Empowering Change Outreach & Services

08/06/2025

Important Update from Empowering4Change
Dear Community,

We want to thank you for being part of our journey and for supporting the mission of Empowering4Change. As we continue to grow and serve those in need, we are making some important changes to better support our outreach and ensure everyone continues to have access to vital resources.

We will be closing our Facebook “Empowering Change” pages. After much discussion around increasing restrictions and complaints related to the communities we serve, we have decided to transition to a more supportive and inclusive platform.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching a new group page—a space specifically designed to share resources, provide information, and build a stronger, more connected community. Our team is actively developing this group to better serve those seeking support.

In the meantime, please stay connected with us through our website and blog:

🌐 www.empowering4change.org
📝 www.empowering4change.org/blog

We will post updates there about how and when you can join the new group.

At Empowering4Change, we believe everyone has value, and we remain committed to the founder’s vision: to serve others and ensure access to critical resources. We appreciate your understanding, support, and continued partnership as we move forward with these changes.

With gratitude,
The Empowering Change Team

Empowering Change Outreach and Services Blog is a collection of resources, articles, news and events. It also showcases what we are doing in our community and surrounding areas as it affects North West Missouri.

08/06/2025

Way to go! Thank you for all you do!

08/06/2025

A moment of connection when handing over a warm meal to someone in need.

When YOU volunteer with The Salvation Army, you are giving more than your time; you are also giving hope to those who need it most.

Feel good by doing good. Lend a hand and be a part of something purposeful.

Learn how YOU can help at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-central-territory/

08/05/2025

🚨 Important Announcement – Please Read 🚨
To our Empowering Change community:

We want to inform you that we may be starting a new page or group and deleting our current Empowering Change pages due to increasing restrictions placed on us.

Recently, we were informed that we can no longer share critical resources such as:

Su***de prevention hotlines and mental health support
Employment opportunities and job assistance
Other essential tools meant to empower and support our community
We do not agree with these limitations. Our mission has always been to uplift, inform, and empower—and we believe sharing life-saving and life-changing resources is at the core of that.
🔗 Please be sure to visit our website for updates as our board reviews the best plan of action moving forward:
👉 www.empowering4change.org

Thank you for standing with us. We remain committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for healing and growth—no matter the platform.

With love and resolve,
The Empowering Change Team

Empowering Change Outreach and Services is a homeless outreach and service organization. Our mission is simple: To serve. Ministering care packages to the displaced, broken and lost with the help of your online giving. Serving one person at a time. Making a difference and paying it forward.

08/04/2025

Please keep my cousins in your thoughts and prayers. My Great Uncle Gordon was the last of that generation, being my grandfather's brother on my dad's side. Sending heartfelt condolences to our extended family during this time of loss.

https://www.meierhoffer.com/obituaries/Gordon-Wilson?obId=43830511&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL9z3dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnUdNNXPqwvBHVQZZ-Ylc4aLSlcn4Oj4MuyR7vXOdFV3ChWfnvho3SEU2AwW_aem_BSDr5Wd8Ylc_TsDJAnXxkQ

View Gordon Wilson's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

08/02/2025

Resources for the Saint Joseph, Missouri area.

08/02/2025

I just felt prompted to share a tender and powerful reminder today that our Heavenly Father truly is a God of miracles. He still moves mountains, softens hearts, and brings about the impossible when we put Him first.
One of our dear volunteers—I'll keep her name private out of respect—called me not long ago, her voice shaking with emotion. She said, “I just had to thank you.”
I was a little surprised and asked, “Thank me for what?”

She paused, and then said, “You were right. God really does do miracles when we trust Him and put Him first in our lives.”

Naturally, I asked, “Okay… so what happened?”

She reminded me of her story. She’s a recovering addict, someone who’s known the streets and survival since she was 17 years old. Life was hard. She tried over the years to reconnect with family, but every time she reached back, they had moved. The connection was lost—and truthfully, the relationship had never been solid. Years of pain had left deep wounds on both sides.

But something changed. In recent years, she’s been clean. She's been volunteering regularly. She’s been learning about the Savior, coming to understand that through Him, our messes don’t disqualify us—they qualify us for His mercy. She told me that for the first time in years, she prayed in full faith, asking that one day she might be reunited with her family—that somehow, somewhere, Heavenly Father would open that door.

And He did.

We had a delivery scheduled—just one of many family food boxes we give out each week. Somehow, the address for this one got misplaced. Later that day, she found it tucked behind some shelves. Most of the team had gone home, so she offered to deliver it on her way out.

When she arrived at the home and knocked on the door, she was stunned. The people who answered... were her parents. Her mother and father—who had moved years ago and who she hadn’t seen in ages—were right there. Through a job transfer and then retirement, they had relocated quietly to Missouri. And here she was, standing on their porch, delivering a box of food from the very organization she credits with helping save her life.

