Empower Missouri started in 1901 as an annual conference focused on helping support Missourians who were living in poverty, and over 120 years later, the tradition continues. Last week, we gathered in Columbia, Missouri to learn from experts and from each other, to strategize for the upcoming session, and to be in community. If you...Lee mas

You hear from us often about the complexities of poverty and the need for a variety of policy solutions to address the housing crisis, food insecurity, access to justice, and the inaccessibility of adequate healthcare. Poverty and its effects are far-reaching and impact nearly every aspect of a person’s life, at every phase of life....Lee mas

As we recently shared, Empower Missouri has just begun a new phase in our growth, the start of our next strategic plan. Our team is especially excited about our plans to recommit and deeply invest in our work of supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the state in building their capacity to advocate for policy change that...Lee mas

As we continue to grow our organization and our impact throughout the state, we are excited to welcome new members to our Board of Directors for this fiscal year. Our Board is a dedicated group of anti-poverty advocates who are deeply committed to our work to change policies that perpetuate cycles of poverty. We are...Lee mas

On November 12th and 13th Empower Missouri will host its annual Anti-Poverty Advocates Summit, bringing together advocates from across the state to explore the many ways poverty impacts our neighbors’ lives, and how effective policy change can serve as a long-term solution. The event will feature opportunities to learn from local and national leaders in the...Lee mas

Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865. On that day, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation (more than two years after it was issued) so that the remaining enslaved people were finally free as...Lee mas

It is undeniable that poverty is a problem in our state. According to the 2022 Poverty Report, 13% of Missourians and over 17% of Missouri children live in poverty. That’s over 770,000 individuals struggling to put food on the table, keep a roof over their heads, or meet their basic needs. Over 770,000 Missourians face...Lee mas

Empower Missouri’s Food Security Coalition (FSC) is dedicated to making sure that all Missourians have access to healthy meals. The charitable food sector, including institutions like food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens play a critical role in keeping people fed, but they can only provide about ten percent of the total food benefits needed for...Lee mas

The 2024 legislative session is nearing the finish line, and with that will come a chance to celebrate what we have accomplished this year. At Empower Missouri, we know that eradicating poverty can only be successful as a group effort – a team of anti-poverty advocates and a community of supporters all using our voices...Lee mas

It was a busy but inspiring week for Empower Missouri: our 2024 Week of Action! Throughout the week we offered three virtual training sessions (recordings coming soon!), and on Wednesday we gathered at the Capitol to meet with legislators, learn from our team and other advocates, and make our voices heard to end poverty in...Lee mas