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Advocacy

Advocacy for Older Adults: Empowering Lives with KC Shepherd’s Center

Advocacy for Older Adults: Empowering Lives and Building Communities

At KC Shepherd’s Center, advocacy drives our mission to ensure every older adult lives with dignity, independence, and purpose. We work to influence policies and programs that address the unique needs of seniors, ensuring they have access to the resources, respect, and opportunities they deserve.

Aging often presents systemic challenges—navigating complex healthcare systems, overcoming ageism, and addressing social isolation. Our advocacy efforts focus on tackling these issues at both the local and national levels to create lasting change.

Our key initiatives include:

  • Protecting Rights and Autonomy: Advocating for policies that uphold older adults' ability to make their own decisions and live on their terms, while preventing abuse and exploitation.
  • Breaking Down Barriers: Pushing for expanded access to affordable healthcare, housing, and financial resources, ensuring systems are easier to navigate for seniors.
  • Challenging Ageism: Promoting legislation and awareness campaigns to combat stereotypes and foster a culture of inclusion and respect for older generations.
  • Building Community: Supporting public funding for programs that promote engagement, lifelong learning, and connection, reducing isolation among older adults.

At KC Shepherd’s Center, advocacy is more than a mission—it’s a call to action. Through policy change and community programs, we aim to empower older adults as vital, valued members of society.

Join us in advocating for a better future for seniors. Together, we can make a difference.


Key Advocacy Goals
  • Protecting Rights: Preventing neglect, abuse, and exploitation of older adults through stronger laws and protections.
  • Ensuring Access: Connecting seniors to affordable healthcare, housing, and social services by influencing policies and funding.
  • Fostering Inclusion: Fighting ageism and promoting respect for older adults with anti-discrimination laws and public awareness campaigns.
  • Empowering Choices: Providing tools and resources for informed decision-making while amplifying seniors' voices in policy-making.

Advocacy drives meaningful change, ensuring older adults are protected, included, and empowered.


Challenges Facing Older Adults

Older adults face significant challenges that require policy action, including:

  • Rising Housing Costs: Limited affordable options increase homelessness among seniors.
  • Health & Mobility Issues: Many struggle to access affordable healthcare and transportation.
  • Social Isolation: Loneliness impacts mental and physical health, requiring community-driven solutions.
  • Resource Barriers: Complex systems leave many unaware of available support.

Organizations like KC Shepherd’s Center advocate for policy changes and provide direct support to address these critical issues.


Get Involved

Join KC Shepherd’s Center in making a difference:

  • Volunteer Opportunities: Become a Friendly Visitor, help with Meals on Wheels, or lead a class.
  • Donations: Support vital programs that empower older adults.
  • Advocacy Initiatives: Help spread awareness and push for policy changes that benefit older adults.

Get Involved

Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to KC Shepherd’s Center:
Phone: 816-444-1121

Our Impact In 2023

  • People Served

    3,400

  • Meals Delivered

    212,000

  • Volunteer Hours

    46,159

  • Volunteer Value

    $1,643,260

  • Meals on Wheels 2023 Member Badge
  • Great Nonprofits Top Rated
    Great Nonprofits Top Rated
  • United Way
  • AARP Member Badge
  • GKCCF
    GKCCF
  • Health Forward Foundation
    Health Forward Foundation
  • Hulston Family Foundation
    Hulston Family Foundation
  • Oppenstein
    Oppenstein
  • Soroptimist
    Soroptimist
  • AmeriCorps
  • Tilton Family Fund
    Tilton Family Fund
  • McGee Foundation
    McGee Foundation
  • Caukins
    Caukins
  • Speas
    Speas
  • Village Presbyterian Church
  • Truehold
  • Utopia
  • Optum
  • NCOA
  • Jackson County
  • Mean Well
  • MARC
  • Suburban
  • MHF
  • MHBFF
  • Evergy
  • Dunn Family
  • Centerwell
  • MOSHIP
  • GEHA
  • Judge CF Moulton
  • Helen Boylan
  • William Halsell McCluskey
  • The Vivian and Hymie J Sosland Charitable Trust
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