The Mission Project

01/29/2026

Legacy giving is a powerful way to support The Mission Project’s work long into the future. It lets you include The Mission Project in your will or estate plan so your values and compassion live on without costing anything during your lifetime. Through legacy gifts like bequests or designated donations, you can help ensure adults with developmental disabilities continue to thrive with independence, community, and opportunity for years to come.

Learn how you can leave a meaningful legacy today: https://themissionproject.org/legacy-giving/

01/27/2026

Our next Sibling Support Group meets Monday, February 2, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 pm.

This group is for adults who have a sibling with autism or an intellectual or developmental disability. It’s an ongoing space for understanding, connection, and honest conversation about the unique experiences that come with the sibling relationship. You do not need to be affiliated with The Mission Project to join — everyone is welcome.

The group will meet via Zoom.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85227762649?pwd=C4jBuTerbfjn6xuw8e72boCbgOIFPO.1

If you have questions, please contact Maslyn Allen at m.allen@ku.edu

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

01/23/2026

Spotlight on our participant, Kenny 🌟

Kenny joined The Mission Project in 2016 and brings curiosity, kindness, and a whole lot of passion into everything he does. He’s a lifelong learner who loved school, earned his degree, completed internships in animal care, and holds a Veterinary Assistant Certification.

For more than 10 years, Kenny has worked at Great Plains SPCA as a Veterinary Animal Care Assistant. To him, it’s more than a job. The animals are his friends, and caring for them is something he truly loves.

Kenny is an Eagle Scout, a Mic-o-Say Shaman, and a proud History Buff and Travel Club member. He’s passionate about geography, world flags, history, the Olympics (especially archery, hockey, and curling), and is already excited for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Most of all, Kenny values connection. Whether it’s time with friends, Friday night dinners, travel adventures, or being an incredibly proud brother, uncle, and godfather, relationships mean everything to him.

We’re so proud to have Kenny as part of The Mission Project community 💛

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.

01/21/2026

Spotlight on Drama Club! 🎭

Drama Club at The Mission Project is led by Stephanie Laaker and gives participants a place to be creative, build confidence, and connect with one another. Each session includes warm-ups, improv games, role readings, and activities inspired by music, movies, TV, and radio.

Past performances include a variety show with musical interpretations and a miming performance at our recent celebration, and a puppet show planned in the future!

Clubs like Drama Club are possible because of community support. Donations help us continue offering programs that encourage creativity, connection, and growth.

Learn how you can donate: https://themissionproject.org/donate/

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision for a world rooted in dignity, equity, and opportunity for all.

At The Mission Project, we carry that vision forward by creating spaces where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued, supported, and empowered to live full, independent lives.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and his vision for rights and equality for all!

01/14/2026

TODAY’S THE DAY — let’s eat for a cause 🍔✨

From 10 AM–10 PM TODAY, the Shake Shack Merriam Grand Station location is hosting a Donation Day benefiting The Mission Project, and your meal can make an immediate impact.

25% of your total purchase will be donated to support adults with developmental disabilities in our community, but only if you follow the steps below.

How to make your order count:
• Dine in: Mention Donation Day at the register or enter promo code DONATE at the kiosk
• Order ahead (pickup or delivery): Use the Shack App, website, or kiosk and enter promo code DONATE before checkout

Important: The promo code DONATE must be entered for the donation to apply.

More info: https://themissionproject.org/shake-shack-donation-day-supporting-the-mission-project/

01/12/2026

Tonight’s the night! Our January Sibling Support Group meets this evening, January 12, from 6:30–7:30 pm, and it's free to join!

This group is for adults who have a sibling with autism or an intellectual or developmental disability. It’s a welcoming, judgment-free space for connection, understanding, and real conversation about the sibling experience. You do not need to be affiliated with The Mission Project to attend, all are welcome.

Tonight’s session features a special guest speaker who has spent the past 13 years caring for his brother with autism and IDD. He’ll share honest, real-life insight into the challenges, joys, and lessons learned, including what he wishes he had known sooner.

If this sounds like something you’ve been needing, we hope you’ll join us.

Questions? Contact Maslyn Allen at m.allen@ku.edu

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82106722291?pwd=DJ4VlZnPIjX8FdKsZPaiNomGWZTRvh.1

01/07/2026

Participant Spotlight on Shannon! ✨

Shannon is one of our original “Pioneer” participants, joining The Mission Project in the summer of 2004. Over the past 21 years, she has built a full, independent life centered around meaningful work, friendships, and community.

Shannon works Monday through Thursday at Children's Mercy Hospital, where she has been a valued team member for nearly 17 years, assisting in the Same Day Surgery Clinic and helping welcome new doctors and nurses. On Fridays, she works at Down Syndrome Innovations, teaching independent living skills and serving as a receptionist.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys art and craft projects, scrapbooking, Disney movies, video games, caring for her new kitty Lily, and spending time with friends. She’s actively involved in Mission Project programs like Art Club, Drama Club, History Club, Travel Club, and Problem Solvers, and has built strong connections within her church community as well.

Shannon’s journey reflects what The Mission Project is all about: independence, belonging, and a place to truly call home. We’re so proud of her and all she’s accomplished.

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.

01/05/2026

Mark your calendars for a delicious way to make a difference! On Wednesday, January 14th, from 10 AM to 10 PM, the Shake Shack Merriam Grand Station location will be hosting a Donation Day benefiting The Mission Project.

When you participate using the instructions below, 25% of your total meal purchase will be donated directly to support adults with developmental disabilities in our community.

Two Easy Ways to Support:
1. Dine-In at Shake Shack Merriam Grand Station
Mention Donation Day at the register or enter the promo code DONATE at the digital kiosk during checkout.
2. Order Ahead for Pickup or Delivery
Use the Shack App, website, or kiosk and enter the promo code DONATE before submitting your order.

➡️ IMPORTANT: You must enter the promo code DONATE for your order to count toward the 25% donation.

This is a simple (and tasty!) way to help fund programs that support independence, employment, transportation, and community enrichment for Mission Project participants.
Bring a friend, grab lunch with your coworkers, or pick up dinner for the family—every order makes a difference.

Thank you for supporting The Mission Project. We hope to see you at Shake Shack Merriam Grand Station on January 14th!

More info ➡️ https://themissionproject.org/portfolio/shake-shack-donation-day-january-14-2026/

Shake Shack Donation Day – Support The Mission Project on January 14th! Mark your calendars for a delicious way to make a difference! On Wednesday, January 14th, from 10 AM...

01/02/2026

This month's Sibling Support Group meets January 12, from 6:30–7:30 pm.

This group is for adults who have a sibling with autism or an intellectual or developmental disability. It’s an ongoing space for understanding, connection, and honest conversation about the unique experiences that come with the sibling relationship. You do not need to be affiliated with The Mission Project to join—everyone is welcome.

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

If you have questions, please contact Maslyn Allen at m.allen@ku.edu

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adult-siblings-support-group-tickets-1977286317603?aff=oddtdtcreator

Support group hosted by the Mission Project for adults who have a sibling with autism or an intellectual/developmental disability.

12/31/2025

As we look back on 2025, we’re filled with so much gratitude. Thank you to every supporter who donated, volunteered, showed up, and believed in our participants this year. Your generosity and time make this work possible, and we can’t wait to see what the new year brings.

From all of us here at The Mission Project, Happy New Year! 🎆🎉