empower: abilities

02/12/2026

Home and Community-Based Services matter.

The Missouri SDS program (NOT CDS) is being considered for cuts. These are services that help people with disabilities live in their homes and communities — working, volunteering, raising families, and participating just like anyone else.

When we invest in community supports, people stay out of institutions, families stay stronger, and communities are more inclusive. Cutting these services doesn’t save money in the long run — it shifts costs and increases hardship.

If Home and Community-Based Services matter to you, now is the time to speak up. Legislators need to hear directly from people with disabilities, families, providers, and community members about why these investments matter.

Take a few minutes to contact your state legislators and tell them: investing in community supports is the right choice for Missouri.
https://house.mo.gov/default.aspx

Thank you to the Springfield Daily Citizen for highlighting this issue. Please take a moment to read and share the article below.

Missouri’s self-directed supports program has improved the quality of life for Grace Blackmon and other medically fragile people. Gov. Mike Kehoe's proposed budget recommends a $17.5 million funding reduction for the program, worrying families.

Read it: https://sgfcitizen.org/government/missouri-government-politics/missouri-sds-program-cuts-blackmon/

02/12/2026

Make the call to preserve funding for seniors and people with disabilities who rely on meals, transportation and other essential programs that help keep them home and out of hospitals and nursing facilities. Your voice matters!

URGENT!!! YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Missouri’s seniors are facing a looming crisis. Currently, a 20% funding cut is being considered for the Senior Services Growth & Development Program (SSGDP). While this may look like a budget adjustment on paper, for our older neighbors, it is a direct threat to their ability to live with dignity and independence in their own homes. This program provides the essential "safety net" services that keep Missourians from being forced into institutional care prematurely.

-How These Cuts Will Impact Missouri’s Seniors?

For a senior living on a fixed income, these services are not luxuries—they are life-sustaining. A 20% reduction in funding translates to:

• Growing Hunger: The statewide loss of approximately 283,000 meals means that thousands of homebound seniors will face long waitlists for Meals on Wheels, losing the reliable nutrition and wellness checks they depend on.

• Lost Mobility and Safety: Vital home modifications—like wheelchair ramps and stairlifts—will be cut. For many, these are the only things preventing a catastrophic fall or a permanent move to a nursing facility.

• Isolation in Rural Counties: In rural counties, AAA-coordinated transit is often the only way for a senior to get to dialysis, a doctor's appointment, or a grocery store. Without these funds, these seniors are effectively abandoned.

• Increased Hardship for Families: Family caregivers provide billions in unpaid labor. By reducing respite care and essential supplies (like mobility aids and incontinence items), these cuts accelerate caregiver burnout and force families to make the heartbreaking choice of nursing home placement.

A Fiscal Decision with Human Consequences!

Every dollar cut from the SSGDP creates a bottleneck. When we remove preventative services, we force seniors into crisis management. For every $1 cut from this program, the state is projected to incur $3–$5 in added Medicaid expenses as seniors are pushed into hospital emergency rooms and Medicaid-funded nursing homes.

Protect the SSGDP

Let’s ensure Missouri remains a state where our seniors can live with the dignity and independence they have earned.

What Can We Do?

Contact House Budget Committee Members. Committee Members are reviewing this portion of the budget on Today & Tomorrow!

This link shows a list of the committee members and how you can contact them: https://archive.house.mo.gov/Committees.aspx?category=all...

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

02/12/2026

Today empower: abilities staff, Afton and Shelby had a great visit at Coffee Creations in Branson! ☕

We enjoyed a tour and learned more about the incredible work they are doing. We also had a meaningful conversation with Keegan and staff about ways we can work together to continue making Branson more accessible and welcoming for everyone.

Stronger communities happen when local businesses and advocates come together. We’re excited about what’s ahead!

02/12/2026

🎲 Youth Game Night / Social Club - TODAY at 4 pm

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. Sit back and play games with friends, or help us prepare for our upcoming Valentine's Dance - we're talking PARTY DECORATIONS!

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.

🎮 Come as you are—let’s play! 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.

Empower: abilities offers a scent free space. If you need assistance during a two-hour period, please bring someone to assist you.

02/11/2026

Our February newsletter is now online. Follow the link in the comments to find out what coming up at empower: abilities.

02/10/2026

Studies prove that wearing your hearing aids contributes to a longer, healthier life.

Untreated hearing loss leads to:
-Increased risk of falling
-Early onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s
-Social isolation and depression

We can help you hear better! (our top brand sells significantly less
than most retailers) Call today for an appointment with our Hearing Instrument Specialist: 417-886-1188.

02/10/2026

Our Consumer Directed Care Program is more than just home-care. We connect you to other great programs and services that make a difference and help you stay independent and at home.

02/10/2026

Attention!

We’ve received a few questions from consumers who are hearing about possible state budget cuts and are concerned about their Consumer Directed Services (CDS).

At this time, the discussions you may be hearing about involve Self-Directed Services (SDS), which is a different program. SDS and CDS are not the same.

If you receive CDS, these reports are not related to your CDS services. However, it is always important for legislators to hear how vital in-home and community-based services are for people with disabilities.

If CDS helps you live independently, work, or stay safely in your home, consider contacting your legislator to share your story and explain why these services matter.

Find your legislator here: https://house.mo.gov/default.aspx

We know news about budgets can be stressful. If you have questions about your services, please reach out — we are here to help.

02/10/2026

Join empower: abilities on Friday, March 13 for our Annual Meeting. This year we are hosting a continental breakfast for attendees, followed by a look at where we've been and what's to come. We have big plans on the horizon! Reservations not required, but appreciated.

Call 417-886-1188 or email michele@empowerabilities.org

02/10/2026

♻️ 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

02/10/2026

🚨 Lawmakers have started building the state budget — now is the time to speak up.

Supports for people with disabilities should not be divided or pitted against one another. Families and individuals across programs rely on a strong system of services, and when one area is cut, the whole community feels it. We are stronger when we stand together to protect the supports people need to live safely and independently.

If you or your family are impacted, check out the MO SDS Family Support Group’s post for details and ways to take action. Make sure your voice is heard.

House Action Map Senate Action Map

02/09/2026

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=VUIjPQ_iBUKIpZZYpAKZmzsYtQQa_z5DoGuzzuSc5udUNEVYUEg0VTdESVhSV1NCOFVWUDlQR1BTNi4u&route=shorturl
MoDOT is seeking feedback on intercity bus service across Missouri.

Public transportation is essential for accessing employment, healthcare, groceries, and community life. Your input can help improve service and ensure more accessible, reliable transportation options for those who depend on it.

Speak up and help strengthen transportation access for all Missourians.

Until January 31st! MoDOT is seeking public input for a survey on 'intercity bus service.'