From the structure of Bishop Sullivan Center’s (BSC) programs to our partnerships with other organizations, we work to honor the dignity of those we serve and create solutions that improve accessibility. Every day, we meet neighbors facing a variety of barriers that hold them back from stable housing, food security, and gainful employment.
New wheels get neighbor where she needs to go
Mobility is one of the greatest barriers faced in our local community. On a cold April day outside One City Café, we met Jennifer. She was wrapped in a blanket to protect herself from the cold, and BSC staff noticed she had been around most of the day. In engaging with Jennifer, we learned she was paraplegic, and her wheelchair was so broken that it would not roll without a lot of force. Within 30 minutes, we were able to secure a new wheelchair for her, restoring access to a freedom many of us take for granted – the ability to get where you need to go.
Unfortunately, Jennifer’s situation is not unique. Mobility disability is reported as the most common disability among middle-aged (almost 1 in 5) and older adults (about 1 in 4), according to CDC. And, as financial hardships increase, mobility disability is nearly five times as common among those living below the poverty level compared to those whose income is twice the poverty level.
Access to medical supplies is made possible through partnerships
Often, restrictive insurance policies or the lack of a primary care provider leave neighbors with unmet needs for medical supplies and equipment, which are vital to independent living.
Earlier this month, BSC partnered with Troost 39 Thrift Store to empower our local KC community members through a “Medical Accessibility Giveaway.” Together, we gave away 30+ walkers, commodes, and other medical supplies.
Grocery delivery is another way to support neighbors with dignity
“We find a community that is overlooked in Kansas City is seniors and disabled neighbors who simply cannot get out of the house,” states Chris Lowrance, BSC Food Manager. “It can be very difficult for them to get even basic food pantry staples. Let’s say you must depend on someone to give you a ride or bring you household goods. This is a major struggle beyond accessibility to a job or, simply, the outside world.
“Just over the last year, Bishop Sullivan Center has made a transformational impact through its grocery delivery program. We’ve gone from 20 to 40 seniors receiving home-delivered groceries. We now have 40 neighbors whom we are blessed to call upon. We check in on them, see how they’re doing, and identify other resources they need. And it goes so far beyond groceries in terms of accessibility. It allows BSC staff to help with documentation for rental and utility assistance, new housing, transportation, and more.”
Bringing employers and job seekers together in one accessible place
According to Josh Lohnes, BSC Employment Services Manager, “Our continued outreach to bring employers and other resources into our building certainly brings job resources to where our neighbors reside, especially those who face accessibility challenges.
“Employment barriers tend to compound each other and make the job search seem hopeless. We see a lot of relief on the faces of clients who get just a little bit of assistance in tackling these complex problems. They can focus on the job search, and with the support of BSC, address accessibility.”
Accessibility and dignity go hand in hand
For Bishop Sullivan Center, we strive to make ALL our programs accessible. We constantly adjust our programs based on the needs of our neighbors, keeping our support person-centered and dignity-driven.
Statistically, nationwide, a multitude of barriers particularly impact those with disabilities, which are compounded by poverty. Maybe we can’t fix it all, but through all of our BSC programs, your support helps us show our community members that we see them and their struggles, and that we are here to help.