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

Valentine Run
A run to raise money for Legal Services of Northern California, an organization that provides legal support/representation for those who are impoverished. People can sign up to run or volunteer for the event.

Blanket Drive
Collecting new blankets and monetary donations to purchase new blankets to be distributed to homeless shelters and community agencies throughout the community.

Family Music Day at The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center
Kick off the new year with a family-friendly music festival at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) in Liberty City. Presented in partnership with New World Symphony, this free event will include interactive storytimes, performances, arts and crafts with the Miami Children’s Museum, and more. Bring the whole family and spend the afternoon enjoying…

LoveJustice Day of Impact with Trusted World
You are invited to join the LoveJustice Team and local volunteers for our first LoveJustice Day of Impact of 2024. In honor of MLK Day of Service, we will be volunteering at Trusted World in Garland, TX, on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Trusted World was established to help resolve situational poverty…

EDUCATION Over INCARCERATION (Human Trafficking Awareness) Dr. Umar Johnson
Community event discussing human trafficking with various speakers, vendors, and food.

Hope & Pearls Gala: It’s going to be OK’s 10th anniversary
Fundraising Gala for It’s Going to Be OK INC., a nonprofit organization that is passionate about educating, and eradicating human trafficking. GA $175 + $8.75 processing fee

High Desert Human Trafficking Symposium
Day long educational symposium. Part of several events being held by the San Bernardino County Sherrif’s Department in collaboration with the San Bernandino County Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation (C.A.S.E.)
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!
