Resource Directory
September 2013
Jasper County
INTRODUCTION
The Masonic Home of Missouri is committed to providing the best possible
services to the Fraternity that will benefit you, your family, as well as your community.
The Masonic Home of Missouri is pleased to present this Directory which was
developed by the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Social Services Caseworker. In this
Resource Directory, you will find helpful information regarding social services in your
community, by agency, organization or business (see disclaimer). Each service or
resource is divided by Masonic Districts and Counties for your convenience.
Please use this information for yourself, a loved one or a friend. If you have any
questions regarding this Directory or the Masonic Home of Missouri’s programs,
please contact the Corporate Office at 1-800-434-9804 or 1-573-814-4663.
DISCLAIMER
The Masonic Home of Missouri does not accept responsibility for errors, omissions, or quality of services
provided by the agencies, organizations or businesses listed in this directory.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
ADA Project............................................................................................................. 800-514-0301
Adult & Elder Abuse and Neglect Hotline ........................................................ 800-392-0210
All Emergencies-Medical, Fire, Police ................................................................................... 911
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders ................................................... 800-272-3900
American Cancer Society ..................................................................................... 800-227-2345
American Council of the Blind ........................................................................... 800-424-8666
American Diabetes Association ......................................................................... 800-343-2383
American Heart Association ............................................................................... 800-242-8721
Arthritis Foundation ............................................................................................. 800-406-2491
Attorney General (Consumer Fraud) ................................................................. 800-392-8222
Better Hearing Institute........................................................................................ 800-327-9355
Child Abuse Hotline .............................................................................................. 800-392-3738
Dept. of Health and Senior Services Information & Assistance Hotline .. 800-235-5503
Dept. of Mental Health ......................................................................................... 573-751-4122
Dept. of Veteran Affairs-Benefits Information ............................................... 800-827-1000
Hearing Aid Help Line .......................................................................................... 800-521-5247
Home Health Agency Hot Line ........................................................................... 800-345-1453
IRS Tax Information .............................................................................................. 800-829-1040
Medicare Assistance/CLAIMS Program ............................................................ 800-390-3330
Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service ............................................................... 573-636-3635
Missouri Department of Insurance ................................................................... 800-726-7390
Missouri Department of Revenue ...................................................................... 573-751-4450
Missouri Department of Social Services ........................................................... 800-735-2466
National Kidney Foundation ............................................................................... 800-622-9010
Poison Control ........................................................................................................ 800-222-1222
Jasper County
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Alphabetical by Organization
Pages
Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest Chapter ............................................ 1, 2
American Red Cross............................................................................................. 3
County Health Department ..............................................................................4-6
Department of Social Services ........................................................................7-9
Experience Works, Inc. Senior Employment ........................................ 10, 11
Governor’s Council on Disability ................................................................... 12
Independent Living Center (ILC) .............................................................. 13-16
Joplin City Health Department ................................................................. 17, 18
Legal Aid of Western Missouri (LAWMO) ................................................. 19
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program......................................................... 20
Masonic Home of Missouri ........................................................................ 21-25
Missouri Division of Workforce Development ..................................... 26, 27
Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services ................................................ 28
Missouri Veterans Commission....................................................................... 29
OATS, Inc............................................................................................................. 30
Region X Area Agency on Aging ............................................................ 31, 32
Salvation Army.................................................................................................... 33
Smart911 ............................................................................................................... 34
Social Security Administration ................................................................. 35, 36
Subsidized Housing/Rental Assistance .......................................................... 37
USDA Rural Development ........................................................................ 38, 39
Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library............................................ 40, 41
JASPER COUNTY
Alzheimer’s Association
Southwest MO Chapter
1630 W. Elfindale
Springfield, MO 65807
800-272-3900
FAX: (417) 886-0337
http://www.alz.org/swmo/index.asp
Services/Programs:
 Helpline – Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, the Helpline is a telephone
assistance service that provides information, supportive services and referral to
specific Association programs and/or community resources.
 Respite Care Assistance – Respite care gives the caregiver time for rest, recreation and
personal errands as well as time to rejuvenate their mind and heart.
 Respite:
o Reimbursement to the primary caregiver for some of the expense of Respite
Care. This care can be provided through home health, adult day care centers or
an independent in-home caregiver. The primary caregiver is responsible for the
selection and full payment of respite care services.
o A maximum of $500 is allowed per grant period. This amount is based on
available funding and may change without prior notice.
 Safe Return – A nationwide, community-based safety net designed to help register and
identify individuals who are memory impaired due to Alzheimer’s Disease or a related
disorder. A 24-hour toll-free 800 line enables police and private citizens to return
wanderers to their homes. Some registration scholarships are available.
 Family Matters Seminars – Designed to benefit family caregivers. Provided are
professional speakers who address various issues that are of great concern to
caregivers.
 Family Support Groups – Discussion groups for family caregivers and friends who
meet regularly in community settings facilitated by a family caregiver and/or
professionals with emphasis on peer support.
 Newsletter – The newsletter is distributed free of charge to those on the mailing list.
In contains current research news, caregiving information, program and service
updates, legal and medical news, volunteer and special event information.
1
Alzheimer’s Association, Southwest MO Chapter Continued,
 Resource Library – Provides a multi-media reference library and free literature for
family caregivers, students, professionals and other interested persons.
 Advocacy – The Chapter’s staff and volunteers continually keep congressional and
state lawmakers informed about the legal and financial issues that are affecting
Alzheimer’s patients and their families.
 Volunteer Opportunities
2
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks Chapter
1545 N. West Bypass
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 832-9500
1-866-206-0256
FAX: (417) 866-3649
Services/Programs:
 Disaster Services – Learn how the Red Cross responds to disasters and what you can
do to protect yourself, your family and your property.
 Health and Safety – Red Cross training programs include First Aid and CPR,
lifeguarding, HIV/AIDS education and much more.
 Military Services – Emergency communications, financial assistance and counseling
services for active military, their families and veterans.
 Youth Services – Meaningful opportunities for training, community service and peerto-peer education for teens.
 International Services – Holocaust and war victims tracing and other international
humanitarian services.
 Lifesaver Award – Recognizing local citizens who prepared themselves to respond in
an emergency situation and actually saved a life.
 Blood Services – Giving blood saves lives. Learn how and where you can donate.
 Ready Rating – A comprehensive membership program to help businesses,
organizations and schools improve their emergency preparedness.
