As we wrap up October, the months ahead often inspire us to look beyond our daily routines and reconnect with the people, places, and experiences that matter most. For many, this time of year brings opportunities to travel near and far, whether it is a short trip to visit family and friends or a journey to a new destination filled with unfamiliar sights and perspectives. These travels remind us that the world is both expansive and deeply connected, offering countless opportunities to strengthen relationships and create meaningful memories.
Traveling is about more than reaching a destination. It is an opportunity to share the wealth of knowledge and experience we have gained throughout the year. Every conversation, collaboration, and encounter becomes a chance to exchange ideas, stories, and lessons learned. When we gather with colleagues, friends, family members, and professional peers, we contribute our unique perspectives while helping others grow through our insights. In turn, we gain valuable understanding from the experiences of those around us.
One of the greatest gifts of travel and connection is the opportunity to learn. Whether attending meetings, conferences, community events, or informal gatherings, we are reminded that every person has something valuable to teach us. By listening openly and engaging thoughtfully, we expand our knowledge, challenge our assumptions, and discover new approaches to both personal and professional endeavors. These exchanges enrich our journeys and often spark ideas that continue to influence us long after the journey has passed.
This has been true for many of our care champions who have traveled near and far over the recent month to learn from peers, develop new connections, and share their knowledge with others. The stories in this newsletter highlight our dedicated colleagues who took the time out of their “day job” to teach sharing the Incompass mindset, while also learning from others they encountered.
As the season unfolds, may it be a time of curiosity, generosity, and growth. Let us embrace opportunities to share what we know, celebrate the achievements of those around us, and remain open to learning from every interaction. Through travel, connection, and the exchange of knowledge, we strengthen our communities and return home with a deeper appreciation for the people and experiences that make our journeys meaningful.
As summer gives way to autumn, the world around us begins to change. The days grow shorter, the air becomes cooler, and the landscape takes on new colors. It is a season that reminds us that change can be both beautiful and energizing, especially when it reflects growth, new opportunities, and forward movement.
That spirit of motion can be seen throughout Incompass. In this issue, we celebrate Care Champions taking on new leadership opportunities, individuals exploring new places and experiences, and programs bringing people together through culture, creativity, and community. We are fortunate to be part of an organization enriched by the many experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, and traditions that make our community stronger. Each story offers a different example of what becomes possible when people are encouraged to learn from one another, contribute their unique strengths, and grow together.
Autumn also provides a natural opportunity to recognize the people who keep our mission moving forward every day. Earlier this month, we celebrated Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and honored the extraordinary DSPs who provide the foundation for so much of our work. Their impact can be seen in the goals achieved, relationships built, challenges overcome, and everyday moments that help individuals live with greater independence, dignity, and belonging. While DSP Recognition Week gives us a dedicated time to shine a spotlight on their contributions, our appreciation for their work extends throughout the entire year.
The stories in this newsletter also remind us that meaningful change does not always happen through one major moment. More often, it takes shape through steady progress: a new responsibility accepted, a community experience shared, a colleague recognized, or an individual supported in trying something for the first time. Together, these moments create momentum and move our organization and mission forward.
As we enter this new season, I hope we take time to appreciate both the beautiful colors of change and the people who make that change possible. Thank you to our Care Champions, individuals, families, and community partners for continuing to bring your energy, ideas, and commitment to Incompass.
Together, we are not simply watching the seasons change. We are creating positive change and moving forward with purpose.
During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, we had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on several of the Care Champions who make a difference every day at Incompass. While each of their stories is unique, they share a common commitment to supporting the individuals we serve with compassion, dedication, advocacy, and respect.
From building meaningful connections and encouraging independence to advocating for new opportunities and creating safe, supportive environments, these DSPs demonstrate the many ways direct support makes an impact. We’re proud to recognize Ronny, Tom, Anne, Lucy, and Madline for the heart and dedication they bring to their work each day.
Take a look at their spotlights below and join us in celebrating these outstanding Care Champions!
Ronny Banegas
Ronny may be newer to our Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS) team, but he has already made a great impact! He has a natural ability to connect with the individuals we support, bringing a calm, positive approach to his work each day.
Using his strong Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) skills, Ronny has a way of helping navigate challenging moments and bring situations back to a positive place — often simply through his words and the connection he has built with the individuals he supports.
