What We Do

The Coalition for Justice for Elder and Disabled Adults, CJEDA, began in 2023 in response to a call to action from the National Institute of Justice to form a state-wide elder justice coalition.

Our Mission

To support older and disabled adults in living the life they choose, free of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

How We Work

We work in a multi-disciplinary fashion, calling on the expertise and concepts from a variety of fields of study including gerontology, social work, law enforcement, healthcare, older adults, and more.

Guiding Principles

We value of all Missourians and embrace the right of all people to live safely while living as they choose. Our approaches are person-centered, individualized, and trauma-informed. We engage with people from a variety of perspectives and professions, and look to represent a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.

VOYCE is the administrative agent for the coalition and a coalition partner together with with:

  • Aging Ahead

  • Adult Protection Services

  • Debbie Allen, Doctorial Candidate

  • DHSS

  • LifeWise

  • MA4

  • Missouri Council on Aging

  • Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council

  • Missouri Office of Prosecution Services

  • Missouri Rural Health Association

  • Wells Fargo

CJEDA Primary Strategies and Activities

  • Education

    Working with community and professional groups, we develop curriculum to facilitate presentations with the goal of sharing information and coordinating resources for dissemination.

  • Awareness

    We have developed an ongoing public awareness campaign that will be supported by targeted messaging based on what is going on with scams and exploitation in the broader community. Addressing the needs of underserved, underrepresented populations including immigrants, and inviting them to participate along with faith-based organizations and disability networks.

  • Advocacy

    Our advocacy work includes increasing legislators’ awareness about elder abuse and justice. With input from other interested individuals, we create advocacy topics, messaging, and contact legislators to begin building a relationship of trust and ultimately become a source of information and education.