We’re proud to share that three of our outstanding Care Champions were recognized at this year’s DDS North Shore Recognition Event!
Nichole Laczynski, Residential Operations Manager, received the prestigious North Star Citation, awarded to those who demonstrate unwavering guidance, consistency, and dependability. Nichole’s steady leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact across our residential programs, and this recognition speaks volumes about her commitment to those we serve.
Sarah Kozel, Referral Coordinator, was honored with the Radiance Citation, celebrating individuals who ignite positive change, creativity, and new energy. Sarah’s enthusiasm and innovation have strengthened our referral process and inspired her colleagues throughout the organization.
Winnie Njane, ISS/IHS Nurse, received the DDS Provider Recognition Award, a special statewide honor presented to a select group of outstanding staff across the DDS system. Winnie’s compassion, professionalism, and tireless advocacy truly set her apart, and we’re thrilled to see her work celebrated on this level.
Please join us in congratulating Nichole, Sarah, and Winnie on these well-earned recognitions!
We are proud to share that Stephanie Reed, Assistant Director of Brain Injury Services at Incompass Human Services, was recognized at the 8th Annual Distinguished Young Professional Awards on June 10, 2025.
Each year the Lowell Chamber of Commerce hosts this event to celebrate rising leaders who demonstrate outstanding professional growth, community impact, and commitment to excellence, the Distinguished Young Professional Awards shine a light on individuals who are making a meaningful difference in their fields—and Stephanie’s accomplishments exemplify just that.
Stephanie joined the Incompass team in 2022 as a “Care Champion,” bringing with her a strong passion for person-centered care and innovative program development. Since then, she has continued to grow within the organization, earning a promotion to Assistant Director of Brain Injury Services. In this role, she oversees the expansion and enhancement of services offered through our Safe Minds Community Center, which supports individuals with acquired brain injuries, as well as those with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in advancing our mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive support to the people we serve. Stephanie has also played a key role in program development, staff training, and building meaningful community partnerships that enhance quality of life for the individuals in our care.
“Stephanie’s recognition as a Distinguished Young Professional is incredibly well-deserved,” said Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services. “She brings heart, vision, and purpose to everything she does, and her impact can be felt across our organization.”
Please join us in congratulating Stephanie on this well-earned achievement!
It was a fun-filled weekend for individuals, family members, and staff from our residential program, who made the most of the beautiful weather with two great community events!
On Saturday June 7th, they participated in the Huntington’s Disease Walk at Castle Island in Boston, taking in the ocean views while showing their support for a meaningful cause. Then on Sunday, they were out on the water again for a relaxing and rewarding Fishing Day hosted by the Tyngsboro Rotary Club.
We’re so grateful for opportunities like these that bring people together, and we’re looking forward to many more memorable moments this summer!
An unforgettable evening of inclusion, joy, and baseball magic.
On June 3rd, individuals and staff the Incompass Human Services Group Home Program recently had the unforgettable experience of attending Disability Pride Night at Fenway Park, and the night was nothing short of magical.
From the moment they arrived, our individuals and staff were filled with excitement and joy, soaking in the energy of the ballpark and proudly representing the disability community. But what made this year’s event truly special wasn’t just the celebration, it was the 2025 Red Sox Disability Pride jerseys as well.
Blending Boston baseball tradition with the vibrant colors and symbolism of the Disability Pride flag, the custom-designed jerseys are being called the most accessible in Major League Baseball. Each jersey features:
High-contrast colors to support visual accessibility
Velcro buttons for easier use by individuals with fine motor challenges
Braille lettering spelling out “Red Sox” on the right sleeve — a meaningful and inclusive touch that made a big impression on our group
Smiles stretched from ear to ear as our individuals cheered on the Sox, shared snacks, and felt the powerful sense of belonging that only Fenway Park can offer on a night like this. When we thought the evening couldn’t get any more magical, the Red Sox won the game with a walk-off home run, sending the crowd into a frenzy and capping off an already unforgettable night.
Thank you to the Boston Red Sox for creating such an inclusive and welcoming event. We’re already counting down the days to next year!
At Incompass, we believe that strong community connections are the foundation of meaningful support, which is why we’re excited to introduce one of our Shared Living Coordinators, Susan Frasca!
Susan brings 34 years of experience to her role. She facilitates matches between individuals and providers and is actively recruiting new providers to expand the program to help meet the growing need for person-centered support. To help put a face to the name, we sat down with Susan for a Q&A where she shared more about her background, what Shared Living means to her, and how she has made life changing impact.
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a proud mother of three and grandmother to five wonderful grandchildren, and I deeply value the importance of family bond. In my free time, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I have taught and coached tennis, which allowed me to share my passion for the sport while helping others develop their skills. I also find great joy in hiking, being out in nature is both refreshing and grounding!
Q: What does your role as Shared Living Coordinator involve?
As a Shared Living Coordinator, my role is centered on building meaningful connections between individuals and provider families to create supportive living environments. I work closely with both parties to ensure that the match is the right fit because every individual has unique needs, goals, and preferences. I also focus on recruiting new providers who are compassionate and committed to helping others live a quality life. Shared Living offers so many opportunities such as, increasing independence, and their role in family. My goal is to help individuals work toward the life they envision for themselves.
Q: What excites you most about working at Incompass?
What excites me most about working at Incompass is having the opportunity to watch the individuals we serve become the best version of themselves and actively participate in the world around them is incredibly rewarding. The focus on individual-centered care is something I’m deeply passionate about.
Q: Any final thoughts?
With 34 years of experience in human services, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that a supportive, family-like environment can have on a person’s life. Shared Living goes beyond providing care, it’s about becoming part of a family unit. My hope is that individuals who needs it can find a place to call home through Shared Living. Change can happen faster than you might expect, and when individuals are in the right environment with consistent routines, the growth is often exponential. That’s where my passion comes from, seeing those moments of transformation and knowing we helped make them possible.