3
County Health Department
105 Lincoln
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 358-3111
FAX: (417) 358-0494
1-877-879-9131
moehra@lpha.mopublic.org
www.jaspercounty.org/health
Services Offered:
 Free Services
o Immunizations
o Pregnancy tests / Temporary Medicaid
o HIV testing and counseling
o Sexually transmitted disease checks
o Lead Screenings
o Communicable disease follow up
o Assist with MO Health Net
o Breast / Cervical Cancer screening
o High risk prenatal case-management
o Health Education
 Services Requiring Fees
o Adult immunizations
o Tuberculosis skin tests and follow up
o Vital records (birth after 1920 / death after 1980)
o Building and Wastewater permits
o Foodservice safety and inspections
 Medical Clinic
o The medical clinic is provided on Tuesdays for those residents of Jasper County
who reside outside the city limits of Joplin. It is available to clients of very limited
income who are seeking assistance with their prescription medications and basic
medical care. New patients must be seen by 10:30 A.M. and established patients by
12:15 P.M.. Those receiving Medicare, Medicaid (Missouri Health Net), or private
health insurance are not eligible for the clinic. Patients must meet eligibility criteria
including: proof of residency, proof of income for the entire household, a current
photo ID, and must follow-up with Division of Family Services for eligibility for
Missouri Health Net care. The Jasper County Health Department does not provide
antipsychotic medications or narcotic pain medications. The Jasper County Health
Department does not have any laboratory or X-Ray facilities, nor the equipment or
financial means to conduct or provide any type of surgery procedure. Patients
requiring care not offered by this clinic will be referred and may be responsible for
any expense that is incurred
4
Jasper County Health Department Continued,
o HIV Testing and Counseling
 HIV testing and counseling is available free of charge for those residents of
Jasper County who live outside the city limits of Joplin. Missouri residents that
are unable to obtain testing in their residing county may seek testing at the
Jasper County Health Department. Testing and counseling is provided by
appointment and a follow-up appointment is required to obtain results. Testing
is confidential but is not anonymous. Those desiring testing for syphilis,
gonorrhea and chlamydia will be scheduled on a Tuesday to see the medical
doctor. Those who require treatment for HIV/AIDS should contact the Aids
Project of the Ozarks at www.aidsprojectoftheozarks.org
o STD Testing and Treatment
 STD (sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis) testing
and treatment is available at the Jasper County Health Department free of
charge for those residents of Jasper County who live outside the city limits of
Joplin. Missouri residents that are unable to obtain testing in their residing
county may seek testing at the Jasper County Health Department. These tests
are provided on Tuesdays by appointment. The client must see the nurse in the
morning by appointment and then return to see the doctor at 12:30 P.M
o Show-Me Health Women
 The Show Me Healthy Women program is a joint program of the Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention which provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved
women access to timely, high-quality screening and diagnostic services, to
detect breast and cervical cancer at the earliest stages. You may qualify if you
meet the age requirements and income guidelines as outlined by the Missouri
Department of Health and Senior Services
o Pregnancy Tests/Prenatal Case Management/Temporary Medicaid for Pregnancy
 Urine pregnancy tests are provided, free of charge, by appointment for women
who are at least seven days late for their menstrual cycle
 To qualify for pregnancy testing the woman must be a resident of Jasper
County, outside the city limits of Joplin, and provide proof of residency and a
current ID (i.e. driver’s license). Clients with a positive pregnancy test will be
screened for high risk pregnancy factors and referred to prenatal case
management services if needed. If the client qualifies for Missouri Health Net
Services, then temporary Medicaid for pregnant women will be issued to the
client at that time
o Communicable Disease Control and Surveillance
 Our staff follow-up on communicable disease reports from medical providers
and laboratories in the community. The goal is to identify the source of a
disease or outbreak and prevent further spread of illness through assuring
appropriate medical assessment and treatment of patients and their contacts
5
Jasper County Health Department Continued,
o Tuberculosis
 Tuberculin skin testing for employment, school, immigration, and medical
referral is done by appointments. The fee for tuberculin skin testing is $10.00.
 Vital Records
o Birth Certificates are $15.00 each. Death Certificates are $13.00 for the first one,
and $10.00 for each additional copy. The Health Department accepts personal
checks, cash or money orders.
6
Department of Social Services
Children’s Division and Income Maintenance &
Self Sufficiency Programs
601 Commercial
P O Box 1353
Joplin, MO 64802-1353
(417) 629-3050
Fax: (417) 629-3209
www.dss.mo.gov
Services/Programs:
 Children’s Division
o Adoption services, activities
o Career Foster Parent Program
o Child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-800-392-3738
o Child care, early childhood services
 Family Support Division
o Child support enforcement
o Income maintenance & self sufficiency programs
 Food stamps
 Food distribution programs
 Temporary assistance – provides assistance to needy families with
children so they can be cared for in their own home and to reduce
dependency by promoting job preparation, work and marriage.
 MO HealthNet
 Uninsured women’s health services
 Supplemental nursing care – provides monthly cash benefits. An
eligible adult living in a licensed nursing facility and found medically
eligible may receive a maximum of $390. If not found medically
eligible while living in a nursing facility, or if living in a licensed
assisted living or residential care facility II, an eligible adult may receive
a maximum of $292 monthly. If living in a licensed residential care
facility the maximum is $156. Persons eligible for these case benefits
also receive a $30 personal needs monthly allowance. This benefit is
paid directly to the nursing facility for nursing care charges above the
amount the resident is expected to pay.
 Home and Community Based Program – assistance providing
homemaker chore or respite care services. No direct cash benefit.
 Prevention of Spousal Impoverishment – (Division of Assets) – when a
married person enters a nursing facility, a special provision may help
 protect some of the couple’s resources for the spouse who is not in a
nursing facility.
7
Department of Social Services Continued,
 Supplemental Aid to the Blind – eligible individuals receive a monthly
cash grant up to $651, as well as MO HealthNet coverage.
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – assistance to the aged, blind and
disabled. Income guideline applies.
 Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) – for persons enrolled in
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) whose income and resources are
within the program guidelines. This program will provide payment of
Medicare premiums and coinsurance and for deductibles for Medicare
covered services.
 Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) – provides
payment of Medicare Part B premiums to individuals who would be
eligible for this program.
o Rehabilitation Services for the Blind
 Creates opportunities for eligible blind and visually impaired persons in
order that they may attain personal and vocational services.
 Provides services to people with varying degrees of visual impairment,
ranging from those who cannot read regular print to those who are totally
blind.
 Vocational Rehabilitation – Eligible individuals are provided with
services needed to enter, remain in or return to suitable employment.
Services include:
 Diagnosis and evaluation
 Counseling and guidance
 Physical or mental restoration
 Training – including college or university, technical or trade
 Job development and job placement
 Rehabilitation engineering
 Follow-up Services
 Assistive Technology – Information, tips and resources for computer
assistive technology for blind and visually impaired computer users.
 Independent Living Rehabilitation – assists blind and visually impaired
persons so they can function independently in their homes and
communities.
 Older Blind Services – Free rehabilitation services in the home.
o Transition Services – provides services to help high school students prepare for
the transition from school to either post-secondary education or work.
o Business Enterprise Program – Self employment opportunities are provided to
legally blind persons. The program includes vending facility operations in
public buildings, in private industry and in roadside rest areas of the interstate
highway system.
8
Department of Social Services Continued,
o Prevention of Blindness – Diagnostic services and needed eye care are provided
to medically indigent persons in order to prevent blindness. Vision screening
and glaucoma testing clinics are provided for early detection of eye pathology
that could lead to blindness.
o Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – Provides financial assistance
to help pay heating bills during the months of October through March.
9
Experience Works, Inc. Senior Employment
P.O. Box 414
Buffalo, MO 65622-0414
(417) 345-2797
FAX: (417) 345-2998
1-800-368-7569
www.experienceworks.org
Experience Works helps low-income seniors, with multiple barriers to employment, get the
training they need to find good jobs in their local communities.
Services/Programs:
 Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
o This program, funded under Title V of the Older Americans Act as well as state
and local grants, enables us to help thousands of low-income individuals, age
55 and older, throughout the United States.
o Through this program, seniors benefit from training, counseling, and
community service assignments at faith-based and community organizations in
their communities, prior to transitioning into the workforce.
o Participants are placed at eligible host agencies (primarily at faith-based and
community organizations) for which they are paid the minimum wage for an
average of 20 hours per week. A host agency is either a private nonprofit
organization (other than a political party) that is tax exempt under section
501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954, or a public agency operated by
a unit of government.
o Thirty-eight percent of Experience Work's SCSEP participants found permanent
jobs, notably as teachers' aides, emergency dispatchers, care providers, and
clerical assistants.
o Develop new skills and upgrade existing skills.
o Understand safe work practices and healthful work environments.
o Learn effective job search skills and develop good work habits.
o Annual family income must not be more than 125% of the established federal
poverty income guidelines.
o Be eligible to work in the United States.
o Be currently unemployed.
 JobReady Assessment Tool and Job Search system
o The JobReady Assessment System can empower you to open doors to new
career options and to find new job opportunities. JobReady will:
 Provide you with informed choices regarding your employment interests
 Assess your interests, personal characteristics, and skills
 Match you to a personalized list of job options based on your assessment
results
 Allow you to access the system as many times as you wish
10
Experience Works, Inc. Senior Employment continued,
 Allow you to look for a job match without completing a minimum
number of assessments
 Allow you to browse job openings by categories in your community
 Experience Works for Older Veterans
o Will serve honorably discharged veterans, age 50 and older, who need
assistance in getting a job.
o Veterans will receive intensive job training, job development and placement
services customized for older job seekers so that they can successfully compete
for employment.