Ronny also brings a friendly, easygoing energy that makes both the individuals we support and his fellow Care Champions feel comfortable and supported.
When asked how he does it so well, Ronny says it’s all about the “vibe” he gives off — and we have to agree!
Thank you, Ronny, for the positive energy, compassion, and connection you bring to CBDS. Keep bringing those good vibes!
Tom Baca
If you know TREE, you know Tom!
For the past seven years, Tom has been an incredible part of the TREE team at Incompass — but his connection to many of the individuals we support goes back even further, having previously worked with them in transportation.
Tom brings contagious energy to everything he does. He is constantly advocating for the individuals he supports, whether he’s seeking out new employment opportunities, planning unique community experiences, or encouraging someone to try something new and build confidence.
And that energy extends to his team. Tom is always willing to share ideas, offer encouragement, support a coworker, or jump in wherever he’s needed. He’s an advocate, a motivator, a teammate, and someone who makes the program better simply by being part of it.
Simply put, Tom is THE MAN!
Thank you, Tom, for the energy, dedication, and enthusiasm you bring to TREE and the individuals we support. We’re incredibly grateful to have you as one of our Care Champions!
Anne Macharia
Anne works at our Pondview residential home, where she is recognized for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to the individuals she supports. She approaches her work with genuine care, patience, dignity, and respect, always keeping each individual at the center of the support she provides.
For Anne, being a DSP goes beyond meeting someone’s daily needs. She takes the time to build trust, listen to each individual’s voice, honor their choices, and create an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected.
Through her kindness and dedication, Anne demonstrates what person-centered support looks like every day. Her willingness to go above and beyond and the meaningful relationships she builds have a positive and lasting impact on the individuals she serves.
Thank you, Anne, for the heart you bring to your work, your commitment to those you support, and the difference you make each day!
Lucy Maina
Lucy is a Direct Support Professional at our first Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) home, where she is recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and strong advocacy for the individuals she supports.
Lucy takes great pride in ensuring each individual’s daily needs are met with dignity, compassion, and respect. From supporting Activities of Daily Living to maintaining thorough and meaningful documentation, her attention to detail helps promote the health, independence, and overall well-being of those in her care.
She also goes above and beyond when it comes to safety. Although she is not the program’s medication officer, Lucy routinely pays close attention to medication records and documentation, helping ensure accuracy and consistency. Her commitment to quality and safety aligns perfectly with another exciting goal — Lucy is currently pursuing a career in nursing!
Above all, Lucy is a strong advocate for the individuals she supports. She takes ownership of the quality of care she provides and consistently looks for ways to make a positive difference.
Thank you, Lucy, for your dedication, reliability, and commitment to ensuring the individuals you serve receive the support, dignity, and respect they deserve!
Madline Kamani
Madline works at our Medically Complex Respite House, where she is recognized for her outstanding commitment to the individuals we serve and the care she provides to meet their needs. As a Safety Officer, she also plays an important role in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Her dedication helped bring an exciting idea to life. Madline was instrumental in getting our therapeutic garden initiative started, creating a space where individuals can enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature, and engage in meaningful activities.
Whether stepping in to cover a shift on short notice or finding new ways to support the people around her, Madline consistently shows up for her team and the individuals we serve.
Thank you, Madline, for your dedication, dependability, and the positive impact you make each day!
As summer winds down, this issue of our newsletter highlights moments that reflect a core value of Incompass: the importance of connection.
Throughout the summer, our Care Champions supported individuals in making the most of the season – spending time with friends, trying something new, exploring their communities, and simply having fun. From Residential and CBDS summer BBQs to an afternoon at the Lowell Folk Festival and our annual Incompass Got Talent show, these experiences are about much more than what’s on the calendar. They are moments of belonging, friendship, independence, and joy.
This summer also gave us the opportunity to welcome eight Urban Youth Interns to Incompass. Over the past several weeks, they became part of our community – supporting programs, building relationships with the individuals we serve, taking on new responsibilities, and bringing their own energy and ideas to our organization. Watching them celebrate their graduation was a wonderful reminder of the impact these opportunities can have in both directions. While our interns gained valuable professional experience, they also made a meaningful contribution to Incompass.