She broke down in tears. So did they. She told them she was clean. That she was serving others. That her life was changing. They embraced her. They forgave each other. They talked for hours. And in her words, “God did this. He came through for me! And Brother Wilson you saved me.“

I told her, “That’s beautiful, but I didn’t save you—Heavenly Father did. He’s the one who’s been with you every step of the way, leading you on this path of recovery and restoration.”

Brothers and sisters, nobody has it easy. We all carry burdens. Everyone is facing something they don’t talk about. Before we rush to judge, criticize, or dismiss someone, we need to pause. Because everyone is fighting their own unseen battles.

And more than that—we don’t always see the quiet miracles unfolding behind the scenes. Sometimes, the very things that seem like setbacks or accidents are the exact steps God is using to position us for healing, for reconciliation, and for purpose.

Heavenly Father is still in the miracle business. He still gathers the lost. He still heals broken hearts. And He still brings His children home.

07/31/2025

A good friend of mine called just a little bit ago. As we were talking, he opened up and said, “I’ve been trying to hear from Heavenly Father about something, but I’m just not getting anything clear. I think I’m just going to go with my gut, even though I still have some doubts.”

And man… I could hear the weight in his voice. I’ve been there. Maybe you have too.

I told him something that I’ve had to learn the hard way—something I remind myself of often: Our feelings—especially when we’re tired, hurt, anxious, or overwhelmed—can be so misleading. Emotions come and go. But Heavenly Father doesn’t.

I told him, “Brother, Heavenly Father will never give you an impression that goes against what He’s already clearly said.” He’s not trying to confuse us. He’s not being silent to be cruel. If we’re not sure what to do, the safest and most faithful thing we can do is go back to what He’s already spoken.

When we’re unsure, we anchor ourselves in His word, in His promises, and in His Spirit.

And here’s the beautiful truth: Heavenly Father’s not expecting perfection from us. But He does give perfect instruction. He does provide grace for the journey. And He’s always trying to grow us, shape us, and walk with us in the process of becoming.

So maybe the question isn’t just “what should I do?”—maybe it’s “how’s my relationship with Him?” Am I spending time with Him? Am I in the scriptures, in prayer, in a place where I can hear Him clearly—especially when everything around me is loud and chaotic?

Because the more we walk with Him, the more we recognize His voice.

And friend, I promise you this—whether it’s about your marriage, your job, your calling, your future… Heavenly Father will lead you. He’s not hiding from you. He’s not playing games with your heart. He sees the big picture. He’s already working things out. He just wants you to stay close enough to hear His whisper.

So if you’re in that space—waiting, doubting, wondering what to do—don’t just go with your gut. Go with Heavenly Father. Go back to what He’s already said. And trust that He’s not done speaking to you yet.

You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. And you’re not going to miss what He has for you when your heart is set on following Him.

07/30/2025

May be useful for those seeking remote work opportunities. See attachment:

07/29/2025

All mobile pantries begin at 10:00 AM — While Supplies Last
Open to the general public
Info: 816.364.3663 or www.shcfb.org

Friday, August 1
No mobiles

Monday, August 4 – Thursday, August 7
No mobiles

Friday, August 8
Gallatin – First Baptist Church

Monday, August 11
Lathrop – Community Center, 406 Elm Street
Oregon – South Holt School, 200 South Madison

Tuesday, August 12
Maryville – First United Methodist Church, 102 N. Main Street
Chula – Livingston Co. R-III, 205 Waite Street

Wednesday, August 13
Trenton – First Baptist Church, 2421 Oklahoma Avenue
Effingham – "Blue Building", 305 Main St.

Thursday, August 14
St. Joseph – Grace Calvary Chapel, 5103 South 50th St.

Friday, August 15
Blair – New Life Church, 1650 Hwy 146
Braymer – City Hall, 120 E. 2nd Street

Monday, August 18
Stanberry – Stanberry Baptist Church

Tuesday, August 19
Savannah – First Baptist Church, 500 E. Pawnee

Wednesday, August 20
Chillicothe – First Baptist Church, 1601 Bryan Street
Gower – East Buchanan High, 100 Smith Street

Thursday, August 21
Hiawatha – Eternal Hope Worship Center, 410 E. Iowa St.
Cameron – NW Electric, 1001 W. Grand

Friday, August 22
St. Joseph – Frederick Blvd Baptist Church, 5502 Frederick Ave.

Monday, August 25
Mercer – North Mercer School
Albany – National Guard Armory

Tuesday, August 26
Atchison, KS – Salvation Army
Eagleville – City Hall

Wednesday, August 27
Hopkins – First Christian Church
Union Star – First Baptist Church

Thursday, August 28 – Friday, August 29
No mobiles

Second Harvest Community Food Bank's mission is to provide nourishment and hope to the hungry while engaging and empowering the region in the fight to end hunger.