Starkey, Inc.

06/05/2026

Thank you, Commissioner Baty!

Always enjoy visiting with Colin McKenney and Dotty Harpool from a truly wonderful organization. Starkey, Inc.

For the last 3.5 years, I’ve worked alongside my friends at Starkey to address a growing need for services related to individuals that have a dual diagnosis — a mental health condition AND an intellectual disability. There is a lack of resources, specialized training, and coordinated care for those needing this level of services, but we have made REAL progress in the last few years and there is a host of improvements being implemented now.

Special thanks to my friends Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi and Senator Stephen Owens for their shared commitment for solutions!

Next stop — we have a desperate need for crisis Intervention beds to serve this population. I pushed hard to carve off FOUR beds out of the 104 for this purpose at the new mental health hospital, and even had the Governor’s interest, but failed to get it accomplished due to LICENSING constraints. 🙄

So, back to the drawing board, but it’s something I’m determined to help deliver before my time is done!

Learn more ⬇️
https://starkey.org
https://iod.unh.edu/national-center-start-services/start-model

06/05/2026

Individuals who are part of our Semi Independent Living Program have been taking in all the FOOD and FUN that Wichita Riverfest has to offer this week! 🍧🎡

06/04/2026

The Kansas Aviation Museum is a local treasure! 🛩 The museum - housed in the former Wichita municipal airport terminal - features a world-class collection of historic aircraft and aviation memorabilia. We love to visit and learn more about our local aviation history!

06/03/2026

Hannah, who works at Dillons through Starkey's Supported Employment Program, is "blossoming" in some new duties at the store! 🌺🌸🌼

She is now in charge of watering all of the outdoor plants, organizing the floral displays and providing overall maintenance in the outdoor area. She has a newfound love for flowers, plants and working outside! ☀️

06/02/2026

What are we craving for lunch this week? The Wichita Riverfest food court, of course! 🤤🍗🌽🌭

06/01/2026

More photos from last Friday's spring party. We had so much fun! A big thank you to Capt. Chad Beard of the Wichita Police Department (and a Starkey board member) for spending time with us, too!

05/29/2026

Thank you to the many dedicated volunteers who came out today to run the spring party for individuals in our day programs! 🍧💦 We ate Kona Ice, danced, got doused in the Soak 'N Wet and had a fantastic day! 🎉

05/29/2026

We are ALL SMILES on this Friday. Go out there and make today count! 🌞

05/28/2026

HIRED! 🎉 Darell has a brand new job as a cashier and busser at McConnell Air Force Base through its contract with TRDI.

We are so proud of you, Darell! We know you will work hard and enjoy long-term success.

05/27/2026

Strawberry picking season is drawing to a close at Meadowlark Farm Pick your Own Apple & Peach Orchard, Pumpkin Patch, but peach season is coming! We enjoy spending time in the orchard! 🍓🍑🍎