As we turn the page on a truly momentous month of May here at Incompass Human Services, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together—and the profound impact it’s having on the people and families we serve.
It was a month that began with our annual Stride for a Cause Kentucky Derby Day fundraiser at The Barn at Gibbet Hill. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, community partners, and event attendees, we raised tens of thousands of dollars to directly support our programs and services. The spirit in the room was electric as Care Champions, families, and friends came together in their finest derby attire to celebrate a mission that unites us all: empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries to live full and meaningful lives. And as you can see from the pictures in the story below, we had a lot of fun while doing it!
May also marked a major milestone on the residential front, as we hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ironstone Farm in Andover to celebrate the launch of our newest residential program. The home—fully accessible and thoughtfully renovated—represents the next chapter in our collaboration with Ironstone and Challenge Unlimited. Program participants, families, Incompass and Ironstone staff, and representatives from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) were all in attendance. As Ironstone CEO Kerri Whalen said in her remarks, it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organizations come together with shared values and a deep belief in the potential of people. Oh, and we had fun on this day too!
Of course, with the arrival of warm weather comes a renewed energy across all of our Incompass programs. Day program participants are spending more time outdoors as their gardens begin to bloom, our TREE program participants are doing incredible landscaping work around town, group home residents are attending more community events – including a Boston Celtics playoff game, and our staff are creating new opportunities for engagement at every turn. Community inclusion is not just a program goal—it’s a reflection of dignity, independence, and the vibrant lives our Care Champions help nurture.
In every corner of the agency, you can feel the momentum. And as we head into the summer months, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. Thank you for being part of this journey, for supporting our work, and most importantly—for supporting the people we serve.
We are thrilled to share some incredible news from our Safe Minds Community Center. Zach and Shawn, two dedicated participants in the program have been recognized as Volunteers of the Month at Ironstone Farm! This well-deserved honor highlights the remarkable contributions these two make every week as valued members of the Ironstone community.
Zach and Shawn travel to Ironstone Farm in Andover three times a week through our partnership, and their presence has quickly become an essential part of the farm’s daily duties. Whether they’re throwing hay, assisting with lunch feedings, grooming horses, or simply helping out wherever needed, Zach and Shawn show up ready to work with a smile and a positive attitude.
“Zach and Shawn show up ready to work, with huge smiles and an eagerness to learn,” shared Ironstone Farm in their social media announcement. “Their consistency, care for the horses, and positive presence make a meaningful difference here.”
At Incompass, we’ve always known how committed Zach and Shawn are to their work. Their recognition at Ironstone is a testament not only to their reliability, but to the values that drive our programs, community engagement, personal growth, and celebrating every individual’s strength and contribution.
Ironstone Farm is a therapeutic riding center known for its inclusive, welcoming environment. The partnership between Ironstone and Incompass has provided opportunity for Safe Minds participants to engage with animals, connect with others, and develop important life and vocational skills.
Please join us in congratulating Zach and Shawn on this well-earned recognition! We are so proud to see their hard work and dedication being celebrated by our community partners.
Last year, Incompass applied to participate in the inaugural national Community Life Engagement (CLE) in Action Community of Practice workgroup—a collaborative virtual forum where service provider organizations share ideas and resources to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in meaningfully engaging with their communities.
The CLE in Action initiative is a joint effort led by the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire (IOD), the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston (ICI), and the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). The program’s goal is to advance access to and participation in community life as part of a meaningful day for people with IDD. CLE activities may include volunteering, civic involvement, recreation, fitness, engagement with faith communities, and other inclusive pursuits that people with and without disabilities enjoy outside of their work lives.
As part of the application process, each participating organization was required to form a team consisting of a direct support professional, a front-line manager, and a senior leader. Representing Incompass in this yearlong workgroup are:
Michael Bloom, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer
Krystina Castillo, CBDS Program Manager
Gillian Feld, Chief Operating Officer
Brandon Hewitt, Direct Support Professional
Emily Horn, Director of Day Services
Throughout the year, participating organizations have been invited to present challenging individual or organizational scenarios for collaborative discussion and problem-solving. At the May 13, 2025, session, Brandon and Emily volunteered to present a case that sparked rich dialogue and thoughtful feedback from the group. Notably, Brandon became the first direct support professional to lead a case presentation—a significant and well-received milestone that brought valuable frontline perspective to the discussion.
As the workgroup concludes its efforts in July, the Incompass team is eager to reflect on the insights and resources shared over the past year and apply them to enhance our meaningful day services moving forward.
