Giving Back This Holiday Season: Meaningful Ways to Support TNC Community and Howdy Homemade KC

The holidays are a season of gratitude, connection, and giving back. There are many ways to make a lasting impact right here at home in Kansas City. At TNC Community, our mission is to champion equity and inclusion for people with disabilities, inspiring lives of dignity, belonging, and joy.

Since 2020, we’ve expanded by more than 110%—opening new homes, launching Community Connections programming, and starting Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. We are supporting more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities than ever before.

One of those individuals is Zach who joined our new Community Connections Day Program in the spring. Zach has a history of behavioral challenges and was searching for a place to feel supported and understood.

TNC Community changed his life.

Through caring guidance from our team, Zach is thriving—spending lots of time outdoors, making friends, and finding comfort and joy in new experiences. He has enjoyed fishing for the first time, visiting the zoo and local farms, and volunteering at a park.

Zach (right) with staff at a KC Royals game

Thanks to Zach’s positive Day Program experiences, he chose to move into a TNC Community home, where he receives around-the-clock support. Because he loves farm birds, we are adding a coup at his home to welcome a flock of chickens he can care for himself. Zach’s story is a beautiful reflection of what happens when individuals receive the right support, opportunities, and community.

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re preparing for another exciting chapter as we continue to expand Community Connections programming. We’ll grow our Day Program to serve individuals with higher levels of need, and launch Employment Services and a Training Academy to help individuals prepare for, obtain, and succeed in meaningful jobs.

Growth means more lives changed — will you help us keep moving forward?
Give today and your gift will be doubled!

The Sparks Family generously pledged a $10,000 matching gift. Every dollar you give between now and December 31 will be doubled to support individuals, like Zach, and help us continue to champion equity and inclusion for more individuals.

Ways to Give

Make a Year-End Donation to Support TNC Community

A year-end gift to TNC Community directly supports our programs, from residential services and employment readiness to community-based day services and life-enrichment activities.

Your contribution fuels progress, equity, and inclusion for hundreds of individuals and their families throughout the Kansas City area.

Shop our Amazon Wishlist

We are growing! Beginning January 1, 2026, we will open a Training Academy to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for and secure meaningful employment; and we are expanding our Community Connections Day Program to accommodate individuals with higher levels of need.

These projects include a full kitchen, sensory therapy room, and more. Every purchase helps create and enriching and supportive environment for individuals to thrive.

Share a Scoop and a Smile at Howdy Homemade in Lee’s Summit

There’s no sweeter way to give back than with ice cream! Howdy Homemade at 921 NE Woods Chapel Road in Lee’s Summit, MO, is locally owned and operated by TNC Community, creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Stop by the shop, order a holiday pint for your family, book a party, or cater your next event with Howdy Homemade’s signature flavors. Every purchase supports paid employment opportunities, life-skills training, and community engagement.

Spread the Word & Inspire Others to Give

Sometimes, giving back starts with simply sharing the message. Follow @TNCCommunity and @HowdyHomemadeKC on social media, tag us in your giving posts, and encourage friends and family to get involved.

Together, we can amplify awareness and continue building a community where everyone, regardless of ability, belongs.

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