Dear Friend of Kerr,
At Albertina Kerr, our commitment to inclusion is something we live every day — through our services and how we show up for one another. This commitment takes on special significance in June as we celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth — powerful reminders of the importance of equity, visibility, and belonging. June also marks the end of our fiscal year — a time to reflect on our progress and the values that guide us. I’m grateful for your support and excited to share some milestones shaping our future.
Nearly a year ago, we merged with Exceed Enterprises. Since then, we’ve aligned our work to deepen our impact, expand our support, and sharpen our focus on services that empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives.
Strategic Focus, Lasting Impact
Kerr’s strategic direction focuses on two key areas:
1) Supporting best life services for adults with I/DD, including residential support, inclusive day services, and supported employment in community-integrated settings.
2) Providing crisis psychiatric care, community-based residential services, and mental health supports for youth with complex needs.
Project SEARCH Graduation at Nike
We recently celebrated the graduation of seven Project SEARCH participants at Nike World Headquarters! Over the past nine months, these individuals developed new skills, built confidence, and prepared for meaningful careers. Facilitated by Kerr, Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized employment training program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). One participant reflected: “Any fears I have about not being good enough are unfounded. I am more than skilled enough to be an important component of any workplace.” This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Nike team members, job coaches, families, and everyone who cheered these graduates on. (Top photo: Our Project SEARCH at Nike graduates)
Advocacy in Action
Good news! As a result of persistent advocacy by Kerr and our partners across Oregon, the proposed Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) budget now includes funding increases for many I/DD services—including group homes, Day Support Activities (DSA), and supported employment services. This is a big win! Earlier this year, wage support wasn’t even part of the draft budget. While we don’t yet know the exact amounts or timelines, this is a meaningful step forward. Thank you to everyone who supported this grassroots advocacy campaign—your voice made a difference! (Bottom photo: “Value the Work” supporters at the state of Oregon’s legislative hearing)
Fueling the Future with Support
We’re grateful to the Kuni Foundation for awarding a 2025 Imagination Grant for I/DD Inclusion, which supports the expansion of our Inclusive Day Services (Paths to Community) in Washington County, empowering more individuals to build skills, gain independence, and connect with their community. Also thank you to the Bank of America Foundation for their renewed, generous support of Kerr’s Supported Employment Services, supporting more people with I/DD to gain job skills and succeed in roles aligned with their strengths.
Looking Ahead
The new fiscal year brings more meaningful, impactful opportunities—from expanding our Supported Employment and Inclusive Day Services to our Dual Diagnosis Pilot Project for youth with complex needs and continuing to care for youth in crisis. Kerr is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, and your continued support makes it all possible. Thank you for being a part of it!
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
Pictured above: A group from Albertina Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services—Paths to Community—enjoy a trip to the Pittock Mansion, thanks to the generosity of a donor.