As the hot days of August dwindle away, the fall months are drawing closer. And while it's sad to say goodbye to summertime living, the month of September offers the perfect intermediary between the dog days of summer and the thick of autumn that comes in October and November. It's a transition time “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The Covid-19 vaccine has been well distributed and has been proven to be effective. The CDC is now talking about a booster vaccine. The goal is for people to start receiving a COVID-19 booster shot beginning in the fall, with individuals being eligible starting 8 months after they received their second dose of an mRNA vaccine. This is subject to authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and recommendation by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). FDA is conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. ACIP will decide whether to issue a booster dose recommendation based on a thorough review of the evidence. If FDA authorizes and ACIP recommends a booster dose, the goal is for the first people eligible for a booster dose to be those who were the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (those who are most at risk). This includes healthcare providers, residents of long-term care, and other older adults.
Again, if you have a loved one who can't attend in person, please consider Arkay’s virtual skill building (VSB) which can assist your loved one. I want to emphasize VSB because it would be so good for your love one to interact & learn with others during this time period. We have a great team who has put together a great curriculum for the people we serve. I really think you would enjoy being part of this program. These sessions have been very welcomed by our participants. Our team is very dedicated to helping our consumers to connect with others using technology.
Also, please know that all of Arkay’s in-person programs including transportation are up & running daily to serve you. Welcome back!!! At the end of the day, we want two things from you:
1. We want you to be satisfied with our services, &
2. We want to let you know how much we appreciate you for choosing Arkay.
Further, we mark 31 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA. Arkay has a proud history of serving & advocating with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and working to ensure that their most fundamental rights and the protections guaranteed by the ADA are recognized and fulfilled.
Lastly, Arkay continues to partner with Charity Roaster. Arkay is able to provide you and your loved ones with delicious bags of Arkay Coffee. All Proceeds go toward furthering Arkay's mission to service the developmentally disabled and to support our consumers. Each bag is 12oz. of ground or whole bean coffee and all blends cost $15. It comes in 8 varieties. Please visit www.miarkay.org/arkay-coffee.
Please consider setting aside part of your budget to support the work of Arkay with a tax-deductible charitable donation. Supporters can donate online or by mail. Visit www.miarkay.org to make a gift using a credit card or send a check to Arkay.
Very Sincerely,
Kevin McGuckin Arkay CEO