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Edwards Center Honors Founder on 75th Birthday

The Gafney Family with Jean Edwards & Chad Bode

Portland, OR. More than 150 people including family, friends, former students, professional peers, members of the Board of Directors and Edwards Center staff wished Dr. Jean Edwards a happy 75th birthday and thanked her for the 46 plus years of dedicated service to the field of Developmental Disabilities. At the party, Jean Edwards embraced Karen Gafney who attended with her family. The celebration on March 10th at Portland Hilton’s Skyline Room also raised $15,000 for the program. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Jean Edwards and her husband, Bryan Gergen

Drew Snodgrass of Dennis’ 7 Dees and his wife, Edward Center Board member, Chris Monty-Snodgrass of ReMax

Debbie & Board Treasurer Ken Karalus with Edwards’ Executive Leader, Allen C. Cress and his family

Jean-Pierre & Aaron Meyer

The Sheth Family with Jean Edwards

The Blacks and The Hannums

The Parker family

Megan Iwami and Jim Parker

Allen C. Cress, Edwards’ Executive Leader, and his family

From Edwards Center:

We believe that people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities have tremendous potential. That’s why we’ve created a lifelong plan of services to provide our participants with homes, jobs, and a chance to participate in the world around them. Since 1972 we’ve worked with our clients, their families, and their friends to ensure that adults with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live and thrive in Oregon.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.