Hello, Friends of Kerr!
I’ve experienced my first Portland snow, and I love it! It’s amazing how the tree canopy keeps the snow off the forest floor. 
My family celebrates Christmas, so I’m busy decorating the house, buying presents, and baking cookies! In fact, baking cookies is one of my absolute favorite Christmas traditions. All around Kerr, we’ve been enjoying the annual traditions this time of year brings, from making our homes festive to our year-end giving campaign. On behalf of everyone at Kerr, we are grateful for your partnership.
Kerr’s Residential Homes
Our safe, supportive residential homes are decked out for the holidays. Did you know that Kerr owns 33 residential homes and rents an additional 14 homes? I’ve been slowly visiting Kerr’s group homes. The goal of each visit is to meet clients and staff and assess the home for needed upgrades. I very much look forward to these visits and have enjoyed connecting with our clients and staff.
What a Day
On November 29, Kerr participated in #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity and kindness. Thanks to Kerr’s community of supporters, it was an incredible day. We raised $10,000 for our essential services for children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. I am overjoyed!
Season of Giving
December 5, Phoenix Gladden, one of our group home residents and Project SEARCH interns, and I joined KATU’s AM Northwest morning show to share the important work Kerr does every day! 
Phoenix and I enjoyed getting a behind-the-scenes view of the studio and chatting in the green room. I believe that the people we support are best positioned to share how Kerr’s services help them to live independent and self-determined lives.
B.U.L.L. Session
I recently joined representatives from the B.U.L.L. (Business, Union, and Labor Leaders) Session board and other local nonprofits to celebrate their 32 years of B.U.L.L. Session giving. Since 1991, the B.U.L.L. Session has donated almost $7.5 million to local children’s charities. We are thrilled to be one of their partner charities and grateful for their impact on our Children’s Mental Health Services.
It’s not too late to make a year-end gift. Your donation helps us provide life-changing programs and services for our clients, empowering them to live self-determined lives. We can’t do what we do without you! Click here to donate.
Sincerely,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr