The TAKE-Away: June 2026 Issue

Welcome to the TAKE-Away, TAKE’s monthly newsletter sharing updates about our life-saving work with those of you who make it possible.

Ahead, check out 3 TAKE-Aways for June 2026:

We at TAKE Resource Center are deeply saddened by the loss of Kalena “Peaches” Croskey. As we affectionately called her, Peaches was more than a community member. She was family.

She brought light, laughter, and joy into every space she entered. Despite the many challenges she faced throughout her life, she never allowed those struggles to define her. Whether she was singing her favorite Beyoncé songs, voguing to the beat, creating glamorous makeup looks, or simply making others smile, Peaches found ways to experience joy and share it with those around her. As a person who survived years of being unhoused, Peaches demonstrated resilience, creativity, and strength. She reminded us all of the importance of holding on to hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.

This loss is not accidental. It is a tragic reminder of the failures within the carceral system. The lack of adequate mental health resources, combined with negligence and systemic shortcomings in our system, continues to cost lives.

Far too many people are dying at the hands of systems that cause harm rather than healing. Incarceration should never lead to dehumanization. Peaches was a human being. She deserved dignity, respect, compassion, and access to the care she needed.

As we mourn her loss, we also honor her life. Let Peaches’ legacy be a call to action. We must continue advocating for a transformation of our systems of incarceration and for better responses to individuals living with severe mental illness. No one should be forgotten, neglected, or stripped of their humanity. Rest peacefully, Peaches. Your life mattered, your presence was felt, and your memory will forever remain with us.

At TAKE’s Juneteenth event on June 20th, we will commemorate Peaches with a few tender words, and send off her spirit with a balloon release. More details about that event can be found later in this newsletter.

Pride is not just a moment of celebration, it is a declaration of our existence. It is a testament to our resilience, our strength, and our determination to push back against systems of oppression that continue to cause harm to our communities. Pride is about showing up, standing together, and empowering one another. It is about honoring those who came before us, uplifting those who stand beside us, and creating a brighter future for those who will come after us.

Check out some of our recent activities so far this Pride Month:

Philly Pride

Art Therapy Tuesday

1. Juneteenth Slip & Slide Party June 20th

   

2. Be The Change Day Party June 28th

   

3. PA Social Media Day of Action July 8th: Stay tuned for more information about our Social Media Day of Action in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, July 8th. We will be sharing post language and images that you can share to encourage your friends and family to check their voter registration status and make sure they know that how they vote will impact trans kids and their safety. We will share more soon!

“Yes, it's Pride month, but for me, it's not simply about saying Happy Pride.
Pride is about mobilizing power, strengthening our communities, and building with one another. It is about ensuring that our voices are heard, especially during this difficult political climate where so many LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans and gender-expansive individuals, continue to face attacks on our rights, dignity, and existence.
As we celebrate Pride, we must also organize. We must ask ourselves: How are we building pipelines that will sustain our communities long after the parades and festivals are over? How are we investing in leadership, housing, healthcare, economic opportunities, and community-led solutions? Community care must remain at the center of our work. Pride is an opportunity to educate those who may not understand LGBTQ+ issues, challenge misinformation, and create pathways for greater understanding and support.
Most importantly, this is a time to give what you can; your time, your resources, your voice, your talents, and your commitment. Our communities do not just deserve to survive; they deserve to thrive. Pride is more than a celebration. It is a call to action. Get involved. Stay informed. Build community. Support one another. And continue the work of creating a future where all of us can live freely, safely, and authentically.”

Once again, thank you for tuning into The TAKE-Away: TAKE’s FREE Monthly Newsletter.

TAKE Care of Yourself,

-The TAKE Team

TAKE

7128 Oporto Madrid Blvd

Birmingham, AL 35206