Liberty Resources

01/30/2026

Dear LRI staff, consumers, partners, and community,

Just before the new year, our community lost a true legend.

Bob Kafka was a driving force behind the disability rights and independent living movements as we know them today. Because of Bob, there is ADAPT. Because of Bob, there is REV UP. His life’s work helped shift power back to the people most impacted, and his unwavering belief in collective action reshaped what independence looks like in America.

Bob didn’t just advocate for access. He demanded dignity. He didn’t wait for permission. He organized. He believed deeply that change happens when communities stand together and refuse to be ignored.

We send our deepest love to his partner, Stephanie Thomas, and to his brothers and sisters across the ADAPT movement as they grieve this profound loss. May Bob rest in power.

ADAPT of Texas is hosting a memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life and legacy. There is a virtual option, and we strongly encourage anyone who is able to attend.

Virtual Memorial (Stories Portion of the Program)
January 31, 2026
2:00–3:00 PM

Watch live on the ADAPT of Texas page.
Zoom access for the memorial stories portion of the program is available at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82147423921?pwd=aAPx7Pv68hmWNMkGwMsGvHlG0YgeI5.1

Bob’s obituary and articles honoring his life and legacy can be found at:
https://adaptoftexas.org/articles-written-about-bobs-passing/

The Travis County Commissioners Court Proclamation honoring Bob is available at:
https://adaptoftexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Austin-Proclamation.jpg

Donations in memory of Bob Kafka may be made to ADAPT of Texas at:
https://adaptoftexas.org/support-us/

Free our people.

⸻

Image description:
An older white man with a gray beard and glasses sits in a power wheelchair inside a community organizing space. Behind him hangs a modified American flag featuring the disability symbol, along with posters advocating for disability rights, voting access, and community organizing. The image reflects decades of activism, resistance, and leadership in the disability rights movement.

01/30/2026

Latoya Maddox isn’t just someone quoted in the news. She is a Liberty Resources Inc. employee, an advocate, and a neighbor. And like too many people with disabilities across Philadelphia, she was left stranded in her own community after the storm.

This isn’t about inconvenience. It’s about access.

City agencies can’t do this alone, and the law is clear. Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. But this goes beyond code enforcement. This is about whether curb ramps and sidewalks are treated as critical infrastructure or as optional amenities.

Accessibility is essential. Every day. In every season.

Uncleared snow and ice on sidewalks and crosswalks are making it difficult for Philadelphians to get around, especially those with disabilities.

01/28/2026

Snow Removal Assistance ❄️

Call 311 to report snow-covered curb cuts or blocked sidewalks.
If additional assistance is needed, requests can also be made through the Mayor’s Office at 215-686-2181.

Snow-covered curb cuts and sidewalks create serious barriers for people with disabilities. These are not inconveniences — they are accessibility issues.

Accessibility does not pause for weather.
Curb cuts are essential infrastructure, and safe mobility matters.

Please share this information with anyone who may need assistance.

Image Description:
A winter street scene in a dense urban neighborhood shows snow piled high along sidewalks and curb cuts. In the foreground, a person using a wheelchair faces a snow-blocked curb ramp, highlighting how unshoveled sidewalks create barriers to safe movement. Row homes line the street, and fresh snowfall covers the ground, emphasizing cold weather conditions. Bold text overlays the image with snowflake accents, directing residents to call 311 to report snow-covered curb cuts or blocked sidewalks and providing the Mayor’s Office phone number for additional assistance.

01/24/2026

Healthcare is a human right!

Shout out to Dominique Howell who represented Liberty Resources Inc and Philly ADAPT while serving on a statewide panel focused on protecting healthcare access for people with disabilities. Alongside partners from across Pennsylvania, Dominique spoke out about the harmful impact of HB1 on people with disabilities and on Home and Community Based Services.

Liberty Resources staff and consumers were present and engaged, signing a Healthcare Bill of Rights and affirming what we know to be true: healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.

We are also proud of Latoya Maddox, Liberty Resources staff member and President of Disabled In Action, who also participated, sharing powerful firsthand experiences with Medicaid and Home and Community Based Services and centering real lives and real consequences in the conversation.

Image Descriptions:
Image 1:
A large group of advocates, including Liberty Resources staff, consumers, and partner organizations, pose together holding signs that read “Save Our Health Care” and “Stop the Cuts.” The group stands on a stage beneath a large screen displaying “Save Our Health Care,” representing a united statewide effort to protect healthcare access for people with disabilities.

Image 2:
Liberty Resources consumers, staff, and disability advocates sit attentively during the healthcare forum. Several individuals use mobility devices, highlighting the importance of accessible home and community based services as speakers address the audience off camera.

Image 3:
Dominique Howell of Liberty Resources Inc and Philly ADAPT speaks while seated on a panel at the front of the room. Behind her, a screen displays the Liberty Resources logo and the message “Independence for Everyone,” as fellow panelists and attendees listen during a discussion on the impact of HB1

01/16/2026

Another meaningful milestone to celebrate for Liberty Housing Development Corporation (LHDC).

Yesterday, LHDC officially opened Estelle B. Richman Place in West Philadelphia. This new development will be home to 31 families, including six individuals transitioned from nursing homes through Liberty Resources Inc.’s Nursing Home Transition program.

Estelle B. Richman Place represents years of persistence, collaboration, and a deep commitment to accessible, affordable housing. The project honors Estelle Richman’s enduring legacy of equity, dignity, and advocacy, while reflecting the values that guide this work every day.

Congratulations to Bianca Waliddin for her leadership, and to the entire LHDC team and partners who helped make this milestone possible.

