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

Pathfinders: Find, Stabilize and Connect Veterans of Color @ Ballard Branch
The Veterans of Color Pathfinders Program at El Centro de la Raza provides outreach, advocacy, and service pathfinding to all veterans with an emphasis on assisting veterans of color and their families living in King County. Our Veteran Pathfinders are here to connect all military service persons to supportive services that are available throughout King…

Pathfinders: Find, Stabilize and Connect Veterans of Color @ Ballard Branch
The Veterans of Color Pathfinders Program at El Centro de la Raza provides outreach, advocacy, and service pathfinding to all veterans with an emphasis on assisting veterans of color and their families living in King County. Our Veteran Pathfinders are here to connect all military service persons to supportive services that are available throughout King…

Racial Justice Learning Exchange
Multiple events and discussions including ongoing book club. Next book club is Oct 11 1800-1930, discussing Solito by Javier Zamora. Founded in February 2022, the Second District Racial Justice Learning Exchange (RJLE) is an initiative of the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell that brings district residents, County, civic and community leaders together to learn…

Initiate Justice Open House and Mixer
Tour our new office, hangout with Initiate Justice staff, and to see items from our 2023 ART Gallery! This mixer will be an opportunity to meet and reconnect with Initiate Justice staff, organizers, members and supporters! Light refreshments will be provided.

13th Annual Justice Jam 2023
Whether you’re a long-time advocate or new to the cause, this event is for everyone. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and have fun while supporting a worthy cause. So grab your friends, family, or colleagues and join us for an unforgettable night of music, food, and community. Honorees of the evening include: Luz Herrera…

25th Annual Access to Justice Gala
Our gala supports LAFLA’s mission for equal justice through sponsorships and tickets, as well as a silent auction. This year’s honorees are: Access to Justice Award: Rep. Adam Schiff, U.S. Congressman (CA-30) Maynard Toll Award for Pro Bono Service: Dan Stormer, Partner, Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai Pro Bono Law Firm Awards: Kirkland & Ellis;…

Finding Sequins in the Rubble
Finding Sequins in the Rubble by Eddy F. Alvarez Jr., Ph.D., is a metaphor for how members of the jotería community in Los Angeles find joy, love, and healing in the midst of discrimination, rejection, and violence that they may experience.

Volunteer Networking & Information Session
Join us at our redM Networking and Volunteer Information Session! Are you eager to make a real impact against human and sex trafficking? Discover exciting opportunities to volunteer at our upcoming events. Whether you’re a new face or a dedicated member, this event is the perfect chance to mingle and connect with like-minded individuals. Learn…

“Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting via Zoom – Tuesday, October 10 Plastic Reduction Project”
Please join the Dallas Sierra Club in welcoming Sean Winn, Co-Founder of the Plastic Reduction Project. Sean will share with us how his organization got started as an outgrowth of Sierra Club Austin and will walk us through their programs aimed at converting single-use foodware and food packaging models into reuse models with supportive outreach…

Dallas Sierra Club:Water Supply In Texas: Why Is It Such A Challenge? – Zoom
Existing plans to supply more water are an anathema to environmentalists who fear that construction of more reservoirs will have detrimental effects on the environment, flora & fauna, and on the displacement of people. Can a reasonable answer be found to this controversial issue?
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!
