Be a Voice for Change
Advocate with Emmaus Homes
Everyone Deserves the Chance to Thrive
At Emmaus, we believe that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) want what we all want: to live independently and be part of a community that celebrates their unique gifts.
But independence is hard without support. Underfunded systems and workforce shortages leave too many people feeling frustrated, excluded, and powerless.
Advocacy changes that.
Like planting seeds in a shared garden, advocacy starts small — a conversation, a letter, a story — but grows into something powerful. Together, we can shape public policy, secure vital funding, and build a future where every person with a disability can live with dignity, safety, and purpose.
Why Advocacy Matters
Despite growing needs, disability services in Missouri and beyond are critically underfunded. At the same time, the sector faces a severe Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce crisis:
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DSPs are the lifeline of support for people with IDD — helping with daily living, skill-building, and emotional care.
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Chronic underpayment and high turnover make it harder to provide consistent, quality support.
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Holistic support: emotional, medical, social, and spiritual
Emmaus invests in living wages and ongoing training for our DSPs — but we can’t do it alone. Public support is crucial. That’s why advocacy is at the heart of our mission.
You Can Make a Difference
Advocacy isn’t just for professionals — it’s for neighbors, families, and friends who want a better world.
Together, we can protect services, uplift voices, and expand opportunity.
Here’s how to get involved:
Sign Up for Advocacy Alerts
Stay informed. We’ll send updates on key legislation and ways to take action right from your inbox.
Share Your Story
Personal stories are powerful. Your experience with Emmaus could change a lawmaker’s heart — or inspire someone to get involved.
Find Your Representatives
Use this tool to contact your local officials and let them know why investing in disability services matters.
Join a Coffee for Change
These informal advocacy gatherings connect clients, families, staff, and legislators for meaningful conversations.
How Emmaus Leads Advocacy
At Emmaus, we don’t just care — we speak up.
We partner with other leaders across the state to champion sustainable, person-centered support for nearly 200 adults. Our Advocacy Director leads workshops, meets with legislators, and empowers clients and staff to become bold leaders in their own communities.
In FY25 alone:
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21 clients were trained in self-advocacy
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50 DSPs joined advocacy efforts
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Clients and staff shared their stories directly with lawmakers
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Advocacy helped shape budget conversations around DSP wages and disability rights
Whether at the Capitol or a kitchen table, every voice matters.
Advocacy in Action
Every day, advocacy makes life better for those we support:
Ensuring stable DSP staffing for consistent, quality care
Increasing access to community integration and employment
Supporting home accessibility, transportation, and safety initiatives with children
Empowering individuals with IDD to speak for themselves
Together, We Build Belonging
Join us. Your voice has power.
Being an advocate means standing up for justice, inclusion, and dignity. It means believing that everyone deserves a life of meaning and joy, and doing something about it.
Client Voices: Shaping Stories, Strengthening Voices
“Advocating at the Capitol made me feel like my voice matters. I want other people like me to speak up too.”
— Emmaus Client Advocate, 2024
“I learned how to talk to lawmakers — now I want to go again next year!”
— DSP Self-Advocacy Trainee
Advocate Stories
Inside the Learning Lab: Training That Sparks Change, Not Just Note-Taking
Emmaus at Real Voices Real Choices
When Neighbors Become Friends
Emmaus Summer Messenger
