Dear Friends of Albertina Kerr,
As we wrap up the year, I’m reflecting on the moments of connection, gratitude, and growth that have propelled our mission and made 2024 an impactful year at Albertina Kerr.
Here are some highlights:
UPPER LEFT: Merger Day; RIGHT COLUMN: 1) Dr. Naomi Fishman, M.D. 2) Madison Ritter MIDDLE ROW: 1 through 3) Building Futures event; 4) Kerr CEO Allison Stark with Kerr Board Members Shouka Darvishi and Paul Litwinczuk; BOTTOM ROW 1) A conversation on teen mental health 2) Kerr Board Chair Paul Litwinczuk at Together for Kerr gala; 3) Project SEARCH at Nike World Headquarters cohort
• This year, we merged with Exceed Enterprises, creating a stronger, united team dedicated to delivering enhanced employment services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.
• Our Crisis Psychiatric Care for Youth received a three-year accreditation—the highest level—from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing trauma-informed, person-centered care and reflects the dedication of our staff to improving the lives of the children, teens, and families we support.
• Kerr earned full Quality Assurance Accreditation from the Council of Quality and Leadership (CQL) following a thorough evaluation of our policies, procedures, and outcomes. This recognition underscores our commitment to person-centered services that promote independence and quality of life.
• Recognition for Excellence:
• Dr. Naomi Fishman, M.D., received the Psychiatrist of the Year award from the Oregon Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (OCCAP).
• Madison Ritter was honored with the Works of Heart Award from the Oregon Resource Association for her outstanding contributions as a frontline residential staff member.
• I was honored to be named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence.
• Our Project SEARCH program expanded to include Nike World Headquarters, providing participants with opportunities to develop skills, confidence, and meaningful careers.
• We hosted several events bringing, our community closer to our mission. Last month, we gathered at Pacific West Bank for our Building Stronger Futures event, where guests heard from our Supported Employment participants and enjoyed a wine tasting by Apolloni Vineyards. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we hosted a vital conversation on teen mental health, featuring perspectives from providers and advocates. And after a five-year hiatus, our fall gala returned, bringing us together to celebrate our transformative work. Save the date for next year—Together for Kerr is slated for September 26, 2025!
We’re honored to be part of The Oregonian’s 2024 Season of Sharing, featuring Mica’s brave mental health journey. Read her story here.
This holiday season, you can brighten lives of the children, teens, and adults we support by fulfilling wishes through our Grant-A-Wish program—select tags from giving trees across the area or choose gifts from our Amazon wish list. Special thanks to HUB International, First Interstate Bank, and Paycom for making this initiative possible and spreading holiday joy.
Your unwavering belief in our mission fuels everything we do. Together, we’re empowering individuals and strengthening our community. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary year, and I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together in 2025.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful new year!
Warmly,
Allison Stark
CEO, Albertina Kerr
Pictured Above: Kerr CEO Allison Stark with Sandy (left), a supported employment client, and her Kerr Job Coach, Colleen Keast (right).