Dear Friend of Kerr,
Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” reflects what we see every day through Kerr’s Supported Employment Services: individuals gaining skills, pursuing careers, and contributing their talents in the workplace. 
One example is Isaiah. After completing Project SEARCH with the City of Salem, he was hired by the Public Works Department as a GIS (Geographic Information System) Assistant. He recently celebrated his one-year anniversary! Read Isaiah’s story.
This month also marks one year since Kerr earned Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL)—the only provider on the West Coast to hold this distinction. This accreditation reaffirms that the people we support are at the center of every decision we make and that quality improvement is an ongoing process.
At the Oregon Resource Association’s (ORA) Northwest Conference, Owen Gibson, Kerr Chief Quality Assurance Officer, and Eli Toombs, Kerr Best Practices Manager, presented “The Power of Self-Assessment and Accreditation” with Elizabeth Sites, Director of Organizational Excellence at CQL. Together, they shared Kerr’s approach to continuous improvement and practical tools that strengthen person-centered practices statewide.
We’re proud to celebrate Direct Support Professional (DSP) Kristine Curtice, one of just 20 statewide recipients of the 2025 ORA Works of Heart Award, chosen from more than 70 nominations. For 20 years, Kristine has supported people in developing life skills, building confidence, and strengthening self-advocacy, helping them live more independently and stay connected to their communities.
Also recognized were DSPs Topher Britten, Echo Barnard, Victoria Carter, and Eric Clark, who received honorable mentions for their outstanding contributions. Their professionalism and compassion exemplify the values that make Kerr’s services exceptional.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, this year’s Together for Albertina Kerr gala raised more than $375,000 to support our programs for people with I/DD and mental health challenges. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us—in person and virtually—for a meaningful evening celebrating the impact of our work.
We’re honored to once again be among the beneficiaries of the annual B.U.L.L. (Business, Union, and Labor Leaders) Session Invitational Charity Events gala and golf tournament. This event unites leaders across industries to support children’s charities, including Kerr’s Crisis Psychiatric Care for Youth (Subacute) program. We’re grateful for their continued partnership and generosity.
I recently joined Kerr Medical Director Dr. Naomi Fishman on Let’s Talk PDX with Gary Bloxom to share Kerr’s story, from our 1907 beginnings to our innovative Dual Diagnosis Pilot Program, and the exciting progress we’re making for the future. Listen here.
Dr. Gabriel Orenstein, psychiatrist, has joined Kerr’s Crisis Psychiatric Care program, expanding access to compassionate mental health care for youth in crisis.
After 15 years of providing bike and surrey rentals on the Portland waterfront, Kerr Bikes has concluded operations. Beginning in spring 2026, Wheel Fun Rentals will open in place of Kerr Bikes. This transition allows Kerr to focus on its core services while ensuring the community continues to enjoy fun recreation along the waterfront.
Thank you for being part of the Kerr community. Your partnership makes success stories like Isaiah’s possible—and helps ensure that people with I/DD and mental health challenges have every opportunity to live the lives they choose.
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services (Powell location) Annual Halloween Dance. **Collage:** First row (left to right): Owen Gibson, Elizabeth Sites, and Eli Toombs present at ORA’s Northwest Conference; Kerr DSP Kristine Curtice with Kerr staff celebrate her ORA Works of Heart Award. Second row (left to right):Together for Albertina Kerr gala; Chris Beaulieu (Gala Presenting Sponsor representative for The Standard and Kerr Governing Board Member); Kerr CEO Allison Stark with Kerr Governing Board Member Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith at the B.U.L.L. Session gala. Third row (left to right): Dr. Gabriel Orenstein, Kerr’s new psychiatrist; The Annual Halloween Dance at Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services; Fourth row (left to right): The Annual Halloween Dance at Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services; An individual Kerr supports exercised her right to vote; people we support enjoying Oktoberfest.