Hammer Residences, Inc.

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Sandy Gralish – A Heart for Helping 🌟 As we continue celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re shining a light on someone who brings joy, kindness, and a whole lot of flavor to our community — the amazing Sandy Gralish! Since joining our Cooks in the Kitchen program in August 2024, Sandy has become an essential part of the team. What started as a monthly commitment with her wonderful group, the Fragrance Fanatics, quickly grew into a leadership role as one of our eastside kitchen leads. With her background in direct care, Sandy knows how important it is to support staff during busy times — and she steps in with heart, empathy, and a can-do spirit. “Helping out when the staff is short really makes a difference,” she says — and she means it. For Sandy, volunteering isn’t just something she does — it’s where she feels most at home. “It’s fun, rewarding, even therapeutic,” she shares. “If I go too long without volunteering, I really miss it.” We’re so grateful for Sandy’s energy, compassion, and leadership. Whether she’s mentoring new volunteers or chopping veggies, she’s making a difference with every dish. Thank you, Sandy, for all that you do! 💛🍽️

Celebrating Friendship During Volunteer Appreciation Week! 💙 Seven years ago, Tom Venable signed up for our Make a Friend, Be a Friend program—and gained a lifelong friend in Alex. Since then, the two have shared countless adventures together out in the community, and even teamed up as volunteers at our Reach for Ralph gala. Their bond is built on trust, laughter, and genuine connection. “Alex is such a wonderful part of my life,” Tom shared. “He’s like the little brother I never had.” Thank you, Tom, for being such an incredible volunteer—and an even more incredible friend. You truly embody the spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Week!

It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week and Medica employees volunteered for our Cooks in the Kitchen program today. They have been doing this for three years and have made over 2040 meals! Thank you Medica, for your continued partnership!

Serving Up Gratitude This Volunteer Appreciation Week! John Estrem and several Hammer & NER staff members recently had the pleasure of stopping by to thank the incredible Faithful Friends volunteers, who have been making magic happen in the kitchen for two years through our Cooks in the Kitchen program. Every month, this dedicated group prepares three delicious recipes—enough to serve 40 people. Over time, that’s added up to an amazing 2,880 meals made with love for the individuals we support and our hardworking staff. Thank you, Faithful Friends, for filling hearts and bellies with every dish you serve. You're a shining example of the power of community and kindness!

Jamie Sewall & Betsy Wriedt – From Neighbors to Lifelong Friends! As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting the incredible impact volunteers make in the lives of those we support. Jamie and Betsy are a shining example of the power of connection and community through our Make a Friend, Be a Friend volunteer program. Their journey with Joe began a few years ago when all three lived in the same apartment building. What started as friendly hallway chats soon blossomed into a genuine friendship. When Jamie and Betsy eventually moved away, they were disappointed to lose touch—until they discovered our program, which gave them the perfect opportunity to reconnect and give back. Driven by a shared desire to serve others and make a difference, the two not only rekindled their friendship with Joe but also found joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of purpose in their time together. Their story is a beautiful reminder, especially during this week of gratitude, of how small connections can grow into something truly meaningful.

It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Hammer & NER’s opportunity to thank our volunteers. We will have videos and stories throughout the week, highlighting the ways that our volunteers support our mission. First up, our annual video!

Say hello to one of our newest volunteers, Becky Hoeppner. She’s a new volunteer with Hammer Travel. Welcome to the Hammer Travel family and Bon Voyage! If you would like to find a meaningful place to volunteer like Becky please visit Hammer.org/Volunteer.

Once again, CONGRATS to our Gloria Fahnbulleh for being named ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources' Minnesota DSP of the Year. Gloria works at our Black Oaks home. She and Program Director Samantha (Sam) Ramsdell recently returned from ANCOR's national "Connect" Conference in San Diego where Gloria received the award and was recognized for her dedication and caring support of Judy, Chris, Mary, and Diana. Thank you, Gloria, for all that you do!

The eastside kitchen was shining a little brighter yesterday thanks to Sandy from Kelly’s Fragrance Fanatics! ✨👩🍳 With a whole lot of heart and a dash of culinary magic, Sandy whipped up two delicious meals: Cheesy Ground Beef & Cauliflower Rice Casserole and Turkey Tetrazzini. Yum! 🍽️💛 Sandy’s kindness and talent are truly the secret ingredients, and we’re so grateful to have her (and the entire Fragrance Fanatics crew) joining us every month to support our community. Want to get in on the kitchen fun? Contact Julie Huffcutt (East metro) at julie.huffcutt@hammer.org or Cathy Thoma (West metro) at cthoma@hammer.org to get involved! 🧑🍳🥄✨

Here are some sweet snapshots of the gals from our County Rd F home—snuggled up and smiling with their beautiful new blankets! 💖 These cozy tied blankets were handmade with love by a wonderful group of volunteers and recently delivered to some of the ladies we support on the east side. Even though it’s officially spring, Minnesota hasn’t quite gotten the memo—so these soft, warm gifts are very appreciated! 🧣❄️ Huge thanks to our kindhearted volunteers for wrapping our community in warmth and care. 💕