Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Shelby County Early Voting Sites

Early Voting in Memphis, October 16 to 31, 2024
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Shelby County Early Voting Sites

Early voting gives you the power to have your voice heard without the rush or stress of Election Day. By voting early, you avoid long lines, crowded polling stations, and the risk of last-minute obstacles that could prevent you from casting your vote. It’s a flexible and convenient way to make sure your voice counts, especially in elections that shape the future of our community. When you vote early, you're taking control of your civic duty on your terms, helping to ensure that every vote matters, including yours!

Abundant Grace Fellowship Church

1574 East Shelby Drive

Memphis, TN 38116  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Anointed Temple of Praise

3939 Riverdale Road

Memphis, TN 38115  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Arlington Safe Room

11842 Otto Lane

Arlington, TN 38002  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Baker Community Center

7942 Church Road

Millington, TN 38053  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Briarwood Community Church

1900 North Germantown Parkway

Cordova, TN 38016  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Collierville Church of Christ

575 West Shelton Road

Collierville, TN 38017  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Compassion Church

3505 South Houston Levee Road

Germantown, TN 38139  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Dave Wells Community Center

915 Chelsea Avenue

Memphis, TN 38107  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Glenview Community Center

1141 South Barksdale Street

Memphis, TN 38114  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Greater Lewis Street Baptist Church

152 East Parkway North

Memphis, TN 38104  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Greater Middle Baptist Church

4982 Knight Arnold Road

Memphis, TN 38118  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Harmony Church

6740 St. Elmo Road

Memphis, TN 38135  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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I. H. Clubhouse Lakeland

4523 Canada Rd

Lakeland, TN 38002  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Mississippi Blvd. Church - Family Life Center

70 N Bellevue Blvd

Memphis, TN 38104  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Mt Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church

1234 Pisgah Road

Memphis, TN 38016  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Mt. Zion Baptist Church

60 S Parkway East

Memphis, TN 38106  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church

7786 Poplar Pike

Germantown, TN 38138  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Raleigh United Methodist Church

3295 Powers Road

Memphis, TN 38128  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Riverside Missionary Baptist Church

3560 South Third Street

Memphis, TN 38109  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Second Baptist Church

4680 Walnut Grove Road

Memphis, TN 38117  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Shelby County Office - James Meredith Building

157 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, TN 38103  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Solomon Temple MB Church

1460 Winchester Road

Memphis, TN 38116  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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TN Shakespeare Company

7950 Trinity Road

Cordova, TN 38018  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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White Station Church of Christ

1106 Colonial Road

Memphis, TN 38117  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Ed Rice Community Center

2907 North Watkins Street

Memphis, TN 38127  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Gaisman Community Center

4221 Macon Road

Memphis, TN 38122  

Hours:

October 16th through 31st

Monday thru Friday (11:00 am - 7:00 pm)

Saturday (8:00 am - 4:00 pm)

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Monday, October 7, 2024

Why We Need the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act was introduced by Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen. This Blog answers many questions people have about the bipartisan legislation and why, in 2024, this is an important time to support this bill.


I. Why We Need the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act

The Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision doesn’t protect everyone from unwanted institutionalization. Olmstead is an interpretation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act which covers state and local government. Although most people receive Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) through Medicaid which is covered under Title II, not everyone does. For example, some people may receive LTSS through insurance companies funded by private equity. Because those entities are not covered by Title II of the ADA, Olmstead doesn’t apply to those individuals.



Under Olmstead, treating professionals are the gatekeepers of Disability Freedom. Twenty-five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled in Olmstead that a Disabled individual had a right to receive services in the most integrated setting when treatment professionals determine that community placement is appropriate. That means under Olmstead treating professionals can deny a Disabled individual of their right to live in freedom.

Olmstead was a historic decision, but we have made limited progress and, in fact, have lost some ground. Our community celebrated 25 years of the Olmstead decision this year, and although funding for community-based services has increased and people have moved into the community because of the decision, we cannot deny that a quarter of a century later Disabled individuals continue to be locked away in institutions. 

Let’s look at the numbers. According to the US Census, in 2000, a year after Olmstead was decided, there were 1.72 million people in nursing facilities according to the US Census. Twenty years later, in the 2020 census, that number only dropped to 1.68 million people. That’s a small reduction (4.8%) over two decades post Olmstead, but – even worse – over those two decades the number of people under age 65 in nursing facilities increased by 53.0%!

