Thank You for Celebrating 1-year of Jobs for People with Disabilities at Howdy Homemade

What an unforgettable day! Thank you to the hundreds of guests who joined us to celebrate the first birthday of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Lee’s Summit. Your presence made the day truly special. The day was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to support jobs for people with disabilities.

From the moment the doors opened, the shop was filled with guests eager to take advantage of the free scoops for the first 50 in line. Families enjoyed a full lineup of entertainment, including an engaging interactive percussion artist, a talented face painter, and a creative balloon artist who brought smiles to guests of all ages.

Thanks to the generous support of Ntiva, the first 50 guests enjoyed free scoops, while UAW Local 249 helped make the day even more memorable by sponsoring the face painting and balloon artistry.

Powered by Community and Our Incredible Heroes

One of the most meaningful parts of the celebration was seeing our Howdy Heroes show up, not just for their shifts, but for each other. Several Heroes came in on their day off or stayed late after their shift to be part of the celebration. That kind of dedication reflects something deeper: pride, purpose, and the power of having access to meaningful jobs for people with disabilities.

Howdy Homemade is a place where individuals of all abilities are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive in the workplace.

From Vision to Reality: Creating Jobs for People with Disabilities

When TNC Community opened Howdy Homemade as a social enterprise, the goal was clear: to create jobs for people with disabilities that offer dignity, fair wages, and opportunities for growth.

In just one year, that vision has become a thriving reality. The shop has been warmly embraced by the community, becoming not only a favorite local spot, but also a powerful example of what inclusive employment can look like when given the chance to succeed.

Leadership Reflection

“This past year has shown us what’s possible when a community believes in inclusion. Creating jobs for people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do, it strengthens businesses and transforms lives. We’re incredibly proud of our Heroes and grateful to the community that continues to support them.”

— Kelly McGillis, CEO, TNC Community

Hero Spotlight: Lilly’s Story

For many Heroes, access to meaningful employment is life-changing. Lilly’s story reflects why creating jobs for people with disabilities matters so deeply:

“I feel more confident here. I didn’t have to try to hide that I have autism when I applied to be a Hero.”

At previous jobs, Lilly felt pressure to hide who she was. At Howdy Homemade, she found something different, a workplace where she could be fully herself.

“My favorite thing about working here is that I get to work with people like me. I feel more confident here, definitely. It’s nice that there’s a place that will hire you and not worry about you being disabled, that will say we will find ways to accommodate you. I get to be part of a mission I believe in.”

Her story is one of many, and a powerful reminder of the impact that inclusive employment has on confidence, independence, and belonging.

Keep the Celebration Going

If you missed the celebration, or just want to be part of the impact, we invite you to stop by and experience it for yourself.

When you visit be sure to try the new internationally inspired flavors:

  • Cinnamon Stroop Waffle – Inspired by the Netherlands
  • Dulce de Leche – Inspired by Argentina
  • Apple Strudel – Inspired by Austria
  • Blackberry Honey Coconut Sorbae – Inspired by Ecuador

Every scoop helps support jobs for people with disabilities and creates opportunities for our Heroes to grow and succeed.

👉 Stop in, try a new flavor, and see how inclusion is making a difference, one scoop at a time.

Photo Gallery: Celebrating One Sweet Year

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