Laura Jackson and Larry Rouse of The Mission Project: Living Meaningful Lives, Independently

Banking on KC

On this episode of Banking on KC, Laura Jackson and Larry Rouse of The Mission Project join host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how the organization provides programming, support and social opportunities to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independent, meaningful lives.

About Laura Jackson

Laura has been a passionate leader and advocate for full inclusion in the community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities field for more than 20 years. A Kansas City native, she began her journey as a direct care support worker as an undergraduate at the University of Kansas, caring for a single mother of four children, two of which had autism and cerebral palsy. This experience launched a lifelong focus for her life’s work. After graduating from KU in 2002, she worked at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development for 14 years, securing foundation and government funding for projects that helped instill self-determination and self-advocacy in public policy practices at local, state and national levels. She has also served as a national advisor to Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, was awarded a fellowship in Washington, DC, to study and shape national disability policy, as well as direct several federal, state, and foundation-funded projects. Ms. Jackson now brings all of that experience and drive to her leadership as executive director of the Mission Project. Laura also holds a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in non-profit management.

About Larry Rouse

Larry Rouse helped found the Mission Project and is the parent of a program participant. Larry has a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and practiced law with Stinson, Mag and Rouse, Hendricks for 50 years. Larry was the president of the Lawyer's Association of Kansas City. He has also contributed his talents as a board member for the Carriage Club, the Saddle & Sirloin Club and the George Washington Carver Community Center. Larry and his wife June also started the Down Syndrome Guild of Kansas City.

Country Club Bank – Member FDIC