East Office History Brochure

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History of Our East Office Building

Originally built in 1976, the east office underwent several rounds of updates until the property was purchased and renovated to meet our needs in 2017. The 24,000-square-foot building now houses our Adult Day Support program, Cooks in the Kitchen (CIK), Program Directors (PD), and Maintenance team. Previously, we rented two separate buildings, one for the Adult Day Support program and one for the PD office, while the maintenance team was located in the lower level of the 9th Avenue home.

Today, the building also houses many offices, cubicles for flex work, four conference/meeting rooms, and a large training room. The lower level’s large open area is perfect for the Adult Day Support program and includes an office, smaller rooms for activities, and a lunchroom and kitchen. The lunchroom’s full kitchen is the site for Cooks in the Kitchen (CIK) and opens up to a smaller dining area used by office employees. There is also an elevator, which is ideal for those who have some mobility issues.

The History of Northeast Residence

In 1971, a group of dedicated and caring people in the northeast metro area, who worked with children with developmental disabilities, had a vision. After two-and-a half-years of pure determination that vision was realized.

In 1973 a dedicated group of volunteers opened Northeast Residence at St. Mary’s convent. They offered the first respite care, which did not fit existing regulations, but the County was supportive.

In 1973 a dedicated group of volunteers opened Northeast Residence (NER) at St. Mary’s convent. That same year, NER was incorporated and approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

We Are Better Together

In our office spaces, all are welcome. We want to honor our past as a source of learning and growth, while focusing on planning for the future. Our goal is to continue to provide quality services for the people we support, engage and hire skilled staff members, and be an active partner in the White Bear Lake community.

On January 1, 2021, NER was acquired by Hammer Residences, and began to work together to merge the two organizations. Hammer & NER have now fully joined forces with homes throughout the east and west metro, along with an office in White Bear Lake and in Wayzata.

Reception Area Ceramic Tile Mural

The mosaic mural on the wall in our reception area, is made up of ceramic tiles created by individuals supported in our east side homes. The mural holds a historical connection to our space. Each tile was handmade by a person supported and staff members.

Artwork by People Supported

The art on the walls of the office by the people supported who love to express themselves through their artwork. Many pieces show the viewer what is important to the artist from their point of view.

Cooks in the Kitchen

Our Cooks in the Kitchen (CIK) Program is a volunteer opportunity for corporate organizations, church groups, friends, and staff members. The CIK program started at our Wayzata office as a great volunteer opportunity as well as providing meals to many of our houses to help staff be able to spend more time with the people they support. The volunteer opportunity grew in popularity, and we now have Cooks in the Kitchen at the White Bear Lake office.

Adult Day Support Program at the East Office

The Adult Day Support program supports people during the day who do not go to a job but need a place for socialization and getting out into the community. People supported gather in the lower level of the east office during the day to participate in crafts and hang out together. Some days there are outings planned to various places of interest around the community.

Memorial Wall

This wall is in loving memory of the people supported in our homes. They gave so much to us, leaving an imprint on our hearts forever.

White Bear Lake Community Support

Cup and Cone in White Bear Lake is owned by the Johnstone Family. For years they have provided a complimentary ice cream cone to the people we support who drop by. Keith Johnstone, the second-generation owner, served on the NER Board of Directors from 1991-1996. Keith is now retired, but his son Rick took over the business and the tradition still stands!

Ralph Statue Travels to the East Side

A life-sized Ralph statue made its permanent home on the east side of town during our 100 year and 50-year Anniversary Year Celebration in 2023.

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