Everyone deserves the chance to engage in dignified work where their skills, energy, and effort can be applied to the co-creation of a greater good.  We see examples of this truth in every aspect of the working world.

As Pope Saint John Paul II stated, “Work is a good thing for man—a good thing for his humanity, because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes more a human being.”

Work dignifies the human person, and it is formative, even in its toil.  When we deny others the chance to work, we are stunting their growth and reducing their contribution to society.

Unfortunately for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs), work is often difficult to find as most employers choose to make a charitable donation rather than engage the special needs community with employment opportunities. Sure, all of us can name one or two places where we know that adults with IDDs are working, but that actually spotlights the issue – we can all name those same handful of places in our communities while thousands of adults with special needs are eagerly hoping for a job where they can apply themselves daily.

Enter Howdy Homemade Ice Cream.

Howdy Homemade is an operator of retail ice cream shops serving a super-premium product (> 14% butterfat) and the vast majority of Howdy’s customer-facing employees are adults with IDDs. Additionally, Howdy Homemade provides unforgettable catering to companies, schools, churches, and community events as the Howdy Heroes (aka team members) serve each scoop with joyful smiles and hearts of hospitality. The Howdy Homemade experience is truly a case of having your ice cream and eating it, too: Top-of-the-line ice cream served by the happy Howdy heroes.

Since founding Howdy Homemade in 2015, Tom and Margaret Landis have dedicated themselves to service of others, starting with their hands-on coaching and support for the Heroes working in the shop or on catering jobs. Tom and his team also spend time regularly working with the family members of each employee in a team-based approach to the growth and development of each of the Howdy Heroes.

In July of 2025, Howdy Homemade was named the Employer of the Year by the National Down Syndrome Congress, capping off a decade of dignified work and joyful client experiences provided by the incredible Howdy Homemade team. To capitalize on this momentum, and to rapidly expand the Howdy Homemade footprint and impact, the Landis family and Undivided Life have entered a formal partnership.

As a part-owner in Howdy Homemade, Undivided Life is deploying its full resources and capabilities to begin adding new company-owned stores, with the first five slated to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in 2026.  Additionally, the new approach to growth will include a strong focus on catering and other opportunities to get the DFW community involved through partnerships, the Howdy Hero Fan Club, store-opening celebrations, and more.

Do you or your company want to get involved in the growth of Howdy Homemade? Contact Jeff Schiefelbein to learn about the ten primary ways that you can become a part of the Howdy Homemade mission today.