11
Governor’s Council on Disability
Truman State Office Building
301 West High St., Room 250-A
P.O. Box 1668
Jefferson City, MO 65102
800-877-8249
http://www.gcd.oa.mo.gov/
Services/Programs:
 Assists disabled with re-entry into the workforce and addressing all of the barriers to
employment and full participation in community life.
 Educational Programming – Provides educational programming on disability rights and
disability awareness.
 Technical Assistance – Provides technical assistance to any Missourian interested in
learning more about the legal universe of disability rights.
 Disability Rights – Works with the legislature to ensure that proposed laws respect the
rights of persons with disabilities. Works with national and state governmental
agencies to ensure that their rulemaking is sensitive to the needs and rights of persons
with disabilities
 Free Publications – Offers a variety of free publications dealing with disability
awareness and disability rights.
 Bridges – A newsletter for people with and without disabilities to provide Missourian
information and disability resources. Bridges is published 4 times a year.
 Directory Resources for Missourian with Disabilities – A manual of disability related
organizations, agencies and services published every other year.
 Legislative Update – A newsletter published weekly during the legislative session to
follow the progress of all disability related legislation in the state general assembly.
12
The Independent Living Center
(ILC)
2639 East 34th Street
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 659-8086
TTY: (417) 650-8702
FAX: (417) 659-8087
1-800-346-8951
www.ilcenter.org
The mission of The Independent Living Center is to remove all barriers that limit the
independence of persons with disabilities.
Services/Programs:
 Attendant Services
o Consumer Directed Services (CDS)
 The CDS Program allows adults with significant physical disabilities to
obtain assistance with personal care and activities of daily living in order
to maintain or increase their independence within the community. With
the CDS program, a person has the freedom to hire anyone of their own
choosing (with the exception of a spouse or significant other) to provide
care for them
 Consumer Directed Services keep within the Independent Living
philosophy, which suggests that persons with disabilities should have
choice and control over their lives. Individuals with disabilities know
their needs, how best to meet those needs, and who they feel most
comfortable having provide for those needs
 CDS Eligibility Requirements
 Must be Missouri Medicaid eligible
 Must be an adult with a significant physical disability; and
 Must be able to fully direct their own care
 Contact TILC to see if you meet initial requirements - 800-3468951. Once initial eligibility is established, TILC will coordinate with
the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for an in-home
evaluation
o In-Home Care (Jasper and Newton Counties only)
 Services available include personal care, advanced personal care, respite
care, homemaker services, and authorized nurse visits. The Center's
dedicated staff works to meet the individual needs of their clients in
Jasper and Newton counties while coordinating value-added services like
adaptive equipment, home modifications and advocacy.
13
ILC continued,
 Youth Services
o Peer Support: TILC provides one-one-one peer support along with support
groups for parents and children to meet individual needs.
o Educational Advocacy: Educational assistance programs, IDEA regulations,
Individual Education Plan (IEP)
o Independent Living Skills Training: TILC offers one-one-one independent
living skills training to assist children with various transitions in life, including
the transition of living independently after high school or college.
o Youth with Disabilities Mentoring Services: TILC partners with area agencies
to provide opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in a mentoring
program for work and college.
o Elementary School Disability Awareness Program: TILC's staff provides
various classroom programs geared toward elementary-age children that help
kids learn about disabilities in a fun and educational way.
o Community Workshop: Our staff members are available to speak about
services, disability rights, and a variety of other topics.
o In-Home Care Program: TILC provides attendants for children and youth with
disabilities to assist in activities of daily living. This program is approved
through the Bureau of Special Healthcare needs. Services include: attendant
care, approved nurse visits, advanced personal care and respite care.
o Youth Social Events: TILC provides social activities for youth with disabilities,
including outdoor activities, movie nights and other events
 Home Modifications – The Independent Living Center provides limited home
modifications to individuals who are physically disabled. Any modifications provided
by TILC must improve the access and safety for the individual residing in the
home. Examples of home modifications include wheelchair ramps and grab bar
installation.
 Adaptive Equipment Loan Program – Provides necessary adaptive equipment to adults
that meet certain requirements. Examples of available adaptive equipment include:
bath seats, reachers, dress assists, bedside commodes, amplified telephones, TTYs,
walkers, etc.
 Advocacy and Support – Offers a wide variety of advocacy and peer support option
tailored to meet individual needs.
o Targeted Support - Targeted support offered by TILC staff includes deaf
advocacy, traumatic brain injury support, social club, disability discrimination
advocacy, blind and low-vision advocacy, youth advocacy, and spinal cord
injury support. TILC provides information and referral for a wide variety of
support groups offered by area agencies and organizations, including grief
support, blind and low-vision support, MS support, cancer support and diabetes
support.
14
ILC continued,
o Community or Systems Support - TILC offers community or systems advocacy
regarding equal access to public spaces, legislative initiatives and community
support.
 Community Services
o Accessibility Surveys - Accessibility is extremely important in the daily lives of
all people, but especially for people with disabilities. Accessibility surveys are
available for both existing facilities and new construction. Let our team of
trained accessibility experts evaluate your property for access and then guide
you through the process of improving accessibility for yourself and your
customers
o Youth Education Program: Understanding Disability - The Independent Living
Center provides programs tailored to meet the various education levels of school
age children. These classroom activities are designed to help children
understand that disability does not define the person. Examples of educational
opportunities include:
 Bullies: Standing up to them and avoiding being one presented by
Phyllis Craig, Youth Coordinator
 Walking in my Footsteps: Understanding Blindness presented by Chip
Hailey, TILC Blind Advocate
 Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy presented by Phyllis Craig, Youth
Coordinator
o Community Education and Workshops - The Independent Living Center's staff
provides a wide range of community education and employee in-services to
raise awareness about the needs of people with disabilities while also improving
knowledge about our services. Available educational opportunities include:
 Institutional Transition - The Independent Living Center is able to assist individuals
with physical disabilities who reside in institutional settings to regain their
independence within the community. Various levels of assistance are available based
on need and individual resources.
o Possible assistance includes
 Case management to develop a transition plan
 Attendant services to assist with activities of daily living
 Financial assistance to pay deposits and assist with necessary household
items
 Adaptive equipment loan services
 General assistance in finding affordable and accessible housing
 Peer support and advocacy
 Information and referral
 Approved nurse visits
 Independent Living Skills training and guidance
15
ILC continued,
 Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
o The DME Showroom -is a fully stocked retail showroom, offering DME
products to the public, with an average savings of 20%-70% below other retail
DME stores.
o Vendors include: Invacare, Invacare Supply Group, Drive, Pride, Maxi-Aids,
Medline and various others.
o All of our proceeds from our retail store go back into the program to help
purchase more equipment for our consumers. Helping us helps others!
o TILC also offers free necessary medical equipment to individuals who meet the
following requirements:
 Priority is given to TILC consumers
 Household Income Guidelines apply
 Individual must have no other means of obtaining the medical equipment
 Must have a physical need for the DME items
o Assistive Technology - TILC is a Missouri Assistive Technology demonstration
center, providing resources and information for individuals with disabilities,
caregivers, therapists, medical professionals, and schools.
