Albertina Kerr

Participants from Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services recently explored the Historic Belmont Firehouse Museum, getting an up-close look at vintage fire engines and learning about Portland’s firefighting history.

Last night, community members, clinicians, advocates, and families came together for 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 & 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦, a conversation about the intersection of neurodevelopmental differences and mental health in young people.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions, shared perspectives, and helped make the evening meaningful.

Families navigating these experiences often face fragmented systems, delayed access to care, and uncertainty about where to turn. Conversations like this help move us toward more coordinated, person-centered support.

Thank you to our outstanding panelists for sharing their expertise and perspectives:
• Dr. Naomi Fishman, Albertina Kerr
• Dr. Cortney Taylor, LifeWorks NW
• Dr. Martine Richardson Sacks, CareOregon
• Dr. Jenny Tsai, Multnomah County, Oregon Behavioral Health Division

And thank you to Apolloni Vineyards and Laurine Apolloni for creating such a welcoming space for the conversation.

Chili Pablo was on the menu recently at Albertina Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services Upskills program, and yes, it tasted as good as it sounds. 🌶️

The Upskills program gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to build practical skills through hands-on experiences, including cooking, teamwork, communication, and planning.

This time, the kitchen was filled with the smell of simmering chili, plenty of conversation, and a lot of pride in the finished meal.

Cooking together creates more than just lunch. It creates opportunities to try something new, build confidence, make choices, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Mental health crises don’t look the same for everyone. The article linked below explores how people with autism may experience crisis response differently and why person-centered, trauma-informed communication matters.

At Kerr, person-centered and trauma-informed approaches are central to how we support youth and families.

During 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡, conversations about neurodiversity and mental health can help build greater understanding around the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health.

Read the article: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2026/05/19/autism-increases-odds-of-suicidal-crisis-988-is-changing-to-better-serve-this-group/32008/

Lights down. Music up. 🎳✨

Participants from Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services recently headed to KingPins Portland for cosmic bowling, where black lights, laser beams, and music videos turned the lanes into an immersive experience.

Moments like this are part of what Inclusive Day Services can offer: opportunities to connect, explore interests, and spend time out in the community.

A visit to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) turned into a day full of discovery, curiosity, and new experiences for one person supported by Kerr.

From exploring exhibits to taking in everything the museum had to offer, the day was all about following personal interests and enjoying the chance to learn something new.

Making connections, sharing opportunities, and helping employers see the value of an workforce.

Kerr Employment Consultant Annika Rauch recently represented Albertina Kerr at the 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼, connecting with local businesses and community members to talk about supported employment and the impact of hiring.

Thank you to the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce for bringing businesses and community organizations together for a great event.

Growth happens when people have access to new experiences, professional networks, and opportunities to learn.

Recently, a group from Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services Upskills program at our Powell location attended the Northwest Facilities Expo, connecting with professionals in facilities engineering, maintenance, and green building from across the region.

The expo gave participants a chance to explore industry trends and meet professionals across multiple sectors.

Ever wonder how small, behind-the-scenes moments help keep a community fed?

A group from Kerr’s Inclusive Day Services recently volunteered at the Sunshine Division, helping organize and stock the cooler with donated food for community members.

They unloaded pallets of yogurt, stocked shelves with donated meat and pancakes, organized the cooler, and broke down boxes for recycling when the work was done.