johnny boy foundation

04/30/2026

Stopped by Ruby Jean's Juicery today to check on Gerald and work with him on a new task of watering flowers outside on their patio. He’s such an amazing young man and we all have noticed his smiles, his positive attitude and conversation. It truly does make a difference when they connect with the community and have a purpose.

Chris Goode the owner of Ruby Jeans was there today so Gerald had an opportunity to meet him. So gracious for Chris and Katie , the COO for providing this opportunity and supporting our foundation.

04/30/2026

Thank you to Tim Lamasters Minsky's Pizza for presenting today Inclusion Connections. You did a great job showcasing the job opportunities at a restaurant and focusing on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You have a true passion for our community and love to share opportunities and passion to help those in our community.

We currently have 3 individuals employed
at Minsky’s and so thankful for their partnership.

04/25/2026

Thank you Autism Resource Center of Kansas City for including us in your first Autism & The Workplace Summit. What a great opportunity to connect with other organizations and families as we all strive to create a community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

04/25/2026

Doing regular check ins on Caleb at Minsky’s after his graduation from our Hand in Hand Program. This was his first job and we are so proud of him. He has worked for Minsky’s since October and is doing so well. Basic cleaning , organizing tables ,filling shakers and folding pizza boxes… all to prepare restaurant to open daily. Even after our individuals are employed , we continue to check in with them regularly to make sure they are happy as well as the employer. This has been a win win!

Also today , we continued training Matthew at Hy-Vee making sure he has all he needs to excel in the position as well as educate the staff on how to work with individuals with IDD.

Thank you Minsky's Pizza and Hy-Vee for providing opportunities for these young men!

04/22/2026

We had a great day at the Hospitality Career Fair sponsored by Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City and Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association showcasing our organization. Many connections with hotels and restaurants who have interest in johnny boy foundation Hand in Hand education and vocational job training program for the hospitality industry.

We currently are working with 30 individuals across the metro to train and secure positions in our industry. Exciting things to come !

04/18/2026

We had a great day working with Matthew for the 2nd Saturday this month to keep him focused on his job (which he has had since September)and “customizing” the tasks to excel. He did not start in our program so we were called and asked to assist with training as well as help train the managers and employees the impact individuals with IDD can have in the community.

This young man will succeed and do amazing things!

Thanks again Hy-Vee for providing job opportunities for these individuals over 18yrs old that have graduated and need a sense of belonging and have the desire to work.






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04/09/2026

Thank you Ruby Jean's Juicery for believing in our vocational job training program and hiring Gerald. Today we celebrated Gerald and presented him with his graduation certificate from our “Hand in Hand” Program.

Good things to come for this young man!




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04/07/2026

Excited to be featured this Wednesday from 2-3 pm Live on “This is Kansas City” hosted by Brian Boeger- ESPN KANSAS CITY 1510 am and 94.5 FM. We will have the opportunity to discuss our “Hand in Hand” Program that provides education and vocational job training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the hospitality industry.

Thank you to Evolv for this special opportunity.

Tune in on Wednesday!

04/05/2026

04/02/2026

So excited to be part of Autism Awareness Month Day at the K. Thank you to the KC Royals for inviting johnny boy foundation to be involved today.

Stop by and see us at Gate E . We will be here until 2nd inning.

Did you know autism affects 1/31 children in the US and is 3 times more common in boys than girls.

We provide education and vocational job training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the hospitality industry.

Let’s go Royals!⚾️

04/01/2026

Congrats to Gerald! Completed johnny boy foundation Hand in Hand Program and now officially employed by Ruby Jean's Juicery! A big shout out to them for providing this opportunity and to the staff.

We are preparing açaí bowls again for the KC Current game this weekend.

A special thank you to Eitas and Deron Cherry Foundation for scholarship monies that help us provide education and vocational job training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All at no charge to the individual or families. Your support not only helps us provide employment in our community but build confidence and promotes team building ! Thank you again for believing in our mission!

Together We Can!