Join us on Monday, October 13 from 1:00-3:00 PM for a District Dialogue at the Hammer & NER White Bear Lake Office (2539 County Road E East, White Bear Lake, MN 55110).

This is your chance to meet with state legislators who vote on the bills that affect Hammer & NER, as well as you and your family. Hear their perspectives on key issues and share your own experiences and opinions. All are welcome!



👉 Please sign up in advance at ARRM.org. You’ll need a free ARRM account to register.

📄 [Click here for a One-Page Overview about the District Dialogue Event]

📧 Questions? Contact Hammer & NER's Advocacy Director, Mike Siebenaler, at Michael.Siebenaler@hammer.org.

Each September, Hammer & NER joins in celebrating DSP Recognition Week—a national event honoring the incredible work of our Direct Support Professionals, Program Managers, Float Specialists, and Lead DSPs. Their dedication and care make a meaningful difference every day. While one week of recognition is only a small reflection of the appreciation they deserve year-round, we are truly grateful for all they do to help those we support live life to the fullest.

We had a wonderful turnout for this year’s Family Day Picnic, held on a beautiful Saturday in September at our Wayzata office. The afternoon was filled with delicious food, fun games, and lively music. It was a joy to see the people we support, their families, our staff, and volunteers all coming together to celebrate community.

📸 Check out the highlights in our Family Day Picnic Photo Gallery.

After an incredible 48 years of service, we extend our deepest gratitude to Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer, as she begins her well-earned retirement this October. Sue has been a guiding force in our mission, helping shape programs and support countless individuals and families through her leadership and compassion.

In her own words: “After 48 years I leave this organization humbled and honored to have been a part of caring for so many people and working alongside so many coworkers. Thank you to families who trust us to care for their loved one. Thank you to the community that supports our mission. It has been a life blessing to be a part of such meaningful relationships and a wonderful organization.”

Please join us in wishing Sue all the best in this next chapter—her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come. Click here to watch a photo slideshow of over 40 years of memories of Sue Walker at Hammer & NER!

With this change, we will restructure the Program Department leadership rather than filling the Chief Program Officer position.

• Jerry LeVasseur will serve as Senior Director of Program Operations.
• Pam Janczewski will serve as Senior Director of Program Services.

Together, they will assume many of the responsibilities previously held by the Chief Program Officer. Both Jerry and Pam will also serve on the organization’s Executive Team.

We’re proud to share that John Estrem, CEO of Hammer & NER, has been named one of the first-ever recipients of ARRM’s Legacy Leader Award. This new honor recognizes outstanding leaders whose vision and commitment have made a lasting impact on Minnesota’s disability services field.

John has led Hammer & NER since 2012 and has been a dedicated volunteer with ARRM for more than 12 years, serving as Past President of the Board of Directors and contributing to key committees including Financial Resources, Grassroots, and Service Innovations. Throughout his career, John has championed person-centered practices that honor individual choice and dignity—ensuring the people we support remain at the heart of every decision.

John will be recognized at ARRM’s annual Leadership Conference in Brainerd in October. Learn more about the Legacy Leader Award and its recipients here.

Hammer & NER has been featured in local media over the past month.

Check out this interview that Hammer & NER CEO John Estrem did with WCCO Radio's The Sheletta Show.

Lake Minnetonka Magazine featured a spread of photos in celebration of our successful Reach for Ralph event. See it here.

Each month in Happenings, we spotlight some of our favorite photos of the people we support, out and about enjoying their communities. This month, we’re switching things up a bit!

Our Out & About section is coming indoors to showcase the fun happening right in our homes. Summer is the perfect time for “House Gatherings,” where families are invited to share a meal, catch up, and enjoy time together. Staff at the homes often get creative with decorations, and the Currie home is especially well known for its fun themes—this year’s gathering brought an entire aquarium to life! Hammer & NER staff are on hand to provide updates, answer questions, and join in the good vibes.



It’s proof that sometimes the best adventures happen just steps from home!

Submitted by Camryn Cheever, Program Manager – Labore

We’re excited to celebrate Amelia, who turned 80 years old recently! 🎉

Amelia enjoyed a relaxing evening at home with her favorite dinner — McDonald’s — followed by cheesecake and presents with her housemates. The night before, she went out for some delicious BBQ with her family.

One of Amelia’s favorite gifts this year was a nail set! She usually gets her nails done in a salon, but she’s excited to try doing them herself at home as a fun (and money-saving) new hobby.



Here she is, cheesin' with her birthday cheesecake! 🧁✨

We have several employees celebrating significant anniversaries.

Pictured clockwise from the upper left, Tom Ryan (Dir. of Hammer Travel, 25 years), Victoria Kou (Lead DSP, 20 years), Sedinu Nagbe (Program Manager, 20 years), Vanessa Heger (Care Coordinator, 15 years), and Pam Norman (Lead DSP, 15 years).

Celebrating 5 years: Asha Farkhudin (DSP), Camryn Cheever (Program Manager), and Lindsey Kvern (Hammer Travel).

Celebrating 3 years: Kyle Fitzwater (Chief Human Resources Officer), Abel Dors (Lead DSP), Mccolroy Sieh (DSP), Rachel Carlson (Program Manager), Jacoblyn Kamara (DSP), and Anastasiya Petryuk (Care Coordinator).

Congratulations and thank you for all that you do!

Join us Saturday, October 11, at Luce Line Brewing in Plymouth for the first annual Burger Brawl — a sizzling showdown of flavor, competition, and community.

Proceeds benefit Hammer & NER.

3:00–5:00 PM | Tasting Window – Sample sliders from top local burger joints

5:00–6:00 PM | Voting & Awards – Fan favorite crowned champion

6:00 PM | Live Music – American Bootleg keeps the party going!

Ticket Price $50 Per Person

Includes five sliders (your choice from top local burger joints)

One Luce Line Beer pour

One vote for the Burger Brawl winner

Purchase tickets here.

Civic Organizations such as Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Jaycees, and Knights of Columbus, have had significant impact on Hammer & NER throughout our history. Members will volunteer and organizations have provided generous grants to support our mission. A great way for us to connect with these organizations is through current members. If you or a family member or colleague are a member of a civic organization, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to Nate Reed at Nathan.reed@hammer.org.

We’re thrilled to share that the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has awarded us a challenge grant to help us reduce caregiver turnover. They are inviting you to donate for the first time or increase your support for the Employee Training and Education Fund.

Read the full story here.



Donate today and help us make our match!