16
Joplin City Health Department
321 East 4th St.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 623-6122 or (417) 623-6123
FAX: (417) 624-6453
WIC: (417) 623-1928
Dpekarek@joplin.mo.org
www.joplinmo.org
Services Offered:
 Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
o Provides supplemental foods and Nutrition Education/Breastfeeding support to
Women Infants and Children up to age 5 with a medical or nutritional risk in order
to promote healthy people in our community
o Services are provided to Women (breastfeeding, prenatal or postpartum up to 6
months) infants and children up to age 5 with a medical or nutritional risk living in
the State of Missouri and connecting States if they work or receive medical care in
Joplin
 Medical
o Adult Health
 Screenings and tests
 Sexually Transmitted Disease and HIV Testing and Counseling (STD
Clinic) Confidential testing for STDs and HIV/AIDS is available by
appointment only on Wednesdays. The STD Clinic provides no-cost,
confidential testing for the following sexually transmitted infections:
Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and HIV
 HIV blood testing is offered free and by appointment, Monday through
Friday, in addition to the STD clinic HIV testing on Wednesdays
 Confidential pregnancy testing, Temporary Medicaid and MoHealthNet
(previously Medicaid, then MC+) applications are available to Women and
Adolescents without parental consent
 The Health Department provides adult and childhood immunizations free of
charge. Those Joplin residents requiring immunizations for immigration
purposes can also receive service
o Child Health
 Immunizations
 Car Seat Distribution - By appointment parents of children enrolled in WIC
who have a need will receive a car seat as well as instruction on and
demonstration of correct car seat installation from a certified car seat technician
to ensure their child’s safety from unintentional injury. Also any Joplin City
parent wishing to have an already installed car seat checked can make an
appointment with our child passenger safety technician
17
Joplin Health Department Continued,
 Animal Control
o Lost Animal Service
o Animal Abuse
o Fees/Licenses/Permits
o Running At Large
o Animal Complaints
o Dangerous/Potentially Dangerous Animals
o Animal Bite Information
o Animal Traps
 Emergency Preparedness
 Environmental Health
o Day Care Inspection
o Lodging Inspection
o Food Establishment Inspection
o Water Safety
o Mosquito Control
18
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
(LAWMO)
1125 Grand Blvd., #1900
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 474-6750
www.lawmo.org
Legal Aid of Western MO (LAWMO) has been providing essential legal services to lowincome citizens since 1964. LAWMO staff attorneys, paralegals and volunteers assist over
20,000 people each year with problems that seriously affect their ability to provide for
themselves and their families.
Cases Handled and Services Provided:
 Public Benefits – Provides representation in administrative hearings, and in court, if
necessary, when benefits have been denied, terminated or reduced. These cases
include MO HealthNet, Aid To Families with Dependent Children (AFDC, now
TANF), SSI, Social security, Aid to the Blind, and veteran’s benefits.
 Domestic Violence/Family Law – Provides assistance to those trying to escape an
abusive relationship. Staff and volunteers represent victims in obtaining orders of
protection, refer victims to safe shelters, inform victims of their rights and provide
other basic advocacy.
 Housing – Assists with such housing problems as lock-outs, utility shutoffs, illegal
evictions, foreclosures, landlord-tenant disputes, habitability issues and housing
discrimination.
 Economic Development – Working with low-income community groups,
organizations, community development corporations, neighborhood associations and
community development corporations to create or rehabilitate low-income residential
units.
 Aids Legal Assistance – For those diagnosed with HIV and have been denied their
rights.
 Immigration Law Project – Assists individuals and their families to gain legal status,
temporary and permanent resident status and US citizenship.
 Consumer – Cases include deceptive business practices, faulty home repairs, disputes
with creditors, automobile purchases and repair problems and bankruptcy.
 Municipal Court Defense Unit – Provides representation to indigents charged with
jailable offenses in the city’s municipal courts.
 Volunteer Attorney Project – Attorneys in private practices volunteer to accept
referrals from LAWMO on a Pro Bono basis.
19
Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Vantage Point
2701 Bird
P.O. Box 3990
Joplin, MO 64803
(417) 781-7562
FAX: (417) 781-1609
Services:
 Missouri ombudsman program consists of volunteers serving residents of nursing
homes and residential care facilities to provide support and assistance with any
problems or complaints. Complaints concerning abuse, neglect and financial
exploitation should be reported first to the Missouri Division of Senior Services Elder
Abuse Hotline, 800-392-0210. Individual volunteers are recruited by Area Agencies on
Aging (AAAs) or their service providers. Following screening and training, the
volunteer is assigned to a facility that has agreed to participate in the program. The
ombudsman receives orientation to the facility and its procedures, prior to making
regular contact with the residents.
 Ombudsman volunteers are special. They are asked to make a significant commitment
to the program, not only in terms of pre-placement and on-going in-service training but
through weekly contact with residents, reporting and travel.
20
Masonic Home of Missouri
6033 Masonic Dr., Suite A
Columbia, MO 65202
(800) 434-9804
(573) 814-4663
Fax: (573) 814-4660
www.mohome.org
Services/Programs:
 Outreach Programs
o Long Term Financial Assistance – The Masonic Home of Missouri is able to
provide eligible senior adults with financial assistance to remain in their homes,
apartments, independent living facilities, and assisted living facilities. Some
applicants qualify for this long-term assistance each month, while others only
need assistance with individual payments, such as medical bills, hearing aids or
dental work.
o Short Term Financial Assistance – The Outreach Program is also able to
provide short-term assistance to eligible adults who are experiencing
unforeseen hardship. The short- term assistance program is designed to help
individuals while they are helping themselves out of difficult situations. For
example, short-term assistance may help members experiencing medical
emergencies and temporary unemployment.
o Age and length of membership guidelines:
 Member prior to the age of Forty (40) must have been in continuous
good standing for five (5) years prior to application.
 Member between the ages of Forty (40) and Forty-Nine (49) years,
inclusive, must have been in continuous good standing for at least ten
(10) years prior to application.
 Member between the ages of Fifty (50) and Fifty-Nine (59) years,
inclusive, must have been in continue our good standing for at least
fifteen (15) years prior to application.
 Member at or subsequent to attaining the age of Sixty (60) years must
have been in continuous good standing for at least twenty (20) years
prior to application.
o Children’s’ Outreach - provides financial assistance to legal dependents of
Missouri Master Masons or Missouri female members of the Order of the
Eastern Star. Assistance provided through this program may help with medical
care and services such as dental, hearing, vision, therapy and equipment. This
program alleviates the financial strain on parents who may have health
insurance, but are struggling to afford co-payments and other medical expenses
not covered by insurance. The flexibility of the Children's Outreach Program
makes it possible for parents to seek services in their own communities.
21
Masonic Home of Missouri Continued,
 Applying for assistance: The parents or legal guardians of the child
should make application on the child's behalf. Once an applicant's
information is received, the Outreach staff will contact the guardian to
obtain additional information. All inquiries are given prompt attention.
Age & Length of Membership is reviewed on all applicants.
 Eligibility Requirements:
 Legal dependent(s) of Missouri Master Masons or female
members of the Order of the Eastern Star.
 Master Mason or Eastern Star member must be in good standing
at time of the application.
 Age and Length of Membership guidelines
 Guardian of applicant must demonstrate a financial need
 Age & Length of Membership Guidelines (Subject to approval by Board
of Directors):
 Legal dependent (s) up to 21 years of age of Master Masons or
female members of the Order of the Eastern Star who are in good
standing in Missouri Lodge/Chapter and have a minimum of two
years of continuous good standing prior to application.
 Legal dependent (s) of Mater Masons or female members of the
Order of the Eastern Star over the of 21 who are physically or
mentally disabled.
o Creating A Partnership
 Individual child/children - Lodges and Chapters can work within their
community to identify a child or children in need (i.e. through schools or
local community organizations/families). Assistance can help to provide
clothing, basic school supplies, coats, shoes, hats and gloves, hygiene
items, eye glasses, dental work etc.
 Project-Based - Lodges and Chapters can identify projects within their
communities through charitable or other non-profit organizations, such
as schools. Recipients of the CAP Project-Based funds must be a 501 (c)
(3) public charitable organizations, as defined by the IRS, or public
entities such as school districts. An example of a project that may qualify
is the backpack food program found in communities statewide.
