Community News
[city_news_34]

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
[city_organization_34]
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

Cool School Friday – JN Ervin Elementary 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 – Casa View 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…

Virtual Dementia Friend Education Session
Join online on the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a VIRTUAL Dementia Friend Information Session, presented by Dementia Friendly Dallas volunteer Jane Hunley. In this informative session, you will learn the signs and symptoms of dementia, some basic communication tips, and how to turn learning to action. Dementia Friend is an initiative of Dementia…

Violas House Christmas at Fair Park (Prep)
Viola’s House two-day holiday event is designed to share the joy and excitement of Christmas with their community of families by helping them meet the needs of Christmas for their children. They need volunteers the day before the event to help set up and prep the two location sites we will be distributing toys, diapers,…

Violas House Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
The ‘Turkey Giveaway’ is designed to share the joy and excitement of Thanksgiving! By providing turkeys, Viola’s House helps the communities they serve meet the needs of Thanksgiving for their families. Formed in 2008 as a “Maternity Home” to provide temporary housing and support services to expectant teenage mothers aged 18-24 in the Dallas area,…

Violas House South Dallas Serves
South Dallas Serves is a yearly community event held in the 75215 zip code. This event is designed to expose the community to over 40 non profit service organizations. Come out and serve with us as we take over the block one family at a time! Formed in 2008 as a “Maternity Home” to provide…

Community is a Radical Act of Love Growing Older as LGBTQ+
Join Judy Kinney, Executive Director of GenPride, and members of the LGBTQ+ community for a lively discussion about how to stay proud and engaged as they age. GenPride advocates for Seattle/King County older LGBTQIA+ adults’ unique needs through programs and services that cultivate well-being and belonging. Judy Kinney (she/they) is an experienced non-profit leader and…

Seattle Clinic Offering Free Dental, Vision and Medical Care Beginning Thursday
Those who struggle to access or afford healthcare have a chance to receive free dental, medical and eye care services for a limited time starting Feb. 15. Led by Seattle Center and Seattle Center Foundation, Seattle/King County Clinic returns to Seattle Center for a ninth year. Each year the clinic brings together healthcare organizations, civic…
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!