States are not required to create new programs under Olmstead. Although Title II requires that states reasonably accommodate Disabled individuals, states are not required to fundamentally alter their programs or create new services. That means states do not need to change eligibility requirements, establish new waivers, or create new services if they aren’t already in place – even if that means Disabled individuals are forced into institutions. As an example, a Deafblind individual may require the assistance of a Support Service Provider to avoid going into an institution, but the state is not required to establish a program to provide such services under Olmstead.


The Olmstead decision and other federal legislation don’t address the problem that Disabled people in the community who use Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) can still be forced to go to congregate settings. LTSS provided in the community can be restrictive, and Disabled people can be legally forced to go to congregate settings to get assistance with using the bathroom or eating a mid-day meal. Others find themselves institutionalized in their own home by policies and systems – including Electronic Visit Verification – that restrict their freedom.  This prevents Disabled people from pursuing education or employment and generally participating as full members of society. 

The Olmstead decision and other federal legislation don’t address the problem that Disabled people in the community who use Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) can be denied assistance they need to lead a full life.  Medicaid-funded LTSS provides medically necessary assistance – getting folks in and out of bed, bathed and dressed – but life is more that meeting one’s basic needs.  Life includes caring for their children and pets, but Medicaid rules often prevent people from utilizing their services for these functions.  People should not be denied these joys because they are disabled!

Olmstead doesn’t address emergent needs.  During the pandemic, advocates were not successful in utilizing the Olmstead decision to support people leaving institutions to protect themselves.  Research from Connecticut demonstrated that the vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of Disabled people who died in nursing facilities would have lived if they had an opportunity to get services and supports in the community.

Finally, the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Olmstead and reverse all of the progress we have made in securing Disability Freedom. Although Olmstead may not have been the strongest decision we could have hoped for in 1999, we have made advances using it. Even so, the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the decision and wipe out the gains we have made. 

Justice Clarence Thomas – in his Olmstead dissent – described exactly how he would reverse Olmstead. The Supreme Court has been very clear that it is willing to roll back decades of precedent and Justice Thomas now would have enough votes to turn his Olmstead dissent into the law of the land.  The Biden Administration tried to address this by writing and finalizing the Health and Human Services 504 rules to bolster the Olmstead decision, but less than a month later – in the Loper decision – the Supreme Court reversed the Chevron doctrine cleared the way for the courts to ignore those rules and reverse Olmstead. That makes the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (LRFA) even more important.

The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act addresses all of these issues and protects people with ALL types of disabilities by establishing our right to live in freedom in federal statute.  It prohibits states and LTSS insurance providers from using waiting lists, cost or service caps, and inadequate rates to restrict access to home and community-based services… and more.


II. Current Status on the Bill

A majority of the House has signed on as cosponsors of the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act

Even though 16 House Republicans cosponsored the legislation, and the Energy and Commerce Chair was willing to hold a hearing, Republican Leadership in the House has refused to allow the bill to get a hearing which will allow it to advance to the floor for a vote. This means that, even with broad-based bipartisan support, the bill is “stuck” in Committee.

Representative Steve Cohen – House sponsor of the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act – filed paperwork that authorizes him to initiate a Discharge Petition which would send the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act to the floor of the House for a vote.  A Discharge Petition is a mechanism the House of Representatives uses when a bill is not able to move through the committee process even though a majority of the members of the House support it.  When 218 members of the House sign the Discharge Petition, the bill will bypass the committees and go to the floor of the House for a vote. 


The Discharge Petition was supposed to become active before Congress left for break, but the House went out of session two days early.  The Discharge Petition will open for signatures when Congress returns into session in November. 

This is an incredible opportunity.  The legislation would bypass the committee and markup, going to the House floor for an up-down vote.  If every House Democrat support the Discharge Petition, we would only need to secure the support of 3 of the 15 Republican cosponsors who are still in Congress. It is almost certain that the legislation would pass if we secure enough signatures to move the bill to the floor for a vote.  

This would solidify Congressional support for the bill’s language and set us up for success in the next Congress.  There are implications beyond folks who can be institutionalized.  Solidifying Democratic support through a Discharge Petition would address the issue – explained by Minority Leader Jeffries – that Disability Freedom is not considered a Democratic Caucus issue.  He instructed us to get this issue to “bubble up” if we want Disability Rights – including our right to live in freedom to become part of “Democratic canon.”


III. Why the National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA) organizations should support LRFA

LRFA is the only federal legislation that addresses the civil right of Disabled people living in freedom.  There is no other legislation in Congress that addresses the risk to Olmstead or establishes in statute that a Disabled individual has a right to live in freedom.

