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| INTRODUCTION BY GREG WALTERS |
This week week we are turning our page over to Jessica Haynes. Jessica is an advocate of the Missouri Self-Directed Supports (SDS) Program. This State of Missouri funded program assists families with "special needs" support from the state, in raising their children. I had a lengthy talk with Ms. Haynes and was impressed with her understanding of the program and the work she has tasked herself.
Why Self-Directed Support
Matters in Raytown
By Jessica Haynes Email: jessicasgirls@gmail.com
Raytown is more than just a place on a map to my family; it is the community that holds us together.
Today, I am writing to you not just as a constituent, but as a mother who watches her son, AJ, thrive every day because he is exactly where he belongs: home.
AJ is a young man living with Autism Level 2 (among other developmental disabilities).
Like any other Raytown resident, he has his favorite spots in town, neighbors he recognizes, and a life filled with dignity.
This is possible because of the Missouri Self-Directed Supports (SDS) program. It is a program that allows families like mine to be the architects of our loved ones' lives, ensuring they aren't tucked away in institutions, but are instead active, visible, and loved members of our community.
We recently saw a glimmer of hope when the Missouri House restored pay for the dedicated Personal Assistants who help individuals like our son AJ navigate his world. However, as the budget (HB 10) moves into the Missouri Senate, we are facing a "transition cliff." Vital funding for Community Specialists and the goods and services that make independent living possible for someone with AJ's support needs is still at risk.
When we talk about these cuts, we often talk about "Social Math." And while the numbers are staggering,
I want you to see the soul behind them:
● The Cost of a Life at Home: It costs the state approximately $50,000 per year to provide the support AJ needs to live safely and independently in our home.
● The Cost of a Life Interrupted: Without these home-based supports, the only alternative is institutionalization—a move that costs the state over $600,000 per year.
That is a $550,000 difference for a single person, every single year. But more importantly, it is the difference between a young man waking up in his own bed in Raytown or being moved to a facility far from the people who know his name and his story.
We aren't asking the City of Raytown for a donation or a miracle. We are simply asking our Mayor and Board of Aldermen to stand with us. By issuing a Resolution of Support, Raytown can lead Western
Missouri in telling our State Senators that we value our citizens with disabilities and the common-sense fiscal responsibility that keeps them home.
Supporting the SDS program isn't just a budget decision; it’s a decision about what kind of community we want to be. Let’s keep Raytown a place where everyone—regardless of ability—has a seat at the table and a place to call home.
How You Can Help
● Educate Yourself: Visit MOSDS.org to see the data and the statewide movement to protect our families.
● Join the Local Advocacy: Follow our journey and get updates on local meetings through our
Facebook groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314853719027810 (This is our home group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/306298879720557
https://www.facebook.com/mosdsfamilygroup
● Contact Our State Senator: Reach out to the Missouri Senate and urge them to restore the full SDS funding (including Community Specialists and IDGS) in the HB 10 budget. Let them know that Community Specialists and IDGS are not "extras"—they are the bridge to independence.
● Support a Local Resolution: Reach out to your local elected officials. Let them know you support a zero-cost Resolution of Support that honors the dignity of our neighbors with disabilities.
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Alderman Walters, thank you for sharing this story and for your dedication to the families of Raytown.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother advocating for my son, AJ, and the hundreds of other Missourians who rely on Self-Directed Supports (SDS), I am deeply grateful for the platform the Raytown Report provides. Our mission is about more than just a budget line; it is about ensuring that independence and dignity remain a permanent right for our neighbors with disabilities.
By keeping families together, we aren't just doing the right thing; we are saving the state significant resources ($48k for home-based care vs. $600k for institutional care). We are looking forward to the Board of Aldermen meeting on April 14th and want to thank the Mayor and the entire Board for their leadership in recognizing this vital cause.
See you at City Hall!
I am voting YES for Raytown next Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteOur country needs more great leaders like our President. We are so blessed to have Trump and McDonough. We must pray for their hard work and love for this country. God bless them both.
In one week from today we all the the opportunity to tell the city of Raytown that we are tied of the current administration way of doing business by voting NO.
ReplyDeleteDo we have a codes enforcement division in raytown? FIFA's is coming to town, and Raytown looks like somebody had a blowout in their pants. If I was going to give a award for the worst eye sore in Raytown it would be the corner house at 9216 Vaughn. You have to see it for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThis brings the age old question about where are the police. If they actually patrolled the streets they would have reported it to codes. Maybe I am expecting to much from the police I mean it is not like our Mayor is a police officer. Wait he is a former one likes to even brag about it. However, safety is not top of the list.
I would say the runner up is the property on the East side of Blue Ridge Blvd between 56th Street and Woodson. The house is a nice looking two story home with a great big yard. The problem is since late last year there is a truck on jacks.
Are these the things we want travelers world wide to remember about Raytown?
I will be voting NO on the taxes too! Until we can get rid of the "do nothing chair warmers that draw a paycheck" administration at city hall, nothing is going to change!
ReplyDeleteYes, Raytown is the "arm pit" of a small city. There is Nothing Raytown has to offer to the visitors to the world cup, just trash and blight.
Interesting about those code violations. I heard the mayor start an effort to cleanup the city for that world soccer event. I even recall an Alderman get mad at citizens for asking what the city is doing. It sounds like both these fine people don't understand the old saying "you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk". The translation is people want to see city put their words into action. This is why I've had a neighbor talk to me about voting "NO" next tuesday, as well as received a call from someone asking me to vote "NO". both individuals are correct. Our city continues to fail us while at the same time, spending money like it grows on trees. The mayor along with his cheerleading squad on the board of alderman, need to learn respect. It is earned, it is not a right. Once the board realizes this Raytown will be in a better place. Elections are a year out, and it's time we start looking today for a better tomorrow. Soccer event is now only months away. But code violations, as another Blogger posted, there are clearly visible throughout the city, but the city does nothing.
ReplyDeleteTalking about code violations.
ReplyDeleteIs the city going to do anything about the dumpster and trash behind the QT on 63rd Street. The property in question is actually on Blue Ridge Cutoff. How many travel that road to games at the Truman Complex? I saw on Facebook to watch for the city news letter. Is it going to indicated the city now has a dump? Is this the way professionals manage the appearance of our city? Is the mayor having closed door meetings to have KCMO annex us?