Comings & Goings: June 2026

Comings & Goings is an occasional feature of Connections in which we highlight promotions, retirements, transitions and more from ANCOR’s provider agency and state association members.

Welcome New Members

We are delighted to welcome three new organizations to ANCOR’s growing community of disability service providers and supporters of the field:

• Center for Independence SD in Huron, SD
• The Frazer Center in Atlanta, GA
• InLeadS in New Bern, NC
• L’Arche in Washington, DC

Welcome New 100% State Association Members

We are delighted to welcome Vermont Care Partners as our 20th 100% State Association! We are looking forward to connecting with all fourteen new members joining through this membership program.

John Estrem, CEO of Hammer & NER, Retiring this Summer

Minnesota member Hammer & NER will be wishing CEO John Estrem a happy retirement after 14 years. Under his leadership, ‘people with disabilities across our community gained more opportunities to live life to its fullest.’ Matt Buley, currently CEO at Hope Haven, Inc., will join Hammer & NER on July 27.

On Buley’s appointment, Hammer & NER writes ‘Matt brings deep experience in disability services and a leadership style grounded in listening, relationships, and shared purpose — and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead as he helps shape the next chapter of our mission.’

Buley also posted a message about the move. ‘Leaving Hope Haven after nine remarkable years is not easy. I’m deeply grateful for the people, mission, and experiences that shaped this chapter of my career and life,’ he wrote. ‘Saying goodbye to one incredible organization is paired with the excitement of joining another. Hammer & NER has been advancing opportunities for people with disabilities for more than 100 years, and John Estrem’s 14 years of leadership have added significantly to that legacy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the team and help write the next chapter!’

Boundless Announces Affiliation with Merakey USA

Recently, Boundless announced an affiliation with Merakey USA. here’s what the organization had to say about the move:

‘Boundless is joining Merakey USA as its Midwest Regional Affiliate, marking an exciting step forward in our mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs and their families,’ they wrote. ‘This affiliation strengthens our ability to serve our communities for generations to come while preserving what matters most: our mission, our people and our local leadership.’

The statement also explains that while Merakey USA will become the parent organization of Boundless, the name and identity, leadership and community partnerships will remain unchanged.

André Floyd is ANCOR’s Senior Communications Manager. Have something you’d like to see included in an upcoming edition of Comings & Goings? Reach out to André by email.