Kerr’s youth group homes, located in Multnomah, Washington, and Marion Counties, serve children with emotional or mental health challenges as well as developmental disabilities who require specialized care and treatment. In Oregon over 12,000 children experience a developmental disability.
Twenty four hour care is provided for 52 children in safe and loving group homes. The services provided focus on basic life skill development, behavior management, and appropriate socialization. The goal is to provide the children with the skills they need to live as independently as possible when they become adults. The homes are for youth ages 10 to 18.
While the youth in all the group homes have many opportunities to interact at special events throughout the year, the most popular activity has become The Games.
The Games began about three years ago as a special initiative to inspire a commitment to physical fitness and healthy social activities.
The Games are modeled on the Olympic Games and focus on honoring difference. The activities emphasize teamwork and demonstrate how we all excel at something. We have a wonderful cheerleading squad, entertainment, refreshments, and an awards ceremony at each event. Teams have played softball, football, soccer, hockey, basketball and dodgeball. Staff and youth work as teams together, and everyone is a winner. The Games are now held semi-annually, and everyone is welcome!