Education, Fellowship and fun for Those Over 50
Are you getting ready for retirement and wondering what you'll do with all that time on your hands? Are you already retired and looking for a new way to meet people? Or maybe you’re still working and simply want to find a group of people just like yourself – people who want to have fun, travel, or continue learning.
Any way you look at it, life is good when you’re 50 or over, and Freeman Advantage, Freeman's wellness program for older adults, can make it even better. We’re here to help you stay healthy, meet people and deal with issues that impact your life, like healthcare, medical bills, and safety.
To become a Freeman Advantage member, download the brochure and mail your completed membership form with a check for $20.
Benefits:
- Low-cost health screenings
- Discounts at:
- QuickMeds Pharmacy™
- Cafeterias at all Freeman locations
- Freeman Hearing Center
- Freeman Health Essentials
- Pink Door Boutique®
- Exercise and walking programs
- Advantage Senior Bowling League in partnership with Carl Richards Bowling
- Educational seminars
- Discussions with physicians
- Travel opportunities – day trips, cruises and trips abroad
- CLAIM Medicare assistance
- AARP Driver Safety Program
- Lifetime membership for $20
Freeman Advantage Activities
Upcoming Freeman Advantage programs and events
The Advantage office entrance is located at 1221 McIntosh Circle! You may enter the building through the west door facing the Joplin Family Y.
All events and activities are at the Freeman Business Center at 3220 McClelland Blvd. (back entrance) unless otherwise noted.
Call 417.347.5837 for reservations or more information.
Last Tuesday of each month
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Freeman Business Center Conference Room 3220 McClelland Blvd., Joplin
HealthWISE (wellness, involvement, support and education) takes place at 10 am the last Tuesday of each month at Freeman Business Center. Refreshments will be available each month in addition to great medical information provided by Freeman’s very best healthcare professionals.
“Rumors: A Farce” at New Theatre
Saturday, March 22
Cost: $86
This trip is now full, but if you’d like to be placed on a waitlist in the event of a reservation cancellation, please contact Jamie ASAP.
“David” at Sight & Sound Theatres
Thursday, March 27
Cost: $145
Begin the day with a student-led campus tour followed by a delicious meal at the Keeter Center. We’ll then hop on a bus to the Sight & Sound Theatres for a performance of “David.” We’ll make a brief stop on the way home at Buc-ee’s for those who need a quick snack before arriving home. Includes ticket, meal, transportation, and gratuity. Call Jamie to book your reservation and make payment.
A Day in Fort Scott
Tuesday, May 13
Cost: $87
From the historic Fort to the Museum for Unsung Heros, your day will be filled with more than you ever thought possible in Fort Scott, Kansas. You’ll have a guided trolley tour and a wonderful meal in addition to several stops and time to explore downtown. This trip is filling up quickly, so call Jamie to reserve ASAP.
“Wicked” at Tulsa Performing Arts Center
When: Thursday, May 29
Cost: $148
Experience the acclaimed musical “Wicked” at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Your included meal will be at Miller’s. With seating in the first 10 rows, you’re sure to have one of the best seats in the house for this performance. Your day includes a meal, transportation, gratuity, and orchestra level seating. Reserve your spot now.
Cultural Treasures of Japan
February 23 – March 8, 2025
Make your reservation today to visit the “Land of the Rising Sun.” It’s a unique travel experience where a land rich in traditions meets modern culture along the way. Your visit begins in Tokyo where a lush, beautiful landscape is just a short drive. Visit Mt. Fuji and may even get a glimpse of it during your stay in Tokyo. Experience a traditional Tea Ceremony and the Matsumoto Castle in the area of the Japanese Alps. Stroll through a 600-year-old open air market along the Miyagawa River. You will visit at least six of the 21 World Heritage sites in Japan. In the final few days of tour, you will board the Bullet train to Hiroshima where you will board a ferry to Shrine Island and later the Peace Memorial Park. You will enjoy two hands-on experiences including stenciling and gold leafing. This tour is full of unexpected experiences you don’t want to miss. Please visit the website listed or contact Jamie for full details. If you have traveled with Jamie and Collette in the past, your reservation can be made by contacting Jamie. Your reservation can be secured without completing a full reservation form.
gateway.gocollette.com/link/1222456
Reflections of Italy
April 23 – May 2, 2025
While the first date in April/May is full, a second date will be released soon with a date range during the last week of May and returning home by June 14. Use the link to get a full itinerary or contact Jamie for assistance. There are only a few spaces remaining on the date to be released for June.