⸻

Image description (for accessibility):
A group of people stand in a hallway during a ribbon-cutting celebration, smiling and applauding.

Row 1 (front row):
Bianca Waliddin, Executive Director of Liberty Housing Development Corporation, wearing a black dress and black hijab and holding oversized gold ceremonial scissors; Sarita Kimble, Board Chair of Liberty Resources Inc., wearing a pink puffer coat; Estelle B. Richman, housing advocate and public servant, wearing a blue puffer coat; and Rue Landau, Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large.

Row 2 (back row):
Adam Thiel, Philadelphia Managing Director; Jamie Gauthier, Philadelphia City Councilmember; John Paone, Board Member of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency; Joe DeFelice, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary and Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator; and Kelvin Jeremiah, Chief Real Estate Officer of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

01/16/2026

This week brought an important and encouraging update for Liberty Resources Inc.

The City of Philadelphia has officially announced that the intercity bus terminal will return to its original location at 10th & Filbert. The facility is expected to be operational by May 1, 2026 and will be newly improved and fully accessible.

Since the terminal was abruptly relocated several years ago, Liberty Resources Inc. has worked alongside partners Transit Forward Philly and 5th Square to advocate for a safe and accessible bus terminal. This work included on-site accessibility reviews, meetings with City Council to address significant access barriers at the temporary location, and direct support for riders during extreme heat when shelter was unavailable.

IL Team Member Latoya Maddox, an integral leader in this advocacy effort, attended the ceremonial signing of the bill by Cherelle L. Parker, which authorizes the City and the Philadelphia Parking Authority to fund and operate the terminal.

This announcement represents a meaningful advocacy win for access, safety, and dignity and serves as a reminder that sustained, community-centered work leads to real change.

⸻

Image descriptions (for accessibility):

Image 1:
Inside a formal City of Philadelphia chamber with wood-paneled walls and framed portraits, IL Team@Member, Latoya Maddox in a power wheelchair sits beside a City Council podium seal. She wears white over-ear headphones, glasses, a dark jacket, and a light-colored blanket over her lap. Standing next to her is Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, wearing a black outfit with a white abstract-patterned jacket. Behind them, an easel displays a rendering of a modern bus terminal.

Image 2:
A group photo inside a City of Philadelphia chamber shows Mayor Cherelle L. Parker near the center, smiling, alongside a diverse group of advocates, city partners, and staff

01/02/2026

🎉 Grand Opening Celebration 🎉

Liberty Housing Development Company is proud to invite our community to the ribbon cutting of The Estelle Richman Apartments—a new accessible and affordable housing community in Philadelphia.

This moment represents more than a building. It represents dignity, access, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.

📅 Thursday, January 15, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 607 North 53rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139

Join us as we celebrate progress, partnership, and the power of inclusive housing. 💛

12/24/2025

✨ Grand Opening Announcement ✨

We’re proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Estelle Richman Apartments — a new chapter in accessible, affordable housing for our community.

Join us as Liberty Housing Development Company celebrates the ribbon cutting of this thoughtfully designed housing community that reflects our ongoing commitment to dignity, independence, and opportunity for all.

📅 Friday, January 16, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 607 North 53rd Street (53rd & Poplar)
Philadelphia, PA 19131

This moment represents more than a building. It represents stability, access, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home.

We look forward to celebrating with our partners, neighbors, and community. 💛🏡✂️

12/24/2025

🍎 FOOD & SNAP RESOURCE GUIDE 🍎
Support is closer than you think.

Need help putting food on the table?
The Philadelphia Food Finder is a free online tool that helps you locate:
• 🛒 Free groceries
• 🍽 Ready-to-eat meals
• 📋 Public benefits information

You can use the filters to find options that work best for you.
✅ Open to all Philadelphia residents
✅ No ID or proof of income required

⸻

💳 SNAP (Food Stamp) Update
Starting September 1, 2025, new federal work requirements may apply if you:
• Are between 18–64 years old
• Are physically and mentally able to work
• Do NOT have a dependent child under age 14

⸻

⚖️ SNAP Denied or Reduced? You Have Options.
Community Legal Services can help with questions and appeals.

📞 Call: (215) 981-3700
🕘 Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

🚶🏾 Walk-In: 1410 W. Erie Avenue
🕘 Mondays & Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

⸻

Please share this with friends, family, and neighbors.
Access to food is a right—and no one should have to navigate it alone. 💙

12/11/2025

Thank you, PA Health & Wellness!

Liberty Resources is grateful for your generous support as a Merlot Sponsor of the 2025 Independence Ball. Your partnership strengthens our mission and helps advance independence, access, and opportunity for people with disabilities across Pennsylvania.

We appreciate your continued commitment to building a more inclusive future where independence truly belongs to everyone.

12/05/2025

Special thanks to Team Toyota of Glen Mills for their generous support of the 2025 Independence Ball!

Your partnership fuels our mission to ensure independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities across our region. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you as part of the Liberty Family.

Thank you, Team Toyota of Glen Mills!
Together, we are expanding what independence can look like for everyone.

12/03/2025

We are excited to host a special self-care workshop designed to support caregivers, consumers, and community members in prioritizing their own well-being. In partnership with Disability Pride Pennsylvania, we’re creating a space to breathe, stretch, recharge, and connect.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Yoga + Lunch
📅 Tuesday, December 9th
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 5208 Poplar St, Steve Gold Apartments

Whether you’re a caregiver, an advocate, or someone who simply needs a moment to pause and care for yourself, this workshop is for you.

We look forward to seeing you there as we continue building a community where self-care, independence, and support go hand in hand.

Image Deacription: Flyer with green palm leaves in the background and event details centered in a pink oval frame.