empower: abilities

Join us for Empower: Youth

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻. 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲.

You'll build a Remote Control Team Race Car while building confidence, teamwork, time management, problem solving, and money management skills.

Join us as we Empower: Youth gives young people ages 14–18 a place to learn independent living skills, build confidence and have fun connecting with friends who understand them.

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬
𝟰:𝟬𝟬–𝟲:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠
𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝟯𝟯𝟰𝟱 𝗦. 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
At the same time, parents can join the Parent Connection, a welcoming group for parents of children with disabilities. Exchange practical ideas and learn about school advocacy and community resources.

Interested in joining us? Contact Nikki at 417-886-1188, ext. 604 to register.

Come learn, connect and recharge with us!

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘
𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱!

We’re excited to bring independent living and transition skills training to young people in the Marshfield community!

Empower: Youth gives youth ages 14–18 a welcoming place to learn practical skills, build confidence and connect with peers—all while preparing for greater independence.

November 16
Marshfield Senior Center
427 W. Washington St. , Marshfield
1:00 - 3:00 pm

From everyday decision-making to planning for the future, empower: Youth helps participants discover what they can do and take the next steps toward their goals.
Watch our page for upcoming meeting details and information about how to join us!

Interested in joining us? Contact Nikki at 417-886-1188, ext. 604 to register.
Come find your voice—and discover the difference it can make!

Empower: abilities is honored to be the recipient of this year's Shatfest. Thanks to all of the performers, vendors, and attendees of this year's Shatfest for your contributions. Removing barriers and empowering independent living for all people with disabilities - that's what we do, everyday!

We did that!! MO Shatfest raised $500 for Empower: abilities! I am so proud and thankful, and this never would have been possible without all of our musicians, vendors, volunteers, hosts, and donors! PLEASE go give a follow and some love to our performers who donated their time and talents to this special cause as well as our awesome vendors!

JayceJanae
Storyteller 417
Lvcid Kr33p
Terraine Casey III
King Size: Music For The Soul
Coyote Bait
Charlees.music
Stagrunners
Bleach It Black
Strange Behavior
Dick Johnson
John Russ
The Bart Yard Co.
Bee Eye & Miss Milo

I would like to thank our incredible local donors again (also go give them a follow and maybe a purchase this upcoming holiday season) Craft Axe Throwing, Chabom Teas + Spices, Naara for Life, Jamiesshoes, Springfield Little Theatre, Necrobroth Theatre, Minner Sykes, and GingerRoot Wellness who made our event and our raffle prize so wonderful! We also had a pair of donors who would prefer to stay anonymous as well as Ms. Rachael Dauzat who generously (and stealthily) donated directly to our overhead costs, hugely impacting our ability to donate a respectable amount to our cause!

Thank you again to our fantastic hosts at the Dockley Ranch as well as all of our volunteers and supporters! Brandi, Shone, Joyce and Greg, Adam and Shamane, Haley and John, Willie of Backwoods Productions, Lilly Laughs-a-Lot, Shayla of Sinse, Sonja, Aaron, and more! 💜

I look forward to meeting with Julie of Empower: abilities later this week to physically pass along the donation! Thank you again to all of you! The extent of our kindness is made greater by each and every one of you, and I am endlessly grateful! Long live Shatfest, live music, and human made art! Stay safe and stay kind my friends! 💜

𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗝𝗢𝗘!

Every mission is powered by people, and today we’re introducing one of the newest members of the empower: abilities team!

Meet Joe Sweeney-Legore, our new Youth Advocate. Although Joe joined the staff in September, he is certainly no stranger to empower: abilities. He joined our Board of Directors in 2022 and served as Board President from 2024–2026.

In his new role, Joe will help young people with disabilities and their families navigate IEPs, 504 plans, transition planning and guardianship-related concerns. His goal is to ensure young people understand their rights, have a voice and receive the support they need.