gateway.gocollette.com/link/1143865
Croatia and Its Islands
August 8 – 19, 2025
Croatia is one of the most exciting new destinations to visit with your accommodations in a private, four-star ship for a seven -night Adriatic Cruise. The ship has all the luxuries of a small cruise ship, and only 36 reservations are allowed for this tour. Visit the Blue Cave that is said to be one of Europe’s most beautiful caves with stunning blue waters so clear you can see 20 to 30 feet to the bottom. During your visit to Mljet National Park, there will be jaw dropping views of blue sky and water with lush green inbetweener. You will believe you are in a postcard. Krka National Park, the beautiful island of Vis, the debated home of Marco Polo and World Heritage sites are among other pieces to this tour. You can use the link to review the details of the tour or make your reservation today.
gateway.gocollette.com/link/1169098
Plan ahead with these bucket-list trips, each offering a unique adventure and memorable experiences. Whether you’ve always dreamed of exploring Europe’s historic landmarks, relaxing on Hawaii’s pristine beaches, or discovering the natural wonders of America’s National Parks, these curated journeys provide something for everyone. Travel with Jamie and create lasting memories as you immerse yourself in local cultures, savor diverse cuisines, and enjoy seamless planning. Reserve early to secure your spot and turn your travel dreams into reality.
Exploring Britain & Ireland
September 15-29, 2025
Highlights: Edinburgh, York, London, Blarney Castle, Dublin, and more. Reserve by March 9 for early bird pricing.
There is so much about this tour you will love, from each of the hotel stays and history to the high-speed train and ferry as part of the transportation. Use the link provided to view the itinerary or contact Jamie for more information.
View the itinerary at: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1268181
Sunny Portugal
November 6-15, 2025
Highlights: Roman ruins, coastal cuisine, wineries, and artisan stops. Reserve by April 30 for early bird pricing.
Your journey takes you to a country where old customs and ancient history intermix with culture. You will be immersed in Portugal’s food, music, livelihood, and history by way of walking tours, boat journeys and panoramic bus views. This tour is filling up, so don’t miss out on the few spaces remaining.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1209555
Discover Canyon Country National Parks
October 8-15, 2025
Highlights: Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Reserve by April 1.
While these national parks are in fairly close proximity to one another, the parks themselves couldn’t be more diverse. If you’re still working to check these National Parks off that bucket list, make your reservation today.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1209502
Hawaiian Adventure
January 18-27, 2026
Highlights include Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Contact Jamie for details.
Hawaii ranks among the big bucket-list trips, primarily because it’s so beautiful. From the beaches of Waikiki to the Big Island’s volcanoes, you’ll become immersed in nature. You will also experience the history of Pearl Harbor and the history of how King Kamehameha unified the islands. Along with a lei-making class and plenty of time to soak up sun on the beach, this tour is a complete package of Hawaii. Contact Jamie to make your reservation today. Hawaii is always a popular destination, so this trip will fill up quickly.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1289411
South Pacific Wonders
February 25 – March 14, 2026
Highlights include Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House and Fiji. Contact Jamie for reservations.
Each country on this tour represents an incredibly unique experience. From the adventure of New Zealand, to the rich culture of Australia and spectacular natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind and relax in Fiji before heading home from this incredible journey. Review the full itinerary or contact Jamie with questions, and please make your reservation right away.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1289468
Discover Mackinac Island
June 11-19, 2026
Highlights include Mackinac Island with accommodations in the Grand Hotel Michigan and a tour of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.
Contact Jamie to reserve.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1289338
Spain’s Costa del Sol & Madrid
April 18-26, 2026
Highlights include Granada, Madrid and Málaga. Wander the picturesque, whitewashed village of Setenil de las Bodegas. Tour the Alhambra palace, a wonder of the Muslim world in Granada. See the Roman Aqueduct and tour the iconic Alcazar in Segovia.
Cultural Experiences: Tour the centuries-old port city of Málaga during a guided tour, then experience Ronda, one of Spain’s loveliest and most historic towns.
Culinary Inclusions: Enjoy a home-hosted meal in Málaga, or savor an iconic Spanish culinary staple at local restaurants.
View the itinerary at gateway.gocollette.com/link/1289475
Ready to Reserve?
If you have traveled with Jamie before, contact her to reserve easily without completing a new form.
Contact Jamie at:
Office: 417.347.5837
Cell/Text: 417.529.9236
Email: jlgillmore@freemanhealth.com
Event Sign-Ups and Day Trip Reminders
Free Events: Call the Advantage office with your name and phone number to sign up. These calls will not be returned, but your name will be added to the list.
Day Trips: Payment is due at reservation to secure your space. Full itineraries will be mailed one week before your trip.
