will be completed , and Merrick , Inc ., will be engaging more artists to lead activities in the studios . The organization expects to hire another twenty employees by year ’ s end , bringing the total number of employees to 175 .
Also in 2024 , several fundraising events are planned to help support the mission of Merrick , Inc . Planned events include a Bowl-A-Thon scheduled for April 21 , 2024 , a Golf Scramble planned for June 3 , 2024 , and a party to celebrate the organization ’ s 60th anniversary on October 4 , 2024 .
For more information about the organization and upcoming events , go to MerrickInc . org
Merrick , Inc . Work Services Program 3210 Labore Road Vadnais Heights , MN 55110 Phone : ( 651 ) 789-6200
Life Enrichment Program 1239 Willow Lake Boulevard , Suite 100 Vadnais Heights , MN 55110 Phone : ( 651 ) 789-6206 www . merrickinc . org E-mail : Info @ MerrickInc . org
merger and 50 years of Northeast Residence and 100 years of Hammer Residences , it was a year of celebration .
“ As part of that celebration we had a ribbon cutting and statue unveiling for an 8-foot-tall Ralph statue at our East office . It ’ s a good symbol of our collaboration ,” said Reed .
Ralph was a lovable boy who had a disability that few people understood in the 1920s . Most people believed Ralph should have been placed in an institution , but Hammer Residences ’ founder Alvina Hammer offered a caring environment instead , the first Hammer School .
Ralph was the inspiration for Hammer Residences ’ logo figure and statues . He reaches toward the sky , symbolizing hope and striving for all that is possible . Ralph represents individuals with differing abilities who thrive , living the
life they deserve with compassionate care in their communities .
The annual ‘ Reach for Ralph ’ fundraiser to benefit the now joined nonprofits takes place on June 13 , 2024 , at Quincy Hall in northeast Minneapolis . “ We had a record fundraising year in 2023 at Reach for Ralph . It was the highpoint of celebrating the anniversary years , the history of our organizations , and the merger . We raised well over $ 400,000 . Our hope is that in 2024 we can match that again ,” said Reed .
The money raised is used to do a number of things that go above and beyond what government funding provides for the organization . “ We have a Quality-of-Life fund that pays for things such as needed dental care , a winter coat , and going to events our residents couldn ’ t otherwise afford , like going to a concert or a sporting event ,” said Reed .
HAMMER & NER
2023 was a year of transition for Hammer & NER , an organization that opens doors and creates opportunities for people with disabilities . A lot of time was spent on training in 2023 .
“ We had very similar organizations and general structures before the merger of Hammer Residences and Northeast Residence ( NER ). There were some things Hammer had based on the size of the organization ; and things NER had based on the size of that organization . Now we are able to do those things across our entire service area for all employees ,” said Nate Reed , Fundraising Manager for Hammer & NER .
Among the new opportunities for employees in 2023 , new training and advancement opportunities and benefits . Reed said that between the
28 Northeast Metro Business
Volunteers like those from The Lacek Group make meals through Hammer & NER ’ s Cooks in the Kitchen program that are delivered to the organization ’ s homes .
From left , Hammer & NER ’ s Chief Program Officer , Sue Walker ; Chief of Operations , Lin Curran ; and former NER Executive Director , Corrine Schmidt joined CEO John Estrem for the unveiling of “ Ralph ” at the organization ’ s East office .
Hammer & NER ’ s annual Reach for Ralph fundraiser is one of the highlights of the yeart , bringing donors and volunteers together with friends and family , people supported , and staff .
Ladies and the staff who support them at Hammer & NER ’ s Gramsie home in Shoreview attended the community ’ s annual snowball dance , a fun way they stay connected to their community .