Then. Now. Always.

Celebrating 77 Years of Inclusion

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions, talents, and dreams of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year’s national theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, and always will be.

Then - 1949
TNC Community was founded by families and advocates who believed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserved dignity, care, and a place in the community. At a time when many individuals were separated from society, these early leaders worked to create safe homes and opportunities for belonging.
Now - Growing Opportunities
Today, TNC Community supports individuals through Residential Care, Community Connections, and inclusive employment opportunities, including our partnership with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream. In the past five years alone, services have expanded significantly, helping more individuals build independence, friendships, and meaningful roles in their communities.
Always – Building the Future
The next chapter includes the TNC Community Training Academy, a new space designed to expand workforce training and employment readiness for individuals with disabilities. By investing in skills, opportunity, and inclusion, we are ensuring individuals with IDD continue to thrive in our communities for generations to come.

This DDAM, TNC Community reflects on our history, celebrates the lives being transformed today, and looks ahead to a future where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live, work, and belong in every community.

What began in 1949 as a small effort to support individuals who were often excluded from community life has grown into an organization serving individuals through residential services, community programs, and inclusive employment opportunities. While much has changed over the decades, our mission remains the same: to champion equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, inspiring lives of dignity, belonging, and joy.

Then: A Legacy of Advocacy and Care

When TNC Community was founded in 1949, many people with developmental disabilities were hidden from public life or separated from their communities. Families and advocates began working together to change that reality.

Their efforts laid the foundation for what TNC Community is today, a network of residential homes, programs, and opportunities that support individuals in living full and meaningful lives.

TNC Community operated a premiere facility for decades on Woods Chapel Road,
Kansas City, Missouri

Now: Inclusion in Action

Today, individuals supported by TNC Community are building friendships, growing their independence, and contributing to their communities every day.

Across our programs, stories like these reflect the power of inclusive support.

Carolyn and her sister

A Home That Supports Health and Stability

When Carolyn came to TNC Community, her health was fragile. She had been hospitalized nearly every week due to seizures.

Since moving into her TNC home, her care team has implemented specialized monitoring and support that allows many breakthrough seizures to be managed safely at home. As a result, Carolyn has only needed hospital care twice since joining TNC Community. Her PRN seizure medication has also decreased, allowing her to be more alert and engaged in daily life.

Her sister shared:

“Carolyn’s quality of life and her health have improved so much since being at TNC Community. I’m so thankful we found them.”

For Carolyn and many others, a supportive home environment provides the stability needed to thrive.

Growing Independence Through Community Connections

For Jocelyn and Jazzalyn, their goals focused on increasing independence, strengthening social skills, and living healthier lifestyles.

Staff supported those goals by organizing a group outing to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, where the two spent the day walking the trails, exploring sculptures, and appreciating nature together.

Experiences like these help individuals build friendships, increase confidence, and strengthen life skills, all essential parts of meaningful community inclusion.

Jocelyn and Jazzalyn at Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Employment That Builds Confidence and Voice

Employment can be life-changing, and for Julius, working at Howdy Homemade Ice Cream has opened new doors.

“My favorite thing about my job is that I get to help people,” Julius says. “Helping the customers and helping clean up the shop. I like that I get to buy myself new shoes. Having my own paycheck makes me feel confident.”

Working alongside his best friend, Owen has made the experience even more meaningful.

His parents have also seen the impact.

“This job has provided so much more than a paycheck,” his father shared. “It has given him his voice.”

Through inclusive employment opportunities like those at Howdy Homemade, individuals gain skills, independence, and confidence that extend far beyond the workplace.

Julius with his parents

Always: Expanding Opportunity for the Future

As we celebrate how far the disability community has come, we are also looking ahead.

In the past five years alone, TNC Community has expanded significantly — launching the Community Connections program, growing residential services, and creating inclusive employment opportunities through Howdy Homemade Ice Cream.

Next, we are building the TNC Community Training Academy, a dedicated space designed to prepare individuals with disabilities for meaningful employment through hands-on job training and workforce development.

The Academy will expand employment readiness programs, strengthen partnerships with local employers, and create even more pathways to independence.

Then. Now. Always. A Message from Our CEO

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities — then, now, and always. Our role at TNC Community is to ensure every person has the opportunity to live with dignity, belonging, and joy.”
— Kelly McGillis, CEO, TNC Community

You Can Help Shape What Comes Next

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion does not happen automatically. It happens when communities choose to invest in it.

Your support helps TNC Community:

  • Provide safe and supportive residential homes
  • Expand Community Connections programming
  • Grow inclusive employment opportunities
  • Complete the new TNC Community Training Academy

Together, we are building communities where individuals with disabilities are not just included — they are valued, empowered, and supported to thrive.

Make a donation today and help create opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Donate Now

About Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed each March to highlight the contributions, experiences, and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities while promoting inclusion in all areas of community life.

The 2026 national theme, “We’re Here: Then, Now, Always,” emphasizes that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of our communities, and will always continue to shape them through work, relationships, creativity, and leadership.

The campaign is led by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, encouraging communities across the country to share stories, build relationships, and strengthen opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive.

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