about us
The promise that started it all became a nonprofit, a greenhouse, and a movement for opportunity in northwest Missouri.
THE PROMISE
Sometimes, a single conversation can change the course of a life. For Lettuce Dream, a handful of heartfelt conversations became the beginning of something far greater than either woman could have imagined.
The story began years ago when two sorority sisters, Diane and Sandy, found themselves raising children with developmental disabilities. As mothers, they often talked about the future and wondered what adulthood would look like for their children. They dreamed of a world where individuals with disabilities would have opportunities to continue learning, find meaningful work, and be recognized for their abilities rather than their limitations.
Those conversations planted a seed.
Before that dream could take shape, Sandy was diagnosed with cancer. As her health declined, she asked Diane to keep believing in the vision they had shared. Sandy promised she would do everything she could from heaven if Diane would continue the work here on earth.
The dream comes true
After Sandy's passing, Diane carried that promise with her. Years later, that shared dream became Lettuce Dream.
Lettuce Dream is more than a nonprofit. It is the fulfillment of a promise, a testament to enduring friendship, and a belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to learn, work, contribute, and belong. Through meaningful job training, supported employment, and partnerships with local businesses, Lettuce Dream empowers individuals with disabilities to build confidence, gain independence, and achieve competitive employment in the community.
everyone deserves the
opportunity to work
Our mission is to provide career education and grow community inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.
Our vision is that all people have equal access to achieve their career goals and contribute to their community.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Jennie Moore
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Alex Chang
GRREENHOUSE MANAGER
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BRENDA WHEELER
PROGRAM MANAGER
board of
directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about our mission and committed to strong, responsible leadership.
Interested in becoming a board member?
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Inspired by her son with autism, Diane founded Lettuce Dream after seeing firsthand the challenges people with disabilities face in finding meaningful employment. She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and feel valued in their community. That belief became the heart of Lettuce Dream and continues to guide its mission today.
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Krista is the President of Focused Forensic Solutions LLC, a forensic accounting and fraud investigation firm. FFS specializes in organizing and analyzing complex financial data, providing accurate and timely reports. Prior to forming FFS, she served ten years as a criminal investigator for the Internal Revenue Service. For eight years, Krista has been an active member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Beverly Shelton Girls Town Club.
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Sharon retired as the personnel accountant at Maryville R-2 schools. She has 40 years’ experience in payroll, accounting and administrative services to both schools and businesses. She has a business certificate from Northwest Missouri State University and is actively involved in the community of Conception Junction.
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Diann has dual B.S. degrees in marketing and management from Northwest Missouri State University. She has experience in marketing, bookkeeping and management.
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Nicole is a fifth grade teacher at South Nodaway R-IV in Barnard, MO. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education/Learning Disabilities. She has been an active volunteer in Special Olympics and has a passion for promoting inclusion. Her son has a disability, giving her knowledge of the trials of those with disabilities finding community employment.
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Sherri has worked at Kawasaki Manufacturing in Maryville for 20 years as a laborer. Sherri is an active member of her community.
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David retired from Northwest Missouri State University in 2011 after teaching 33 years in the political science department. He has a PhD in political science from the University of Nebraska, a MAPA from the University of Illinois, and a BA in government from Monmouth College in Illinois. He and his wife have a grandson with Down syndrome.
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Dorothy is a retired high school special education teacher. She has her bachelor’s degree in elementary/secondary education and a master’s degree in education specializing in educating students with dyslexia from NWMSU. She received Teacher of the Year award from the Missouri Council of Exceptional Children. Her passion is for integration of individuals with disabilities into the community.
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Phillip currently serves as the Maryville R-II superintendent. He was the Eugene Field elementary principal from 2018-2023. He served as the elementary principal in the Chillicothe R-II school district from 2008-2018 and elementary principal at Winston R-VI from 2006-2008. Phillip is a member of the Rotary Club, the Nodaway County Emergency Services Board and is an active member of his community.
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Kevin is a farmer owner/operator in Nodaway County. He and his wife are employed as rural postal carriers. He and his wife have four children. Their daughter has a disability, and they are strong advocates for her inclusion and education.
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Brenda worked at NSK Industries for 21 years where she worked as an Operations Specialist. Brenda believes in community connection and is an avid volunteer. She serves on the Clearmont City council, does the books for the Clearmont volunteer fire department, and is involved in the Community Club and baseball field where she helps serve meals, host fundraisers and park and building maintenance.
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Carol retired as an instructor in special education at Northwest Missouri State University having served 17 years. For 14 years, she was a teacher in special education at elementary schools in Iowa and Texas. She has a graduate degree in education and undergraduate degrees in elementary education and art. At Northwest, she was volunteer project chair, coordinating opportunities for university students to work with individuals with special needs in the community.
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Richard retired after 25 years of owning and operating VanVactor Lumber Company in Grant City. He taught industrial arts at Worth County R-3 for eight years. He has a B.S. and M.S. in education from Northwest Missouri State University. He is an active member and officer of Rotary, Boy Scouts, and Grant City Jaycees.