Happy Thanksgiving, Emmaus Advocates! During November, we are reflecting on a few of the milestones we accomplished and thank the clients, staff, and supporters who supported our efforts in 2024. Please take a moment to read this summary of initiatives and gratitude that were supported by you, our advocates:

1. We hosted eight successful Emmaus-specific advocacy days at the Capitol from January to May. We are so thankful to everyone who joined us and was willing to share their stories about our work and those we support. Because of your efforts, we helped advocate for a rate increase for DSPs at Emmaus and other service providers across Missouri.
2. In March, Emmaus participated in Disability Rights Legislative Day (DRLD) in Jefferson City! We wanted to take a moment to thank…

• • The 60 of you – clients, staff, and family members – who traveled to Jefferson City with us, cheered at the rally, and spoke to legislators about why our clients and staff matter!
  • Board Member Susie Parker and Self-Advocate and Emmaus Client Jeffrey for speaking at the rally.
  • The Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, who hosted the event.
  • The continued championship of Representative Wendy Hausman and Representative Dave Hinman, who have encouraged and advocated on behalf of Emmaus, and made us feel extra special that day.

3. In the last 12 months, we hosted many Coffees for Change throughout our service area. These were enriching and educational conversations about state-level politics and different ways to advocate. They succeeded because you joined in the conversation and were ready to contribute! The most recent, co-hosted with the St. Louis Arc, was a whopping success with 23 participants and lots of great community networking.
4. You turned up for our email action alerts! Thanks to your help, legislators heard us loud and clear when we wanted to share our thoughts about the Missouri Budget or other issues affecting people with disabilities.

With your support, we are inspired daily to grow our advocacy and THINK BIG to promote systemic change for our clients and staff. We cannot wait to see what next year holds. Thank you for walking with us on this journey!

Want to stay involved in the upcoming year? Sign up for our email list!