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

Veterans Healing Farm: 3rd Annual Veterans Resource Fair
501c3 nonprofit founded in 2013 to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s veterans and their families. For more information, please contact the VHF at 828-595-6111 or via email at [email protected]

Soldiers’ Angels Dallas Military & Veteran Food Distribution
Soldiers’ Angels provides an easy, no-cost way for Dallas Service Members and Veterans in need to receive food assistance. Volunteers pack bags of groceries and load them into cars, pushcarts, or backpacks of registered Service Members and Veterans.

VIRTUAL DEMENTIA FRIEND EDUCATION SESSION
Join us the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a VIRTUAL Dementia Friend Information Session; 12 noon-1:00 pm. 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…

NAMIWalks North Texas
Our walk has no set distance, because it’s not the amount of steps we walk, but the importance of each step we take toward Mental Health for All!

Barbie®: A Cultural Icon Exhibition
Created by Illusion Projects and Mattel, Inc., Barbie®: A Cultural Icon Exhibition examines the Barbie brand’s 60+ year history and the doll’s global impact on pop culture. Across six distinct sections, visitors experience more than 250 vintage dolls—including the original Barbie—from the collections of private collector David Porcello and Mattel, life-size fashion designs, exclusive interviews,…

Race to Cure Sarcoma Chicago 5K
The Race to Cure Sarcoma (RTCS) is the premier run/walk series in the United States, focused on raising awareness, providing education, and research funds for sarcoma. Each year, the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) hosts more than (20) RTCS events across the country. We provide a unique space in the sarcoma community where patients, survivors, their friends,…

For Oak Cliff Food Distribution (indoors)
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.

Virtual Dementia Friend Education Session
Join us the 2nd Tuesday of every month for a VIRTUAL Dementia Friend Information Session; 12 noon-1:00 pm. 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…

Virtual Dementia Friend Education 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 Friendly Dallas and sponsored by Juliette Fowler Communities. To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUud-GhqzMsHt39Xq3Ld6fEo16olFhLLs5g Once registered, a Zoom link…

Arlington Charities: St. Andrews Mobile Food Market
Come rain or shine, join us to support Arlington Charities as we pack and distribute food for its drive-through mobile food market. Visit the link to review the available slots and be sure to sign up. Volunteers are asked to arrive promptly at 8:00am and dress for the weather – Texas temps are unpredictable. This…
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!
