Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership with Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy Program
This year marks an incredible milestone for The Mission Project: 20 years of partnership with the Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy program! Since 2005, this collaboration has brought energy, compassion, and a deep commitment to building an inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The Power of Game Night
At the heart of this partnership are the monthly game nights hosted by Rockhurst OT students. These highly anticipated evenings are a cornerstone of connection, joy, and growth for The Mission Project participants. Each game is thoughtfully chosen to encourage communication, social interaction, and teamwork—all while offering a fun and supportive environment for participants to take turns, build friendships, and strengthen their interpersonal skills.
As Charlotte Johnson, a participant support specialist at The Mission Project, expressed:
“Thank you to everyone at Rockhurst, for your incredible dedication in hosting game night with our participants for the past 20 years! I know they eagerly look forward to it each month, and your commitment has made a lasting impact. Each of you provides not only fun and structure but also an invaluable opportunity for our participants to practice their social skills in a supportive and engaging environment.”
Rockhurst OT students have also cherished the opportunity to serve. Lynne Clarke, professor and chair of the Rockhurst OT program, as well as a current Mission Project advisory board member, shared:
“Rockhurst Occupational Therapy has been blessed by the partnership we have with The Mission Project. For the past 20 years, our OT students have taken part in a variety of service-learning, volunteer, fieldwork, capstone, and research opportunities with participants at The Mission Project.”
Honoring the Partnership: The Heart of Service Award
To commemorate this enduring partnership, The Mission Project is proud to introduce the Heart of Service Award, which will be presented annually at the Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy White Coat Ceremony. This award recognizes an OT student who demonstrates outstanding dedication to community service and embodies the values of kindness, inclusion, and empowerment.
Recipients of the award will be celebrated not only for their leadership but also for their commitment to creating an environment where individuals with developmental disabilities thrive. From leading game nights to volunteering at community events, these students inspire others with their spirit of service.
A Night to Celebrate
The monthly game nights are also a source of pride for the Rockhurst OT program. Clarke reflected:
“We are thrilled to be on our fourth year of offering a monthly Friday night ‘Game Night.’ Through this service-learning opportunity, our students have cultivated leadership skills and have made new friends along the way!”
This month’s game night will celebrate 20 years of partnership and the incredible bond formed between Rockhurst OT students and The Mission Project participants. To honor this special collaboration, Friday, January 31st, 2025, will be dedicated as Rockhurst Night at The Mission Project.
Looking Ahead
As Lynne Clarke expressed, this partnership holds a deep and lasting significance:
“I am proud to be a past Board of Directors member and a current Advisory Board member. The Mission Project truly holds a special place in our hearts.”
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we reflect on the lasting impact of two decades of collaboration. Together, we’ve created a community where learning, understanding, and support flourish.
To Rockhurst University’s OT students, past and present: thank you for being an essential part of our village at The Mission Project. Your dedication and compassion have made a world of difference, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and shared success.
