningful moments every day. 💚

Wishing you a day full of joy, laughter, and maybe a little Irish luck! 🌈✨

03/13/2026

📣 Have your voice heard at the Capitol!

Join us for Disability Services Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 24 as advocates, families, and supporters come together to speak up for disability services.

🚌 Buses will depart from our Wayzata and White Bear Lake offices at 8:30 AM
📍 Rally at the Capitol Rotunda at 10:00 AM
🏛️ Followed by legislative visits with lawmakers

This is a powerful opportunity to share why disability services matter and help make sure the voices of people with disabilities are heard.

✅ Register in advance:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=10d85529-b769-42bd-be12-8b13949ccf6d&envId=p-FM2kTxw9b0OFNZUpv6ZjGA&zone=usa

Questions? Contact Mike Siebenaler, Director of Advocacy, at Michael.siebenaler@hammer.org

03/11/2026

Say hello to one of our newest volunteers, Linda. She’s a new volunteer with Hammer Travel. Welcome to the Hammer Travel family and Bon Voyage!

If you would like to find a meaningful place to volunteer like Linda please contact Cathy Thoma at cthoma@hammer.org or visit Hammer.org/Volunteer

03/05/2026

🎉 40 Years of Caring and Commitment! 🎉

Please join us in celebrating Karen McGowan, who is marking an incredible 40 years as a DSP with Hammer & NER!

Karen has spent four decades building meaningful relationships and supporting people to live full, connected lives. She’s pictured here with Robin, one of many individuals she has supported for a long time at our Zealand apartment program.

Karen’s dedication, compassion, and consistency over the years have made a lasting difference for so many.

💙 Thank you, Karen, for 40 amazing years with Hammer & NER!

02/26/2026

🌟 The February edition of our Happenings e-newsletter is here! 🌟

This month, we’re sharing meaningful moments and important updates from across Hammer & NER, including:

📅 Save the dates for Reach for Ralph (June 18) and our new Fall Family Fest (October 3)
👏 Celebrating our February DSPs and Program Manager of the Month
💙 Honoring the life and legacy of Lin Curran, a longtime leader whose impact continues to inspire our mission
📣 A save-the-date for Disability Services Day at the Capitol on March 24
🤝 How the Together, We Ensure Tomorrow campaign is strengthening our DEI work
🎉 Staff anniversaries and an Out & About: Rockford Edition, featuring winter outings, learning, and celebration

Click to read the full February Happenings newsletter:
👉 https://conta.cc/4u0pwHO

02/23/2026

❄️🏅 As the Winter Olympics came to a close last night, we’ve been reflecting on just how much fun the past couple of weeks have been—cheering on incredible athletes, celebrating unforgettable moments, and soaking up the joy that sports bring people together.

These photos take us back in time, showing Ralph Rosenvold skiing with friends years ago. Ralph was supported by Hammer for most of his life, and his adventurous spirit, love of the outdoors, and willingness to try new things continue to inspire us today.

Ralph’s legacy lives on through our annual Reach for Ralph event—a celebration of possibility, inclusion, and living life to the fullest. 💙
📅 Save the date: Thursday, June 18
📍 Held once again at The Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley

More details coming soon about this amazing event!

As we say goodbye to the Olympics, we’re grateful for the memories, the inspiration, and the reminder that the true spirit of sport is about joy, friendship, and reaching for what’s possible. ❄️✨

02/22/2026

🥇 GOLD! WHAT A GAME! 🥇

The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team captured Olympic gold with a heart-stopping overtime win over Canada—marking the first time the U.S. men have taken gold since the legendary Miracle on Ice in 1980! 🇺🇸❄️

And how about this year’s dominance? The U.S. Women’s Hockey Team also skated their way to gold at these Winter Olympics. Double the gold, double the pride!

Did you know Hammer & NER has a long history of athletes playing floor hockey? 🏑 From teams decades ago to the players competing today, the love of the game—and the spirit of teamwork—has always been strong here.

Pictured are Hammer & NER athletes past and present, showing that the thrill of hockey never goes out of style. 💙

Way to go, Team USA—and cheers to all the athletes who remind us what’s possible when passion, teamwork, and perseverance come together! 🎉🇺🇸

02/20/2026

Our DSPs of the Month for February are Twahirwa Annicet (5th Street) and Zakiy Mohamud (Wentworth). Soffi Carlson (from Lee Avenue) is our Program Manager of the Month. Read about all that these dedicated and caring staff do for those we support!
https://hammer.org/blog/2026/02/dsps-pm-of-the-month-february/

02/17/2026

🌙🧧 Today marks the beginning of Ramadan and Lunar New Year — two important observances celebrated by many around the world and within our broader community.

At Hammer & NER, we value inclusion and respect for the diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs that enrich our lives and our work.

Wishing peace, reflection, health, and joy to all who are observing.