After serving on the Board, Joe wanted to become more directly involved in the mission and help young people become stronger advocates for themselves.

For Joe, empowerment means having a voice, understanding your choices and being included in decisions that affect your life.

“Independent living doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means having control over your own life and choosing the support you need.”

Joe brings experience in education law, disability advocacy, ADA compliance and direct support services. He holds a Juris Master’s degree in Education Law and previously served as an ADA Coordinator, helping the City of Forsyth develop its ADA Transition Plan.

One of Joe’s greatest strengths is his ability to consider both the legal and practical sides of an issue. He also has a talent for explaining complicated information in ways families can understand and use.

Outside of work, Joe enjoys photography and spending time with family and friends. Every weekend is a new adventure—often involving a trip to Kansas City to hang out and do something fun! He is also a morning person, a fan of German Shepherds and always happy to accept coffee—unless Dr Pepper is available.

Please help us welcome Joe to the empower: abilities staff. We’re excited to see the difference he will make for young people and their families!

Great information for all businesses, entrepreneurs and not for profits. We can help you too! Let empower: abilities help you provide the best customer service for everyone.

Are you or your organization planning a street festival, craft fair, music event, sporting event, home show, or other event open to the public? Make sure your event is accessible to people with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the right of people with disabilities to access and enjoy the same goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations available to other members of the public, including at temporary events. Event organizers have general accessibility requirements under the ADA to help ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate.

The ADA National Network provides a guide on making temporary events accessible to people with disabilities: bit.ly/4ieE0yo.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮

We’re excited to bring independent living and transition skills training to young people in Lawrence County.

Empower: Youth gives youth ages 14–18 a welcoming place to learn practical skills, build confidence and connect with peers—all while preparing for greater independence.

𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮
𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆
𝟮𝟬𝟮 𝗦. 𝗝𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗮
𝟯:𝟯𝟬 - 𝟱:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺

From everyday decision-making to planning for the future, empower: Youth helps participants discover what they can do and take the next steps toward their goals.

Interested in joining us? Contact Nikki at 417-886-1188, ext. 604 to register.

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 - 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Begins November 10 at 4:00 pm

This is your opportunity to share stories, find support, and build connections with other parents of kids with disabilities.

This is a free, welcoming group for parents of children with disabilities of all ages. Exchange practical ideas and learn about school advocacy and community resources. Snacks and drinks provided.

𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱 (and continues after the first of the new year)
𝟰-𝟲 𝗽𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝟯𝟯𝟰𝟱 𝗦. 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹, 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱

This gathering takes place at the same time our empower: youth classes.

Contact [email protected] or call 417-886-1188 x 613 for more information.

A firefighter’s perspective—and a conversation that could help you feel more prepared!

Today on Pime Time, we’re welcoming Jim Ludden, Division Chief for Comunity Risk Reduction at the Springfield Fire Department to talk about everyday fire safety, winter and holiday hazards, and the experiences that have shaped his work in the fire service.

We’ll discuss smoke alarms, home escape plans, when to call 911, and planning for older adults and people with disabilities. Plus, we’ll hear what Jim wishes everyone knew before an emergency happens.

Join us for practical advice, stories from the field, and a look at the people behind the protective gear!

It's all on Prime Time 92.3 FM on KICK, today at 4:00 pm.

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. 507
Email: [email protected]
Learn more: www.empowerabilities.org

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

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗿

We’re excited to bring independent living and transition skills training to young people in Dallas and Polk Counties.

Empower: Youth gives youth ages 14–18 a welcoming place to learn practical skills, build confidence and connect with peers—all while preparing for greater independence.

𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟵
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀
𝟯𝟮𝟬 𝗦 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝘃𝗲, 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗿
2:00 - 4:00 pm

From everyday decision-making to planning for the future, empower: Youth helps participants discover what they can do and take the next steps toward their goals.

Interested in joining us? Contact Nikki at 417-886-1188, ext. 604 to register.