LRFA is the only federal legislation addressing the LTSS issue that is moving in the House of Representatives.  The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act has 222 cosponsors in the House.  Of those, 16 are Republican.  We have a reserve of additional Democrats who have been previous cosponsors but not cosponsoring because they are in leadership positions.      

In comparison, the HCBS Access Act (H.R. 1493) establishes permanent, mandatory funding for HCBS, expanding access and ensuring availability across states.  The legislation has 12 Democratic cosponsors in the House.  No Republicans support the legislation.  

The HCBS Relief Act (H.R. 6296) temporarily increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage under Medicaid for certain approved home- and community-based services that are provided during FY2024-FY2025. It has 5 Democratic cosponsors.  No Republicans support the legislation. 

The Better Care Better Jobs Act (H.R. 547) establishes programs and provides funds for state Medicaid programs to improve home- and community-based services (HCBS), such as home health care, personal care, case management, and rehabilitative services, increasing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for HCBS in states that develop plans and meet specified benchmarks for improvements.  It has 100 Democratic cosponsors in the House.  No Republicans support the legislation.  

Individuals and organizations may prefer a different legislative approach, but we cannot let our preference or interpersonal issues impact the progress of our community.


LRFA is sponsored by a Disabled member of Congress – Representative Steve Cohen – who has close ties to the Disability Community.  We have very few Disabled members of Congress.  When a member of Congress with a disability advances disability rights legislation, our community should rally around it. 

LRFA has been advanced by Disabled people who are directly impacted by this issue.  This legislation has been moved by Disabled individuals who utilize LTSS from across the country who have been working the Hill to FREE OUR PEOPLE.  NDLA member organizations are likely unaware of this because ADAPT was removed from NDLA in 2019.  That said, the group secured significant support during the last two Congresses.  After 10 years, the legislation appears ready to pass.  The NDLA organizations should uplift those in our community fighting for our rights.


IV. What you can do

Publicly urge Members of Congress to sign the Discharge Petition and publicly express appreciation for the members who do.  The legislation has moved under the radar, so we understand that groups haven’t communicated much about it, but we need to come together now.  NDLA can publish a letter supporting the legislation and urging its swift passage in the House.  If we don’t work together on this, we will undermine our ability to move other Disability Rights legislation forward.

Explain the importance of this legislation to your constituencies.  Every organization has members whose lives would be impacted by this legislation.  Eliminating the fundamental alteration defense is a huge step forward for those who cannot access services to remain in the community. Pushing back against the ableism idea that some of us are “too Disabled” for freedom promotes the framework that all Disabled people have value and deserve freedom.  Disability Freedom can propel us and our entire movement forward.  We need to communicate that and mobilize our community.

Join us in celebrating the legislation and advancing the Discharge Petition.  We are coordinating a Legislative Reception with the House sponsor in November and have begun planning for people to be in DC when the Discharge Petition moves the bill to the House floor.



Friday, October 4, 2024

Sandi's Goodby Message

To Disability Connection Family and Friends:

How many ways can I say thank you, I can’t count the ways!!! I’m no Emily Dickinson but 25 years plus with the most incredible organization anywhere ever deserves some thanks! Please be patient while I share a few..

Thank you Access All Areas for giving a scared 30 year old single mom a chance and a path. Thank you Deborah Cunningham for seeing some potential, the verbal head smacks and the start of my disability power.

Thanks to the 10th ADA Anniversary Torch Relay for making me learn email and other computer skills and introducing me to some new life long friends, Judy Neal and Tim Wheat, to reconnect with others like the late Louis Patrick, current Board member Gary Smith and others that had introduced me to disability world on my first staff run.

From Deborah’s assistant and secretary in the 80’s, some “Centered” projects in the 90’s to the 2000’s honor of Program and Assistant Director then Executive Director in 2015. Wow, so much life, so much learning, sharing, laughter and tears and all the people who have shared the good and bad times at Memphis Center for Independent Living, thank you.


A huge thank you to the staff throughout the years and especially those who stuck through the lean times after Deborah died or came back to help us pick up the pieces like my friend Renee who made the other half of me for our 1st year in 2000, 2001 as new management at MCIL as Renee tried to turn me from Mom to Boss to the IL team.

Michael Heinrich went from full-time volunteer to the Tech Administrator to bookkeeper when Renee retired. Somewhere in there he became my guy and he still hangs in there, thanks babe!

