Voices Rising for Justice

Voices Rising for Justice JUSTICE--for all. Note: We will delete content that violates our code of conduct. Page Etiquette
* Post information that is factually accurate, not speculative.

We will amplify the VOICES that RISE against policies and practices that allow perpetrators of abuse and violence against those with ID/DD and Autism to act with impunity. Little is heard about abuse and neglect as of people with disabilities and autism. The silence is particularly alarming because people with disabilities are 3 times more likely to be victims of abuse or violence and they are 10 times more likely to receive no justice for the horrific acts against them. Victims are often not believed, nor seen as credible reporters, and due to cognitive or language difficulties their abuse remains underreported, and they are left to be victimized over and over again, sometimes by the same perpetrator. Crimes against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are more often treated as bureaucratic inconveniences rather than the crimes they are. Voices Raised for Justice (VRFJ) takes a zero tolerance stance for abuse/neglect for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and Autism, especially those who are the most care dependent, those who do not speak with words, those who have multiple co-occurring conditions. This place is settings agnostic -- people should not fear abuse/neglect in any setting such as their home, in a community living arrangement (corporate, provider-owned residence), nursing home, state center, day program, employment site, or even from accessible transportation providers. Everyone who posts on this page should be acting as part of a collective action to seek justice for individuals who have been or are in jeopardy of abuse/neglect. The information provided on this site is for information only and not intended to substitute for professional help, intervention, or treatment. If you or someone you know is or you suspect is being abused, neglected, or exploited please immediately call 911 or PA Adult Protective Services 1-800-490-8505 or PA ChildLine 1-800-932-0313. If you have a source, it is very helpful to post the source, or identify the source.
* Do not post private/personal information that should not be disclosed in a public setting.
* Do not post abusive messaging -- attacks or threats on individuals or places will not be tolerated on this page. Abusive posts will be deleted.

01/28/2026

Join the Children's Medicaid Defense Project for Critical Conversations hosted by Imagine Different Coalition and Pennsylvania Health Law Project. FOLLOW our page to get the announcement when the LIVE starts.

David Gates (Imagine Different Coalition), Marissa Lawall (PA Health Law Project), and Meghann Luczkowski (Imagine Different Coalition) will be having a discussion about increases in home health denials and how to appeal. Resources will be provided. Questions will be answered.

Families, policy makers, caregivers, community organizers, and stakeholders are invited to attend this important conversation.

No FB - Please register at https://www.imaginedifferent.org/medicaiddefense

Alt Text: A promotional graphic for an event titled "Denials on the Rise: Protecting Home Health Services for Children," organized by the Pennsylvania Health Law Project and the Imagine Different Coalition. It features details about a discussion regarding increases in home health service denials and how to appeal them, along with RSVP information for a Facebook live event scheduled for February 5 at 6:30 PM ET. Speaker names include David Gates, Marissa Lawall, and Meghann Luczkowski. The design includes colorful shapes and logos of the organizing groups.

01/22/2026

Learn how to prepare for winter storms and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm.

01/21/2026

From our partners at the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services: We've elevated our to Enhanced and opened warming centers with the help of our City of Philadelphia Government and nonprofit partners. Find a warming site at our interactive map. It changes often so check back for updates before you go: phila.gov/GetWarm

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.

Dr. King emphasized moral and ethical actions, especially concerning justice and equality. One should always stand up for righteousness.



01/15/2026

Honest Conversations: Respecting Myself, Respecting Others
We’re excited to share that we’re using the Elevatus Training program to support young people with disabilities in learning about healthy relationships, boundaries, safety, and self-advocacy.

The program begins with a parent and caregiver component, giving families the tools and confidence to have open, supportive conversations with their young person. From there, youth will participate in interactive sessions that cover topics like understanding bodies, consent, communication, friendships, and navigating relationships with confidence.

