Hello, Friends of Kerr!
We’ve had a couple of beautiful sunny days here in the Portland area, and the buds are starting to take shape. March has also been a month of growth and progress for Albertina Kerr, and we have lots to be proud of. So, let’s dive in!
GROUP HOME UPDATES
Kerr regularly works to update and improve the residential homes of our clients. The transformation of our recently remodeled home in Washington County (pictured) is simply stunning. 
Each update was carefully curated, from new wood floors and kitchen to cozy curtains to modern accents, to create a homey space for our clients. We owe it all to our dedicated staff and partners.
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
As an organization, Kerr remains committed to advocacy and making positive change in our community. That’s why I want to thank Oregon State Representative Rob Nosse for introducing HB2457, which aims to improve wages for our hardworking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). I urge you to join us in advocating for this crucial bill and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Look at my Op-Ed to learn more. The bill has moved into a work session on March 22, and here are some ways you can engage in this civic process: How to Testify, How to E-subscribe to Bill Alerts, and How to Find a Bill or Vote Information.
KERR’S WYNNE WATTS COMMONS
I’m thrilled to announce that our first-of-its-kind housing development is receiving positive press for its affordable, inclusive, and sustainable design. Thanks to our partners—Edlen & Co., Pence Construction, Ankrom Moisan, and Green Hammer Design Build—we will be recognized with a DJC Oregon Building and Diversity Award during a live virtual gala on March 30. Register here. Also, out of over 20 affordable housing projects submitted to Building Design+Construction, only three made the cut, and Kerr’s Wynne Watts Commons is one of them.
UPCOMING WEBINAR
On April 12, hear me co-present an ANCOR webinar with Jen Knapp, executive director of Community Vision, on Inclusive and Technology-Forward Affordable Housing Solutions. Register here.
PURPOSE, FOCUS, FUN
We recently gathered our leaders for a “Purpose, Focus, Fun Rally.” It was a fantastic event centered around finding our purpose and supporting those we serve and ourselves to live self-determined lives. 
We had some fantastic and inspirational guest speakers, including Leanne Mull, co-director of Blue Tower Solutions, Inc., Mak Beatty, a former Kerr client and current council member and advocate at the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Erica Briggs, education specialist at Nonprofit Association of Oregon.
As always, thank you for your continued support of Albertina Kerr. Together, we’re positively impacting those who need us most.
Sincerely,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr