The Mission Project

12/15/2025

Spreading holiday cheer, one ugly sweater at a time! 🎄✨🎅

Thank you to Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy for joining us at our Christmas party!

12/12/2025

This story means so much to us because our participants are part of it. Seeing individuals with Down syndrome stepping into meaningful jobs, being valued for their talents, and finding real joy and confidence in their work is exactly what inclusion should look like. 💙

Thank you to KSHB 41 and reporter Ryan Gamboa KSHB 41 for shining a light on what’s possible when opportunity meets support, and to Down Syndrome Innovations for the incredible work you do every day to open doors and create pathways to independence.

Read the full story here: https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/down-syndrome-employees-find-dream-job-with-kansas-city-chiefs

12/10/2025

Join us in celebrating the season through art, creativity, and community! The Mission Project is excited to participate once again in the City of Mission, KS Holiday Window Decorating Contest!

This year’s window was designed and decorated by our Art Club participants, and we can’t wait for you to see their creativity on display.

Our windows are officially decked out,now it’s your turn to help us:

📱 Scan the QR code posted on our storefront at 5909 Dearborn Street
🗳 Vote for The Mission Project as your favorite design
📅 Voting is open through December 21st

Thank you for cheering on our participants and supporting their artistic talents. Happy window watching, Mission! 🎄

12/08/2025

12/08/2025

It was such an honor for our participants to be invited by Sollie Flora, Mayor of Mission to help light the tree at the Mission Market Tree Lighting Ceremony recently. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the season with us here in the City of Mission, KS! We absolutely loved being part of this beautiful tradition! 🎄✨

12/05/2025

Tonight’s the night! We’re thrilled to be part of Mission's Holiday Lights & Festive Sights, and so proud that our participants Josh and Jacob were asked by the Sollie Flora, Mayor of Mission to help with the lighting ceremony.

Hope to see you all there ✨

12/03/2025

A huge thank you to Target Circle™ for sending a donation to The Mission Project. Being part of their Community Giving program was such an honor, and we’re so grateful for every person who chose to support us with their votes.

This gift helps us continue creating opportunities for our participants to learn, grow, and thrive in their community. We appreciate you more than you know.

From all of us — thank you for believing in our mission.

12/02/2025

On Giving Tuesday, we’re celebrating the incredible growth and independence happening every day at The Mission Project.

Because of supporters like you, adults with Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual disabilities are building friendships, learning new skills, finding meaningful jobs, and living independently in the heart of Mission, KS.

This year alone, you helped make possible:
• 50 participants gaining independence
• 400 activities and events
• 8,000 rides to and from work

Your gift today helps sustain this life-changing work and expands programs that open doors to connection, confidence, and opportunity.

Give at https://themissionproject.org/donate/ 💛

11/30/2025

A quick reminder: our Sibling Support Group meets tomorrow night, and we have a special guest joining us.

🌟 Guest Speaker: A sibling who has spent 13 years supporting his brother with autism/IDD, sharing real experiences and practical wisdom.

🗓 Tomorrow – Monday, Dec. 1
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 Zoom

If you’re a sibling of someone with Autism or an IDD, this hour offers connection, understanding, and space to talk with people who truly “get it.”

Free for adult siblings — all are welcome.

11/27/2025

Thankful today for our Mission Project community — our participants, families, staff, and everyone who supports independence and inclusion year-round. Wishing you a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.

11/24/2025

Meet Kelly! She’s been part of The Mission Project community since 2007 and truly thrives living independently here in Mission. She loves having her own apartment, great friends, a job she’s proud of, and plenty of fun activities to look forward to each week.

For the past 18 years, Kelly has worked at Children's Mercy Hospital as an Office Assistant, doing data entry that helps keep things running smoothly. As she puts it, “We all work together so kids can be healthy.”

Kelly stays busy with Art Club, Movie Club, Book Club, Walking Club, and Conversation Trios. She’s also a huge fan of video games, wordsearch puzzles, knitting, and reading everything from fantasy to vampire and zombie novels. Halloween is her favorite holiday, and she’s currently enjoying reading The Hunger Games series.

We love celebrating the independence she’s built — from budgeting and paying bills to keeping up with cleaning and laundry. In Kelly’s words: “Stuff has to get done.”

Learn more about The Mission Project: https://themissionproject.org/

A place where adult persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live, work, play and participate in the life of the community, living independently with individualized support.

11/20/2025

The Mission Project wants to invite you to join, and/or spread the word about an upcoming event.

🌟 Sibling Support Group – Special Guest Speaker! 🌟

Are you a sibling of someone with Autism or an Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD)?
Join us for a supportive, meaningful evening designed just for you.

🗓 Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30-7:30pm
📍 Location: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86416442631?pwd=iP6zmaIJxY15pbpL0qSY8AMPJIbrJN.1

This month, we’re excited to welcome a guest speaker who has spent the last 13 years caring for his brother with autism/IDD. He’ll share his real-life experiences—the challenges, joys, lessons learned, and what he wishes he’d known sooner.

Whether you’re looking for connection, practical strategies, or simply a space to talk with others who “get it,” this group offers a welcoming and understanding community.

What to Expect:

• A heartfelt conversation with our guest speaker
• Tips for balancing caregiving, boundaries, and self-care
• Time to connect with other siblings
• A safe, judgment-free space to share your story

Open to adult siblings. Free to attend.

Come feel seen, supported, and understood.