More Than a Mixer: Why the MRA Eastern Chapter Event is a Pivotal Moment for the St. Louis Rehabilitation Community

When: February 19, 2026 From 12:30pm-2:30pm

Where: RISE Services, 11828 Lackland Rd, St Louis, MO 63146

What: Networking Event

Who: Anyone involved in the rehabilitation & employment community.

Free to attend.

Professionals in the rehabilitation and employment field often work in dedicated silos, deeply focused on their specific missions. While this focus is essential, it can make finding opportunities for meaningful, cross-organizational collaboration a significant challenge. Breaking down these barriers is key to building a more comprehensive support system for the community we serve.

A new event on the horizon signals a major step in that direction. The upcoming Missouri Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Eastern Chapter Networking Mixer is positioned to be more than just a social gathering; it's a strategic opportunity for reconnection and revitalization. Here are the most impactful takeaways about what this event signifies for local professionals.

This Isn't Just a Meeting; It's a Reintroduction.

The event's primary purpose is for the MRA Eastern Chapter to formally "reintroduce itself to the St. Louis rehabilitation community." This framing is significant—it signals a revitalization of a key professional association. The MRA is making its intentions clear by bookending the event with presentations; one at 12:30 pm to highlight new initiatives and a closing session from 2:00-2:30 pm to share more about the chapter's role.

It’s Designed for More Than Just Handshakes.

While networking is a core component, the event is explicitly structured to foster deep connections and tangible collaboration among professionals and their agencies. The organizers' mission is clear and focused on high-level engagement.

Don’t miss this chance to expand your professional network and collaborate with leaders in rehabilitation!

Event Schedule

·  12pm: Provider set-up

·  12:30pm-1pm: MRA Eastern Chapter Presentation

Learn about MRA Eastern Chapter

·  1:00pm-2:00pm: Networking

Community Partner Showcase

·  2:pm-2:30pm: MRA Eastern Chapter Presentation

Learn about MRA Eastern Chapter

The core networking time doubles as a Community Partner Showcase, allowing for more dynamic and informal interactions with the various providers beyond a simple exchange of business cards.

The Guest List Reveals a Powerful, Diverse Ecosystem.

A quick look at the agencies scheduled to be in attendance reveals a remarkable breadth of services and specialties. This gathering creates a rare opportunity to connect with a wide spectrum of the rehabilitation ecosystem, all under one roof. The diversity includes:

• University-led programs like Maryville University’s Kids Rock Cancer & Music Therapy Program, the University of Missouri’s Pre-Employment Transition Services, and the UMKC-Institute for Human Development.

• Direct service and support agencies such as Delta Center, St. Louis Arc, RISE Services, UCP (United Cerebral Palsy), and specialized transport providers like JewelRide.

• Employment-focused organizations including MERS Goodwill, BCI, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Having this wide range of specialists in one room is a powerful catalyst. It allows for the kind of spontaneous, cross-disciplinary conversations that can lead to more holistic and comprehensive support networks for clients throughout the St. Louis area.

This event represents a pivotal moment for professionals dedicated to rehabilitation services in St. Louis. It’s a deliberate effort to reconnect, share new visions, and build stronger collaborative foundations. By bringing together such a diverse and influential group, the MRA Eastern Chapter is fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.