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!
We are thrilled to invite members of our community to visit our brain injury community center in Tewksbury. The Incompass Safe Minds Community Center (SMCC) supports those who have experienced a brain injury. It empowers participants to maximize their level of independence, self confidence, and dignity so they can experience full lives in their communities.
Community members will have a chance to mingle with SMCC participants and their families, and learn about the impact that the program has had on their lives. RSVP here.
We are so excited to host our third annual “Days of Giving” campaign!
All proceeds raised through the “Days of Giving” campaign will help fund the programs and services that we provide to the Incompass community. Our portfolio of programs supports those with intellectual/developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries as well as their families and caregivers. We’d love for you to donate to these causes, but there’s another way you can be involved…by becoming a Care Champion Fundraiser!
Incompass relies on the generosity of our community to help us achieve our mission to empower the people we serve in Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence to live full lives. At the end of the day, we’re all care champions!
Incompass is excited to host our first-ever Holiday Festival! We of course would like to extend an invitation to the community, and we hope you’ll all be able to join us for a night of holiday fun!
Thank you to our sponsors! Your generosity will help make this a memorable event for the individuals and families we support, as well as the community.
Pictured L-R: (Back row) Chris Snell, Heather Mantell, two additional presenters from Triton Systems, Angela Otieno (Front row) Two LHS students.
Human services is often overlooked as a viable career path for young adults. With the help of Incompass Care Champions, Project LEARN is helping change that narrative. Project LEARN funds innovative programs and services to inspire Lowell Public Schools’ students and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need for college, career, and life.
Incompass directors from three departments joined last week’s Career Speaker event hosted by Project LEARN, presenting to a freshman seminar class at Lowell High School.
Angela Otieno, Director of Residential Services
Chris Snell, Director of Clinical Services
Heather Mantell, Director of Family and Community Services
Rather than presenting their chosen career paths in a rigid format, the directors used this opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion with the students. Otieno says that one student felt comfortable enough to ask a more personal question, such as,
“the value of taking advanced placement (AP) classes to prepare for the future, and how to handle family pressure to follow a particular career path.”
The conversation naturally shifted towards discussing students’ exposure to those with disabilities. Snell asked students to raise their hands if they knew someone with a disability.
“Nearly every one of them raised their hand. That would not have been the case 20 or maybe even 10 years ago.”
Fostering these types of relationships between young adults and human services professionals is more critical than ever. Mantell noted,
“This isn’t a line of work that students would typically gravitate towards. But, if convinced at least one of them that this work is rewarding, then the day was a success.”
