Hammer & NER Volunteer Opportunities

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 & NER volunteer. You will be helping adults with developmental disabilities experience life to its fullest.

Hammer & NER homes and apartments are located in several cities across the East and West Metro, including Crystal, Eden Prairie, Edina, Falcon Heights, Forest Lake, Golden Valley, Hugo, Lindstrom, Little Canada, Mahtomedi, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, New Brighton, New Hope, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Pierz, Plymouth, Roseville, St. Anthony, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, Wayzata, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and Woodbury.

We maintain a robust team 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 positive impact in the life of a person with a developmental disability

• Meeting new people and making fun memories

• Building career skills that will enhance your resume and portfolio

• Obtaining letters of reference for school and job applications

“I love my volunteer when she comes over. We cook healthy dinners. Sometimes we exercise. She takes me to church and she is an amazing friend.”

–Kris

Group Activities

Special Events

Annual Spring BreakfastApril

Hammer & NER’s annual celebration and recognition event. Ten volunteers are needed for check-in and setup. The event is held at the Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center.

Reach for RalphJune

Hammer & NER’s annual fundraiser. One hundred volunteers are needed to help in several areas including set-up, check-in, silent auction, live auction, and check-out. This year the event is held at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis.

Annual LuauJuly

Grab your grass skirt and lei and help make our Luau an unforgettable experience! Volunteers will help decorate the venue into a tropical paradise. Volunteers will also help serve delicious Luauinspired treats and refreshing beverages. The event is held in Oakdale.

Family Day PicnicSeptember

Our annual picnic for those we serve and their families. One hundred volunteers are needed to help set-up, 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 & Trick or TreatOctober

Each October volunteers are needed to help create our Haunted House. Located at the Central Office, volunteers get to set-up, dress up, hand out candy and “haunt” our guests. The Haunted House is created by and for those we serve.

Fall Yard Clean-upOctober

We utilize volunteers to rake and bag leaves at our various residences. The week of cleanup includes Make a Difference Day, which is in October.

Adopt-a-House

This is a unique opportunity for your organization to host a family fun night, such as pizza and a movie, game night, or an arts and crafts night in one of the Hammer & NER homes. The volunteers from your organization can be the same people, or can rotate based on your schedules. Visit the home once a quarter or more frequently, if desired.

Cooks in the Kitchen

Our popular program allows teams of 4-6 people to come into our Hammer & NER Central Office kitchens to prepare two different recipes. These recipes serve 80 to 100 meals each and are then delivered to our homes that are short-staffed. This allows employees to spend more time on personal care for the individuals, rather than cooking. Everything is provided to make the meals, and volunteers will receive a special gift for helping.

Individual Opportunities

Make a Friend, Be A Friend

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 joining 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.

Volunteer Photographers

Love taking photos of happy people and fun events? We are looking for photography volunteers to collaborate with Hammer & NER’s Communication Department and those we serve by taking high-resolution photos at our special events.

Central Office Volunteers

There are a variety of needs at the Central Office. We are looking for individuals that have clerical and office support skills, financial and accounting backgrounds or writing skills.

Pet Therapy Volunteers

You and your dog can provide companionship to our petloving individuals who would enjoy a visit. Activities could include home visits, spending time together at a dog park, or going for walks with your pet. Pets must have a ‘Good Canine’ certificate.

Community Life

Share your interests and talents with us! We have ongoing and special events throughout the year that we organize for the individuals we support at Hammer & NER. We focus on fitness, nutrition and personal wellness. Volunteers can lead walking groups, teach healthy cooking classes, or assist in other fun activities. Have an idea or a talent to share? Let us know!

If you would like more information on Hammer, please visit our website at hammer.org and our Facebook page at facebook.com/HammerMN.

Hammer Travel Volunteer

Are you looking to volunteer with people with disabilities in Minnesota and beyond? Would you like to assist others to experience the joys of travel? If so, please join our team!

All travel-related expenses are paid for and you will help create memories that will last a lifetime.

Volunteers are needed to accompany our travelers on their vacation and provide supports they need to enhance their travel experience.

Volunteers assist Hammer Travel staff with transportation, trip activities, social and community interactions, finances, medication administration, self-care and other duties as-needed.

Volunteer Qualifications include:

-Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred, but we can provide training

-Valid driver’s license

-Live within two hours of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area (exceptions can be made if you live in Minnesota)

-Ability to lift 35 pounds

If you would like to see the full Hammer Travel calendar, visit Hammertravel.org/destination.

Our mission is to provide people with intellectual and other disabilities the opportunity to live life to its fullest. To