empower: abilities

09/04/2026

💜 Sharing an important community resource!

People with disabilities experience domestic and intimate partner violence at higher rates, making accessible and welcoming support especially important.

This FREE, confidential virtual support group is for adults who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or abuse.

Thank you to the Greene County Family Justice Center and Harmony House for providing this important resource and supporting survivors in our community.

📅 Saturdays, October 10 – November 7
📞 Learn more: 417-837-7700

Please share—someone you know may need this resource. 💜

We're excited to be launching a new version of our free Community Support Group, alongside the Greene County Family Justice Center, starting this fall!

This virtual group is designed for those who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence and abuse. Led by a licensed therapist, this free, confidential and online group (for ages 18+, all gender identities welcome) will meet on Saturday mornings, from October 10th - November 7th.

Fill out the interest form below to learn more and get connected, or call 417-837-7700. Feel free to share this support resource with people you know! You are not alone. 💜

https://www.myharmonyhouse.org/event/community-support-group/2026-10-10/

09/04/2026

Need something fun to do today? Come visit us at the Marshfield Senior Fair from 10-2.

You’ll find a lot of great resources to help you stay independent and age well.

We’re at the First Baptist Church on White Oak Road.

09/04/2026

🌟 Celebrating Young Leaders!

We are proud to recognize Morgan Sweeney-Legore, our youngest board member, for volunteering her time at the Youth Leadership Forum, hosted by the Governor's Council on Disability.
Including young adults in our boards, programs, planning, and decision-making is so important. Young people bring their own experiences, ideas, priorities, and perspectives—and we need their voices at the table as we plan for the future.

Morgan is a student at Missouri State University and continues to demonstrate her commitment to her community and to leadership.

We celebrate Morgan for representing young adults with disabilities and showing the importance of not just inviting the next generation to participate, but creating meaningful opportunities for them to lead, serve, and help shape change.

Thank you, Morgan, for giving your time and sharing your voice. We are proud to have you serving on the empower: abilities Board of Directors!

09/03/2026

📣 Disability Leadership Opportunity!

Sharing an opportunity for anyone interested in growing their advocacy and leadership skills!

UMKC’s Institute for Human Development offers Leadership for Inclusive Change: A 101 Course in Changing the World, focused on building skills to create meaningful and inclusive change.

UMKC has also announced a new Certified Disability Leadership Professional (CDLP) designation, a self-paced credential designed to build knowledge and leadership skills in the disability field.

Whether you are a self-advocate, emerging leader, professional, or someone who wants to become more involved in disability advocacy, opportunities like these can be a great way to build your knowledge, confidence, and voice.

Because creating change starts with people who are willing to learn, lead, and speak up! 💪

Check out the information below to learn more.

When Ashley Morency talks about disability advocacy, she speaks from both professional experience and personal understanding. As the Local Education Agency Liaison for the Quality Assurance Report (QAR) and Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators (MO-SECA) project at UMKC-IHD’s Early Ch...

09/02/2026

Empower Your Independence

Join us Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 AM for our monthly Blind and Low Vision Support Group.

Whether you’ve been living with vision loss for years or have recently been diagnosed with blindness or low vision, this group is here for you. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Through this group, you can:
• Share experiences
• Learn new skills
• Explore assistive technology
• Discuss health and wellness
• Connect with others who understand

This gathering will take place at our new location:
3345 S. Cambell, Springfield (Corner of S. Campbell and Walnut Lawn) which is acessible from a nearby bus stop.

Can’t attend in person? Join us on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82152617640?pwd=bjVyXvMO6PaTrrOG4BKkIjOXsCapW2.1

Let’s navigate independence together.

This event is scheduled for a 2 hour period, if you require personal care or hands-on assistance during this event you are welcome to bring an attendant. Parents are welcome to stay. Please reach out for other accommodation needs 2 weeks prior to the event by [email protected].

09/01/2026

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 - We are looking for talent for a special event!

Have you ever wanted to use your creativity to make a lasting impact?

Empower: abilities is looking for local artists to help launch Beyond the Canvas: A Collaborative Art Experience—a new community initiative that pairs artists with individuals with disabilities to create one-of-a-kind works of art.

This isn't about teaching an art class. It's about sharing your passion, building a meaningful connection, and creating something extraordinary together.

As a Featured Artist, you'll:
• Partner one-on-one with a participant.
• Share your artistic style and creativity.
• Build a meaningful relationship through art.
• Showcase your collaborative artwork during a special community exhibition and fundraising auction on Tuesday, November 10.
• Receive an optional $200 materials stipend to help offset project expenses.

Whether you paint, sculpt, work with wood, textiles, photography, pottery, mixed media—or another creative medium—we'd love to hear from you!
Interested? Email [email protected] to request an Artist Application and learn more.

❤️ Know someone who would love this opportunity? Tag them in the comments or share this post—we'd love to connect with artists who are ready to make a difference through creativity.

Spots are limited, and we're excited to build a diverse group of artists for this inaugural event.

The masterpiece isn't just the artwork—it's the journey you create along the way.
This art experience has been made possible through funding from Springfield Regional Arts Council, Community Foundation of The Ozarks, and the Jeannette L. Musgrave Foundation.

Springfield Regional Arts Council Community Foundation of the Ozarks

08/31/2026

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲!

Mark your calendars for one of our favorite events of the year!

Join empower: abilities for 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 on Saturday, October 3 at beautiful Fellows Lake for a day filled with fun, friendship, and outdoor adventure.

Whether you're casting a fishing line, enjoying a relaxing boat ride, sharing lunch with friends, or simply taking in the beauty of the lake, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

This annual event is all about creating opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the outdoors, build new friendships, and make lasting memories.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 - 10: am to 2:00 pm
Fellows Lake - 4208 E. FR 66, Springfield, MO
Registration is now open!

This year, we will be offering transporatation to and from our Center (departing at 10 am and returning at 1:30 pm).

The registration link is in the comments (or call Afton to register) 417-886-1188
We can't wait to spend another amazing day at the lake with you!

08/31/2026

Coming up today on Prime Time!

Join Juli and Taylee as they welcome Chance from Jordan Valley Community Health Center for a conversation about healthcare, helpful community resources and the many ways Jordan Valley works to meet people where they are.

We'll host an informative conversation—and maybe a little fun along the way! We hope you’ll join us for Prime Time today!

Tune in to Prime Time today on 92.3 FM KICK at 4:00 pm

08/29/2026

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗳!

Join our Circle of Friends Social Club for an afternoon of mini golf, laughter and friendly competition. No golfing experience needed—just bring your sense of fun!

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
Get-Away Golf
3833 E State Hwy D, Springfield, MO 65809
Time: 1:30 -3:30 pm

Cost: $9

Transportation is available for this event. Call Donna to reserve your ride before September 7. 417-886-1188

This event is scheduled for a 2 hour period, if you require personal care or hands-on assistance during this event you are welcome to bring an attendant. Parents are welcome to stay. Please reach out for other accommodation needs 2 weeks prior to the event by [email protected].

08/28/2026

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱!

The Circle of Friends Social Club activity calendar has been updated for the rest of the year—and we have plenty of fun planned!

Circle of Friends gives adults with disabilities opportunities to connect, try new activities and enjoy time in the community with friends. Whether you’re a familiar face or thinking about joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you!

Take a look at the updated calendar, save the dates and tell us which activity you’re most excited about! Everyone Welcome!

Questions? Call empower: abilities at 417-886-1188 x 208 or email [email protected].