empower: abilities

05/15/2026

May is Older Americans Month — a time to celebrate the strength, wisdom, and contributions of older adults in our communities. 💙

At empower: abilities, we know that aging and disability often intersect. Many older adults face new challenges with mobility, vision, hearing, accessibility, and maintaining independence at home and in the community.

That’s why our mission matters.

Through accessibility solutions, assistive technology, advocacy, independent living services, and home modifications, we help older adults remain safe, connected, and independent. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to age with dignity, choice, and independence.

Join us this month in recognizing the value, resilience, and experiences of older Americans.

05/14/2026

Today, a small group of dedicated advocates — including empower: abilities staff and our Board President — gathered in the Springfield community to talk about advocacy and how we can better engage others at the local, state, and federal levels.

The energy, ideas, and commitment shared today will help guide us as we work to reorganize Team Access and strengthen our LOOP (Legislative Organizing Opportunities Projects) efforts this year.

A huge thank you to the leaders who showed up, shared their voices, and made a commitment to helping build a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.

We are excited about what’s ahead — and there will be opportunities for others to get involved soon. Stay tuned for ways to join us and make a difference together!

05/14/2026

Is your website truly accessible to everyone?

Digital accessibility matters more than ever. From websites and online forms to social media and digital documents, businesses and organizations have a responsibility to ensure people with disabilities can access information and services online.

Join empower: abilities for a FREE Digital Accessibility Workshop designed for businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and organizations wanting to better understand ADA compliance and inclusive digital practices.

Tuesday, August 4
10:00 – 11:30 AM
Kimberling City Hall
43 Kimberling Blvd.

Presented by the accessibility experts at empower: abilities and hosted by Kimberling City Hall.

During this workshop, we’ll discuss:
✔ Website accessibility basics
✔ ADA compliance considerations
✔ Common digital barriers
✔ Practical accessibility improvements
✔ How empower: abilities can review your current website and digital platforms for accessibility compliance

Free to attend.

Contact us for more information or to schedule a presentation at your business or in your community. Call 417-886-1188 or email
sbutler@empowerabilities.org or aftonh@empowerabilities.org

05/13/2026

🏠 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.

05/13/2026

We only need 22 more votes to qualify for a $250 gift card for empower: abilities. Vote daily by using the link and going the the Services category, then Non Profits - and enter empower: abilities.

We are doing great work in our community - we appreciate your support.

Check it out now!

05/12/2026

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.

05/12/2026

Circle of Friends Social Club - this Wednesday
May 13 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Center

This week: Summer Gardening Bingo with a presentation on Park Board activities with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Social Club is open to adults of all abilities who want to connect with others, build friendships, and develop everyday life skills in the community.

🚗 Transportation is limited and provided for specific events only.
Participants who require personal assistance for activities lasting two hours or longer are asked to bring an attendant to assist them.

For more information, please contact Donna at 417-886-1188.

05/11/2026

Empower: Youth Ages 14–24! - tomorrow at 4 pm
Join us to build connections and learn new life skills. Group meets every Tuesday at 4 pm at empower: abilities (1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield).

Topic: Healthy Living-- Primary care physician/ Vision & Dental/Daily Habits

Join our Facebook group just for youth where you can:

✨ Connect with peers
✨ Encourage one another
✨ Build confidence and independence

Empower: Youth Peer Power is a safe, moderated space created for real conversations, shared experiences, and support from people who get it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/829816776564941

Questions? Call Nikki at 417-886-1188 or email nicoler@empowerabilities.org

Come as you are. Let’s grow together.
This week: Online Safety--How to stay up to date/Meeting people online/ Trust vs. Safety

We’ve launched a new Facebook group just for youth where you can:
✨ Connect with peers
✨ Encourage one another
✨ Build confidence and independence

Empower: Youth Peer Power is a safe, moderated space created for real conversations, shared experiences, and support from people who get it.

Join us on Facebook:
Empower: Youth Peer Power
https://www.facebook.com/groups/829816776564941

Questions? Call Nikki at 417-886-1188 or email nicoler@empowerabilities.org
Come as you are. Let’s grow together.

05/11/2026

Join us today on Prime Time as we welcome Hollee Ellis from The Salvation Army - Springfield, MO for a meaningful conversation about community support, compassion, and the many ways lives are being changed right here in our area. ❤️

We’ll discuss:
✨ Emergency assistance and outreach
✨ Helping individuals and families through difficult times
✨ Volunteer opportunities and community involvement
✨ The growing needs facing our community
✨ How hope and dignity can make all the difference

You won’t want to miss this heartfelt and inspiring conversation about neighbors helping neighbors and the power of community connection.

📻 Tune in today at 4:00 pm for Prime Time with empower: abilities!
92.3 FM on KICK

Missed a show? Listen to recordings on the website.https://923kick.com/local-shows/prime-time

05/11/2026

🌟 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

05/11/2026

Our latest LOOP (Legislative Organizing Opportunities Project) newsletter is out, and we’re sharing a quick preview to give you a glimpse of what’s inside.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wwal7Ryo7P8

This work is all about connection and collective impact—take a moment to check it out and see how you can stay involved.
Sign up here > https://tinyurl.com/3bz5cvm3

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