“I’m just here for the ride,” William says with a grin. But ask anyone at Albertina Kerr’s Paths to Community program, and they’ll tell you—William isn’t just along for the ride; he’s helping shape the experience for others.
William attends Paths to Community, Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services program, five days a week. Three days are filled with engaging activities that build friendships and foster new experiences—like bowling (his favorite!). The other two are dedicated to Upskills, a program that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in exploring careers, developing job skills, and gaining real-world experience through volunteering.
“It makes my life more fulfilling,” William explains. “I enjoy seeing my peers and the staff. That’s why I keep coming back.”
Through Upskills, William has developed skills and confidence and takes pride in supporting his peers. He has gained hands-on experience at Portland Adventist Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rebuilding Center. These opportunities have helped him build his skills while giving back to the community.
When someone new joins the program, William goes out of his way to make them feel welcome. “If they’re having a bad day or feeling nervous about an activity, I’ll talk with them and encourage them to try it,” he says. “I like showing people what to expect. I’ve been there—I get it.”
“I wasn’t very social when I started,” William says. “But now I have people I want to talk to. This place—it’s like a second family.”
Looking ahead, William has a clear goal: employment—ideally somewhere fun, like a bowling alley.