Inspiring Conversations with Erin Galba of Inclusion Connections

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Galba.

Hi Erin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I have always had a passion for helping others. Over 20 years ago, I found a way to turn that passion into a career by working in the non-profit sector, where I could make a meaningful impact on a larger scale. About five years ago, my family relocated to Kansas, and I was thrilled to discover Inclusion Connections — an organization with a strong reputation for making a difference in the community. Having family members with special needs, along with my own experience working in special education, has given me a deep, personal connection to the mission of Inclusion Connections. Being part of this organization has been both rewarding and inspiring, and I feel grateful every day to contribute to such important work.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all — but I don’t think any meaningful work comes without its challenges. Working in the nonprofit sector is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding in ways that aren’t always visible from the outside.​

There’s a common perception that because a nonprofit’s mission “feels good,” the work must feel good all the time too. But the reality is that nonprofits exist to serve people who are often facing significant hardships — and meeting those needs can be emotionally and logistically complex.​

One of the biggest challenges is doing more with less. Resources are often limited, and yet the demand for services continues to grow. This can lead to staff burnout and tough decisions about where to allocate time and funding.

Despite these hurdles, what keeps me going is the direct impact I see every day. When you witness the joy, growth, and confidence in the individuals you serve, it reaffirms that every challenge is worth it. That sense of purpose — knowing you’re making a tangible difference — is incredibly motivating.

We’ve been impressed with Inclusion Connections, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Inclusion Connections was founded in 2013 by our Executive Director, Debbie Horn. When Debbie’s son Matthew, who has Down Syndrome, was about to graduate high school, she realized there were few opportunities available for him to socialize, continue learning, or prepare for employment. To help meet these needs for young adults like Matthew, Debbie started Inclusion Connections.

We provide workforce development training, social engagement opportunities, and independent living initiatives for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We are best known for our workforce development program, PawsAbilities, which teaches valuable job skills through the creation and sale of fun pet products. Our participants learn everything from production and packaging to customer service and sales, selling items both in our retail store, online, and at local markets. Our dedicated job coaches then work closely with students to build resumes, conduct job searches, and secure meaningful employment in the community.

One of our proudest and most ambitious projects is BelongKC. There are very few independent living communities for adults with IDD nationwide, and nothing like it currently exists in Kansas. We are actively raising funds to build an apartment complex at 115th and Ridgeview in Olathe, which will include 45 one-bedroom apartments, indoor and outdoor community spaces, fitness and nutrition access, transportation, and continued support services.

What truly sets us apart is that we accomplish all of this without government funding. Our work is fueled entirely by the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and the sales from our PawsAbilities products. In 2024, we proudly served 150 individuals, and currently, 86% of our students are employed in the community — a statistic that reflects the power and impact of our mission.

At Inclusion Connections, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive. Our brand is built on community, empowerment, and real-world results, and we are honored to continue building a future where individuals with IDD are seen, valued, and supported.

What does success mean to you?
I define success in part by meeting tangible goals — hitting deadlines, reaching quotas, and achieving the measurable results required in any role. But I believe true success goes beyond just the numbers. It’s also about the relationships you build along the way and the personal growth you experience when you’re willing to be stretched, challenged, and learn. Success means not only achieving the objectives set before you, but also growing into a stronger, more capable person through the process, and bringing others along with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ickc.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inclusionconnections/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InclusionConnections/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inclusion-connections/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuo2NZWBsonFToYyvoUL_bg
• Other: https://pawskc.org/