Starling Member Spotlight TNC Community is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in and around Independence, Missouri. In May 2025, TNC began an exciting partnership with Howdy Homemade Ice Cream to create job opportunities for the individuals with disabilities in their community. This program offers inclusive employment that empowers individuals with IDD to build skills, gain confidence, and – crucially – earn fair wages. The sad reality is that people with disabilities are often underemployed and often face significant barriers to finding work, even though they are eager and able to contribute. With over 75 years of experience in providing specialized services, TNC is well-positioned to make a real difference in creating jobs that not only pay well but also offer a sense of dignity and belonging. TNC hopes to create opportunities that support people with disabilities to achieve their goals, inspire local businesses to hire people with disabilities, and spread the message of inclusion. With Howdy Homemade, TNC is doing much more than serving delicious homemade ice cream – they are serving up opportunities that promise to make our entire community a more welcoming place for everyone! Howdy Homemade KC For more information about all their programs/services, visit the TNC Community. A Conversation with Kelly McGillis - Executive Director/CEO
How did you get started in this field? While studying for my psychology degree I had an internship at Winfield State Hospital in Kansas. I immediately fell in love with working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I graduated and started my career there as a vocational specialist, which allowed me to build significant connections with the individuals in a role where I knew I was helping them live with purpose and happiness. From those beginnings I continued to pursue leadership roles that included a lot of focus on education, training, and workforce development with both state and private agencies. Additionally, I have been a guardian for a young man for 20 years. He is part of my family, and it has been a joy to see him progress from struggling with significant behavioral issues to being able to live in a host home and maintain a job he enjoys. What is the most rewarding part of your job? My career has been so fulfilling. Over the past 25 years I have consistently exceeded organizational goals, ensuring the highest levels of quality are achieved and maintained while earning extremely high satisfaction ratings. My successes include opening new agencies and building programs from the ground up to benefit individuals with disabilities. Innovation has been key. During my nearly 6 years at TNC Community, we have more than doubled the number of people we serve, reached a direct support provider retention rate of 92%, and started several new programs in response to community needs. Even as we open Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in May to provide equitable, meaningful employment for individuals with IDD, additional growth is on the horizon for TNC Community. Our mission statement centers on championing equity and inclusion, which really resonates with me. Throughout my career I have focused on championing people—from the individuals we serve to the DSPs who carry out our mission every day. Ultimately, my fulfillment goes beyond being able to make a difference; I love motivating and inspiring others to make a difference. What is one thing you wish more people understood about people with disabilities? Individuals with IDD are just like you and me. They have the same desires as everyone else. They want to be seen, loved, and celebrated for who they are.
The Starling Provider Network is made up of 110+ community providers, representing approximately 75% of Missouri’s Developmental Disabilities services. On a rotating basis, we will feature one of our amazing Starling member organizations here. |
