About The Mission Project
Purpose
The Mission Project enables capable adults with developmental or cognitive disabilities to live independently and safely in community with minimal support.
Goals
The project strives to create a community and support systems for participants to enable them to live as fully and independently as possible while providing them with opportunities for:
- Finding and maintaining meaningful employment
- Socializing with peers
- Learning in a variety of continuing education classes and cultural activities
- Participating in recreational activities
- Getting and staying fit
Who’s Involved
Parents, guardians and friends of adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities, as well as dedicated professionals, have joined forces to realize the goals of the project.
Why Mission, Kansas?
The Mission Project, Inc. is based in Mission, Kansas, because it’s a well-run community that has jobs, services, entertainment and a community center within walking distance of apartment complexes, decreasing participants’ need for transportation.
Project Highlights
- The first participant moved into an apartment in Mission in the summer of 2004. As of spring 2009, the project had 15 participants living in Mission.
- An employment specialist develops jobs and provides job training and ongoing counseling to participants.
- Participants receive independent living skills training and support.
- Volunteers answer a 24-hour Help Line to provide support and respond to emergencies.
- Mission’s Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center provides participants with ongoing opportunities for fitness and recreation.
- Johnson County Community College’s extension program offers classes geared to participants’ learning needs.
- Participants engage in varied social activities designed to promote friendships and build community.
- Participants have opportunities to attend cultural events, such as plays, exhibits and concerts regularly. They also have access to acting and ballroom dance lessons.
- The Mission Project Travel Club teaches participants about other places, such as St. Louis and Chicago, before they visit.
- Aktion Club, a Kiwanis Club project, fosters leadership skills and provides opportunities for serving others.
Transportation
Because most participants don’t drive, the project has acquired two vans and hired two part-time drivers to provide participants with transportation when needed. The vans transport those who have jobs outside of easy walking distance to and from work. Parents/guardians of participants coordinate to provide activity transportation to social activities outside the Mission area.
Funding
The Mission Project, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit corporation, has several fundraisers a year, including a Derby Day (in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby), a golf tournament, and a taco buffet. Proceeds from these events go toward transportation costs and scholarships for participants who need financial help. The project also receives some grant money.