Dear Friend of Kerr,
It’s January, which means Oregon’s short legislative session is just around the corner. At only 35 days, these sessions move quickly, and this year’s will be especially fast paced. With significant federal changes requiring state level action, we are monitoring developments closely. As statewide funding priorities begin to take shape, our team is actively engaged—tracking proposals, collaborating with partners, and working to ensure that Kerr’s perspective, and the needs of the people we support, remain at the forefront of every discussion.
We’ll share periodic updates throughout the session, and if there is a moment when your voice can make a meaningful difference, we’ll be sure to let you know and make participation simple.
Last month, we welcomed Oregon Department of Human Services Director Liesl Wendt to Albertina Kerr. We appreciated her visit and the chance to spend time with our team leaders. We’re grateful for her leadership and continued engagement as Oregon looks ahead.
During the holiday season, our community came together through Grant A Wish to fulfill holiday wishes for youth and adults supported by Kerr. Because of your generosity—and with special thanks to HUB International, our tag sponsor, and IUOE Local 701—more than 850 gifts were donated, helping hundreds of meaningful wishes come true. I’m continually moved by the way individuals, volunteers, and partners step up each year. Read more.
Yesterday, our Chief Financial Officer, Kevin McAdams, was recognized as one of the Portland Business Journal’s Executives of the Year for 2026—an honor celebrating 25 leaders across Oregon and Washington who are strengthening their communities. Kevin’s leadership reflects the care, accountability, and teamwork that go into stewarding Kerr’s resources in support of our mission. I’m incredibly proud of Kevin’s accomplishments.
On February 4, we’re hosting a casual pop-up gathering at Lazy Days Brewing Co., and I hope you can join us. This is a chance to learn more about meaningful inclusive employment directly from the people who make it happen. You’ll hear from Dean, who receives supported employment services from Kerr, and Ryan Still, co-owner of Lazy Days. We also hope to sample “Dean’s List”—a new brew inspired by Dean. It will be a relaxed evening focused on conversation and connection, and we’d love to see you there. Please let us know you’re coming so we can plan for food. Click here to RSVP.
Thank you for being a part of the Kerr community!
Warmly,
Allison Stark
Chief Executive Officer
Albertina Kerr
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services participants visit Ole Bolle troll at Nordic Northwest in Portland.
**Collage:** First row (left to right): Kerr’s Board and staff celebrate Kerr CFO Kevin McAdams receiving the Portland Business Journal’s Executive of the Year Award; Kerr Board Chair Paul Litwinczuk with Kevin McAdams and Kerr Board Chair-Elect Laurine Apolloni.
Second row (left to right): Kerr Staff and people we support visiting San Diego (photos 1-2) and the joy of Grant A Wish.
Third row (left to right): Participants of Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services enjoy coffee at a local cafe; Stephanie Smith, Kerr Director of Subacute and Mental Health Services; Owen Gibson, Kerr Chief Quality Assurance Officer; Brittany Devers, Kerr Youth Residential Services Director; Cindy Stockton, Kerr Chief Program Officer, Liesl Wendt, Director of ODHS; with Kerr CEO Allison Stark.