EARLY-BIRD RESERVATION REMINDER
These trips have been filling up quickly, so if something catches your eye, please reach out to Jamie as soon as possible. Thank you!
Event Sign Up: If you are signing up for one of our free events, you may contact the Freeman Advantage office and leave your name and phone number. You will be added to the attendees for that event or activity.
Freeman requires an Emergency Medical Form and a Release Waiver to be completed for all travel including day trips. These are turned in the day of travel.
Freeman Advantage Travel Policies
Please keep the following in mind when traveling with Freeman Advantage:
- Receipt of payment secures your space. Please submit your payment as soon as possible once you've signed up. Payments can be made with cash, check or credit card. Checks can be mailed to Freeman Advantage: 1102 W. 32nd St., Joplin, MO 64804 We cannot give refunds after the final payment or cancellation date. If you need to cancel a day trip, efforts will be made to find a replacement for you if there is a waiting list.
- If the payment/cancellation date has passed and you are interested in attending, please call the office. A wait list is kept for those who want to attend in case there are cancelations.
- Trip itineraries are subject to change. Substitutions will be of equal or greater value.
- Advantage trips are open to nonmembers for an additional fee of $20. This fee pays for a membership for those 50 years and over and does not apply to extended trips.
- Once you have signed up for a day trip, a letter will be sent to you a week prior to the trip with final itinerary.
- All bus trips leave from Freeman East (most southern portion of the parking lot.)
Freeman Advantage Day Trip and Event Policies
- Payment required to secure space for a day trip or a local event
- Check, cash, credit or debit card accepted
- No cancellations after final payment/cancellation date, unless someone fills the space
- Payment required at time of sign-up or soon after if paying by mail
- Trip itineraries subject to change
Collette Payments
If you have made a reservation for an Advantage trip hosted by Collette, you will need your booking number and the payment may be made online at reservations.gocollette.com/payment
Cruises and Tours Worldwide Tours
Checks may be mailed to their office at 2440 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 108, St. Louis, MO 63144.
Did you Know?
If you are interested in taking a group trip that Freeman Advantage is not currently offering, we can still assist you with your travel plans. Freeman Advantage is able to book any trip through Collette Vacations. You will receive the Freeman Advantage discount, and a car will pick you up at your home and deliver you home from the airport. To learn more about trip options visit gocollette.com, and call the Advantage office to book your trip 417.347.5837. You may also call at 800-832-4656 and they will give you a current quote with airfare. Just mention World Connect. PIV ID # for Freeman Advantage: 16413-249
Day Trip Reminder: Please remember your payment is due at the time of reservation. The payment confirms your space on the trip. If you need to cancel, efforts will be made to find a replacement for you if there is a waiting list or if is before final payments are due to the vendors. Checks can be mailed to 1221 McIntosh Circle, Joplin, MO 64804 and made payable to Freeman Advantage. Please indicate the trip on the memo line of the check in addition to indicating your traveling companions for the trip. The bus departs from Freeman East (most southern portion of the lot), 932 E. 34th St., for all day trips and extended tours. A letter will be mailed to you a week prior to the day trip to provide you with full itinerary details along with two forms required by Freeman for you to travel. These include an Emergency Medical form and a Release Waiver form and can be turned in on the day of travel.
All events are held at the Freeman Business Center at 3220 McClelland Blvd. Conveniently located near Freeman Health System, this location offers ample parking and easy access for attendees, making it an ideal venue for our programs and events. (back entrance) unless noted otherwise.
Where to Find Us
The Freeman Advantage office is located at 1221 McIntosh Circle. Enter through the west door facing the Joplin Family Y, marked "Freeman Advantage Entrance."
Social Media
Stay updated by following the Freeman Advantage/Volunteer Facebook page. Find updates about upcoming events, day trips, and extended travel opportunities. There you will find information about upcoming events, day trips and extended trips.
Reminder: If Joplin schools close due to weather, all Freeman Advantage activities will be canceled.
Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in aiding Medicare recipients through volunteer activities? Through the partnership with MO SHIP, you can receive training to provide assistance to Medicare recipients who are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, need to review their coverage of drug plans from year to year or have general questions regarding their coverage.
Training is provided for free and ongoing training to help you be an informed Medicare counselor to those in your community. With so much information out there, you can help those who need it most. Please contact Jamie for more information.
Freeman Advantage
Office hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Monday-Friday
Contact information
Jamie Gillmore, Freeman Advantage Coordinator
1221 McIntosh Circle, East entrance
Joplin, MO 64804
417.347.5837
Mailing address
1102 West 32nd Street
Joplin, MO 64804