The Mission Project

02/20/2026

Meet Amelia 💙

Amelia has been part of The Mission Project since 2006, and what she loves most is the community, friendships, and activities like Acting, Book Club, and World Dining Club.

After graduating from Blue Valley Northwest and earning her associate’s degree from Johnson County Community College, she became a certified Apprentice Medical Coder. She volunteers at Children's Mercy doing data entry and works as a Utility Clerk at Cosentino’s Price Chopper, while pursuing a career as an outpatient medical coder.

When she’s not working, Amelia loves reading, cheering on the Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball, and staying active. She runs regularly and participates in the Mother’s Day 5K every year with her mom.

Amelia is also a passionate advocate. She has been giving speeches about autism since middle school and recently spoke at the Kansas State Capitol about Medicaid, IDD waiver waiting lists, and the importance of ABLE accounts.

We are so proud of the full life Amelia continues to build in our community!

02/18/2026

Recently, six Mission Project participants took their voices to the Kansas State Capitol for a day focused on disability advocacy. Participants joined peers from across Kansas to share personal perspectives, and strengthen their confidence.

We are incredibly proud of our participants for stepping into leadership roles, advocating with purpose, and showing how powerful lived experience can be. Days like this reflect the heart of The Mission Project, supporting individuals as they build confidence, independence, and a strong voice in their community.

Learn more: https://themissionproject.org/mission-project-participants-advocate-for-disability-policy-at-the-kansas-state-capitol/

During the visit, participants met with Senator Ethan Corson and Representative Rui Xu, speaking not only on behalf of The Mission Project, but also for themselves, their communities, and others whose voices deserve to be heard.

02/17/2026

“Can adults with Down syndrome or autism really live independently?”

We hear that question a lot. And every single day, our participants answer it with their lives.

Through health and wellness programs, transportation support, problem-solving classes, social opportunities, and lifelong learning, they’re not just living on their own, they’re building full, meaningful, thriving lives.

If you believe in independence with support, we’d love your help continuing this work.

Donate here: https://themissionproject.org/donate/

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. There are several ways you can make a donation and support our mission:

02/13/2026

These warm days in KC have us counting down to Garden Club 🌱🌸

Garden Club days are some of our favorites. Our participants love getting their hands dirty, learning how to plant, grow, and care for something from the ground up. There’s something special about watching both plants and confidence grow at the same time.

Clubs like this are such an important part of The Mission Project experience, offering meaningful activities, social connection, and life-enriching skills that support independence and self-confidence.

Spring can’t come soon enough 💛

Learn more about our programs at www.themissionproject.org

02/11/2026

Valentine’s Day isn’t one-size-fits-all.

This blog from Autism Speaks shares how autistic adults experience relationships, connection, and self-love in their own unique ways. It’s an important read! ❤️

Forget Hollywood tropes. True connection is about dropping the mask, communicating needs, and finding safety in being your authentic self.

02/09/2026

At The Mission Project, we know how impactful strong community resources can be. We Care and Connect Heartland is doing meaningful work by helping individuals with disabilities and their families find connections, independence, and support at every stage of life.

We’re grateful they’re part of our community! 💛

Check them out here: https://heartland.help/

02/06/2026

What makes The Mission Project special? 💛

The Mission Project is not a group home. We help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live independently by providing safe, supportive housing and the resources they need to thrive.

From housing support to job coaching, social opportunities, and life skills classes, participants are empowered to build meaningful friendships, grow in confidence, and stay connected to the people and places they love, while living independently in the community.

Want to learn more about how The Mission Project supports independent living? Visit 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.

02/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The Mission Project invites you, your family, and friends to join us from 5:00–9:00 PM on April 25, 2026, for our annual auction and celebration.

This year, we’ll be celebrating “Living Proof: I Can,” showcasing the incredible programs and activities that make The Mission Project so special.

Shawnee Civic Centre
13817 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66216

More details to come!

02/02/2026

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for The Mission Project through the Target Circle Community Giving Program.

Thanks to your support, we received 54,331 votes and were honored with a $2,739.04 grant from Target! ❤️ Every vote truly mattered, and this generosity will help us continue supporting adults with developmental disabilities as they build independence, connection, and confidence in our community.

Read more ➡️ https://themissionproject.org/target-circle-recap-the-mission-project/

Thanks to your support, we received 54,331 votes and were honored with a $2,739.04 grant from Target

01/30/2026

We were grateful to welcome students and staff from Indian Hills Middle School for a Community Learning Day centered on inclusion, connection, and community. 💙

This experience gave students the opportunity to learn more about The Mission Project and how we support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they work toward greater independence, meaningful employment, and community involvement. Partnerships like this help build understanding, empathy, and a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.

Thank you to Indian Hills Middle School and Shawnee Mission School District for partnering with us and for your commitment to community learning and service.

Students met with our team, asked thoughtful questions, and learned how our programs help adults with Down syndrome, autism, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities build independence, develop life skills, and stay connected through employment, transportation, and social opportunities.

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

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