Updates from Alics-September 2026

9//11/2026

Happy Friday! I'm sure most of you are winding down your work week, and I wanted to take a few minutes to talk about exciting updates that are happening at Arkay. 

Java Junction

Change is underway at Java Junction. Leslie and I have been working to update the service-delivery model and strengthen day-to-day operations at the coffee shop. We are also focused on ensuring that Java Junction operates in an economically sustainable manner during the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

We expect to share more information about these upcoming improvements over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, I am pleased to unveil Java Junction’s new logo.

Thank you to Megan Garcia for her creativity, diligence, and hard work in designing the logo.

Case Coordination

Over the past few weeks, we have made several updates to our Case Coordinator team to strengthen support for the individuals we serve.

• Effective August 24, Jamie Pike transitioned into the role of Job Coach at our Unity location. Jamie previously served as a Job Coach at our Crossings location, and I am confident that the individuals served at Unity will benefit greatly from her energy, experience, and expertise.

• Also effective August 24, Amanda Snowden joined Arkay as the Case Coordinator at our Oakland location. Amanda has quickly embraced her new role and is already making a meaningful impact.

• Effective September 8, Ronda Legette joined Arkay as a Case Coordinator. Ronda will support treatment planning and goal monitoring for individuals served at our Unity and Crossings locations.

With Amanda and Ronda now on board, Arkay is strengthening its capacity to ensure that treatment planning and goal monitoring are delivered in a person-centered manner and aligned with industry standards. The Case Coordinators at Unity and Crossings will continue to play an essential role in maintaining complete, accurate, and compliant consumer records, while working collaboratively to support continuity of care and positive outcomes.

Workspace at Crossings

With our recent hirings, workspace at Crossings has become limited. To make the best use of available space, the two cubicles outside Kim Gurtowsky’s and Kyra Warda’s offices will no longer be assigned to Ken Miller and Mark Baerlin. These cubicles will now be available as shared workspaces for Job Coaches, Case Coordinators, and other staff who need a place to work. In addition, work areas on either side of James Vierk’s cubicle are available for staff use as needed.

Quality and Compliance

Congratulations to Maria Garza and Amanda Barnum for achieving 100% on their August file audits. Thank you both for your attention to detail and commitment to quality. Keep up the great work!

Biddle Location Update

We are continuing to work through the planning and approval process needed to begin construction at our Biddle location. We anticipate that construction on the ramp to the lower level will begin soon. Overall, we are hopeful that programming at the Biddle location will begin in early 2027. We will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.

PCE System

We are continuing to move forward with the development and implementation of our electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Staff have an opportunity to help select a name for the EMR system, which is planned to launch in April 2027. Please submit one selection through the quiz distributed by Cherie Stengis by close of business on September 22, 2026.

The first-, second-, and third-place name selections will be announced on September 29, 2026.

Have a great weekend!

Thank you all for your continued flexibility, professionalism, and commitment to the individuals we serve. The updates shared above reflect our ongoing work to strengthen Arkay’s programs, operations, and capacity to provide person-centered, high-quality services. We appreciate everything you do each day to support our consumers, one another, and Arkay’s mission.

Mr. Alics D. Dillard MA LPC