The Independent Living Center

09/04/2026

We will be closed on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday. We’ll see you back on Tuesday, September 8th!

09/02/2026

THIS MONTH!

Come enjoy the best local barbecue at Smokin’ for Support: A TILC BBQ Bash on Saturday, September 19th, from 4–7 PM at The Independent Living Center in Joplin.

Enjoy live music from the Bobby DeGonia Band, a beer garden, bounce houses, raffles, and more—all while supporting a cause that makes a difference right here in our community.

Grab a pulled pork plate from Creek Crew BBQ and Catering for just $10, or pick up a $10 People’s Choice sample ticket to taste ribs from local BBQ competitors and cast your vote for your favorite!

Your support of this event helps TILC continue offering resources, programs, and opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and stay connected to their community.

Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your appetite and join us for an evening of delicious food, great music, and community support.

Saturday, September 19 | 4–7 PM
The Independent Living Center
2639 E. 34th St., Joplin

08/27/2026

Another beautifully constructed ramp by our friends at Hearts and Hammers of Southwest MO!

We were proud to provide the materials for this project, helping give the individual a safe and accessible way to get in and out of their home.

Projects like this are made possible through the support we receive from our community. By attending Smokin’ for Support, you’re not only in for a fun evening of great food, live music, BBQ, raffles, and more—you’re also supporting the programs, resources and services that make greater independence possible for people with disabilities in our community.

Come out, have a great time and support a great cause at Smokin’ for Support: A TILC BBQ Bash on September 19th from 4 - 7 PM. We can’t wait to see you there!

08/26/2026

Yesterday, our All-Support Summer Field Trip took us to Springfield for a fun day at Fantastic Caverns!

For many of our consumers, it was their first time visiting. We enjoyed browsing the gift shop, riding the accessible tram and learning about the cave’s history and unique features from our experienced tour guide.

Getting out, exploring new places and participating in our community are all part of the Independent Living philosophy. We’re happy our consumers had the opportunity to spend the day together, try something new and make some great memories along the way.

A big thank-you to everyone at Fantastic Caverns for welcoming our group and helping make our visit such a great experience. We appreciate your hospitality and for making it a fun day for everyone!

08/25/2026

Our September Calendar of Events is here!

We’ve made a few changes to our September schedule, so be sure to take a look at the updated calendar.

A few important changes:

• Our Aldi shopping trip will be moved to Monday, September 14th.

• Transformation Tuesday on Tuesday, September 15th, will be cancelled so our staff can focus on our signature fundraiser, Smokin’ for Support.

• Our Spiva Art Class on September 4th and October 2nd will be extended to two hours and will begin at 11 AM. This will give our consumers some extra time to catch up from classes that had been cancelled.

We’re looking forward to another great month of activities, events and opportunities to connect. Be sure to save the calendar and mark your favorites!

Please RSVP one week prior to any event you would like to attend.

08/21/2026

One week to go!

Join The Independent Living Center and the Gateway Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America for Boccia Ball on August 28th at 10:30 AM.

Whether you're an experienced player or have never played before, come out for a fun, inclusive event that celebrates adaptive recreation and friendly competition.

Everyone is welcome! Come learn the game, meet new people, and see what Boccia Ball is all about.

Registration is open now. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-us-for-boccia-tickets-1995757120271

We hope to see you there!

08/19/2026

We are all set up for Community Day at MSSU in the Billingsly Student Center! Come by and learn about the resources provided by The Independent Living Center.

We’ll also be at Third Thursday tomorrow in downtown Joplin so come say hi!

08/18/2026

It's National Nonprofit Week, and we’re celebrating by raising funds to directly support the people we serve at The Independent Living Center.

Your donation can help provide meaningful peer support opportunities, make home modifications that help people live more independently, and stock our onsite food pantry with healthy food for anyone in our community who needs it.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live more independently and participate in their community.

Help us celebrate National Nonprofit Week by making a difference for our consumers. Your support helps us provide the resources and opportunities they need to live independently. Donate today through our fundraising campaign!

The Independent Living Center provides essential services and resources so people with disabilities can live in the comfort of their own homes and participate…

08/13/2026

Thank you for having us at your great event, Economic Security Corporation!

It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and meeting new people who are doing such great work in our community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the organizations making a difference in our area.