hammer today

Together Hammer’s leaders and an innovative Board of Directors have positioned Hammer to continue the tradition of excellence that Alvina Hammer and Evelyn Carlson personified in our earliest days. Recognizing the unmet needs and growing demand for client-centered services, we have developed:

• 36 homes dedicated to the care of children and adults with disabilities
• 9 innovative apartment programs that include overnight staff, 7 days a week meeting the growing demand for independence with adequate support
• In-home programs to support families with a loved one still living in their family home or in their own home
• Case management services to help families create a plan and connect with professionals who can best provide the needed support
• Additional needed services like Support Planning, Semi-Independent Living Skills, Supported Employment and Personal Supports
• Hammer Travel began in 2009.Whether visiting family or friends, meeting new people or experiencing an exciting adventure, access to secure travel opportunities plays a crucial role in the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Today, Hammer is thriving because of a strong network of support from family members, our Board of Directors, volunteers, dedicated staff members, donors and the community at large. Most importantly, this “Hammer Family” continues to provide the best possible quality of life for those we serve.

Since 1923, Hammer has had a long, rich history of providing innovative services that support people with developmental disabilities to live meaningful, self-directed lives. Over 85 years later, we continue to serve the Minnesota community.
Today, we still draw inspiration from our founder’s passion for innovative service. Supporting the individual client in their right to be self-directed is at the core of Hammer’s mission: to provide adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest.
 

A Brief History:

1923: Hammer School Founded

When it came to caring for people with developmental disabilities, Alvina Hammer's ideas differed radically from society in the 1920’s. Instead of institutionalization, Miss Hammer believed that all people had the right to lead lives in a loving atmosphere where they would feel secure and develop self-confidence.

1947-1974: Expansion of Services

Hammer expanded under the guidance of Evelyn Carlson, Director and Proprietor. During her tenure, Carlson acquired additional property, implemented new programs and added a significant number of new individuals and family members. She guided the creation of state-of-the-art dormitories, group homes and apartments that became home to 72 individuals.

1974-1985: Hammer School Transforms into Hammer Residences, Inc.

While Merlyn Larson was the Executive Director, the original Hammer School was torn down and replaced with a central office, family gathering and dining area. Hammer helped to form ARRM, a trade organization of providers who worked together to improve services for people with developmental disabilities. In 1978, Hammer School became Hammer Residences, Inc., relinquishing formal education to local school districts.

1986: Clients Move into the Community

During the 1980’s, Hammer embraced the emerging idea that people with disabilities should be integrated more fully into the community. In 1986, under the direction of Roger Deneen, CEO, the Board of Directors voted to close the dormitories and move clients into Hammer-owned group homes.

1990’s: Refining Operations and Continuing the Tradition

After Jon Thompson became CEO in 1991, he worked to stabilize Hammer's financial affairs and implement a management model to bring strength to the house level. He also enhanced communications and management through expanded use of technology.

1999 – 2011 Quality and Innovation

Tim Nelson led Hammer through times of serious budget cuts and government shutdowns. In spite of economic hardships, he focused on quality and growth to improve services to a growing number of families in need. With Tim’s leadership, Hammer’s influence reached state and national heights. His advocacy always included his belief; as fellow human beings, people with disabilities should be given the same opportunities that non-disabled people have to live satisfying and productive lives.