100 years ago, Alvina Hammer opened the Hammer School for Children with Developmental Disabilities. From our humble beginnings serving 4 children, Wayzata businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, volunteers, and donors have been the key to our success.
Alvina Hammer, a nurse at the notorious Faribault institution, believed that children with disabilities did not belong in an institution. She believed they had the right to live in a loving home environment where they could flourish and develop independence and self-confidence. Alvina purchased property in Wayzata off of a two-lane dirt road, what is now known as Highway 394. Hammer Residences has cared for hundreds of children, many that have grown to adults and still live in one of our 68 group homes today.
Hammer serves people of all ages ranging from James, age 86, who has been supported by since 1948 to Aaron, 21, who moved in earlier this summer. Our central office is located on that original plot of land purchased by Alvina Hammer. We own 20 group homes and operate three apartment programs in Wayzata and Plymouth supporting 126 individuals. Those we serve work at local businesses including Lunds and Juut Salon. Our Chief Development Office, Ellen Timmerman-Borer, has been the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber President, and was even named Wayzata Person of the Year!
As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we remain laser-focused on providing person-centered care, recognize the individuals who have led our organization and all the joy we have brought to the people we serve, together as a community. Our mission today is to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest.
On Thursday, June 22 we celebrated at our annual fundraiser, Reach for Ralph. We raised a record-setting $417,000 through sponsorships, auctions, games, and individual donors. Ralph statues around town are a reminder that everyone should live life to the fullest and embrace people of all abilities. The funds raised allow us to continue to provide safe and comfortable homes right here in our local community.
Join us—there is a place for YOU in our community!
We are always looking for volunteers to help in both small and big ways. From cooking meals for our homes, mending clothes, and yard clean-up to serving on our various committees and boards. We need you!
Please consider volunteering as we focus on meeting the needs of the 370 people we serve. With support from over 500 employees, over 400 volunteers, and 1200 donors, the people who live in our homes and apartments are given the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.
We are also celebrating the news that the Charity Review Council has approved us once again to make their list of “meeting standards”, after a long detailed review process. Also, the Star Tribune has named Hammer a Best Place to Work 13 years in a row. Our acquisition of Northeast Residence, (NER), which started during Covid, was completed this year. NER is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and serves the east side of the Twin Cities. Together we are better and have a strong voice in the state of services for the people we serve.