(Matching funds must go toward the purchase of a specific item(s). The
Masonic Home will not match funds for general operating expenses.)
o Masonic Family Cares - The Masonic Family Cares is a new program that will
help facilitate connections between lodges, chapters and youth organizations
and the Masonic brothers and sisters in their communities. Interested
lodges/chapters can contact the masonic Home to inquire abut establishing
relationships with Masonic brothers, widows or O.E.S. members in their area
who would enjoy visiting with a fellow Masonic member. This program is a
great opportunity to connect with those members within your communities who
22
Masonic Home of Missouri Continued,
might not be able to attend Lodge, or a widow who would benefit from seeing a
friendly face. If your lodge is already participating and doing these great works
within your community, please share your stories with us. Contact Rhonda
Lightfoot, Membership Relations Specialist, at 800-434-9804, or email her
about how your Lodge is making a difference. If you are trying to find ways to
reach out to those members amongst you, please contact Chantana Irvin,
Masonic Family Cares Coordinator at 800-434-9804, or
email cirvin@mohome.org.
o Social Services - The Masonic Home of Missouri provides updated Resource
Directories (biannually) to each Masonic Lodge. These resource directories
provide information on available social services, specific to each county. Our
Social Services Department maintains up-to-date information regarding
programs and services throughout the state and can provide you with this
information should you need it.
o Widow’s Program - The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Outreach Programs
provide widows with information regarding our programs and services. In an
effort to inform our brethren’s widows about our programs and services, we
hold luncheons throughout the State. At these luncheons, the Masonic Home
honors our ladies with a pin recognizing them as Masonic widows. We are
currently making plans for holding luncheons in your area and would be
honored if you would wear your pin to them. Please be looking for more
information about where these luncheons will be held or visit this page to find
out about our programs and visits. A postcard has also been included in the
mailing that can be returned to us, if you are interested in learning more about
our Outreach Programs, need services or would like to refer someone for
assistance.
o Financial Counseling - The Financial Counseling Program will begin working
with Master Masons, the wife or widow of a Master Mason, and female
members of the Order of the Eastern Star who have applied for or are receiving
assistance through the Masonic Home’s Financial Assistance Programs. Unlike
the Financial Assistance Programs, the Financial Counseling Program does not
have Age & Length of Membership guidelines. The Financial Counseling
Program was born from the growing need for short-term assistance for younger
members, realizing that by helping members to organize their finances and set
financial goals, they would not need financial assistance in the future. They
would be prepared should their financial situation unexpectedly change again.
For those members who are referred to the Financial Counseling Program after
having applied for short-term financial assistance, the program will focus
mainly on: budgeting, prioritizing payment of expenses and debt, lowering
variable expenses, identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses,
determining solvency, Net Worth, and Basic Liquidity, assisting in creating
23
Masonic Home of Missouri Continued,
financial goals and creating a plan to obtain those goals, and referral to other
financial services that the Home cannot provide (such as debt consolidation and
bankruptcy). The Financial Counseling Program will also be beneficial for
those applicants applying for long-term financial assistance. These clients are
Masonic widows, elderly Master Masons, and elderly female OES members.
Financial Counseling will focus on budgeting, understanding Medicaid
eligibility rules, referral to other services that they might qualify for (such as
Mo HealthNet, VA benefits, etc.), and other financial services the Home cannot
provide (such as investment services, estate planning, retirement strategies,
etc.). Financial Counseling will help them to organize their finances and create
a budget, with the goal of helping them to continue living independently. This
will also be helpful for older couples, widows, Master Masons, and female OES
members who are planning to make major changes to their lifestyles, such as
moving to an Assisted Living Facility. Financial Counseling can assist them in
determining if their income and assets are adequate for the move, how the move
will change their expenses and monthly budget, and assist them in identifying
additional potential income sources.
o Truman Club - The Truman Club recognizes those individuals and couples
who support the Masonic Home and its programs through on-going annual
giving. With the support of Truman Club members, we are able to transform the
Masonic tenets into reality for our fraternal brothers and sisters in need across
the state.
 Annual Membership - to be eligible for annual membership in the
Truman Club, a donor must give at least $100 in tax-deductible
donations during the calendar year. Annual memberships are renewable
on January 1st each year. Benefits of annual Truman Club membership
include:
 Welcome Packet
 Membership Pin
 Invitation to annual Truman Club Dinner
 Special mailings and advance registration for events
 Annual membership gift
o Special Events – Annual Leaves of Autumn golf outing
o Museum - The Masonic Home and Grand Lodge of Missouri are thrilled to
announce the Grand Opening of Missouri’s first Masonic Museum to the public
on February 25, 2008, preceded by previews for members, distinguished guests
and press. The exhibit incorporates 5 themed galleries, each gallery
representing a leader a particular quality. The first gallery titled “Pathmakers
and Patriots” highlights the impact Meriwether Lewis and William Clark had
on the early period in Missouri and how they became involved in the Masonic
fraternity. The second gallery titled “Living Well” focuses on Laura Ingalls
24
Masonic Home of Missouri Continued,
Wilder, her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star and how music and
education are valued in Masonry and at the Masonic Home. The third gallery
themed “Generosity” depicts Jacob Lampert, Past Grand Master, and other
Masons and Masonic groups who have provided generous support to the
Masonic Home. The fourth gallery depicts “Leadership” centering on President
and Past Grand Master Harry S Truman and how democratic methods guide
lodges. The Fifth theme titled “Everyman” is a rotating exhibition gallery. In it
Masonic lodges and Eastern Star Chapters will have the opportunity to share
individual history and symbols used within the Lodges and Chapters over the
years. Admission is FREE. Self-guided tours are available during normal
business hours (weekdays 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.). Other viewing times available
by appointment.
25
Missouri Division of Workforce Development
730 S Wall Ave.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 629-3000
FAX: (417) 629-3011
2900 E Sunshine
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 887-4343
FAX: (417) 888-4076
Services/Programs:
www.jobs.mo.gov
 Career Center
o Missouri Career Center staff can help focus your job or career goals, identify
skills and abilities and identify available jobs.
o The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) verifies your skills to
employers anywhere in the United States and is available to earn at your local
Career Center.
o Missouri Career Center staff will assist you with assessment tools to measure
and understand your skills, knowledge, abilities, strengths and interests to help
you find the job that is right for you.
o Missouri Career Centers offer specialized workshops to help you brush-up your
job seeking skills or assist if you've been laid-off.
o Career Centers offer software and experienced staff to help you develop a
professional resume that stands out.
o Career Center staff can determine your eligibility for a variety of training
programs to assist in gaining new skills needed to obtain employment.
 Education and Training
o Workshops - Missouri Career Centers offer workshops to help maximize your
job search efforts. We also include workshops to assist laid off workers at the
time of the layoff.
 Career Exploration - This workshop gives you the tools to assess your
knowledge, skills, personal interests and priorities on the journey to
finding the job that is best for you (or not a good fit) and identify
resources available to find a rewarding career.
 Career Networking - Learn the benefits of effective and strategic
‘networking’ and how these interpersonal resources and contacts could
lead to a new job. This workshop applies what you learn, so you will
develop a plan to present yourself to networking groups, a networking
source list, and develop a list of the types of networking groups.
 Resume Preparation - Find out what employers are looking for when they
read a resume and cover letter. Identify and optimize all the basic
components of a resume - skills and abilities, work history, and education
- so that you stand out above the others. Learn how to use the same
strategies in completing excellent online applications.
 Interview Process - With this workshop you get practical advice on how
to best showcase your skills and experience through research, practice,
26
Missouri Division of Workforce Development continued,
and preparation. Get helpful tips on how to dress and groom for an
interview. Learn the different types of interviews and develop a strategy
for each one.
 Basic Computer Skills - Using a computer competently is essential for
today’s job seeker. Learn the basic computer skills necessary to search
and apply for jobs. This workshop includes everything from using the
keyboard to accessing the Internet to creating and saving files. In
addition, learn to use jobs.mo.gov to search for your next job.
 Workshops for Laid Off Workers
 Take Control Of Your Finances - Managing your bills until a new
job opportunity appears is less stressful when you have a plan.
Training topics include: how to track your spending and how to
develop a budget, how to cut expenses, HOPE NOW mortgage
services, how to prioritize debts and maintain good relation with
creditors, understanding COBRA Continuation Health insurance
coverage, how to avoid debt and credit scams, and how to identify
resources in your community that can help you save money.
 FastTrac New Venture - FastTrac New Venture workshops are
available to dislocated workers with an interest in starting their
own business. FastTrac New Venture workshops help you research
your business idea and decide whether starting a business is right
for you.
