Albertina Kerr Luncheon Highlights New Energy

Portland, OR. The annual Albertina Kerr luncheon introduced community members to the work of the local nonprofit, which provides programs and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, empowering them to live richer lives. The event on November 3rd at the Downtown Portland Hilton drew approximately 350 people. Bernie Wilson, Dir. of DDS and Sandra Cisneros, Family Support Specialist posed for a photo. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Anne Adler – CDO, Jeff Carr = CEO, Kristie Nelson and son Nathan – client of Kerr, Jennifer Harmon – Marketing and Communications Mgr.

Discover Kerr was a free luncheon with a presentation from CEO, Jeff Carr. Carr also identified the long-term goals of the organization: build affordable on-site housing for employees, revitalize the brand, cultivate strategic community partnerships and invest in the services they provide.

Chris Krenke and Jeff Carr – Past and Present CEOs of Albertina Kerr

Connie West – Joyce Manougian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jeff Carr – CEO, Miki Herman – Chair, Foundation Trustees

From Albertina Kerr:

Our Mission

Albertina Kerr empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and other social barriers to lead self-determined lives and reach their full potential.

Our Vision

All people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities.

Our Values

Guiding beliefs that shape the culture of Albertina Kerr Centers, the behavior of all individuals directly associated with the organization, and the delivery of services include:

DIGNITY AND COMPASSION

Every individual has equal value and we treat each person served with dignity and respect. Our belief in kindness, understanding, humanity, and the value of diversity and culturally appropriate services guides our daily work.

INTEGRITY

We are committed to high ethical standards. Honesty, accountability and responsible stewardship of financial resources are expected from all employees and volunteers.

COMMITMENT

We are committed in providing the best care possible for everyone we serve. We believe in evidence-based practices, continuous learning and improvement to ensure positive service outcomes and responsible financial management. We are forward-thinking in our work and seek out innovative and creative approaches to fulfilling community needs.

COLLABORATION

We partner with the people we serve and their families to achieve our vision and mission. Partnerships with employees, community volunteers and donors, government agencies and other like-minded organizations are also essential.

ADVOCACY

We strongly advocate for the needs of the people we serve, educating the community and political decision makers about the challenges they face. We employ those we serve to successfully advocate for their own needs and rights.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.