empower: abilities

04/20/2026

Get ready to hit the dance floor at Spring Fling—
a night of music, movement, and fun for everyone!

April 24, 2026
6 - 8 pm
at empower: abilities
1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield

Enjoy:
Music and hits by DJ Mike
Dancing
Snacks
Great company

This event is open to all ages—come connect, build friendships,
and show off your freestyle moves!

💲 $2 suggested donation
🚫 No RSVP required—just come join the fun!

Please note:
• Transportation is not provided
• Participants needing assistance for activities lasting two hours or longer should bring an attendant

04/17/2026

Disability Book Week is April 19-25

Stories shape how we see the world—and who we see in it.

During Disability Book Week, we’re encouraging everyone to pick up a book that features people with disabilities or take time to read with a child. These small moments help build understanding, empathy, and inclusion from an early age.

At empower: abilities, our team loves visiting local classrooms to read and connect with students—and yes, Payton comes along too, usually stealing the spotlight and a few extra smiles 🐾

📖 We challenge you:
Read a story. Share a story. Start a conversation.

Together, we can help create a community where everyone is seen, understood, and included.

04/17/2026

Swing by empower: abilities tomorrow for the FREE Parkinson's Group of the Ozarks resource fair. You'll walk away with resources, service providers, and information that can help you or a loved one living with Parkinson's disease.

1450 W. Cambridge St., Springfield.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD), then mark your calendar for this free event!

Visit with over 20 local businesses and organizations to learn about programs and services available for PD families in the Ozarks. And you won't want to miss the mini learning seminars presented by our sponsors for more in-depth information on ways to manage PD symptoms.

We're lucky to have such great resources available in the Ozarks! 🍀

04/17/2026

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁.

It takes work.

Determination.

And the willingness to keep going—even when it’s hard.

John put in that work. Through rehabilitation, he rebuilt strength, confidence, and the skills needed to live on his own again.

Along the way, empower: abilities walked alongside him—helping coordinate services, navigate next steps, and build a plan for independent living that would last.

With the right support in place, progress became possible.

Step by step, John moved closer to the life he had been working toward. Because independence isn’t just given—it’s built.

Next week, we’ll share where that journey led him.

If you or someone you know faces barriers to living independently, empower: abilities can help. Give us a call at 417-886-1188.

04/16/2026

Autism Information Blast: Connect with Local Resources

Join others on Saturday, April 18th, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM in the JCPenney East Court (Battlefield Mall) for an informative and empowering event.

Explore local resources for your family, including:
• Expert Guidance: Connect with specialists in autism care, education, and advocacy.
• Support Services: Find organizations offering therapy, support groups, and counseling.
• Community Fun: Discover resources for inclusive recreational activities and social programs.
• Direct Guidance: Information on diagnosis, treatment, and education options.

This is a great opportunity for those affected by autism or who want to gather local resources.

04/15/2026

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻?

As the first Consumer Directed Services provider in Southwest Missouri, empower: abilities has been supporting families for over 40 years.

While others may leave you waiting, we prioritize quick, dependable communication—because that’s what quality care should look like.

Let’s get you connected.
Call 417-886-1188 to learn more about your options.
E-mail us at care@empowerabilities.org or visit our website at www.empowerabilities.org

04/15/2026

Today is a great opportunity to celebrate American Sign Language and the role it plays in connection, communication, and community.

ASL is expressive, visual, and full of personality—there’s so much more to it than just signing words.

If you already know some ASL, use it today.
If not, try learning something simple like “hello,” “thank you,” or even how to sign your name. Small steps can make a meaningful difference.

Accessibility doesn’t always have to be complicated—sometimes it starts with curiosity and a willingness to meet people where they are.

Take a moment today to appreciate ASL and the community behind it.

04/15/2026

Jenn and Nikki are at the youth service mixer hosted by Community Partnership of the Ozarks. We enjoy opportunities to hang out with youth in the community.

04/15/2026

Spring is upon us and it's a weather "be alert" day today and this evening. Make sure you have your weather radios on, tune in to your favorite weather channel, and enable alerts on your phone. Additionally, have your emergency plans in place should strong storms interrupt your evening. Now is the time to be prepared with your emergency go kits. Most importantly, don't panic - just be aware and know where to go.

04/14/2026

Looking for a fun, laid-back way to hang out and connect?
Join us for Youth Game Night—a weekly space to play, laugh, and socialize.

🗓 Thursdays | 4:00–6:00 PM
👥 Ages 14–24

We’ll be playing all kinds of tabletop games, including:
Uno, Checkers, Chess, Dominos, Monopoly, Scrabble, Cards—and anything else from the game cabinet.

-Have a favorite game? Bring it along! New games are always welcome.
-Chips and soda are provided, and youth are encouraged to bring their own snacks too.
-Transportation is not provided by empower: abilities.
-Parents, guardians, and attendants are welcome to stay and socialize during game time.

Come as you are—let’s play!

04/14/2026

Join us for a free conference at MSU on Friday, August 24!

We’re really excited to be part of a community panel on disability, along with self-advocate leaders who will be sharing their experiences and voices.

We’d love to see you there—come join the conversation!

Register here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=5DDYyk9VYUO65chlIz-3f4s9P6x2pThMuGVcfemIEpJUMFRWNllFREJYM0dNNkZNUENPTlJKUldNUCQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

Agenda and info:
https://www.missouristate.edu/sag/copr-conference.htm

We are about 10 days away! Register for this year’s conference (one day, two days, or both) here:

https://forms.office.com/r/gQLN5jKavd

04/14/2026

April Parker and Juli Jordan attended the Community Foundation of the Ozarks Youth Empowerment Project awards presentation today, where area non profits were presented checks for youth-related projects in the Ozarks. Empower: abilities plans to host workshops that introduce youth to essential life, social, and pre-employment skills through creative, youth-friendly activities. Quarterly pop-up sessions will also take place in rural communities where access to these opportunities might be limited.

Focus areas include cooking and nutrition basics, household organization, communication and self-advocacy, simple budgeting, teamwork, problem solving, and expressive arts that support emotional wellbeing.

For more information about participating in these programs, please contact April at 417-886-1188.