 Training Provider Search Tool (previously the Missouri Education and Career Hotlink)
o Allows you to research Missouri’s educational institutions and programs.
Maybe you've been approved for training assistance through the Workforce
Investment Act (WIA) and told you need to use an "Eligible Training Provider" where do you find that? Our new Training Provider Search Tool will allow you
to limit your search results to eligible providers.
 WorkReadyMissouri - If you are receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits, you may
be able to use the WorkReadyMissouri Program. WorkReadyMissouri provides an
opportunity to receive occupational worksite training on a part-time basis for up to six
weeks. Program trainees continue to receive UI benefits, plus up to a $500 training
allowance.
 On The Job Training - OJT is available for eligible job seekers through the Workforce
Investment Act and the Trade Readjustment Assistance Act. Contact your
local Missouri Career Center for staff assistance in determining your eligibility for
these programs.
27
Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services
925 South Country Club Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 893-3333 or
1-800-392-8667
FAX: (573) 893-4231
www.moadvocacy.org
Services/Programs:
 Federally mandated system in the state of Missouri which provides protection of the
rights of persons with disabilities through legally based advocacy.
 Investigation and review of a complaint of improper of inadequate services provided to
a SSDI/SSI beneficiary with a disability by a service provider, employer or other entity
involved in the SSDI/SSI beneficiary’s return to work efforts.
 Information & Referral – Information to SSDI/SSI beneficiaries about work incentives
and employment, including information on the types of services and assistance that may
be available to help them in securing or regaining gainful employment.
 Consultation & legal Respresentation, based on annual program priorities.
28
Missouri Veterans Commission
Monday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
730 S. Wall St.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 629-3538
Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
302 S. Main, Room 203, Courthouse
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 359-1515
Janeene.Pierce@mvc.dps.mo.gov
Mail all correspondence to: Janeene Pierce, Veterans Service Assistant
Room 203, Courthouse
Carthage, MO 64836
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1st, 3rd & 5th Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
730 S. Wall St.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 629-3539
John.McLean@mvc.dps.mo.gov
Mail all correspondence to: John McLean, Veterans Service officer
MO Veterans Commission
730 S. Wall St.
Joplin, MO 64801
1-866-838-4636
www.mvc.dps.mo.gov
Through the Service to Veterans Program, the Veterans Service Officers and Assistants
provide counseling and assistance to thousands of veterans and their dependents throughout
the state. Not only do these trained professionals counsel veterans and what VA and State
Veterans Benefits are available, but they also complete and submit claims application with all
necessary documentation. They are available for any follow-up work necessary with the
Dept. of Veterans Affairs to obtain the maximum amount of benefits due any eligible veterans
and/or dependent. Veterans Service Officers and Assistants are thoroughly trained and
knowledgeable in all areas of veterans’ benefits, including compensation, pension, education,
burial and widow’s benefits. They will also assist claimants with health care eligibility, VA
Home Loan Guaranty and other veterans’ benefits, including those offered by the state.
Occasionally an office may be closed due to illness/weather etc. Please call the office the
morning of your visit to insure the office is open.
29
OATS, Inc. Transportation
Southwest Region
Jeff Robinson, Regional Director
3259 E. Sunshine, Ste. T
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 887-9272
jrobinson@oatstransit.org
www.oatstransit.org
The mission of OATS is to provide reliable transportation for transportation disadvantaged
Missourians so they can live independently in their own communities.
Services/Programs:
 Door to door transportation
 Donations
 Call to schedule a ride
30
Region X Area Agency on Aging
1710 E. 32nd, Suite F
P.O. Box 3990
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 781-7562
rhraaax@yahoo.com
http://users.joplin.com/aaax/
Area Agency on Aging Region X’s purpose is to provide services, programs and information
that will assist older persons in maintaining independence and dignity in their lives. Services
through this agency are available to persons 60 years of age and older. All services are
provided on a contribution basis. No one is denied services because of an inability to
contribute.
Services/Programs:
 Senior Centers
C.A.N.D.O. Senior Center – 417/358-4741
404 E. 3rd
Carthage, MO 64836
Joplin Senior Center – 417/781-9353
2202 Jackson
Joplin, MO 64804
The Center – 417/649-6437
303 N. Main
Carl Junction, MO 64834
Webb City Senior Center – 417/673-1876
210 N. Pennsylvania
Webb City, MO 64870
o Community “focal points” for senior activities
o Noon meals are offered Monday through Friday. Meals are also delivered to
eligible homebound elderly
o Activities vary from center to center and activities may include dances, games,
trips, social activities, exercise classes, ceramics, quilting, insurance/tax
counseling, consumer education, health screening, low vision center and
telephone reassurance.
o Senior center services are available to senior adults 60 and older (and their
spouse regardless of age) as well as eligible disabled individuals age 18-59.
 Transportation – Rides for those who have no other means of transportation for
medical care, necessary shopping and to senior centers.
31
Region X Area Agency on Aging continued,
 Legal Services – Legal assistance and counseling to resolve non-criminal and public
benefits issues. Priority is given to cases involving denial of benefits through federal
and state programs
 In Home Services – A Care Coordinator will assist you in determining what services
are needed.
o Homemaker – help with housekeeping needs for short time during recovery
following a critical illness, injury or hospitalization
o Homebound Shoppers – volunteer assistance with shopping for homebound
elderly who have no one else to help them.
o Respite Care – Relief to the person who provides primary care in families
coping with Alzheimer’s Disease or other long-term illnesses.
 Ombudsman Program – Provides advocacy on behalf of nursing home residents.
Trained volunteers visit participating nursing homes and serve as neutral mediators to
resolve conflicts involving residents’ rights issues.
o Ombudsman…
 Communicates regularly with seniors living in a nursing home
 Listens to residents’ concerns
 Encourages residents to speak for themselves.
 Informs the residents and their families of their rights, which are
established by law and helps protect these rights.
 Works with the residents, their families and the staff to find solutions to
problems within the facility
 Provides information to the community on residents’ needs and
concerns.
 Builds warm, trusting and confidential relationships with the residents.
 VantAge Point – Located at Northpark Mall in Joplin
o Information and assistance – Information about referrals to a wide range of
programs and services offered by these organizations and offers assistance in
obtaining these services.
o Gatekeeper Program
o The Silver Enquirer
o The Volunteer Voice
o Senior Community Service Employment Program
o The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
o Tax counseling
o Insurance counseling
o Silver Haired Legislature
o Senior Day at Northpart Mall
o Regional over 60 Olympics
32
Salvation Army
Carthage MO Corps.
502 S. Fulton St.
P.O. Box 528
Carthage, MO 64836
Captain Richard McDonald
(417) 358-2262
Joplin MO Corps.
320 E. 8th St.
Joplin, MO 64801
Captains Jason & Mary Poff
(417) 624-4528
Center of Home Family Life Center
320 E. 8th St.
Joplin, MO 64801
David Crossley
(417) 624-4528
www.usc.salvationarmy.org
Services/Programs:
 Emergency Assistance, Emergency Shelter
 Worship Center, Sunday School
 Thrift Store, Donation Centers
33
Smart911
www.smart911.com
Smart911 is a free service that allows citizens across the U.S. to create a Safety Profile for
their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 to have in the event of an
emergency. Then, when anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with
their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing
additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location.
At a time when seconds count, being able to provide 9-1-1 with all details that could impact
response the second an emergency call is placed could be the difference between life and
death.
 What is a safety profile?
o The Safety Profile you create when you sign up for Smart911 is completely
private and only shared with 9-1-1 when you call from a registered phone.
