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

Thursday Streets Time with The Human Impact
Held every Thursday until July 25, join The Human Impact team as they walk the streets to spend time with friends experiencing homelessness. Go out with nothing but yourselves, focusing on creating friendships and building trust. At The Human Impact, enter into relationship with those experiencing long-term homelessness because friendship heals. When volunteers love others…

Community Cleanup: Greenspace Dallas
Build a new trail with Greenspace Dallas at Kiest Conservation Area. Thanks to WFAA, the organization is able to expand the nature trail at Kiest Conservation Area in Oak Cliff. They need help building it by removing all of the trash and invasive species from the path. Join this Saturday and pitch in to pitch…

50 Years of Seattle Pride: Posters of Pride
In tribute to 50 years of Seattle Pride, MOHAI is proud to display a collection of Pride posters illustrating the intense organizing by Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising each June.

Seattle Pride Parade 2024
Seattle’s 50th Pride Month celebration celebrating over 250 local and national community groups, non-profits, and companies.

For Oak Cliff Food Distribution 2024
Oak Cliff exists in a food desert and our community faces extreme disparities in health outcomes. We need volunteers weekly to support food justice initiatives.

Streetside Showers
Volunteer Descriptions and Responsibilities Minimum age to volunteer on-site is 14 years old. For volunteers under 14, off-site projects are a great option! Visit the bottom of our volunteer page to see what off-site opportunities we offer. Please be sure to bring water for yourself as your volunteer experience will be outside and we want to make sure all of…

“Opal’s Walk for Freedom New York City”
Ms. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.

Opal’s Walk for Freedom – Los Angeles, CA
Ms. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.

“Opal’s Walk for Freedom Chicago, Illinois”
Ms. Opal Lee will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk @ the African American Museum of Dallas to recognize the 2.5 years it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.

Opal’s Walk for Freedom – Dallas, TX
Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, cordially invites you to commemorate this historic occasion. On Wednesday, June 19th, Opal’s Walk for Freedom begins at 9:00 am , symbolizing the two and a half years it took for the enslaved to learn of their freedom in 1865.
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!