And We’re Off… to Say THANK YOU! The 2025 Stride for a Cause: Kentucky Derby Party was another one for the books! On Saturday, May 3rd, our community came together in style, raising tens of thousands of dollars in support of the Incompass mission and the individuals we serve. The Stride for a Cause has long been a staple event for our community, and this year’s event was once again filled with unforgettable moments.
“The energy at this year’s Derby Party was incredible, and it speaks volumes about our community’s commitment to inclusion and care,” said Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services. “Every ticket, every raffle entry, every sponsor, contributes to life-changing supports for the people we serve. I am so grateful to our community.”
Highlights from the Day
Our community brought their energy to The Barn at Gibbet Hill, and where they were treated to a lively afternoon filled with excitement, entertainment, and unforgettable moments. From the thrilling Leader Board raffle to the Best Hat and Best Dressed contests, the spirit of the Derby was alive and well in Groton!
What’s a Derby Party without picking winning horses!?!? Congratulations to each of our Leader Board raffle winners:
1st Place – Vincent Geromini, member of the Incompass Board of Directors, who generously donated his entire prize back to Incompass! (Pictured Above)
2nd Place – Donna Arbo
3rd Place – Michael Bloom
This year’s prize raffle was our largest ever, featuring Red Sox tickets to high-end electronics, we gave away nearly 20 prize packages to some lucky attendees. And of course, every raffle ticket purchased helps fund programs that impact the lives of the individuals we serve.
Dressed to Impress
Were we in Groton or Louisville? This year the bar was once again raised for our Best Hat and Best Dressed contests. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who came dressed to impress!
Best Hat: Shola Ojudun
Best Dressed: Bridget Trepsas
Honoring a Legacy
We proudly recognized Steve Geoffroy for his dedication and leadership during his 27 years serving on the Incompass Board of Directors. His service has left a lasting legacy on us all, and big shoes to fill. Your passion and commitment to the Incompass mission is incredible; thank you Steve!
A Community That Cares
“Our mission is stronger because of the community that surrounds us,” said Incompass Board Chair Brad MacDougall. “Seeing so many people turn out, not just to have fun, but to support the individuals and families who rely on Incompass is truly moving. We’re so grateful for our community’s support.”
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our event sponsors, whose partnership is essential in helping us meet our goals. Please take a moment to view and support the incredible businesses and organizations that made this day so special.
Relive the Magic
Missed the party or want to relive the highlights? Check out our social media recap for event highlights and view the full photo gallery by Luciana Calvin Photography. Thank you for making the 2025 Kentucky Derby Party a resounding success. We’re already counting down to next year’s event on May 2, 2026 – see you there!
In a celebration of collaboration, inclusion, and community, Incompass Human Services and Ironstone Farm officially opened a new residential home for adults with disabilities on the grounds of Ironstone Farm in Andover with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 8. The event drew approximately 50 guests who gathered to honor the newly renovated, fully-accessible residence—now certified by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS).
The ribbon was cut by the six new residents of the home, surrounded by caregivers, supporters, and dignitaries, including Kerri Whalen, Executive Director of Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm; Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services; Tom Marshall, Assistant Area Director at the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS); and Kelly Lawless, Northeast Regional Director at Massachusetts DDS. Members of both the Incompass and Ironstone Farm Boards of Directors were also in attendance.
“This is far more than a ribbon-cutting,” said Kerri Whalen in her remarks. “We are celebrating what can happen when organizations come together with shared values, a shared mission, and a deep belief in the potential of people. Ironstone Farm and Incompass Human Services came together to meet a critical need and created a home that is not only safe and supportive, but also full of life, joy, and possibility.”
The historic residence that has been home was completely renovated with a focus on accessibility to promote independence and community inclusion. The residence is staffed by two Incompass Human Services employees who provide the services and supports to residents, including meal preparation, transportation, and assistance with daily activities. Beyond offering a safe and supportive home for the residents, the partnership between Incompass and Ironstone Farm is poised to expand further—bringing programs for people with brain injuries, as well as employment and day supports, to the farm.
“Incompass Human Services is rooted in a mission to empower the people we serve to live full and meaningful lives,” said Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass. “To do that in partnership with Ironstone Farm, on this incredible property with such a rich history of healing and inclusion, is truly special. This residence is just the beginning; from our community-based day programs to our brain injury supports and employment services, we’re excited for what this deeper collaboration will bring to those we support.”
Attendees were treated to tours of the renovated home and the beautiful farm grounds. Ironstone staff introduced guests to their therapy horses and offered a glimpse into the equine-focused therapeutic activities taking place just steps from the new residence.
The collaboration between Incompass and Ironstone Farm stands as a model of innovative human services delivery—creating not just housing, but a thriving environment where individuals with disabilities are surrounded by nature, opportunity, and community.
