hammer today

Tim Nelson, CEO, continues to lead us into the 21st century. Together he 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:

• Two homes dedicated to the care of children with disabilities
• In-home programs to support families with a loved one still living in their family home
• Respite services to give family caregivers a break for a short period of time
• Case management services to help families create a plan and connect with professionals who can best provide the needed support
• Innovative apartment programs to meet the growing demand

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.

In the early years, Alvina Hammer’s vision for the care and treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions differed radically from the societal norm of her time. She believed they had the right to lead lives in a loving atmosphere where they would feel secure and develop self-confidence and self-direction.

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. As the result of that belief, she founded Hammer School in 1923.

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 clients and family members. She guided the creation of state-of-the-art dormitories, group homes and apartment programs 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. State regulations prompted the development of individual program plans for each Hammer client. 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.