Volunteer Opportunities
Hammer is a non-profit organization that supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. If you would like to participate in any of these opportunities, or need more details, please feel free to contact Cathy Thoma at 952-345-8554, or cthoma@hammer.org.
We invite you to help us make a difference by volunteering. You can make a difference Helping someone reach his or her individual goals and dreams is an amazing gift you can give. As a Hammer volunteer, you will be helping adults and children with developmental disabilities experience life to its fullest. We sustain a robust network of volunteers by offering a variety of activities for both individuals and groups. Whether you are a companion, special events volunteer, or exercise partner, the gift of your time and talent can be life changing. Benefits of Volunteering Include: • Making a major difference in the life of a person with a developmental disability • Meeting new people and make fun memories • Uncovering career development opportunities that will build your resume and portfolio • Securing letters of reference for school and job applications We would like to welcome you into our group of caring and committed volunteers. To learn more, please contact Cathy Thoma at 952-345-8554 or cthoma@hammer.org.
“We truly believe we have received so much more than we have given.” –Joe and Kathy Reis
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Group Activities Special Events Annual Spring Breakfast Saturday in April - Ten volunteers are needed for check in and set up. The event will be held at the Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel next to the Ridgedale Center. Reach for Ralph Thursday in July - Hammer’s annual fundraiser. One hundred volunteers are needed to help in a variety of areas including set up, check in, silent auction, live auction, and check out. This year the event will be held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center. Family Day Picnic Saturday in September - Our annual picnic for those we serve and their families. One hundred volunteers are needed to help set up, check in, work at the carnival/ game stations, food stations, and to break down at the end of the day. The event is held at our Central Office in Wayzata. Haunted House at Hammer Week night in October - (Exact date to be determined.) We need volunteers at our Central Office to set up, dress up and haunt, and tear down our Haunted House created by and for those we serve. Make a Difference Day Saturday in October - We utilize volunteers to rake and bag leaves at our various residences.
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Adopt A Home A unique opportunity where your organization is matched to one of our homes. Your members can host pizza and a movie night, game night, arts and crafts, or other activities at the home, allowing you to spend quality time with those we serve. The visiting members of your organization can be the same people, or rotate, based on your schedule. Visit the folks at the house once a month or more frequently, if desired.
Meals in the Homes If you enjoy cooking, this opportunity is for you! Individuals, partners, families and friends are invited to help prepare dinner at one of our residences, and stay to eat with the folks that live there. Schedule to cook once a month or more frequently. The recipe and ingredients will be provided. Come enjoy a meal with our folks!
Yard Work Spring and Fall Each Spring and Fall we utilize organizations to help beautify our residences by planting, mulching, raking and gardening. This is a very popular group activity. Pick a week day or weekend to help, whatever is most convenient for you!
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One-to-One Activities Direct Service Volunteer Many of those we serve are looking for a volunteer to be a friend who will participate in a variety of activities with them. This will vary depending on the individual, but can include going out for coffee, attending sports events, watching movies, playing sports or video games, shopping and engaging in conversation. If you are interested in this rewarding experience, we ask that you commit to at least a once a month visit for a year. Wellness/Exercise Partner Exercise is more fun when you have a buddy to work out with you. If you would like to help those we serve get and stay in shape, this opportunity is for you. This activity also requires a once a month commitment for a year. Iron Team /Weight Lifting Coach We have a great group of men and women who love to pump iron on our Iron Team during the week nights. We need more coaches to provide tips, support, guidance and spotting for our participants. Central Office Volunteers There are a variety of needs at the Central Office. We are looking for individuals that have clerical/ office support skills, financial and accounting backgrounds or writing skills.
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Team Sports – Coaching The people we serve love to participate in sports and enjoy our offerings of year round leagues. Volunteers are needed to coach the following sports: • Basketball (January –March) • Bowling (May-August) • Softball (June-August) • Floor Hockey (June-August)
Walking Group Coordinators Hammer’s Healthy Living Initiative for those we serve includes Walking and Running Groups. We need volunteers to lead groups that walk year round with indoor locations during the winter months. Walking groups can be held on weeknights or weekends and are designed as a 6-week session. Multiple volunteers each night work well, and offers a great opportunity to interact with those we serve.
If you would like more information on Hammer, you may visit our website at hammer.org and our Facebook page at facebook.com/HammerMN
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Hammer Travel Volunteer When you become a Hammer Travel Volunteer, you will be part of helping people travel to exciting destinations, seeing sites, and meeting friends both old and new. A trip can be a positive experience for a person with a developmental or intellectual disability. Traveling helps to build selfesteem and independence. By being a Hammer Travel Volunteer you will provide 24-hour support to a traveler, including self-care needs, social and community support, medical administration, financial guidance, transportation, and any other duty as assigned, along with having fun. And the most important thing of all: You can help make memories for a lifetime. This is a good opportunity if you like to travel, have experience in a direct care field, and live near the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. **Must be able to lift 35 lbs.** If you would like to participate in any of these opportunities, or need more details, please feel free to contact Cathy Thoma at 952-345-8554 or cthoma@hammer.org.
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Helping people with developmental and intellectual disabilities live life to its fullest!