HOWDY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

TNC Community: The Nonprofit Behind Howdy Homemade KC

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream exists in Lee’s Summit, MO, because at TNC Community, we believe that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve equitable, meaningful employment and thrive when given the right supports.

What started as an ice cream shop has become a model for what’s possible when inclusion meets intentional workforce development. Now we need your help to grow further. Your gift today helps us expand our programming at TNC Community to serve more individuals with disabilities than ever before.

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Why This Matters

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream was opened by TNC Community to create real jobs, real wages, and real dignity for people with disabilities. But employment doesn’t start on day one of the job. It starts with preparation, confidence-building, and skill development.

That’s where TNC Community’s next chapter begins.

What Your Donation Supports

Your donation to TNC Community today will help fund new initiatives, including:

  • Expanding workforce development programs

  • Hiring and training certified job coaches

  • Developing inclusive training spaces

  • Supporting individuals with higher support needs

  • Building sustainable employment pathways across the community

When you give, you’re investing in long-term opportunity — not just a single program.

As a non-profit, TNC Community needs your help to meet our fundraising goal to help cover the costs of opening this equitable, inclusive ice cream shop. By contributing to this campaign, you’re investing in a future where dignity, belonging, and inclusion are more than ideals—they’re a lived reality for individuals with IDD in our community.

What We’re Building at TNC Community

Employment Services

Beginning January 1, 2026. Flexible, person-centered services that support individuals at every stage of their employment journey.

Career Planning

  • Strength and interest discovery

  • Vocational assessments and observations

  • Job shadowing and career exploration

Pre-Vocational Training

  • Workplace behavior and expectations

  • Safety training and task sequencing

  • Simulated work environments

Job Development

  • Resume and interview preparation

  • Employer outreach and job matching

  • Application support and follow-up

Supported Employment

  • On-the-job coaching with gradual fade-out

  • Transportation training

  • Benefits counseling and accommodations

  • Long-term job stabilization

Community Connections Training Academy

Opening early 2026. A structured, inclusive training hub designed to prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for meaningful employment.

Program Features:

  • Accessible classrooms and mock workspaces

  • Certified employment specialists, job coaches, and peer mentors

  • Half-day and full-day, year-round programming

  • Now enrolling individuals eligible for DMH waiver services

Specialized Training Tracks Include:

  • Food Service

  • Hospitality

  • Customer Service

  • Cleaning & Housekeeping

  • Janitorial Services

Help Open Doors to Opportunity

Your generosity makes programs like these possible — and ensures individuals with disabilities have access to training, support, and real employment pathways.

Register for Services

Looking for Employment Support or Training? If you or someone you support may benefit from TNC Community’s new programming services, our team would love to connect.

Please email Tonalisha Sullivan at tsullivan@tnccommunity.com.