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.
We’re proud to celebrate two members of the Incompass leadership team who were recently recognized at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) 150th Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Our CEO, Jean Phelps, was presented with the 2026 Service to the Association Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jean was also honored with the Sesqui Award for Advocacy, recognizing her commitment to advancing policies, partnerships, and opportunities that improve the lives of individuals we serve. These honors reflect Jean’s dedication to advocacy and inclusive supports, both within Incompass and across the broader human services community.
We’re also proud to congratulate our Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, Michael Bloom, who received the 2026 Sesqui Award in Service. Recognizing his dedication to developing future leaders, fostering innovation, and strengthening the field through collaboration and mentorship.
Please join us in congratulating Jean and Michael on these well-deserved honors. Their leadership, passion, and commitment to our mission inspire our team every day and help create lasting opportunities for the individuals we serve!
Members of the Incompass Adult Family Care (AFC) team joined caregivers, providers, advocates, and legislators from across Massachusetts on June 3 for Adult Foster Care Awareness Day at the Massachusetts State House.
Hosted by the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care (MCAFC), the annual event provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the value of Adult Foster Care services and advocate for policies that support family caregivers. The day also serves as a reminder of the important role community-based care plays in helping older adults and individuals with disabilities remain in the homes and communities they know and love.
Throughout the day, Incompass staff met with state legislators and their representatives to discuss the importance of Adult Family Care services and advocate for policies that strengthen support for caregivers and the individuals they serve. Conversations focused on proposed legislation related to AFC program guidelines, including eligibility requirements for caregivers.
Among those meetings were discussions with Representative Tara Hong and Representative Jim Arciero, where Incompass staff shared insights about the impact of Adult Family Care services and the importance of ensuring individuals have access to community-based supports that allow them to remain in their homes.
The Adult Family Care program enables eligible adults with disabilities or chronic medical conditions to receive personalized care in a family home setting. By supporting caregivers and creating alternatives to institutional care, AFC helps individuals remain connected to their families, neighborhoods, and communities while receiving the support they need.
Incompass staff also shared informational materials with legislative leaders and encouraged continued dialogue around the future of Adult Family Care services in Massachusetts. According to the team, this year’s event saw increased participation compared to previous years, reflecting growing awareness of the program and the important role family caregivers play across the Commonwealth.
“We see a lot of people who want to be involved and provide care from their own homes,” said Shola Ojudun, Adult Family Care Program Manager at Incompass. “Events like this help us share the value of Adult Family Care and advocate for policies that create more opportunities for caregivers while helping individuals remain in the communities, they know best.”
While AFC Awareness Day is held annually, advocacy efforts continue throughout the year. Incompass remains committed to working alongside caregivers, providers, and policymakers to strengthen community-based services and expand opportunities for individuals to live and thrive in their communities.
Coming back to Incompass after two years felt a little like that Sunday night at the end of a vacation, wondering what I might have missed and what Monday would bring, without being able to check email.
What I quickly realized, though, was how much of Incompass hadn’t changed in the best possible way. There are still so many familiar faces I’ve missed working alongside, and it’s been energizing to reconnect and jump right back in. At the same time, it’s been exciting to get to know new team members and the strengths they bring to the organization.
It’s been especially meaningful to see the progress made over the past two years-from the implementation of Motivity to strengthen data collection and goal tracking, to the expansion of programs and services. This includes children’s respite, increased Day Habilitation capacity, the relocation of CBDS, and residential milestones like the opening of Ruthellen and Ironstone.
There’s a strong sense of continuity as well; the steady, mission-driven “business as usual” that defines who we are alongside innovation and forward momentum. From developing new service lines and pursuing RFR opportunities, to reimagining our employment services and leveraging technology to work more effectively, there’s a lot of thoughtful work happening across the organization.
What’s equally encouraging is the growth in our staff and leadership. There’s a real sense of development and readiness, along with strong advocacy both within Incompass and across the broader community. It’s also been great to reconnect with colleagues at conferences and re-engage in shared learning across the field.
And last but not least it was wonderful to be able to attend our annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser, a great reminder of the community that surrounds and supports the work we do.
Overall, it’s been incredibly exciting to return at a time when so much good is happening. I’m grateful to be back and looking forward to continuing this momentum together.
After 30 years of dedicated service, Thompson, Director of Residential Services, is retiring from Incompass Human Services.
Thompson began his career in direct service, building a foundation rooted in hands-on support and a deep understanding of the individuals and families we serve. Over the years, he grew alongside the organization, serving as Assistant Director before stepping into the role of Director of Residential Services for the final two years of his career.
In his role as Director, Thompson oversaw services supporting hundreds of individuals and their families, always with a focus on quality, consistency, and person-centered care. His leadership also helped guide the expansion of our residential footprint—from 17 group homes to 23—creating more opportunities for individuals to live and thrive in their communities.
Throughout his tenure, Thompson has been a steady and respected leader, leaving a lasting impact on both the people we serve and the teams he supported. We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement!
