Missouri is in the midst of reckoning with one of the many long term consequences of mass incarceration: a rapidly growing number of elders incarcerated in state prisons. The aging prison population primarily consists of individuals who received lengthy sentences for offenses committed decades ago. Increasing numbers of elderly incarcerated people leads to significant increases...Read More

“Diversion” is a broad term that refers to the many forms of exit ramps that can divert people from the criminal legal system. Instead of punitive punishment, diversion targets the underlying problems that may have contributed to the criminal behavior, such as poverty, substance use, mental health challenges, and more.   Diversion programs can significantly decrease...Read More

The Missouri legislative session is heating up, and it is critical that our voices are heard in Jefferson City. Please join us April 3rd – April 6th for our 2023 Week of Action! On April 4th, spend your lunch hour with us to build your advocacy skills and learn about key anti-poverty policies in one of...Read More

At the end of May, the Missouri General Assembly adjourned after a legislative session that began in January. In this session, we give you the scoop on what went on in Jefferson City this year.  We’ll describe what got done, what got started, and what we are still fighting for after the 2023 legislative session. Empower...Read More

Among Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs are the lowest and arguably most important necessities humans require to exist; physiological needs. These include basic essentials such as air, water, food, sleep and shelter. Required needs. Not optional. Required. Housing is required for humans to survive, so why do we treat it as a luxury for those privileged...Read More

Join Empower Missouri and leaders in the Springfield community as we discuss the need for Clean Slate legislation to improve the lives of Missourians through automatic expungement. You’ll hear from Crista Hogan, Springfield Bar Association, Pastor John Alarid, Founder and Lead Pastor of Freedom City Church and multiple recovery programs, and other local leaders. Learn more at www.MOCleanSlate.org,...Read More

When pre-filing for the 2023 Legislative Session opened in December, I braced myself for bills that are filed every year, that we fight every year, and that, for the most part, we’ve managed to help keep out of Missouri law. Our team monitors closely, sorting bills by coalition and starting to research the potential implications...Read More

The Missouri legislature is seeking to pass some significant changes to our criminal justice system this session. In the months ahead, you are likely to hear some chatter about a renewed interest in “Raise the Age” legislation, so we wanted to provide you with a quick primer on the issue.  What are “Raise the Age”...Read More

Sign up to attend our Clean Slate Advocacy Day at the capitol on Wednesday, March 8th. Join us to engage with lawmakers and let your voice be heard! We will also host a virtual training opportunity prior to the event. More information will be sent to the email address provided with your registration. Register below to...Read More

Join Missouri faith leaders for a conversation about forgiveness, community healing, and automatic expungement. Clean Slate would offer a second chance to Missouri families who have been held back by a criminal record. You’ll hear from Rabbi James Goodman with the Central Reform Congregation, Bobbi Jo Reed, founder and CEO of Healing House, and Latrell...Read More