Connection can also be measured in years, and this month we have the privilege of celebrating an incredible 35-year milestone for Doug Babbitt. Doug’s decades of service reflect the relationships, knowledge, and commitment that make Incompass what it is today. We are fortunate to have Care Champions who have dedicated so much of their careers to our mission and, most importantly, to the individuals we support.
As we look ahead to September, we are especially excited to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and recognize the incredible DSPs who bring our mission to life every day. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment support individuals in building independence, pursuing their goals, connecting with their communities, and living fulfilling lives. We look forward to celebrating them throughout the week and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the impact they make across Incompass.
But before we turn the page on summer, I hope we can take a moment to appreciate the memories made, the relationships strengthened, and all of the people who made these experiences possible.
Thank you to our Care Champions, individuals, families, interns, and community partners for making this another memorable summer at Incompass. Together, you continue to show what’s possible when people feel connected, supported, and truly part of their community.
As July comes to a close, it’s clear that summer at Incompass has been anything but quiet. Across our programs, individuals have been enjoying community outings, seasonal activities, and countless experiences that foster independence, confidence, and connection. These moments are more than summer memories – they are reminders of what is possible when people have the support and opportunities to thrive.
This month also marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark piece of legislation that continues to shape a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society. Its legacy serves as an important reminder that creating opportunities and removing barriers is an ongoing responsibility we all share.
The ADA’s promise is inseparable from the principles affirmed in Olmstead: that people with disabilities have the right to live, work, and participate in the most integrated settings appropriate to their needs. Olmstead refers to the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., which held that unjustified segregation of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination under the ADA. Access to home- and community-based services (HCBS) is essential to making that promise real, helping individuals remain connected to their families, communities, and daily lives rather than being forced into institutional settings. Recent Department of Justice memos that seek to narrow federal enforcement of Olmstead and the ADA’s integration mandate pose a serious threat to decades of progress, underscoring why continued advocacy for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), civil rights protections, and community inclusion remains so urgent.
At Incompass Human Services, these values are woven into everything we do. Every day, our Care Champions empower individuals to pursue their goals, strengthen their independence, and build meaningful lives within their communities. We remain committed to creating opportunities, removing barriers, and advocating for a future where every person is valued, respected, and able to reach their full potential.
As we look ahead to the fall, we are energized by what’s to come. From celebrating Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in September to preparing for our annual Give for Good campaign and continuing to build new community partnerships, there is much to look forward to. Each initiative represents another opportunity to advance our mission and strengthen the communities we serve.
Thank you to our Care Champions, families, volunteers, donors, and community partners for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we continue building a more inclusive community- based future – one person, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.
As summer settles in at Incompass, there is a renewed sense of energy throughout our organization. Our programs are filled with exciting activities, we’re welcoming our Urban Youth interns, and every day our Care Champions continue to create meaningful experiences for the individuals we support. Whether it’s a community outing, an advocacy effort, or supporting individuals as they develop greater independence, it’s inspiring to see our mission come to life in so many different ways.
This month also provided an opportunity for reflection as we recognized Juneteenth. We invited our Care Champions to share what the day means to them, and common themes emerged: freedom, advocacy, human rights, and the importance of understanding our shared history. Those reflections serve as an important reminder that creating inclusive communities begins with listening, learning, and ensuring every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.
That same spirit of advocacy extends beyond our walls. Earlier this month, members of our AFC team traveled to the Massachusetts State House for Adult Foster Care Awareness Day, joining caregivers, providers, and advocates from across the Commonwealth to educate legislators about the vital role Adult Family Care plays in helping individuals remain safely in the homes and communities they know and love. Strong community supports and dedicated caregivers make independence possible, and we’re proud to advocate for policies that strengthen those services.
As you read this issue, you’ll find stories that capture the many ways our Care Champions, supporters, and community partners are making a difference – from the Epilepsy Walk and Fashion Show to our Fishing Trip, Safe Minds Donation Box initiative, the Explore Possibility Summit, and the well-deserved recognition of Jean Phelps and Michael Bloom for their outstanding contributions. Thank you for being part of the Incompass community and for helping us continue to create opportunities, build connections, and make every day meaningful for the people we serve.
