empower: abilities

01/12/2026

🐾 Today on Prime Time! 🎙️

Pets can be incredible companions—but they aren’t always the right fit for everyone. On today’s Prime Time radio show, we’re talking honestly about pet ownership for older adults and people with disabilities—the good, the challenging, and everything in between.

Today, we'll be joined by Amanda Derby and Rachel Smith, store managers at All Pet Supply, who will share expert insight on:
• choosing the right pet
• understanding care needs
• safety considerations
• and alternatives when full-time pet ownership isn’t the best option

At empower: abilities, we believe independence looks different for everyone—and the right supports make all the difference.

🎧 Tune in to Prime Time on KICK 92.3 FM today at 4:00 pm

01/10/2026

01/09/2026

✨ Empower Your Independence! Join us on January 13 at 10 am for a new year of education and confidence building with the Blind and Low Vision Support Group ✨

Living with vision impairment? You’re not alone! The Blind and Low Vision Support Group at Empower: Abilities is here to connect, uplift, and empower YOU.

- Share experiences.
- Learn new skills.
- Explore assistive technology.
- Discuss health & wellness.

Join Afton Harper and a welcoming group on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM at:
📍 1450 W. Cambridge St., Springfield

🌐 Can’t attend in person? Join us on Zoom! (link below)

Please note: empower: abilities offers a scent-free environment. If you need assistance during the meeting, please bring someone with you.

Let’s navigate independence together! See you there! 👀✨


https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82152617640?pwd%3DbjVyXvMO6PaTrrOG4BKkIjOXsCapW2.1&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1738517292884249&usg=AOvVaw3tNETk_xYVO4fSz7DtuqRB

01/08/2026

🏠 Need help living independently at home?
Take control of your care with Consumer Directed Services (CDS) through empower: abilities!

✨ You can choose your own caregiver — a trusted family member, friend, or loved one — and they’ll be reimbursed and paid weekly.

Your caregiver can assist with daily tasks like:
🧹 Housekeeping
🛁 Bathing
👚 Dressing & Grooming
🍽️ Meal Preparation
🧺 Laundry
♿ Mobility & Transfers
🛒 Shopping & Errands
💙 empower: abilities proudly serves eight counties in Southwest Missouri: Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster.

📲 Ready to get started?
Call us at 417-886-1188 ext. 208
📧 Email: care@empowerabilities.org
🌐 Learn more: www.empowerabilities.org

✨ Leading the way in Consumer Directed Services — Southwest Missouri’s first CDS provider with 30+ years of trusted care.

01/08/2026

📣Thank You, City of Ozark! 👏

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the City of Ozark and everyone involved in updating the City’s transition and accessibility plan. This thoughtful effort to invest over $23 million in accessibility upgrades for sidewalks and public facilities will help ensure safer, more connected, and more inclusive streets for everyone in our community — especially for people with disabilities, families with strollers, seniors, and those walking or rolling throughout town.

These upgrades reflect a strong commitment to accessibility, equity, and quality of life for all residents. 💙

Here’s the article with details on the project and what the City is planning: https://sgfcitizen.org/government/christian-county/ozark-may-invest-over-23m-in-accessibility-upgrades-for-sidewalks-facilities/

Thank you, City of Ozark, for prioritizing accessibility and for working to make our city a more walkable, welcoming place for everyone! 👣✨

Ozark officials are considering a long-term plan to remove barriers to accessibility from city infrastructure, parks and facilities.

01/07/2026

♻️ Give It. Get It. Reuse It. ♿

Do you have used medical equipment you no longer need?
empower: abilities collects gently used durable medical equipment—like walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, and more—and recycles them back into the community at no cost to those in need. This is a great time of year to clean out the garage and donate used equipment - we will give it to someone who can benefit from it.

💙 Donate it. Reuse it. Empower someone’s independence.

📍 Drop off or call us to learn more:
📞 417-838-8940
📍 1450 W. Cambridge St., Springfield

01/07/2026

The Missouri legislative session kicked off today, and we’re wishing all our elected officials a productive and impactful session ahead!

Now is the time for advocates to get their stories ready — your lived experiences shape policy, drive change, and make our communities stronger.

If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter (including our LOOP — Legislative Organizing Opportunities Project), now’s the perfect moment! Our updates help you stay informed and engaged with policy and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels — plus opportunities to take action.

Advocate. Educate. Empower.

👉 Sign up for our email list and stay informed:

01/06/2026

Independence looks different for everyone.
Independence isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s choice, dignity, and support when needed.
Empower: abilities is here to help you achieve your independence goals.
Call us at 417-886-1188.

01/05/2026

We will be co-hosting the next monthly Zoom for self-advocates and caregivers. Join us Monday January 12 at 6:00pm. The focus will be on the State Budget and Medicaid. Sign up: https://bit.ly/janzoom2

Missouri’s Legislative Session starts January 6.

Want to learn how to speak up and make a difference? Sign up for our monthly Zoom! It’s made for self-advocates and family members.

The next Zoom meeting is Monday, January 12 at 6:00 pm. The focus will be on the State Budget and Medicaid. This session is cohosted by Empower Abilities, Missouri Budget Project, and MODDC.

Can’t join at that time? Sign up anyway! You’ll still get the slides and video after the event.

Sign up: https://bit.ly/janzoom2

01/05/2026

🌟 Already caring for a friend or loved one?

You may be able to get paid for the care you're already providing through Consumer Directed Services (CDS) with empower: abilities.

We offer:
✅ Flexible hours
✅ Weekly pay
✅ A meaningful opportunity to support someone you care about

empower: abilities — leading the way in Consumer Directed Services as Southwest Missouri’s first provider with over 30 years of trusted care. We serve Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster counties.

If your loved one is on Missouri Medicaid, give us a call to see if they qualify for CDS. 417-886-1188

01/05/2026

📣 Today on Prime Time!

Let's talk accessibility! Shelby Butler and Afton Harper will join Taylee to discuss the Restaurant Access Point (RAP) program and all thing accessibility. Let's work to remove barriers so all people have equal access to their community.🎙️

Tune in to learn, connect, and support an amazing local organization doing powerful work in our community. 💙

📻 Listen today at 4:00 pm on KICK 92.3 FM.
Follow Prime Time for updates, guests, and weekly resources (link in the comments)