Dear Friend of Kerr,
September is wrapping up with meaningful advocacy and recognition that reflect Kerr’s mission and the impact on the people we support. As students return to school and routines take shape, we’re reminded how much stability matters in people’s lives. This month is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to break stigma and remind youth and families they are not alone. Through Kerr’s Crisis Psychiatric Care for Youth (Subacute) program, youth in crisis find safety, healing, and a path back to family, school, and community.
This month, we welcomed Cindy Stockton as Kerr’s new Chief Program Officer. Cindy brings deep experience and a passion for programs that empower people to live self-determined lives. Read more.
We also celebrated our direct care staff during Direct Care Staff Appreciation Week, September 7–13. Our frontline teams’ dedication and important work help the people we support build skills, gain independence, and find confidence to pursue the lives they choose. That commitment was represented on a national stage when Kerr Direct Support Professional (DSP) Shiloh Almaguer and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for ANCOR’s Policy Summit & Hill Day. Alongside nearly 300 advocates, we met with lawmakers to advocate for the critical need to invest in DSPs and strengthen the lives of the people we support. Learn more about Shiloh’s DSP Ambassador role and Hill Day. 
I’m thrilled to share that Kerr DSP Kristine Curtice is one of 20 recipients of the 2025 Oregon Resource Association (ORA) Works of Heart Award, selected from more than 70 nominations. For 20 years, Kristine has taught life skills, built trusting relationships, and encouraged people to find their voice. Kerr DSPs Topher Britten, Echo Barnard, Victoria Carter, and Eric Clark will also be honored with special mentions at the NW Conference on Disability Services on October 22.
A heartfelt thank you to First Interstate Bank and Heritage Bank for sending volunteer teams who separately stained new fences at two Kerr group homes, making them more welcoming for those who live there.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at this Friday’s Together for Albertina Kerr presented by The Standard—whether in person or virtually. There’s still time to RSVP for free virtual broadcast— and hearing inspiring stories and updates that spotlight the work you make possible. When you RSVP to watch online, you’ll be eligible to win a $100 New Seasons gift card.
Thank you for standing with Kerr and the individuals and families we support.
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
**PHOTOS:** (Cover) Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services program enjoys a day at the beach thanks to beach-friendly wheelchairs. **Collage:** First and second rows, plus first two photos in third row (left to right): celebrating our direct care staff. Third row, right and fourth row, left: thank you to Heritage Bank and First Interstate Bank volunteers for staining fences at two of our group homes. Fourth row, middle: Cindy Stockton, Kerr Chief Program Officer, and right: Kerr CEO Allison Stark with Kerr DSP Shiloh Almaguer advocating on Capitol Hill.