Serving the most vulnerable

Kerr has been caring for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens since 1907. Today, the nonprofit offers children and teens struggling with life’s challenges crisis psychiatric care and outpatient mental health services. Kerr also provides safe and supportive 24-hour residential care for individuals experiencing I/DD, and employment services for adults with I/DD.

From agency to dedicated partner

Durham & Bates began its relationship with Kerr in 2007 when the agency was hired to help manage the nonprofit’s insurance needs. After seeing the positive impact Kerr was having on the community, Durham & Bates was inspired to do more, and its staff was soon volunteering in multiple ways.

For example, employees have joined Kerr’s Grant a Wish holiday gift drives since 2007 and worked on a variety of other fundraising efforts and events as well. The agency has also been a high-level financial contributor since 2013. Additionally, Durham & Bates provides its associates with 12 hours of paid volunteer time each year, which many associates use to sort donations and make phone calls at Kerr. Today, 15 agency employees are actively involved with the nonprofit.

“Albertina Kerr events are beautiful, memorable evenings full of warm people, kindness, and true friendship,” said Durham & Bates CEO Jeremy Andersen. “A spirit of real service, charity, and good works fills the halls and the events are unlike any others we attend.”

A personal connection

One former Durham & Bates producer developed a special relationship with Kerr. As the mother of an autistic child, she is passionate about securing resources for children experiencing mental health issues. This led her to help fundraising and outreach efforts ranging from galas to golf tournaments. She recognized the transformative power Kerr’s work has on families like hers and wanted to help more people benefit from its services.

Albertina Kerr events are beautiful, memorable evenings full of warm people, kindness and true friendship.”

– Jeremy Andersen, Durham & Bates CEO

Consistent support brings lasting results

Kerr and Durham & Bates have collaborated for nearly 15 years to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission. “We love being able to support Albertina Kerr,” said Andersen. “The organization is led by talented people with high standards of service, and everything it does reflects this winning approach. We are proud to support its critical mission in any way we can.”

Mary Ann “Miki” Herman, Kerr’s Interim CEO, attests to this power of this partnership. “The dedication the people at Durham & Bates have shown to us and the people we serve is inspiring,” she said. “Whether helping at one of our many events or making financial contributions as an agency, their consistent support allows us to reach more people in need.”

“Whether helping at one of our many events or making financial contributions as an agency, Durham & Bates’s consistent support allows us to reach more people in need.”

– Miki Herman, Interim CEO, Albertina Kerr

Removing barriers and improving lives

Kerr continues to develop new ways to help people experiencing I/DD and mental health challenges lead richer, more independent lives and to develop the skills needed to thrive at school and in life. If awarded, a $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would contribute to adding a clinical supervisor and three mental health therapists to Kerr’s Children’s Mental Health staff as well as extend telehealth services. This support will help ensure that mental health care is available to all children in need.

To vote, share this story using the blue icons to the left, comment below or both. Every vote or comment gets Albertina Kerr closer to a $10,000 donation, which will allow the most vulnerable among us to survive, thrive, and lead more fulfilling lives. Visit Albertina Kerr and Durham & Bates to learn more.