The Mission Project

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! 🎆🎉

12/29/2025

We’re celebrating a big milestone for our participant Josh, 13 years working at Hy-Vee in Prairie Village!

We’re so proud of Josh and all the hard work he’s put in over the years. Thirteen years is a huge accomplishment, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with him.

At The Mission Project, we love supporting participants as they work toward independence, confidence, and meaningful employment. Seeing Josh thrive in his job and community is exactly why we do what we do — and we couldn’t be happier for him.

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.

12/26/2025

Because someone believed in them, our participants are building lives filled with purpose, confidence, and joy. Through health and wellness programs, transportation, problem-solving classes, and opportunities to grow socially, adults at The Mission Project aren’t just living independently, they’re thriving.

Every gift makes a real difference. If you haven’t yet given to our 2025 year-end campaign, we invite you to be part of what makes this work possible and help create a brighter future for our participants. Thank you for believing in their goals and cheering them on every step of the way.

Learn more and donate now: https://themissionproject.org/end-of-year-tax-deductible-giving/

Please make your year-end gift today at www.themissionproject.org. Thank you for believing in the potential of every person we serve. With your help, we can continue to open doors, break barriers, and celebrate every success in 2026.

12/24/2025

A few more moments from our holiday party this year. Getting to see our participants laugh, celebrate, and spend time together is what makes this season so special.

Happy holidays to everyone from all of us at The Mission Project. 🎄💛

12/22/2025

We are excited to partner with Shake Shack Merriam Grand Station for a Donation Day benefiting The Mission Project.

Join us Wednesday, January 14 from 10 AM to 10 PM. Mention Donation Day at checkout or use code DONATE and 25 percent of your meal will be donated to support our participants. We hope to see you there.

📍Shake Shack
8811 Shawnee Mission Pkwy
Merriam, KS 66202

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

12/19/2025

The Mission Project is proud to participate once again in the City of Mission, KS Window Decorating Contest. This year’s window was designed and decorated by our Art Club participants, and their creativity is on full display downtown.

There are only a couple days left to vote, and Sunday is the final day to cast your ballot.

📱 Scan the QR code on our storefront at 5909 Dearborn Street
🗳 Vote for The Mission Project as your favorite window
📅 Voting closes Sunday, December 21st

Vote now for The Mission Project: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2K5YGQW

Thank you for supporting our participants and celebrating their artistic talents. We hope you’ll stop by, take a look, and vote before time runs out. 🎄