Real Voices, Real Choices
The Real Voices Real Choices Conference is more than a three-day gathering at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach. It is where nearly 1,000 self-advocates, family members, and direct support professionals come together to be heard, to learn, and to discover the power of their own voices. This year, more than 35 Emmaus clients and staff joined and what they learned will last far longer than their time at the lake.
Finding Confidence in New SpacesFor Katie, now in her second year, the conference opened even more doors. “It’s better than the first time,” she said, grinning. “I’ve learned more about advocacy and how to cope with things in my life.” She carried home not just skills, but friendships that stretched beyond the lake.
For a client attending their first Real Voices Real Choices conference, the draw was simple: experiencing new things and meeting new people. “It’s fun,” he said. “You get to meet new people. See new things.” The experience showed him what was possible not only on stage, but in his own life.
Sean’s journey looked different. Usually shy and content to let others take the lead, he attended this year with People First of Missouri, a statewide self-advocacy group. Old friends sought him out by name, welcoming him back and asking about his year. His DSP, Amber, noticed a change: “He struggles with anxiety in big crowds, but here he was laughing and meeting people. To see him smile like that, that’s my favorite part.”
Ryan, now a veteran of three conferences, took independence to new levels. He chose his own workshops, met up with friends, and budgeted his own money along the way. For him, Real Voices, Real Choices became a practice ground for living on his own terms.
For Tracy, stepping into workshops meant stepping into her voice. Normally quiet, she answered for herself instead of letting staff speak. Her DSP reflected: “Just getting out of the house has been huge. She is practicing speaking for herself, and that is a big step. For me, it’s eye-opening too. I have learned how to support without taking over.”
And for Kristen and others, the highlight was not in a session at all. It was the dance floor, where karaoke transformed them into superstars.
Coffees for Change: Advocacy in ActionOne of the most powerful moments came when nearly 200 people filled a breakout room to hear about Coffees for Change, Emmaus’ grassroots program that provides volunteers who are interested in becoming advocates the tools to talk to legislators.
The presenters were familiar faces: Jeffrey, an Emmaus client and long-time participant in Coffees for Change, and Christina Ingoglia, Emmaus’ former Advocacy Director. Jeffrey admitted before stepping on stage: “I am a little nervous and a little scared, but I got this. If I can handle the Capitol, I can handle it here.”
Then he spoke like he had been doing it all his life, leading roleplays, answering questions, and showing how anyone could approach their legislator. Attendees left buzzing with ideas, many vowing to start Coffees for Change in their own communities. Jeffrey’s simple message resonated: “Anyone can do it.”Learning Through Experience
Workshops like “The Power of Your Own Voice” and “Steps to Living on Your Own” offered practical tools in self-esteem, independence, and daily living. DSPs also gained new insights into advocacy. As one reflected: “I have learned a lot about how to approach and speak to legislators. I feel more prepared if that ever happens.”The Ripple Effect
What unfolded at the lake was not just a conference. It was Katie discovering her strength. Sean finding his confidence in the crowd. Ryan charting his own path. Brandon laughing with new friends. Tracy speaking for herself. Jeffrey guiding nearly 200 people with the assurance of a seasoned advocate.
These are the moments your support makes possible: the music, the courage, the friendships, and the voices that rise together into something unforgettable.
For Katie, now in her second year, the conference opened even more doors. “It’s better than the first time,” she said, grinning. “I’ve learned more about advocacy and how to cope with things in my life.” She carried home not just skills, but friendships that stretched beyond the lake.
For a client attending their first Real Voices Real Choices conference, the draw was simple: experiencing new things and meeting new people. “It’s fun,” he said. “You get to meet new people. See new things.” The experience showed him what was possible not only on stage, but in his own life.
Sean’s journey looked different. Usually shy and content to let others take the lead, he attended this year with People First of Missouri, a statewide self-advocacy group. Old friends sought him out by name, welcoming him back and asking about his year. His DSP, Amber, noticed a change: “He struggles with anxiety in big crowds, but here he was laughing and meeting people. To see him smile like that, that’s my favorite part.”
Ryan, now a veteran of three conferences, took independence to new levels. He chose his own workshops, met up with friends, and budgeted his own money along the way. For him, Real Voices, Real Choices became a practice ground for living on his own terms.
For Tracy, stepping into workshops meant stepping into her voice. Normally quiet, she answered for herself instead of letting staff speak. Her DSP reflected: “Just getting out of the house has been huge. She is practicing speaking for herself, and that is a big step. For me, it’s eye-opening too. I have learned how to support without taking over.”
And for Kristen and others, the highlight was not in a session at all. It was the dance floor, where karaoke transformed them into superstars.
Coffees for Change: Advocacy in Action
One of the most powerful moments came when nearly 200 people filled a breakout room to hear about Coffees for Change, Emmaus’ grassroots program that provides volunteers who are interested in becoming advocates the tools to talk to legislators.
The presenters were familiar faces: Jeffrey, an Emmaus client and long-time participant in Coffees for Change, and Christina Ingoglia, Emmaus’ former Advocacy Director. Jeffrey admitted before stepping on stage: “I am a little nervous and a little scared, but I got this. If I can handle the Capitol, I can handle it here.”
Then he spoke like he had been doing it all his life, leading roleplays, answering questions, and showing how anyone could approach their legislator. Attendees left buzzing with ideas, many vowing to start Coffees for Change in their own communities. Jeffrey’s simple message resonated: “Anyone can do it.”
Learning Through Experience
Workshops like “The Power of Your Own Voice” and “Steps to Living on Your Own” offered practical tools in self-esteem, independence, and daily living. DSPs also gained new insights into advocacy. As one reflected: “I have learned a lot about how to approach and speak to legislators. I feel more prepared if that ever happens.”
The Ripple Effect
What unfolded at the lake was not just a conference. It was Katie discovering her strength. Sean finding his confidence in the crowd. Ryan charting his own path. Brandon laughing with new friends. Tracy speaking for herself. Jeffrey guiding nearly 200 people with the assurance of a seasoned advocate.
These are the moments your support makes possible: the music, the courage, the friendships, and the voices that rise together into something unforgettable. 
