empower: abilities

06/25/2026

Election Day will be here before we know it. Now is the time to make your voting plan.

Whether you plan to vote absentee, vote early, or vote on Election Day, knowing the important dates can help make the process smoother and less stressful.

Important Election Dates:

• June 23 – Absentee voting begins
• July 8 – Last day to register to vote
• July 21 – No excuse in-person absentee voting begins
• July 22 – Last day to request an absentee ballot
• August 3 – Last day to vote absentee in person
• August 4 – Election Day

Take time now to:
✔ Check your voter registration
✔ Make transportation plans if needed
✔ Request accommodations ahead of time
✔ Learn what is on your ballot
✔ Encourage friends and family to vote

Your voice matters and your vote matters.
We are always here to help if you need support.

06/25/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗨𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀

Empower: abilities has several 𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 available at no cost to qualified individuals with disabilities.

These specialized pieces of equipment are rarely requested, but they have the potential to make a tremendous difference in a young person's independence, mobility, comfort, and development. We'd love to see them put to good use with a child or youth who can benefit from them.

Available equipment includes:

✔ Pediatric Stander – Assists with balance, promotes standing, and can help reduce pressure sores associated with prolonged sitting or lying.

✔ Standing Wheeled Frame – Provides the benefits of standing while allowing for greater mobility and movement.

✔ Pediatric Walker – Designed to support safe mobility and independence for children.

✔ Rifton Chair / Gait Trainer – A versatile piece of equipment that can support positioning, mobility, and learning to walk.

If you are or know a family, caregiver, therapist, school, or organization that may benefit from one of these items, please help us spread the word.

Contact Echo at 417-886-1188 ext. 261 for eligibility information and availability.

Let's work together to get these valuable devices into the hands of the children who need them most.

Empower: abilities
1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield

06/24/2026

Accessible bus stops are so important to making public transportation easier to use. If you live in Springfield and want to try out the bus, it's free Thursday June 25th in appreciation of Transit Appreciation Week! Make sure to thank your bus driver!

06/24/2026

Youth Game Night this Thursday is CANCELED due to the Adaptive Self Defense Class taking place.

We still have openings if you would like to join the class to learnpractical, easy-to-remember techniques designed to increase confidence and provide skills that could make all the difference in a difficult situation. Call us at 417-886-1188 x 225 to reserve your spot.

Individuals will need to complete a waiver of liability prior to the class.

Thursday, June 25
5:00–7:00 PM
empower: abilities 1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield

Light snacks will be provided.

Important: Participants will be required to sign a waiver before participating. Minors and individuals with a guardian or legal authority must have that individual present prior to participation to complete required forms.

Come learn, connect, and build skills in a supportive environment.

06/23/2026

We've been honored by your support in the past, and we'd love to earn your vote again this year!

Every day, we're making a difference in the communities we serve by helping people with disabilities achieve greater independence through advocacy, support, and services that remove barriers and create opportunities.

Voting is easy:
✅ Follow the link
✅ Select Services
✅ Choose Nonprofit
✅ Vote for empower: abilities

Your support helps shine a light on the importance of our mission and the people we serve.

Please vote, like, and share with your friends and family. Thank you for helping us continue to make a difference! You can vote every day!

Official 2026 Community Voting Awards Platform for Springfield, MO. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

06/23/2026

Circle of Friends Social Club - this Wednesday from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm at the Center (immediately following the nutrition class)

This week: Movies and popcorn (Avatar movie which is approximately 3 hours)

Social Club is open to adults of all abilities who want to connect with others, build friendships, and develop everyday life skills in the community. Come and join us.

1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield
417-886-1188 x 225

🚗 Transportation is limited and provided for specific events only.
Participants who require personal assistance for activities lasting two hours or longer are asked to bring an attendant to assist them.

For more information, please contact Donna at 417-886-1188.
You are welcome to bring your own snack or one to share.

06/23/2026

I had the opportunity to represent empower: abilities at the Nonprofit Roundtable luncheon at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce today, and look who I ran in to… Matt Day with Hospice Foundation for Outreach, our very own Board Member. Great discussions on board engagement and fundraising.

06/23/2026

Thank you to City Utilities of Springfield, MO for removing barriers on election days!

Springfield City Utilities announces free bus rides on election days. https://www.ky3.com/2026/06/22/springfield-city-utilities-announces-free-bus-rides-election-days/

06/22/2026

This is one of the most anticipated workshops of the year!
SELF DEFENSE CLASS OPEN TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR CAREGIVERS!

Build confidence. Learn practical skills. Empower yourself.

Join us for a FREE Adaptive Self-Defense Class presented by Valley Self Defense at empower: abilities. Class fills early - get your registation in soon!

Participants will learn practical, easy-to-remember techniques designed to increase confidence and provide skills that could make all the difference in a difficult situation.

June 25
5:00–7:00 PM
empower: abilities 1450 W. Cambridge, Springfield

Light snacks will be provided.

Important: Participants will be required to sign a waiver before participating. Minors and individuals with a guardian or legal authority must have that individual present prior to participation to complete required forms.

Come learn, connect, and build skills in a supportive environment.

Questions? Contact us for more information or to register 417-886-1188
Limited spots available.

06/22/2026

If you need help at home, aren’t satisfied with your current provider, or are interested in becoming an attendant, give empower: abilities a call.

We do more than provide help in the home—we support independent living. Our team works alongside you to navigate barriers and find solutions that help you live the life you choose.

With empower: abilities, you’ll find:
• Support in the home
• Opportunities for social connection
• Independent living skills
• A caring team ready to help
• Resources to thrive at home and in your community

It’s your call. Your choice. Your care.
📞 417-886-1188