Katy’s own Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, located at 20920 Katy Freeway, Ste. S, will celebrate its one-year anniversary on Friday, July 22. The ice cream parlor has a mission to employ adults with special needs, whom they call “heroes,” and seeks to change the way businesses hire this under-employed group. They work with special needs organizations to hire and train individuals with down syndrome and autism.

Owner Roderick Batson, who partnered with hip-hop artist and Billboard Change Maker Award winner Trae Tha Truth to start the Katy franchise, is inviting celebrities and special needs groups who have shown support for the business to a celebratory event at the storefront on that day. These organizations, including Katy Wolf Pack and Gigi’s Playhouse, will receive free Howdy Homemade Ice Cream cups.

Since its recent partnership with The University of Houston has expanded the franchise, Howdy Homemade is looking to hire managers at the Katy store, more employees to serve ice cream in Katy at Legacy and Rhodes stadium, and an inner-city Houston team for the university’s sporting events. 713-425-2224. www.howdyhomemadekaty.com