Absolute HCBS

This is a friendly reminder for all of our providers! Payroll is due tomorrow on Sunday, May 31st, 2026, at midnight. Please ensure that the guardian/designee has approved your shifts by Monday. Pay day will always be on the following Friday. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with SpokeChoice, please email your area manager directly.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re sharing a few sensory-friendly self-care activities that can help children explore emotions, relax their minds, and have fun along the way! Here are a few ideas:

1. Have a movement break party! Turn on your child’s favorite music and dance, stretch, do yoga, or create a simple obstacle course. Movement is a great way to release stress, boost mood, and support both mental and physical wellness.

2. Be artistic by painting, coloring, or creating! Art can be a wonderful outlet for self-expression. Whether your child enjoys coloring books, finger painting, or drawing their favorite things, creative activities can help encourage relaxation and confidence.

3. Build a cozy calm-down corner! Gather soft blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, headphones, favorite books, or sensory items to create a safe and comforting space where your child can relax and recharge whenever needed.

Small moments of self-care can make a big difference. 🌟

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore

During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our community that even on the hardest days, hope, support, and connection can make a difference. For individuals with disabilities, mental health matters just as much as physical health, and no one should ever feel alone in their journey. Sometimes the “light” can be a kind word, a trusted support system, a favorite activity, or simply taking one small step forward.

This May, let’s continue spreading kindness, understanding, and encouragement to one another. 💚

Our second “Inclusive Children’s Book for All” this month is called "The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be" written by Joanna Gaines and illustrated by Julianna Swaney. This story follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life, it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated. This is a great book to teach children how to celebrate each other’s strengths and differences!

Remember that you can always find the books that we showcase here on the shelves in our Tempe office! Have a book you’d like to recommend? Feel free to message us directly.

Temperatures are heating up! Don't forget that many of our members (and even ourselves) are sensitive to the harsh summertime temperatures. As a friendly reminder:

1. NEVER leave a member unattended in a car.
2. Always check to make sure that your member has access to water, air conditioning, sunscreen, and shade when traveling.
3. If you find yourself traveling in a dust storm or inclement weather, remember to "pull aside, stay alive". Turn off your lights, and resume travel when you are comfortable navigating the environment around you.

In observance of Memorial Day, all Absolute HCBS offices are closed on Monday, May 25th. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26th. If you need to report an emergency, incident, or gap in service, please call the on-call administrator using the emergency line number.

Over 96% of our admin team has personal or hands-on experience with developmental disabilities. That’s why quality care matters so deeply to us. Tune in each month to meet the hearts behind the work, and discover why our staff serves our community!

Kendra Verdoni, our Chief Operating Officer said, “I serve the disability community because every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued in a world that can so easily forget to slow down and truly recognize people around them. Too often, individuals with disabilities are overlooked, underestimated, or left out, and I believe even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile, a simple hello, or taking a moment to truly acknowledge them and remind them that they matter and belong. Supporting, advocating for, and connecting with this community has given me a deeper understanding of compassion, inclusion, and the importance of creating a world where every voice is respected and every person feels they have a place.”

American author and inspirational speaker, Regina Brett once said, “Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy.”

Summer can be a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and simply be present. Whether it’s watching the clouds, sitting outside in the sunshine, or spending quiet time with loved ones, don’t forget that rest is important too!

Sometimes, doing “nothing” can mean everything!

Christopher Robin, from Winnie the Pooh once said, “Promise me you’ll always remember — you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to remind our disability community, caregivers, families, and support teams that your strength matters. Every challenge you overcome, every goal you reach, and every moment you keep going is something to be proud of. You are capable, resilient, and never alone. 💚

It’s that time of year again! We want to send a huge congratulations to all of those who are graduates this May! Whether you are graduating from elementary school, middle school, high school, college, trade school, or any other form of education, Absolute HCBS wants to wish you the best in your future endeavors as you close this chapter in your life and begin a new one!

Not sure where to start after graduating? We are always looking to hire passionate providers to serve our members and our community! Learn more about becoming a provider with us by visiting our website here: https://absolutehcbs.com/providers/