Albertina Kerr Centers

Albertina Kerr partners with the community to support people with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self determined lives and realize their full potential.

All children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges will thrive in nurturing homes and inclusive communities.

It is our goal that Albertina Kerr's services will create a community where all children, adults and families facing mental health challenges and developmental disabilities:

Live rich and meaningful lives in their communities.
Have a sense of identity and learn successfully.
Are supported in connecting with their biological families and live with biological families whenever possible.
Enjoy the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Develop the capacity to earn a living wage.
Learn to live independently and in the least restrictive setting possible.
Have the choices to participate in the daily life activities of their non-disabled peers.
Have hopes, dreams, friends and the ability to shape their own futures.

founded on June 15, 1907 by William Kerr as the Pacific Coast Rescue & Protective Society.
Louise Home for girls in Southwest Portland opens in 1908. Because of rapid growth, a new home is built on nine acres of farmland in present-day Gresham in 1915.
The Wynne Watts School is built on the property with the Louise Home in 1936 and becomes part of our present-day Gresham Campus.
In 1940, the Louise Home and the Albertina Kerr Nursery incorporate under the name of Albertina Kerr Homes.
In 1956, with fundraising help from the community, Albertina Kerr builds two cottages on the Gresham Campus to offer residential treatment for young boys.
The Nursery operates as an adoption home until 1967, when state regulations and a changing society turn away from institutional care and towards foster homes and community-based care.
In the late 1970s, Salem’s Fairview Training Center, the state-run institution for people with developmental disabilities, begins curtailing services and makes plans to move its residents to community-based homes. Albertina Kerr steps in and begins its first programs for individuals with mental illness and developmental disabilities, opening the Kerr Center for Handicapped Children on the Marylhurst campus.
As more Fairview residents leave that institution, Albertina Kerr opens neighborhood group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Albertina Kerr begins supported living services and significantly expands employment services and life skills training for people with developmental disabilities. Chris Krenk is named the fourth executive director in 1990.
In 2006, Albertina Kerr adds nine new group homes for adolescents with both a developmental disability and mental health difficulties that require specialized care and treatment.
Into its second century, Albertina Kerr is not slowing down. We continue to adapt and change to meet community needs and create innovative programs.

Race for the Roses (1/2 marathon, 10k, 5k run/walk event in April)
Spotlight on Kerr annual winter gala and auction
Golf Classic & Auction in the Fall
Annual Meeting in October
Snapshot Series (quarterly events giving "snapshots" of Kerr's mission in action)
Safeway Classic Run the Links (Summer)

If you're looking for a way to give back and make a difference locally, Albertina Kerr can help match you with a meaningful and individual volunteer experience.

We can help you use your time and talents to make an impact on the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Albertina Kerr offers a wide variety of volunteer experiences for different skill levels and interests.  From becoming a visiting friend in one of our group homes, joining a special event committee or volunteering at Albertina's Restaurant and Shops, there's a perfect place for everyone.  View our Volunteer Promise.

Albertina Kerr also offers internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of fields and professions.

To take the first step in learning more about volunteer opportunities at Albertina Kerr, submit our online Volunteer Interest Form.

Ready to sign up? Submit a Volunteer Application.

After submitting, you can expect a call or email within two business days.

Questions? Contact the Community Relations Manager at 503-262-0187.