The new store opened on “Trae Day,” a proclamation which was established in Houston in 2008 to honor the artist’s philanthropic efforts, Preview reported. 

“Howdy Homemade ice cream Katy will be opening TraeDay July 22nd,” the activist wrote. “This Is Special Because We will Employ Special Needs Young Adults and Give Them A Opportunity To Work And Experience & Have a chance To Be Supported!! We hope to change the way the world looks at everyone.”

Howdy Homemade, a franchise which also has locations in El Paso and Dallas, has been providing the same opportunity for special needs adults at its other stores. 

“Every aspect of Howdy Homemade encompasses the special needs of the huge under-employed segment of our population with one goal: To change the way businesses hire people with special needs,” the company’s website states. “Today in North Texas alone, there are over 240,000 special needs adults looking for work.”

Baston said he decided to get involved in the company after seeing the franchise in a feature on NBC’s Today Show.

“I called Trae and said we need to bring this to Houston and we moved forward from there,” Baston told Preview.

The business is especially meaningful for Trae, who is the father of a special needs son. 

 “Anything we can do special needs-wise, is a plus for us. It elevates and supports the special needs community,” he said.

Trae recently received the Change Maker Award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, KHOU11 reported. He earned the award for the work of his Angel by Nature non-profit organization.

“With the encouragement and inspiration of Trae’s oldest brother, Charles Hughes, A.K.A. Dinkie, along with the support of family friend, Rosey Ruiz of aspire to win, Angel By Nature became a non-profit organization in 2008,” the non-profit’s website states. “It is dedicated to improving life for individuals who have been affected by hardship and impoverishment, especially the underserved youth.”

The community leader is also recognized for his effort in food drives, natural disaster relief, gas and home repairs assistance and advocating for inmates.