 How Does Smart911 help?
o Physical Disabilities - For those who have a physical disability or mobility
restrictions, it is vital for responders to know about the person, their disability
and what type of assistance or special equipment they may need to evacuate
their home or receive transport.
o Developmental Disabilities - For families affected by autism or who may have
difficulty communicating verbally with 9-1-1 their individual conditions as well
as rescue notes indicating how responders will need to approach the individual
can be include in their Safety Profile.
o Medical Conditions - For citizens who are affected by epilepsy, diabetes,
Alzheimer's, allergies or other medical conditions Smart911 can inform
responders of your condition as well as medications and emergency contacts.
o Seniors and Elderly Care - For active seniors living alone a Safety Profile can
provide peace of mind that in the event of an emergency 9-1-1 would have
details on their home and their medical needs. For caretakers, they can be
assured that if the person they care for needs to dial 9-1-1 when they are alone,
their details are available and the caretaker can be listed as an emergency
contact.
o General Emergencies - For all citizens, there is always the risk of unplanned
accidents or events. Whether in a vehicle or in your home, even the most basic
details such as the address association with a mobile phone can be available to
9-1-1 and response teams to send help fast.
o Pet and Service Animals - For citizens with pets or other animals your Safety
Profile can alert police to their presence when entering your home and Fire
crews can be aware of exactly how many people and pets need to be evacuated
from your home. For owners of a service animal, you can alert responders that
your animal needs to be transported with you.
34
Social Security Administration
4102 S. Arizona Ave.
Joplin, MO 64804
1-866-964-7421
www.ssa.gov
Benefits:
 Retirement – A monthly check for those aged 62 and older that have worked and paid
into social security
 Social Security Disability Insurance – Pays benefits to you and certain members of your
family if you are “insured” meaning that you worked long enough and paid social
security taxes.
 Survivor’s Benefits – When an individual dies, certain members of their family may be
eligible for benefits on their Social Security record if they earned enough credits while
working. Family members who can collect benefits include a widow/widower who is
age 60 or older; a widow/widower who is age 50 or older and disabled; a
widow/widower at any age if he/she is caring for a child under age 16 or a disabled
child who is receiving Social Security Benefits; children if they are unmarried and
under age 18, under age 19 but in an elementary or secondary school as a full-time
student; or age 18 or older and severely disabled (disability must hve started before age
22); and your parents; if they were dependent on you for at least half of their support. If
the deceased has enough credits, a special one-time payment of $255 will also be made
after death. This benefit is paid only to the widow/widower or minor children.
 Divorced Widow/Widower’s Benefits – If you are divorced (even if you have
remarried), your ex-spouse will be eligible for benefits on your record when you die. In
order to qualify, your ex-spouse must: be at least 60 years old (or age 50 if disabled)
and have been married to you for at least 10 years; be any age if caring for a child who
is eligible for benefits on your record; not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit on
his or her own record; and not be currently married; unless the remarriage occurred
after age 60 or age 50 for disabled widow/widowers.
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Federal income supplement program funded by
general tax revenues. It is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have
little or no income, and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter.
 Retirement Benefits for Widow/Widowers – If you’re receiving widow/widowers
(including divorced widow/widowers) benefits, you can switch to your own retirement
benefits as early as age 62. REMEMBER: Age 62 is the earliest you can collect
Social Security retirement benefits and the age at which you can receive full retirement
benefits is rising.
35
Social Security Administration Continued,
 Medicare – There are four parts to Medicare: Medicare Part A, Hospital Insurance,
Medicare Part B, Medical Insurance; Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), which
was formerly known as “Medicare+Choice” and Medicare Part D, prescription drug
coverage. Generally, people who are over age 65 and getting Social Security
automatically qualify for Medicare Parts A and B. So do people who have been getting
disability benefits for two years, people who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou
Gehrig’s disease) and receive disability benefits, and people who have permanent
kidney failure and receive maintenance dialysis or a kidney transplant.
o Part A is paid for by a portion of Social Security tax. It helps pay for inpatient
hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care and other services.
o Part B is paid for by the monthly premiums of people enrolled and by general
funds from the U.S. Treasury. It helps pay for doctors’ fees, oupatient hospital
visits and other medical services and supplies that are not covered by Part A.
o Park C (Medicare Advantage) plans allow you to choose to receive all of your
health care services through a provider organization. These plans may help
lower your costs of receiving medical services, or you may get extra benefits for
an additional monthly fee. You must have both Parts A and B to enroll in Part
C.
o Part D (prescription drug coverage) is voluntary and the costs are paid for by the
monthly premiums of enrollees and Medicare. Unlike Park B in which you are
automatically enrolled and must opt out if you do not want it, with Part D, you
have to opt in by filling out a form and enrolling in an approved plan.
36
Subsidized Housing/Rental Assistance
Jasper County Housing Authority
302 S. Joplin St.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 781-0352
FAX: (417) 781-0563
Section 8
Joplin Public Housing Authority
1834 W. 24th St.
Joplin, MO 64804
(417) 624-4514
FAX: (417) 625-4740
Low Rent and Section 8
Webb City Public Housing Authority
415 N. Washington Dr.
Webb City, MO 64870
(417) 673-2288
FAX: (417) 673-3993
Low Rent
HUD Missouri
Kansas City Regional Office
400 State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-5644
FAX: (913) 551-5469
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USDA Rural Development
416 E. Airport Dr.
Carthage, MO 64836
(417) 358-8198
FAX: (417) 358-5792
1900 S. Business Hwy 71
Neosho, MO 64850
(417) 451-1007
FAX: (417) 451-9244
Services/Programs:
www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo
 Direct Home Ownership Loans – Loans made by USDA to low and very low income
applicants to buy, build or repair homes (payments are subsidized).
 Guaranteed Home Ownership Loans – Loans made by conventional lenders and
guaranteed by USDA to low and moderate income applicants to buy or build homes
(30 year fixed interest rate).
 Rural Rental Housing – Loans made by USDA to individuals or organizations to
construct apartments for very low to moderate income tenants (operated on a not-forprofit or a limited profit basis with subsidized rents – can include congregate or
cooperative housing.
 Home Repair Loans/Grants – One Percent interest loans made by USDA up to $20,000
to very low income applicants to repair the home they now own, and grants made by
USDA Rural Development up to $7,500 to very low income applicants to repair their
home they now own to remove safety and health hazards. Grant recipients must be 62
years of age or older and show they cannot afford a 1% repair loan.
 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing – Loans made by conventional lenders and
guaranteed by USDA to individuals or organizations for construction of apartments for
very low to moderate income tenants (operated on a non-for-profit or a limited profit
basis with subsidized rents – can include congregate or cooperative housing).
 Farm Labor Housing Loans/Grants – Loans/grants made by USDA to public bodies,
not-for-profit entities or individuals to finance rental units for domestic farm labor.
 Rural Housing Site Loans – Loans made by USDA to public bodies or not-for-profit
entities to buy and develop lots to sell to very low to moderate income housing
applicants at the cost of development.
 Self Help Technical Assistance Loans/Grants – Self-Help Housing Loans are made by
USDA to a group of housing applicants who agree to work together to build their own
homes. Technical Assistance Grants are made by USDA to not-for-profit entities to
provide the technical assistance to Self-Help Housing Loan applicants to build their
own homes.
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USDA Rural Development Continued,
 Housing Preservation Grant Program – Grants made by USDA to non-for-profit
entities to operate a program which finances repair and rehabilitation activities to
individuals/rental housing owners for very low and low income tenants.
 Electric Program – Makes loans and loan guarantees to finance the construction of
electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities, including system
improvements and replacement required to furnish and improve electric service in
rural areas, and for demand side management, energy conservation programs and ongrid and off-grid renewable energy systems.
39
Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library
600 West Main St.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
1-800-392-2614
(573) 751-8720
FAX: (573) 751-3612
TDD: 1-800-347-1379
http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/
Services/Programs:
 The Wolfner Library is a free library service to anyone in the State of Missouri who is
unable to use standard print materials due to a visual or physical disability. Materials
are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes, postage paid. There is no charge,
whatsoever, to the patron. Currently, over 11,000 Missourians actively use Wolfner
Library.
 The library's collection includes fiction and nonfiction audio and braille books for all
ages. Over seventy (70) magazine subscriptions are available, and the library loans
playback machines to those using audio books.