Our VISTA volunteers became a vital resource to staff and we gained a fantastic Independent Living Specialist who has introduced the Center to Blind culture and the Center to that community. Today Christina is the Outreach and Development Manager and still serves as senior IL specialist because she has the touch.

The rest of team with the help of friends, family and consumer helped select the new name for the Center of Disability Connection Midsouth to clearly share who we are; people with disabilities connecting others to resources, providing peer support, training, nursing home and youth transition and above all teaching others how to be their own best advocates and that the change begins with each of us.

My retirement was expected by everyone but the reality of this new life is just sinking in or will begin to after the Italian supper. The Board is hard at work to find the right new Executive Director to lead DCM and I know that the team and Center will be good as Tim Wheat, Program Director steps up as Interim Director while the search continues. Please give your best wishes and support to Disability Connection Midsouth during this time of incredible opportunities!

Thank you DCM for helping me find my voice, to own my disability and my power to make a difference, sometimes one ‘starfish’ at a time… Lead on my family of advocates and don’t count me out because I will continue to advocate as if my life depends on it because we all know, It Does! Are you in?

Love you all!

Sandi, formerly the Boss




Friday, September 27, 2024

Farewell Sandi

 Celebrating the Legacy of Sandi Klink: MCIL’s Heart and Executive Director Retires

After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service to the Memphis Center for Independent Living, now Disability CONNECTION Midsouth, Executive Director Sandi Klink is retiring. Her leadership has shaped the organization into a cornerstone of the Memphis disability community, advocating for independence, accessibility, and equal rights for people with disabilities. As she steps down, her legacy of activism, compassion, and perseverance leaves an indelible mark on the city and beyond.

For 25 years, Sandi Klink has been the heart of MCIL, leading the organization with a pragmatic Southern charm and an unyielding passion for justice. Known for her no-nonsense approach and ability to get things done, Sandi wasn’t just the Executive Director—she was a listener, an advocate, and a problem-solver who always placed the needs of the disability community first. Whether negotiating funding or tackling public transit, Sandi’s leadership was guided by a vision of independence for all. Sandi was the heart and soul of the organization.

Sandi and the Center have played a pivotal role in advocating for and improving curb ramps, accessible sidewalks, and paratransit services throughout the city. She personally with her direct style, yet soft approach has built and strengthened partnerships with local, state and national disability organizations, amplifying the voices of those with disabilities. She oversaw the Center’s reach into Fair Housing for people with disabilities so that our community was not left out. Mostly for thousands of Memphians with disabilities, she has enhanced independent living skills and peer support, creating long-term impact for the community. Often one person at a time.

One of Sandi’s most defining moments came during her behind-the-scenes support at the ADAPT actions. Sandi quietly delivered hundreds of hamburgers to sustain ADAPT activists all over the United States. During the long takeover of the Tennessee Governor’s office, she made sure that MCIL continued to run smoothly. She didn’t grandstand, but without her dedicated support, the work simply would not get done. The thing about her dedication and support behind-the-scenes is just that now it is hard to express just how thankful and helpful Sandi has been to us all. 


Sandi’s influence has extended far beyond the walls of MCIL. Her tireless dedication has been felt throughout Memphis, across Tennessee and throughout the US where her quiet but effective activism ensured that people with disabilities had a voice in critical decisions. She was never one to seek the spotlight, but at the Statewide Independent Living Council and other necessary and glamourless jobs she took charge and did the important work.

From delivering meals to activists to advocating for better policies, Sandi’s work has touched countless lives. Her steady hand and fierce commitment have ensured that Disability CONNECTION Midsouth remains a beacon of support for the disability community.

We hope that Sandi does find time for some personal traveling—specifically, visiting New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant culture and history. Of course, we have her volunteering on too many projects now for her to leave. But, we hope that this marks a new chapter for a woman who has given so much of herself to the people of Memphis and beyond.

Though Sandi’s retirement marks the end of an era, her influence will be felt for years to come. Disability CONNECTION is poised to continue her work, building on the foundations she laid and continuing the fight for accessibility and independence. The organization’s future remains bright thanks to the tireless efforts and the values she instilled over her 25 years of leadership.

Thank You, Sandi!

As we bid farewell to Sandi Klink in her role as Executive Director, we offer our deepest gratitude for her 25 years of service. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have shaped Disability CONNECTION and the people today and over the past 25 years. Sandi’s legacy of advocacy will continue to inspire the work we do, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on her next adventure.