Parent Meeting Notes

Our first Parent & caregiver meeting took place at Crossings 5/13/26, with a virtual meeting taking place 5/14/26.

Here are the notes and topics covered in the PowerPoint Slideshow.

Please feel free to contact Arkay with any questions you may have.

AGENDA: Introduction of staff, Remarks from CEO Ed Steinberger,  New logo mission and vision,  How we plan to grow Arkay,  Introducing Employment Services, Java Junction,  New Start time,  Update on providing 1:1 services,  Transportation,  Improving activities and costs

REFRESHED LOGO MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS 

Vision:  Arkay will be a leading provider of innovative, evidence-based services that promote dignity, independence, and full community inclusion for individuals with intellectual and other disabilities. 

Mission:  To empower individuals with intellectual and other disabilities to achieve sustainable independence through personalized support, meaningful employment opportunities, and active participation in their communities.

HOW WE PLAN TO GROW ARKAY 

Modern, Evidence-Based Programming 

Social media and Website 

More Parent, Community and Consumer Involvement 

Transportation and Consumer Commitment 

Buy and maintain a better fleet 

4 Vans bought this year 

2 per year going forward 

Approximately $20,000 in vehicle maintenance this year 

Develop a transportation strategy 

Facilities and Service Expansion 

Program Hours 

New Building

INTRODUCING EMPLOYMENT SERVICES …  Kyra Warda, Director 

Integrated Community Employment 

Supported Employment 

ABLE Accounts 

Benefits Analysis

JAVA JUNCTION BY ARKAY

Second Anniversary on May 24

2230 West Road, Trenton 48183

Java's Channel 4 news video:

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2026/05/02/trentons-java-junction-serves coffee-and-opportunities-for-workers-with-disabilities/

PROGRAM UPDATES

NEW START TIME- 

We’re thrilled to announce that starting April 13, Skill Building hours will change to 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. across all locations. This adjustment gives us more time and flexibility for activities and—best of all—more fun for our consumers!

UPDATE ON 1:1 SERVICES-

If 1:1 Job Coaching needs to be canceled due to staffing issues, we may do so as needed. If 1:1 Job Coaching must be canceled, we will make reasonable efforts to reschedule the service.  Caregivers will be contacted as soon as possible to cancel 1:1 staffing

TRANSPORTATION-

We’re proposing that the following changes take effect no later than September 1, 2026:  Implement a 15-mile catchment area for each Arkay location.  Start using route-optimization software (e.g., Route4Me)  Treat transportation by Arkay staff as a last resort,  Continue to solicit donations from parents to help offset transportation costs  Sign up eligible and suitable consumers to use the SMART Connector service.  Arkay will cover the $6 roundtrip cost for those who enroll.  Group homes must provide transportation for their residents.

IMPROVING ACTIVITIES AND COSTS- 

More Life Skills Activities 

Community Activities will be First Come, First Served 

Smaller Groups 

Consumer Input on Activities 

Activities should be paid for in Cash

QUESTIONS?

Alics D. Dillard

alics.dillard@miarkay.org

734-785-9558