THE NEED
Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens need our help. The statistics are alarming. Oregon’s children experience the highest prevalence of major depression in the United States. Our youth suicide rate is 45% higher than the national average. In addition, children, teens, and adults experiencing an I/DD are offered few meaningful life choices, excluded from community life, and only 17% are employed in an integrated community setting. The traumatic and adverse events endured by these individuals increases their risk for social, emotional, and cognitive impairment, adoption of high-risk behaviors, disease, and social problems. Sadly, youth and adults with I/DD and mental health challenges are significantly overrepresented in Oregon’s prisons and homeless population. In the midst of these challenges, Kerr offers home, community, fulfillment, and joy. Since 1907, we have been empowering and caring for thousands of children, teens, adults, and their families throughout Oregon and beyond.
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