As we close out another year, we want to celebrate the incredible impact you made possible through your support of VOYCE. From advocacy to care and community-building, your commitment helped us advance the rights, dignity, and well-being of older adults in the community and long-term care. Here are ten achievements from the past year that you made happen:
1. Protected Northview Village Residents after an Abrupt and Illegal Closure
When Northview Village Nursing Home shut its doors without notice, your support allowed VOYCE to step in and advocate for displaced residents. We ensured their voices were heard, connected them with essential services, and helped them transition to safe, stable environments. With the help of many partners, we were able to help replace lost, stolen, and destroyed belongings to help them get a fresh start.
2. Delivered 40,000 Holiday Cards to Nursing Home Residents
Thanks to your generosity and participation in Project Holiday Cheer, VOYCE delivered an astounding 40,000 holiday cards to nursing home residents across eastern Missouri.
These cards brought joy, connection, and hope during a season that can be isolating for many. We’re already gearing up for 2025 when we’ll need 50,000 cards!
3. Released “A Framework for Advancing Missouri’s Response to Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation”
This groundbreaking document, created with community input, lays the foundation for improving Missouri’s approach to protecting vulnerable adults. Your support allowed us to collaborate with stakeholders and share this critical tool for advancing elder justice.
4. Advocated for a Resident to Receive Reimbursement for Personal Belongings Lost by a Facility
The team in the ombudsman program tackled many problems for residents this year, from the shocking to the mundane.
One story that stuck with us was when a long-term care resident was down to just the clothes he wore because everything else had been lost due to facility negligence; VOYCE successfully advocated for the facility to reimburse the resident and purchase several new sets of clothing. At one point, the facility social worker assured us the work had been done, but the resident said it wasn’t. The ombudsman continued to advocate until the resident had seasonally appropriate clothing that fit correctly.
This simple victory reinforced the importance of holding facilities accountable for respecting residents’ rights.
5. Highlighted the Importance of Elder Justice and Quality Long-Term Care Over 26 Times in the Press
Throughout the year, VOYCE was featured in the media more than 26 times, addressing critical issues such as nursing home closures, federal regulations, deplorable conditions at local facilities, and advocating for elder justice.
A highlight of the year was being featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show, where we spread the word about Project Holiday Cheer.
6. Advocated for Increased Funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Statewide
VOYCE and many partners advocated for increased funding for the statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
While the Missouri legislature earmarked $2.5 million in the budget, it was vetoed by the governor for the second year in a row.
Your support helps us continue this crucial fight.
7. Helped 800 Families Navigate Long-Term Care and Aging Services
This year, VOYCEconnect served over 800 people by phone and in person, helping them navigate the confusing landscape of aging services. Each person talked one-on-one to a VOYCE staff member and got access to the resources that fit their needs. Some people needed resources, others needed a little more information about what to expect, and many needed reassurance that someone was in their corner. You helped us personally connect with individuals who needed one-on-one assistance and advocacy.
8. Expanded VOYCE’s Ombudsman Services to 39 Counties
VOYCE began providing the ombudsman program in Aging Matters/South East Missouri, expanding our services to cover 39 counties spanning the entire eastern edge of Missouri.
This expansion allows us to serve an additional 9,000 residents living in long-term care, ensuring they can access the ad
9. Built the Missouri Alliance for Long-Term Care Reform
Over the past several years, we have met many dedicated advocates who want to make a difference. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” VOYCE recently launched a grassroots coalition to amplify the voices and transform the lives of long-term care residents through advocacy, community building, and systemic policy change.
10. Provided over 100 Hours of Education to the Community about Aging and Long-Term Care
Throughout the year, VOYCE hosted or presented over 100 hours of education through in-person seminars, conferences, and webinars. Topics ranged from understanding the aging services landscape to estate planning, protecting yourself and friends from elder abuse, and more.
And bigger things are coming in 2025 that we can’t wait to announce!
Because of your support, each person who learns from our team can use their knowledge to ensure that they and those around them age well. As they say, “The more you know…”
Thank You for Making It All Possible
None of these ten achievements of VOYCE in 2024 would have been possible without your support. You stood with us, advocated for justice, and brought hope to countless individuals. But the work doesn’t stop here. Thousands of older adults and people with disabilities living at home and in long-term care across Missouri still need a voice—and you can help amplify it.
As we look ahead, we invite you to take action. Your donation ensures VOYCE can continue advocating for vulnerable residents, fighting for elder justice, and delivering impactful programs like these. Every dollar you give strengthens our ability to protect and uplift those in need.
Join us today by making a gift that empowers change. Together, we can make next year even more extraordinary.