 School Services - This is for teachers, counselors, special services directors, school
librarians and media specialists, principals and others who work with students in
Missouri schools. Almost every school has students who are eligible for this free
library service. Wolfner Library serves people who are blind and visually impaired, as
well as those who cannot use standard print materials due to a physical disability or a
reading disability. To find out more about who can use this service, read through the
Eligibility and Certification section of our application.
 Institution Services - Here at Wolfner Library, we understand that providing activities
for residents of nursing homes and visitors to senior centers is a fulfilling, yet timeconsuming job. The same is true for activity directors and administrators of other
institutions serving individuals with disabilities ranging from blindness to severe
physical disabilities. This is why we offer institutions a number of ways to utilize
Wolfner Library services and are consistently working to create and provide interesting,
energizing activities. To be eligible for Wolfner Library services, which include
lending braille books and books on tape, an institution must serve individuals who are
eligible for services. Institutions may provide Wolfner Library services in one of three
ways: as a referral agent, providing demonstration services, or checking out books and
equipment on behalf of individuals. To act as a referral agent, we ask organizations to
stock Wolfner Library brochures and individual applications for their visitors. Merely
fill out the order form for materials or call
Wolfner Library. As a referral agent, you may also use materials to present a Wolfner
Library display.
40
Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library continued,
 Volunteer Services - The Wolfner Library volunteer program offers opportunities for
people willing to plant trees for others to enjoy. We record books for Missourians who
cannot read those books in print. After a book is recorded and goes through a rigorous
quality assurance process, it is put into our circulation system for our patrons to check
out. The volunteers who work on the book may never know how many people listen to
it, or how much they enjoy it. They simply have to trust that what they are doing is
making life more enjoyable for others. If you are a person who understands how much
books enrich our lives, you may want to be involved in our recording program. Our
recording booth is in the library in Jefferson City, so the recording has to be done here.
An audition is required for those people who want to read books. However, there are
three people involved in the recording process: a narrator, a monitor, and a reviewer.
All three are essential in the production of a book. Those who do not want to read can
still be involved by working as a monitor or reviewer. If you interested in these
volunteer activities, please contact Deborah Stroup at 1-800-392-2614 or 573-5222766, or by email at deborah.stroup@sos.mo.gov.
 Books and magazines are mailed free to and from library patrons, wherever they reside.
There is no charge, whatsoever, to the patron. Currently, over 17,000 Missourian
actively use the Wolfner Library service.
 Wolfner Library is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The library is
located in the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center at 600 West Main Street in
Jefferson City, Missouri.
41
GLOSSARY
Adult Abuse – Elder abuse may include physical abuse, financial exploitation (someone
taking advantage of a senior citizen’s financial situation), emotional abuse, sexual abuse, selfneglect and neglect.
Adult Day Care - A service designed to enable senior citizens who need some form of
assistance to remain in their own home or the home of a family member, by providing a
protective environment either in the home or in a licensed center. Services provided may
include health monitoring, a nutritious meal, including special diets, exercise, individual and
group activities, transportation and social interaction.
Advance Directives – Commonly known as a Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney.
The point of this document is to make sure your wishes are followed in a case when you are
unable to communicate them yourself. In this document you could name someone to make
healthcare decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
Assisted Living Facility – Facility provides 24-hr care, services and protective oversight to
residents who are provided with shelter and board, and who may need assistance with
activities of daily living which include eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring and
walking. Facility also provides oversight for storage, distribution, or administration of
medications; and health care supervision under the direction of a licensed physician, and
consistent with a social model of care. A social model of care includes long-term care
services based on the abilities, desires, and functional needs of individuals delivered in a
setting that is more home-like than institutional and which promotes the dignity, privacy,
independence, and autonomy of the individual. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator is
required. This type of facility may accept or retain residents who require minimal assistance
in their safe evacuation from the facility.
Assistive Technology – equipment, electronics, computers, gadgets and household items that
can make life and work easier for people with disabilities. They can range from devices of
low cost up to expensive computer systems.
Co-Pay (Medicare) – A percentage of health expenses for which you are responsible after
paying the deductible amount.
Congregate Meal Site – A place where seniors can eat together.
Conservatorship – The court authorization (voluntary or involuntary) allowing one person to
make financial decisions for another, who is not capable. Conservator, (manager), handles
the person’s finances. Court proceedings may be voluntary or involuntary – bookkeeping
checked by the court. This ceases at the moment of death.
Division of Assets – A Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
program that divides a married couple’s assets evenly when one of the person enters a nursing
home. The reason for this is to allow the person remaining at home to have money to live on
and the nursing home resident to spend down his/her share of the money to become eligible
for MO HealthNet to take care of nursing home costs.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care – A document through which another person
is named by you to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make them. Often
done in conjunction with an Advance Directive.
Guardianship – A court authorization (voluntary or involuntary) of a person or agency
(Public Administrator) to make personal care decisions for someone who is not capable to
making those decisions for themselves. The Guardian and Conservator may be the same
person.
Homemaker Care/Non-Medical Care – help with household chores such as: meal
preparation, cleaning, laundry, ironing and grocery shopping
Hospice – Special care for terminally ill patients and their families. It can be offered in the
home or in a residential care facility, an assisted living facility or in a nursing home. The
patient’s doctor must feel the patient has 6 months or less to live and the patient must be
receiving only comfort measures and not treatments to cure their disease.
Intermediate Care Facility - Facility provides 24-hour accommodation, board, personal
care, and basic health and nursing care services under the daily supervision of a licensed
nurse and direction of a licensed physician to three or more residents dependent for care and
supervision. Licensed Nursing Home Administrator is required.
Living Will – See Advance Directives
Occupational Therapy – Health rehabilitation that helps individuals regain and build skills
for normal activities of daily living.
Ombudsman – A personal that investigates and mediates nursing home residents’ problems
and/or complaints regarding the nursing home they reside in.
Personal Care Services – Assistance with activities of daily living such as, grooming,
bathing, dressing, toileting and eating.
 Advanced Personal Care Services – personal care for persons who require medically
related assistance. The medically related assistance can include things like: ostomy
care, catheter care, bowel program, application of ointments or lotions to unbroken
skin, aseptic dressings, passive range of motion, assisting those who can’t bear any
weight on their legs.
 Basic Personal Care Services – personal care for those who do not have special
medical needs such as those mentioned above.
Residential Care Facility I - Facility which provides 24-hour care to three or more residents
who need or are provided with shelter, board, and protective oversight, which may include
storage, distribution or administration of medications and care during short-term illness or
recuperation. Residents who live in a RCF are required to make a path to safety unassisted. A
licensed Nursing Home Administrator is not required.
Residential Care Facility II - Facility which provides 24-hour accommodation, board, and
care to three or more residents who need or are provided with supervision of diets, assistance
in personal care, storage, distribution or administration of medications, supervision of health
care under the direction of a licensed physician, and protective oversight, including care
during short-term illness or recuperation. Residents who live in a RCF* are required to make
a path to safety unassisted. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator is required.
Respite Care – help that provides temporary relief for a caregiver of a dependent adult.
Respite care can be provided in the home or outside the home such as an adult day care
center.
 Advanced Respite Care – respite care for those with special medically related needs.
 Basic Respite Care – respite care for those without special medically related needs.
For those who need only supervision and/or someone to simply be present with them.
 Nurse Respite Care – respite care for those with special needs that only a nurse or
trained family member could meet.
Skilled Nursing Facility - Facility provides 24-hour accommodation, board and skilled
nursing care and treatment services to at least three residents. Skilled nursing care and
treatment services are commonly performed by or under the supervision of a registered
professional nurse for individuals requiring twenty-four hour care by licensed nursing
personnel including acts of observation, care and counsel of the aged, ill, injured or infirm,
the administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by a licensed physician or
dentist, and other nursing functions requiring substantial specialized judgment and skill.
Licensed Nursing Home Administrator is required.
Spend Down – The amount of money determined by Division of Social Services, Family
Support Division that has to be spent before a person would be eligible for Medicaid
assistance. Must reapply quarterly
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – A Social Security Administration program that
provides extra monthly income to the blind, disabled and elderly persons with very low
income. Individuals must meet income requirements.