Register today!
https://www.tfaforms.com/5204253

01/09/2026

Happy January! Join us this month for a variety of workshops and support groups to help you live a good life and navigate life's challenges.
Register for all upcoming events at www.pafamilynetwork.org/events

Good Life Groups/ Support Groups
- Caregiver Support Group: Wednesday, January 7th
- Caregiver Support Group: Tuesday, January 20th
- Sibling Good Life Group: Monday, January 26th

LifeCourse Workshops
- Peace of Mind, Long Term Planning: Friday, January 16th
- Transitions Through the Lifespan: Thursday, January 22nd
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve, Part 1: Tuesday, January 27th
- Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve, Part 2: Wednesday, January 28th

Waiver Workshops
- Advanced Waiver for Siblings, Part 1: Monday, January 5th
- Advanced Waiver for Siblings, Part 2 : Monday, January 12th
- Waiver Basics, Part 1: Tuesday, January 6th
- Waiver Basics, Part 2: Tuesday, January 13th

01/07/2026

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Join the City of Philadelphia Office of Domestic Violence Strategies on Friday, Jan. 9, in Love Park at 12:15 p.m. for a group picture ahead of . Wear something blue, the international color of human trafficking awareness, and join us for a group picture to show that we believe and support survivors of human trafficking.

12/10/2025
12/10/2025

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case that advocates say could have major implications for how intellectual disability is defined.

11/29/2025
10/29/2025

As a result of the government shutdown, the Pa. Department of Human Services has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released to Pennsylvania.

Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians receive SNAP benefits monthly. In Philadelphia, 473,000 households obtain SNAP … that’s 30 percent of the city’s population. With the delay in SNAP benefits, thousands of Philadelphians -- including children, the elderly, and our most vulnerable community members -- will be without food.

The disruption in SNAP benefits will begin Nov. 1. Furthermore, it is not known whether recipients will be reimbursed for SNAP dollars not released due to the shutdown.

At DBHIDS, we are committed to addressing all social drivers of health that impact the people and communities we serve. Therefore, we can refer people to resources already in place. Some of those resources include pantries listed in The Philly Food Finder, a City resource that helps people locate free food, meals, nutrition services, and public benefit support hubs. Food services are categorized as Food Sites, General Meal Sites, Older Adult Meal Sites, Student Meal Sites, Food Assistance, and Benefits Sites, and any resident is eligible.

Additionally, the City of Philadelphia cross-departmental leadership has created a landing page, What you need to know about significant changes to SNAP benefits, that provides an overview of changes to SNAP as result of the H.R.1 Bill implementing work requirements for SNAP recipients.

Food Resources are listed below. Some are County Specific and some are State-wide.

PA Resources:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-assistance/food-security-in-pennsylvania/food-resources-for-pennsylvanians #:~:text=If%20you%20are%20in%20immediate,1%2D1%20for%20live%20help.

Chester County:
https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/

Delaware County:
https://www.delcopa.gov/cosa/food-resources

Montgomery and Bucks County:
https://www.alongthewaypa.org/food-and-clothing?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=13973968251&gbraid=0AAAAABvbgSkz3lUNxBstExRctw7zTjcUZ&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9obIBhCAARIsAGHm1mQuuyN5Ne_FHckgtQzGbBQmhfwQrOmkv877BhowgT8FUQQE_Nz3PyoaAuIBEALw_wcB

Philadelphia Food Finder
https://www.phila.gov/food/

Due to the ongoing Federal Shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be unavailab...
10/21/2025

Due to the ongoing Federal Shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be unavailable for some individuals.

Resources through local food banks, community meal programs, or other emergency food resources may be available to assist individuals experiencing food insecurity. PA Navigate (https://pa-navigate.org/) can help you locate these resources.

Additional information is available at:
Due to Federal Shutdown, November SNAP Payments Will Not be Made to Nearly Two Million Pennsylvanians | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of P…

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718 Arch Street, #6N
Philadelphia, PA
19106

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