Living Fully: The Everyday Impact of TNC Community’s Inclusive Programs
At eitas, we believe that every person deserves a life that’s integrated, empowered and fully lived. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Jackson County, that often starts with meaningful connections to people, places and possibility.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight TNC Community, one of our valued partners and a true leader in inclusive, person-centered support. Through innovation, partnership and deeply rooted care, TNC Community is not only navigating daily life with disability, they’re reimagining what’s possible.
Supporting Individuals with Complex Needs for Over 75 Years
TNC Community has been serving the Kansas City metro area for more than seven decades, originally with a focus on residential services. Today, their work reaches far beyond those walls, particularly in their ability to support individuals with some of the most complex needs in the I/DD community.
We spoke with Kendra Musgrave, TNC’s Chief Development Officer, who’s spent more than 30 years dedicated to this work. She started in college and over the years has worn nearly every hat in the field — driven by a simple, steady mission:
“We champion equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, inspiring lives of dignity, belonging and joy.”
Bridging Gaps: Community Connections Program
In 2020, as the world shut down, TNC opened up. Seeing how many individuals didn’t qualify for waiver-funded services and were falling through the cracks, the organization launched the Community Connections Program.
With support from eitas, this initiative includes a Support Coordinator, a vital role that helps people navigate the system, connect to local resources and feel seen in their journey.
“The Community Connection Support Coordinator is able to find opportunities, identify what are some of the needs and likes of the people we support and then help make it happen and coordinate that service.”
This program has helped TNC build new bridges for people who previously felt cut off from the support they needed most.
From Point A to Possibility: Accessible Transportation and Vehicles
For many individuals in the I/DD community, access to transportation is access to life. Through eitas funding, TNC has been able to expand its fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, dramatically increasing community inclusion.
Kendra explains how essential this support is:
“The cost of cars and vans is already very expensive. You add the wheelchair accessibility component and it really makes it a challenge for agencies to be able to afford it without some of kind of grant and support.”
Whether it’s getting to work, visiting a friend or going on a local adventure, the ability to move freely is a foundational step toward independence.
Howdy’s: Inclusive Employment That Works
TNC also looked at life after high school and saw a gap. Many young adults with I/DD graduate and suddenly lose their daily structure and support. So, they asked eitas a simple question: What does Jackson County need most right now?
The answer: inclusive employment.
Out of that conversation came Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, an inclusive ice cream shop that offers job training and employment for young adults with disabilities. With eitas funding for equipment, Howdy’s was able to launch with confidence and with purpose.
“Without eitas, we’d still be doing just residential services. Now we’re creating spaces where people work, earn a real wage and are part of the community.”
Kendra dreams that Howdy’s becomes a model that other businesses follow, showing that hiring people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business.
A Fully Lived Life Is Closer Than We Think
The support TNC receives from eitas has had a multiplier effect: allowing the organization to more than double its outreach, expand programs and help individuals be more than just present but truly included.
“I want to walk into any place in Jackson County and see someone with a disability not just existing but earning above minimum wage, living their dream and being part of their community alongside people who aren’t paid caregivers.”
This isn’t just a vision for the future. It’s a movement already in motion, led by partners like TNC Community.
There’s a role for all of us, individuals, employers and neighbors, in shaping a more inclusive Jackson County. Whether it’s through partnerships, hiring, volunteering or simply showing up, your presence matters.