Dear Friend of Kerr,
This season has been full of connections across Kerr—Halloween celebrations, fall gatherings, and Thanksgiving feasts hosted by our amazing staff. These moments may seem simple, but they reflect the daily care, creativity, and dedication our staff bring to the people we support.
November marks 50 years since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed. In 1975, only about 20% of children with disabilities attended public school. IDEA changed this by guaranteeing every child the right to free and appropriate public education. Â We continue this legacy by advocating for our youth to have access to meaningful education supports at their local school.
I’m happy to share that Kevin McAdams, Kerr’s Chief Financial Officer, has been named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Executives of the Year for 2026. Kevin leads with steady, thoughtful care, always focusing on what’s best for the people we support and the teams who support them. Kerr is so proud of this recognition that is so well deserved!
We’re also excited to welcome Moana Newman as our new Vice President of Development & Community Engagement. She brings over 25 years of experience advancing nonprofit programs for youth and families. At Kerr, she oversees fundraising, community partnerships, and donor engagement to enhance person-centered services for those we support.
Spread holiday cheer and bring joy to the people Kerr supports with our Grant A Wish holiday gift drive. Click here to participate by getting wish tags or purchasing presents from our Amazon wish list. Thank you to HUB International, our tag sponsor, and IUOE Local 701 for supporting this year’s drive.
Next week, on December 2, is GivingTuesday, a day when people support causes important to them. If you would like to support Kerr, GivingTuesday is an excellent opportunity. Sharing our social media posts with friends and family also helps more people learn about our work.
This year, Kerr is part of Willamette Week’s Give!Guide, one of Portland’s most visible year-end giving campaigns. Gifts made through the Give!Guide go directly to our programs. The Give!Guide also offers extra incentives on its Big Give Days, and this year, GivingTuesday will be a Big Blazers Day with Trail Blazers-themed donor perks. Special thanks to our Give!Guide partners: Apolloni Vineyards, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Lazy Days Brewing, and Steven Smith Teamaker.
On Thursday, December 4, Lazy Days Brewing’s Beaverton pub is donating 10% of all proceeds to Kerr and My Voice Music. Since 2008, Kerr and My Voice Music have partnered to bring creative expression to youth through our mental health services. From noon to 10 p.m., stop by, enjoy great food and craft drinks, and fuel programs that empower youth and adults across our community.
As we wrap up November—National Gratitude Month—I want to thank you for staying connected to Kerr. Your support strengthens our work!
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services (Powell location) Thanksgiving Feast. **Collage:** First row(left to right): Kevin McAdams, Kerr CFO, Moana Newman, Kerr VP of Development & Engagement, Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services. Second row(left to right):Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services; Fall Outing with people we support in our group homes. Third row(left to right): People we support enjoy a Trail Blazers game. Fourth row(left to right): The people we support and staff at a Trail Blazers game; Halloween fun at Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services (Oatfield location).