Dear Friend of Kerr,
Happy Disability Pride Month! This year’s theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” was chosen by the Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA), a disabled-led national council. Disability Pride is a reminder that we should celebrate the diversity of all lived experience and recognize the contributions and leadership of people with disabilities.
July also starts a new fiscal year and the launch of Kerr’s strategic plan, which will guide our work through 2029. Focused on Elevating Staff, Transforming Quality, and Expanding Impact, the plan will strengthen our workforce, advance innovative, person-centered services, and broaden access to support for more people and families.
I’m pleased to celebrate Laurine Apolloni’s appointment as our new Board Chair! Laurine, Owner and General Manager of Apolloni Vineyards, has served on Kerr’s Board since 2022 and brings thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to our mission. I also want to welcome Lisa Murphy to our Board of Directors. Lisa, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for Cambia Health Solutions, joins us with more than 30 years of leadership experience in health care, law, and strategic communications. Together with the rest of our board, they’ll help guide Kerr as we put our strategic plan into action.
We also say goodbye and thank you to board members Kimberly Curry and Krista Farnham, whose terms are ending, for their dedicated service and steadfast support of Kerr. And a very special thanks to Paul Litwinczuk, who has served as Board Chair for the past two years and has seen Kerr through significant transitions. Their leadership has helped strengthen our organization and prepare us for the future.
In June, we celebrated the 27th anniversary of the Olmstead decision, the landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming the right of people with disabilities to receive services in their communities. For more than two decades, Olmstead has shaped community-based services and supported the right to live in the community, including the work at Kerr.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion with a different interpretation of Olmstead. While the law has not changed, the opinion suggests states may not be required to provide services in community settings as previously understood. Over time, this could increase the risk of people receiving services in more segregated environments. At Kerr, our position is clear. Every person deserves the opportunity to lead a self-determined life in the community. We will continue to work alongside partners, advocates, and policymakers to support community-based services and protect the rights of the people we support.
Last month, we welcomed leaders from the Oregon Department of Human Services to learn about the early impact of our pilot program integrating mental health supports for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you to Acacia McGuire Anderson, Director of the Office of Developmental Services, and Matt Bighouse, ODHS Compliance and Regulatory Manager, for visiting and learning more about this important work.
Finally, I hope you’ll join us on September 25 for Together for Albertina Kerr presented by The Standard, our annual celebration of the people, partnerships, and possibilities that make our work possible. We look forward to seeing you there! Get tickets here.
Warmly,
Allison Stark
Chief Executive Officer
**PHOTOS:** Cover photo: Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services participants
**Collage:** First row (left to right): Outgoing Kerr Board Chair Paul Litwinczuk and Kerr CEO Allison Stark; Kerr Clinical Supervisor Laurie Lusk, Kerr Chief Program Officer Cindy Stockton, ODHS Compliance and Regulatory Manager Matt Bighouse, Director of the Office of Developmental Services Acacia McGuire Anderson, Kerr CEO Allison Stark, and Kerr Director of Youth Residential Services Brittany Devers
Second row (left to right): A fun afternoon bowling; Kerr’s new Board Chair Laurine Apolloni and new Kerr Board member Lisa Murphy
Third row (left to right): In the kitchen making fruit tarts; Painting in the park