Dear Friend of Kerr,
April is Autism Acceptance Month. It’s a chance to focus on what neurodiverse people need in daily life: respect, access, and supports that make it possible to be part of the community. It’s work we see every day across Kerr!
On Tuesday, we were honored with the 2026 Social Impact Award at the Portland Business Journal Philanthropy Summit & Impact Awards. It was a meaningful moment to reflect on Kerr’s mission and impact. We’re grateful to the Portland Business Journal for this recognition, and Kerr’s Governing Board for their leadership and partnership, and our staff, who lead this work.
Wednesday, I had the privilege of presenting at ANCOR Connect ’26 in Boston, where I was invited to share Bridging the Gap: Advancing Mental Health Support for People with I/DD. The session focused on the challenges people face when I/DD and mental health systems don’t work together and how more coordinated, person-centered approaches can improve care. The presentation highlighted the work of Kerr’s Dual Diagnosis Pilot Program which brings together expertise in both areas to better support youth with complex needs. I am so proud that Kerr is on the forefront of innovation in this area! 
We also recently completed our 18-month follow-up review for our Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) accreditation. This reflects our continued commitment to person-centered care, strong systems, and ongoing improvement.
The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club recently hosted a special visit for people in our Beaverton Inclusive Day Services program, including a tour of Veterans Memorial Coliseum led by player Kyle McDonough. The visit ended with a thoughtful gift, a hockey stick signed by the team. Participants shared, “This was so much fun,” and “When can we do this again?”
Adults supported in our group homes and Inclusive Day Services programs gathered for an evening of music and connection at Kerr’s Spring Fantasy Ball. Some arrived as royalty, others as fairies and elves, and some came just as themselves. Everyone chose what felt right. There was dancing, laughter, and many moments that made the night special.
Thank you to Oregon State Credit Union for their recent gift supporting our Crisis Psychiatric Care for Youth program. We’re also grateful for the support of our broader work across Kerr from the So Hum Foundation and the Walter G. and Marija C. Kuzman Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.
Our Impact Report is now available and highlights what’s driving this work. It reflects our commitment to person-centered support and the ways people are building skills, finding connection, and leading self-determined lives. View the report.
Please join us on May 27 for A Conversation: When Neurodiversity and Mental Health Converge, an evening with child and adolescent psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians exploring the insights and care approaches that emerge at this important intersection for young people. Reserve your spot here.
Because of your support, people are building lives with dignity, connection, and choice. Thank you for helping create communities where everyone belongs.
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Fun at Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services Spring Fantasy Ball
**Collage:** First row (left to right): Kerr Governing Board members and staff at the Portland Business Journal Philanthropy Summit & Impact Awards
Second row (left to right): The people we support and staff enjoying Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services Spring Fantasy Ball
Third row (left to right): Kerr CEO Allison Stark presenting at ANCOR Connect ’26; Kerr’s Beaverton Inclusive Day Services program with the Portland Winterhawks