As someone who recently joined Incompass Human Services, I’ve had the opportunity to see up close what makes this organization so special. It’s a shared sense of purpose – reflected in our Care Champions, the families we support, and our community partners – that truly sets Incompass apart. Every day, I’m inspired by the dedication and impact of our Care Champions, whose work across programs helps the individuals we serve live full, connected, and independent lives.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to elevate understanding, reduce stigma, and recognize the resilience of individuals living with acquired brain injuries (ABI). At Incompass, this commitment comes to life through comprehensive, person-centered supports – including our ABI Residential Home and Safe Minds Community Center – empowering individuals to build skills, access resources, and fully engage in their communities.
The commitment of our Care Champions extends beyond our programs and into the broader community, exemplified by events like our upcoming Stride for a Cause Kentucky Derby Party—one of our most anticipated events of the year. This special evening brings together friends, supporters, and partners to celebrate while raising critical funds for the life-changing programs and services Incompass provides.
I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate our mission, our community, and the incredible individuals we serve.
Three members of our Safe Minds Community Center, two staff and one individual, recently attended the 44th Annual Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts Conference, held on March 25–26. This annual event brings together professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to share knowledge, explore new approaches, and strengthen supports for those impacted by acquired brain injury.
This year’s conference focused on a transformative model of care centered around home- and community-based services, offering a range of workshops designed to inform, inspire, and elevate best practices across the field. For our Safe Minds team, it was an opportunity not only to learn, but to engage directly with the broader brain injury community.
A highlight of the experience was seeing one of our Safe Minds members take part in the conference firsthand. After exploring the available sessions, he independently registered and attended a variety of workshops throughout the event. As a first-time attendee, he shared how meaningful it was to access such a wide range of resources and perspectives, expressing particular appreciation for the depth of information offered—and even wishing he could have attended more sessions.
Opportunities like this reflect the heart of Safe Minds: empowering individuals to explore their interests, build knowledge, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. We’re proud to support experiences that foster both personal growth and connection—and we’re already looking forward to next year’s conference.
Incompass was proud to be represented at the 48th Annual Legislative Reception, co-hosted by The Arc of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC), at the State House. CEO Jean Phelps and Chief Marketing Officer Danielle McFadden joined more than 600 advocates from across the Commonwealth for this powerful day of connection and advocacy.
As the largest annual advocacy event for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in Massachusetts, the Legislative Reception also serves as the official kickoff for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever,” underscored the importance of coming together to elevate voices and safeguard the services and supports that so many individuals and families rely on.
With ongoing challenges at both the state and federal levels, events like this reinforce the critical role advocacy plays in shaping a more inclusive and supportive future. Incompass remains committed to standing alongside our partners, amplifying the voices of those we serve, and advancing policies that protect and strengthen our community.
Incompass Human Services is thrilled to announce the return of Kelly Trickett in the role of Chief Program Officer (CPO). Kelly brings an extensive background in supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, and she will oversee the organization’s innovative programs and services.
“Kelly’s return to Incompass is very exciting and we couldn’t be happier,” said Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services. “The skills, knowledge, and compassion she brings to everything she does make her a true Care Champion.”
Kelly is equally enthusiastic about her return. “Being away for the past couple of years has reinforced for me how important a strong team is. I am excited to return to the work that I care deeply about. I am truly looking forward to what’s ahead.”
In 2023, Kelly was recognized with the Distinguished Young Professional Award from the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, honoring her professional accomplishments and dedication to the community.
With the leadership and expertise that Kelly brings, Incompass looks forward to continuing and growing in its mission of empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and their families to lead fuller, more inclusive lives. Join us in welcoming Kelly back to Incompass!
Even in the heart of winter, there has been no slowing down at Incompass. From an exciting new chapter for our CBDS program to meaningful community experiences like visits to the Museum of Fine Arts and the New England Aquarium, these past months have reflected growth and joy across our organization. Whether embracing winter fun with DESE support or celebrating Valentine’s Day together, the moments highlighted in this newsletter are powerful reminders of access, inclusion, and connection in action.
As we move out of the winter months, we note that March is a meaningful month across our field, as it marks both Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month and Brain Injury Awareness Month. Established nationally by The Arc of the United States and the Brain Injury Association of America, these awareness campaigns call on all of us to recognize the strengths, resilience, and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. They also remind us that awareness must go beyond recognition — it must translate into meaningful inclusion, equitable opportunity, and full participation in community life.
At Incompass Human Services, this commitment is at the heart of our mission. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families to create pathways to independence, dignity, and belonging. Whether through residential supports, employment services, community-based programs, or advocacy, we believe that true awareness is demonstrated through action, by building communities where differences are valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive. This March, we celebrate not only awareness, but the power of partnership and community in advancing inclusion for all.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue the tradition of our Stride for a Cause Kentucky Derby Party on May 2nd. This signature event brings our community together to celebrate our mission and collective impact.
Thank you for your support and commitment to Incompass mission. Because of you, we continue moving forward with strength and purpose.
Community Based Day Services (CBDS) has officially moved into its newly renovated space at our Omni Way headquarters, a space intentionally designed with this program in mind.
From the beginning, the layout and features were developed specifically to support the needs of CBDS. Each breakout room has been thoughtfully tailored to accommodate a variety of activities and learning styles. The space now includes a sensory-friendly room that offers a quieter, calming environment, as well as a technology room equipped with computers where individuals can build digital and communication skills. Together, these dedicated areas create a flexible setting for skill-building, small group instruction, and individualized supports. Individuals are now using the space daily to work toward personal goals, strengthen skills, and prepare for meaningful experiences in the broader community, all within an environment built to support their success.
An exciting addition to the program is the development of the Mission Market, a small on-site store concept where participants will help stock items, greet visitors, and practice customer service and money-handling skills. The project is intended to create a hands-on learning environment that builds confidence while introducing real-world workplace experiences in a supportive setting.
We are proud to see the space come to life and look forward to sharing more as the program continues to grow at Omni Way.
