"I’m so grateful for Hammer! I am assured that my son will be well cared for as he ages - that Hammer will be able to provide the quality services they always have given. You are all such important and valuable caregivers!"- From Peggy Warner whose son, Tristan, has lived at Hammer for 30 years.

Though our mission may seem simple, the fulfillment of this promise - to provide adults and children with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience life to its fullest - is really quite complex. Through creative collaboration, our program staff members take the time to get to know each individual and to learn about their unique dreams, needs and desires. As a result, we offer the best possible opportunity for them to experience a full and meaningful life.

Guided by this mission, Hammer is a visionary organization with a dedicated staff of professionals who are passionate about quality of services, adaptability and creativity. Hammer’s CEO, Tim Nelson recently put it this way, "We believe it is part of our mission to help people with disabilities actually experience their personal visions." With support from our staff members, volunteers, donors and family, the people who live in our homes and apartments are provided with the opportunity to truly experience life to its fullest.

Hammer homes and apartment programs number 30+ and our staff members serve over 200 adults and children throughout the western suburbs of the Twin Cities.

Quality of service in our homes and apartment programs means:

• We offer a "choice model" where clients and family members are given the opportunity to play a key role in their services including hiring and evaluation of staff members.
• Private rooms with ample living space for relaxation.
• Nurses, employed by Hammer, (not contracted) provide the highest quality of care.
• Our homes are adapted as needed to meet a range of age and ability-related concerns. Our goal is to offer each client a home for a lifetime. We believe each person deserves a home that will accommodate any increased physical, emotional or environmental need.
• Safety is assured with 24-hour staffing as needed, automatic sprinkler systems in all facilities and monthly safety checks by our maintenance personnel.
• State-of-the-art keyless entry system (magnetic proximity card readers) in every home allows staff to monitor and change access to all homes from a central location assuring the highest level of security possible to clients and direct support staff.