Cathy Kerr Retirement Announcement
Dear Friends of Avenues,
It is with mixed emotions that we share the news that our dear friend and colleague, Vice President of Programs Cathy Kerr, will be retiring in September after nearly 42 years of incomparable leadership, care and concern for the people of Avenues. Though we are sad, we want to celebrate her many years of passion, dedication and service and wish her much health and happiness as she pursues the next chapter of her life.
Cathy began her work at Avenues in 1980 as a Developmental Trainer when the organization was called the Northwest Suburban Aid for the Retarded (NSAR). Starting in those early days, and continuing throughout her career, she worked with great compassion and a wonderful sense of humor to improve the lives of Avenues program participants.
In 1983 she was appointed Program Director, and under her watch the organization expanded the residential, day and job placement programs. In 1997, she was the youngest person ever to be appointed the Vice President of Programs. It was also under her watch that the organization changed its name to Avenues to Independence a much more fitting name for what Cathy and her team envisioned for our clients.
In 2017, Cathy was the driving force behind the breathtaking renovation of the Center for Independence. Thanks to her willingness to “dream big”, Avenues staff, Board members and donors invested in the transformation of the Center from a gray-walled, industrial building to the beautiful and cutting-edge facility that it is today. It was always her vision to “put aside old ideas about what is possible”, and those words have informed everything that is done at Avenues to enrich the lives our clients
It is part of Cathy’s legacy, and to her credit, that Avenues is a family. She has advocated tirelessly for the clients and the staff to be treated with respect and dignity. And as a result, Avenues can take its place as a leading provider of services for adults with developmental disabilities in the State of Illinois. We can also boast that we have one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the State.
Cathy’s work, often behind the scenes, has helped make Avenues what it is today. Her thoughtful leadership and her sincere humanity will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best. If you would like to send Cathy a personal message please send to 444 Mercantile Ct. Wheeling, IL 60090 or via email at kerr@avenuestoindependence.org.
Sincerely,
The Avenues to Independence Leadership Team
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