Community News
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Kansas wrestles with ways to shorten waitlist for disability care
The intellectual/developmentally disabled waiver program still has a long waitlist. That waitlist is shrinking, and Kansas lawmakers want to keep that momentum going. by Blaise Mesa February 14, 2025 Holly Oleson helps people who are intellectually disabled live as independently as possible. She’s a lead direct support professional at Honey Bee Community Services in the Kansas…

Kansas advocacy organizations offer strategy for curtailing waitlist for disability services
Plan targets yearslong wait for people with intellectual, developmental disabilities By: Tim Carpenter – February 4, 2025 11:08 am TOPEKA — Whit Downing struggled through eight years on Kansas’ waiting list in hope of receiving essential Medicaid services she qualified for by virtue of autism and mental health challenges. Downing has taken her firsthand experiences to work as…
Local Organizations
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Harvesters Community Food Network - Harvesters’ mission is to feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow. The regional food bank serves a 26-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. Harvesters’ programs include feeding families, children and seniors, as well as nutrition education and disaster relief.
Operation BBQ Relief - Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri, after cooks from nine different states were able to serve over 120,000 meals in a 13-day period. The nonprofit has since provided over 9 million meals throughout the United States and internationally following natural disasters, COVID-19 response, and through The Always Serving Project, benefiting the homeless, first responders, veterans and members of the military.
Assistance League Kansas City - Our volunteers help at-risk children and youth by providing new clothes, eye exams and glasses, and many other essential items. We provide comfort to children in crisis and vulnerable seniors. We assist sexual assault survivors by giving them clothing and personal care necessities to replace those taken for evidence during the hospital exam and we help high school seniors and adults returning to the labor market afford the training and education necessary to improve their lives.
Green Works in Kansas City - Green Works in Kansas City empowers future leaders to care for our environment, contribute to our economy, and create healthy communities. We offer holistic experiences including field trips and service projects to appeal to all types of learners.
Caregivers on the Homefront - Our mission is to provide caregivers of our nation's veterans and first responders with hope, a sense of togetherness, and a firm foundation of resiliency. Caregivers on the Homefront proudly advocates to promote awareness and increase education for not only our caregivers, but the communities they live in.
Lakemary Center - The Lakemary Center provides education, mental and behavioral health treatment, and social services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each year, it works with over 450 individuals and their families from all over the country. Its services include a K-12 school, specialized foster care, residential living assistance and vocational training.
Cerner Charitable Foundation - Formerly known as First Hand, the Cerner Charitable Foundations offers individual medical grants and wellness programs, community volunteerism, social initiatives and strategic partnerships. Services include providing equitable health access to children, reducing resident disparities, funding front line workers and supporting local veterans.
Front Porch Alliance - Front Porch Alliance works together with residents of Kansas City, Missouri’s eastside and urban core to meet their changing needs at home and in school. FP Alliance offers training, peer support, and community connections to youth, families, Elders, and residents of Eastside Kansas City, Missouri, especially folks living in zip codes 64109, 64110, 64128, and 64130.
Blue River Watershed Association - The Blue River Watershed Association's mission is to restore and protect watersheds through environmental education, community outreach, partnerships, and collaboration.
Charlie's House - Our mission is to prevent accidents and injuries to children in and around the home through increased safety awareness, public education, and the distribution of safety devices.
Upcoming Events

Oak Cliff Market 2024
Our mission is to provide fresh, healthy food in the Black community, and create community commerce in South Oak Cliff by building relationships with Black and Brown farmers and vendors! For Oak Cliff Farmers Markets are certified local markets where all fruits, vegetables, and agricultural items are grown, made, or ranched within 150 miles. Your…

Living through War & Fighting for Peace
Noga Bar Oz is an Israeli musician and conducts an orchestra for Arab and Jewish children. Lana Ikelan, a Palestinian journalist, believes in the power of words and stories to create change and justice. These young women activists are leaving their war torn and deeply divided homeland to spread messages and hope and strength. This…

Informational Webinar on SB4
SB4 allows peace officers to racially profile Hispanic people, essentially, a peace officer can accuse a Hispanic person of not coming into this country legally. This webinar allows people the space to gather and ask questions to prepare for the implications of this bill.

Luskin Lawmakers
How three UCLA Luskin alums — one from each master’s program — are making a difference in California. Their discussion also will explore lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic relating to urgent housing policy solutions at the state and local levels amid ongoing disinvestment at the federal level.

Art & Activism Drives Conversation with Dolores Huerta, Cheech Marin, and Vincent Valdez
Benefiting the internationally renowned nonprofit’s transformative programming and community leadership, supporters of the Rothko Chapel will gather on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 for an inspirational evening featuring celebrated actor, art collector, and advocate Cheech Marin, legendary civil rights advocate and labor organizer Dolores Huerta, and 2023 Art League Houston’s Texas artist of the year Vincent…

Violas House Skyline Diaper Giveaway
Our DISD diaper give aways are designed to service our high school and community moms that might not otherwise have access to our Baby Boutique. It gives them an opportunity to receive the material assistance they need.

Cool School Friday – Todd MS Planting
Texas Trees Foundation is starting its Spring Planting Season on March 2nd until mid-April (only March dates are currently available for signing up. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant trees at several park locations on multiple dates. Age: 12 and up with Parent or Guardian. Younger children may attend events on public property but…

Branching Out Saturday – Jaycee Zaragoza Park Planting
Texas Trees Foundation is starting its Spring Planting Season on March 2nd until mid-April (only March dates are currently available for signing up. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant trees at several park locations on multiple dates. Age: 12 and up with Parent or Guardian. Younger children may attend events on public property but…

Branching Out Saturday – Glendale Park Planting
Texas Trees Foundation is starting its Spring Planting Season on March 2nd until mid-April (only March dates are currently available for signing up. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant trees at several park locations on multiple dates. Age: 12 and up with Parent or Guardian. Younger children may attend events on public property but…
Local Hero Spotlight
Members can nominate a local hero for recognition on their local LoveJustice.com city page!
Anyone and everyone can make an impact, and at LoveJustice we believe that they deserve to be recognized for their good, necessary work!
