At Incompass Human Services, we’re proud to foster growth, opportunity, and mentorship through our very own Urban Youth Internship Program. Created to introduce young people to the field of human services, the program offers hands-on experience across a variety of departments, helping interns build valuable skills while making a real impact in the lives of the people we support.
To spotlight the journeys, we asked this year’s interns a few questions about their backgrounds, career goals, and what brought them to Incompass. Meet another inspiring student behind this year’s Urban Youth Internship Program, Erin Conlon.
What school do you attend and what are you studying?
MCPHS accelerated physician assistant program.
What drew you to intern at Incompass Human Services?
I am neighbors with Becca; I wanted to gain experience working with IDD community.
What are your career goals or areas of interest?
No specialty yet, I want to gain a variety of experience to determine a specialty.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Baking, spend time with family.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Hardworking, kind, loyal
What are you most looking forward to in this internship?
Each summer, a group of motivated students join the Incompass team to explore their interests, gain professional experience, and learn from our dedicated staff. To spotlight the journeys, we asked this year’s interns a few questions about their backgrounds, career goals, and what brought them to Incompass. Meet another inspiring young professional behind this year’s Urban Youth Internship Program, Jack Dandaraw.
What school do you attend and what are you studying?
Endicott College Psychology minor human services and applied behavior analysis
What drew you to intern at Incompass Human Services?
I wanted to explore human services and internship was recommended by previous intern
What are your career goals or areas of interest?
I am working towards a PHD in neuro psychology
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Outdoors, hiking, reading
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Ambitious, passionate, and empathetic
What are you most looking forward to in this internship?
As we kicked off the new fiscal year this month, our expanded leadership team came together for a full-day retreat to set our priorities for the year ahead — and I have to say, it was as energizing as it was productive! When you get a group of passionate, purpose-driven Care Champions in a room (with snacks, of course), great ideas start to fly. We reflected on the past year, dug into strategy, shared some laughs, and left feeling aligned and excited about the future of Incompass! And speaking of the future — I’m thrilled to share one milestone that truly sets the tone for what’s ahead.
We are now the proud owners of our headquarters at 4 Omni Way in Chelmsford!
Yes, you read that right! For many years, Omni Way has been more than just a building; it’s been the hub of our agency that extends to 23 group homes and our Safe Minds Community Center. It’s where our day programs thrive, where teams collaborate, and where hundreds of individuals come for the support and services they deserve. When the opportunity presented itself to purchase the building, save some money and build equity in the space we’ve already committed ourselves to, we knew it was the right move for Incompass.
Owning the building provides us with long-term stability, greater flexibility in how we use our space, and the freedom to make strategic improvements that directly benefit the people we serve. From infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to clinical enhancements and workforce supports, we can now make decisions rooted in long-term impact rather than short-term constraints.
And it firmly roots us in Chelmsford, a community that has supported us for years and continues to believe in our mission. As Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen noted, “Incompass Human Services has long been a vital part of the Chelmsford community, providing compassionate and essential support to individuals and families across the region.” That sense of belonging and mutual commitment is something we deeply value.
As we celebrate this moment, I want to thank each of you who contributes to the work we do every day. Because while owning our headquarters is a big deal, what excites me most is what it represents: our deep commitment to the people we support, the families we walk alongside, and the Care Champions who bring our mission to life.
Here’s to building an even stronger foundation together as Care Champions.
CHELMSFORD, Mass. – MassDevelopment has issued a $14 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Incompass Human Services, Inc., a nonprofit human services provider that empowers adults with disabilities and their families with the comprehensive guidance, high-quality services, and support programs they need to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. Incompass will use bond proceeds to buy and renovate the facility it currently leases at 4 Omni Way in Chelmsford, including installing a new HVAC system in the building. Purchasing this property helps establish a permanent home for Incompass, providing long-term operational stability for the organization and enhancing its capacity to serve more individuals. The tax-exempt bond, purchased by Salem Five Bank, helped the borrower achieve a lower cost of capital.
“Incompass Human Services, Inc. creates impact in and around the Merrimack Valley every day, serving hundreds of individuals with disabilities and their families and employing many professionals in the human services industry,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “MassDevelopment is proud to partner with Salem Five Bank to help this crucial organization establish a permanent home in Chelmsford and further expand its reach.”
“Salem Five Bank is thrilled to partner with Incompass Human Services on this project,” said Salem Five Bank Senior Vice President Cheryl DeLorenzo. “This permanent headquarters will allow Incompass the opportunity for future growth and broaden its impact within our community.”
“Incompass Human Services has long been a vital part of the Chelmsford community, providing compassionate and essential support to individuals and families across the region,”said Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen.“We are proud to see Incompass establish a permanent home in Chelmsford, and we appreciate MassDevelopment’s support that made this investment possible. This project strengthens our community and reaffirms our shared commitment to inclusion and opportunity for all.”
Founded in 1954, Incompass Human Services delivers enriching support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries so that they can lead fuller and more prosperous lives. Since its founding, the agency’s dedicated team has been redefining what is possible for people with disabilities in Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence. With facilities in Chelmsford and Tewksbury, along with 21 group homes throughout the region, the agency serves more than 800 individuals and their families through a robust suite of services including day habilitation, community programming, job training and placement, clinical and case management, family support, and residential programs. By promoting the rights of people with disabilities and engaging the community in its important work, Incompass seeks to not only improve the lives of the people it serves, but foster a culture of inclusion that has a profound impact on the region.
“Ultimately, the purchase of 4 Omni Way is more than a real estate transaction—it’s a commitment to our future,” said Incompass Human Services CEO Jean Phelps. “It demonstrates our belief in the work we do and in the transformative impact of our services. Owning our own facility eliminates the uncertainty that comes with leasing and gives us greater control over how we use our space to meet the evolving needs of those we support. With this purchase, we can now make strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and accessibility—improvements that will directly enhance the experience of the people we serve, their families and all the Care Champions who support them. This move also solidifies our presence in Chelmsford, a community that has been both welcoming and essential to our growth. We are proud to be putting down deeper roots here. This is a moment to celebrate, and to look forward with optimism and determination.”
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2024, MassDevelopment financed or managed 349 projects generating investment of more than $3.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 22,426 jobs and build or preserve 1,754 housing units. In February 2025, the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation was merged into MassDevelopment, enhancing the agency’s ability to support small businesses in Massachusetts through alternative funding, resources, and individualized services.
At Incompass Human Services, we’re proud to foster growth, opportunity, and mentorship through our very own Urban Youth Internship Program. Created to introduce young people to the field of human services, the program offers hands-on experience across a variety of departments, helping interns build valuable skills while making a real impact in the lives of the people we support.
To spotlight the journeys, we asked this year’s interns a few questions about their backgrounds, career goals, and what brought them to Incompass. Meet another inspiring student behind this year’s Urban Youth Internship Program, Charlotte Hudson.
What school do you attend and what are you studying?
I am a Cross Country and Track Student Athlete at the University of Richmond. Studying leadership with concentration in public policy, health studies, world religion.
What drew you to intern at Incompass Human Services?
I want to be able to work with individuals and I hope to eventually serve in politics.
What are your career goals or areas of interest?
Masters Degree in Public Policy- politician/hold office at a national or state level in public health.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Driven, intentional, charismatic.
What are you most looking forward to in this internship?
Getting to know the individuals, building connections/a network in MA.
