Arkay Incorporated

🟠 Welcome to June! As we head into the summer months, we have some exciting updates, well-deserved recognitions, and fun events to look forward to.

💻 Stitches Rollout Update
We’re continuing the rollout of Stitches for staff to complete daily progress notes. A big thank you to Tiffany Jenkins and the Oakland team for piloting this project—their efforts helped identify and resolve software glitches and improve procedures along the way.
Crossings goes live with Stitches today
Unity will go live on June 16
Thank you all for your flexibility and teamwork as we continue improving our processes!

🎉 Staff Promotions
Please join us in congratulating the following team members on their well-earned promotions:
Kim Mallinger – Coordinator of Employment Services
Ishah Aranda and Kim Gardner – Skill Building Supervisors
Don Cisco, Damika Ballard, Taquilla Irvin, and Ann Kisandi – Job Coach II
Your hard work and dedication continue to make a difference—congratulations to all!

☕ Java Junction Turns 2!
We’re excited to celebrate Java Junction’s 2nd Anniversary on June 5 and June 6!
🎶 DJ Chris will be performing on June 6 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🌿 We’ll also be opening our outdoor seating area
Stop by, celebrate, and enjoy the fun!

🎡 Save the Date: Arkay Carnival
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Arkay Carnival will take place on July 17.
We need your help to make this event a success! We are currently seeking donations and will be sharing a wish list soon. Stay tuned for ways to get involved.

👋 Welcome to Arkay
We’re pleased to welcome several new Direct Care team members to Arkay:
Carson Huddleston
Mikala Dugeon
Kris Kirk
Keisha Drake
Marla Peltier

We’re excited to have you join the team and look forward to the impact you’ll make!

Thank you all for your continued dedication and the energy you bring to Arkay each day. We’re looking forward to a great month ahead!

Take care,
The Arkay Leadership Team

Working Wednesday: Meet Lauren.

For Lauren, working at Java Junction By Arkay has been about so much more than just making coffee. It’s been a place where she finally feels accepted, comfortable, and understood.

In previous jobs, Lauren didn't always feel like she fit in. But under the leadership of her boss, Leslie, she has truly found her stride. She has built up her confidence, learned to relax, and found a schedule that works perfectly for her and her daughter.

"I’ve never loved coming to work until now," Lauren says. "It’s a great atmosphere and I love being here."

While Java Junction has been the perfect environment for her to grow, Lauren is now ready for her next big step! She will soon begin working with the Arkay Incorporated employment team to look for her next opportunity.

We are so proud of how far Lauren has come and can’t wait to see where her new confidence takes her!

The R-word didn't stop being used because something cooler replaced it. It faded because people fought to end it. And now it's creeping back, dressed up as a punchline, an insult, or a throwaway comment, including in shows like Euphoria and stand-up specials. It was never any of those things. And people with disabilities have dealt with this word their entire lives.

In our blog, people share exactly what this word has meant in their lives and the moments they heard it, who said it, and what it cost them. Their stories are honest, painful, and important. And they are exactly why this conversation still matters.

Read their words. Sit with their experiences. And then make two choices: never use it again and say something when others do.

Learn more about how the R-word impacts the lives of people with disabilities: https://bit.ly/42Zth3T

Our facility-based activities are focusing on fun projects that build everyday independence, creativity, and motor slills. Check out our participants hard at work painting wind chimes, planting potted herb gardens, and making their own sandwiches.

Happy Birthday to everyone born in MAY!
Oakland had their birthday celebration Wednesday, grilling in the park.

Shout out to all of our friends & athletes competing in the Special Olympics this weekend!

The Arkay June 2026 newsletter is available now -https://www.miarkay.org/_files/ugd/6e44a9_1773b944d271455e96afaead688e50c8.pdf

Arkay is enjoying the weather and meeting some animal friends at Calder's Dairy Farm 🐥🐈🐴