We are pleased to introduce Gillian Carter Feld as Incompass’ new Chief Operating Officer. Gillian has an extensive history in human services managing long-term services and supports. Her previous employment was with an Arc on the Northshore, where she managed long-term services including Day Hab and AFC. As our COO, Gillian will be overseeing the program services operations. Gillian brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity to her new role. Welcome, Gillian!
As the calendar turned to 2024 we were not just embracing another year. This year we are celebrating a significant milestone in our journey – the 70th anniversary of Incompass Human Services! It’s a momentous occasion that fills me with pride as I reflect on the unwavering commitment of our founding families and the remarkable impact we’ve had on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and their caregivers throughout Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence and beyond.
Incompass has always been more than just a service provider; we are a beacon of hope, a source of support, and a community of compassion. Our mission: a testament to our founding families is steeped in an unwavering belief that every individual deserves to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, continues to guide us each day. As we embark on this milestone year, we renew our dedication to empowering those we serve and advocating for their rights and well-being.
We are kicking off our anniversary celebration with the revival of a somewhat new tradition –the “Kentucky Derby Day Party,” under the theme “Stride for a Cause”. I want to extend an invitation to you to join us on May 4th under the tent at Chateau Merrimack in Tyngsboro from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. As the team at Incompass has heard me say so many times before…” this isn’t a gala!” This event promises not only an exciting live stream viewing of the Kentucky Derby but also an array of contests and games, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Let’s come together to celebrate our achievements, raise funds to support Incompass’ mission, and pave the way for a brighter future. I’ll “bet” it will be the best thing you do all spring!
Speaking of the future, our team of “Care Champions” continues to expand, with 50 new members joining us in 2024 already, with three new group homes under development and continued expansion of other services, these champions are helping us fulfill our strategic vision. Additionally, this year we welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors! We remain committed to recruiting top talent as we strive to meet the growing demand for our services and uphold our standard of excellence.
However, even as we celebrate our successes and look toward the future, we must also confront challenges that are not unique to our agency. Access to quality services post-covid remains a pressing issue, with many individuals still unable to receive the support they desperately need. Incompass continues to carry the advocacy standard. Incompass is proud to be one of ten agencies in the northeast who are collaborating to host an advocacy breakfast next week. The event, “Recognizing Resilience, Celebrating Care,” will amplify our voices and advocacy with the MA Legislature to maintain the governor’s proposed FY’25 budget increase to the health and human services budget. This crucial funding is essential to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services while expanding access to those in need.
As we embark on this historic year, I invite each of you to join us in supporting our mission. Whether it’s attending our upcoming events, volunteering your time and talents, or becoming an advocate for change, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
Incompass Human Services is excited to announce the appointment of Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon to our esteemed Board of Directors. With their extensive experience and passion for serving others, they are incredible additions to our team as we continue our commitment to our founding family’s mission and embark on our new strategic plan.
Vincent Geromini brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our board. Presently serving as a Consultant for SEI, Mr. Geromini has worked closely with executive and senior leadership teams globally, developing and executing ambitious strategic initiatives across both the public and private sectors. His direct experience with state Medicaid programs and his advisory roles in various consulting firms make him a valuable asset to Incompass Human Services.
Kerri Dixon
Kerri Dixon’s background in regulation and compliance, coupled with her dedication to special education, adds a unique perspective to our board. With 15 years of experience in government and corporate environments, including NASDAQ and Retirement Fiduciary Group, and an MBA from Simmons University, Ms. Dixon brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. Her transition to becoming a Special Education teacher at the Dracut Public School System, where she works closely with children in residence who are struggling with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and abandonment, demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, her certification as a Yoga Teacher further enriches her ability to support our mission of holistic care.
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Incompass Human Services Board of Directors, expressed his excitement about the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon to our board. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and deepen the wealth of knowledge at the Board level. I speak for my fellow Board members when I say we are all excited for the passion they both demonstrate for the work we are doing, and the people we are serving at Incompass.”
CEO Jean Phelps echoed these sentiments, remarking, “Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our organization. Their demonstrated commitment to serving others make them incredible additions to the Incompass Board of Directors, and I’m thrilled to have them as Care Champions.”
As we celebrate 70 years of service in 2024, Incompass Human Services remains steadfast in our dedication to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families in need. With our new strategic plan guiding our efforts, we are excited to work alongside Vincent Geromini, Kerri Dixon, and the entire board to continue fulfilling our mission and driving our Care Champion culture for many years to come.
The Incompass TREE program has been making a big impact on facilities improvements in these last few months. This program supports a unique subset of the population – adults with complex life experiences, psychiatric diagnoses, and behavioral challenges. Program staff assign tasks with increasing levels of responsibility, while coaching participants through any challenges that arise. By empowering participants to tackle facility-based projects within the agency, staff are allowing them to develop collaborative working relationships with their peers. TREE Program Manager Seth Greenblatt was recently featured by The Providers’ Council in their monthly publication, The Provider. The full story can be read here.
Below is just a glimpse into the contributions by the TREE program participants and staff. Projects have been completed at our Chelmsford and Tewksbury facilities, and our group homes.
Transporting and rearranging furniture
Assisting with program relocation
Painting and wall touch ups
Trash removal
Cleaning and general maintenance of company vehicles
Snow removal
Storage room organization
Bulk supply distribution for group homes
Setup/breakdown for agency events
General upkeep of office space including vacuuming and mopping
The Provider, the newspaper of The Providers’ Council, is a monthly publication that details the latest news and trends in the human services sector. Incompass Care Champion Seth Greenblatt was chosen to be profiled for this month’s issue as part of the Provider Profiles section. Check out the full story below.
Seth Greenblatt can best be described as a jack of all trades, having spent time in almost every program that Incompass Human Services offers since joining the agency in 2011. After living abroad in Australia for a year, Greenblatt was inspired to reenter the human services workforce, and his passion for the work has driven his career advancement at Incompass. When family support, day habilitation, or community-based day services needed an extra set of hands, he never hesitated. In spring 2023, Greenblatt was promoted to his current position as the TREE program manager, a facility-based day program at Incompass.
In his current role, Greenblatt offers supports to a unique subset of the population – adults with complex life experiences, psychiatric diagnoses, and behavioral challenges. As program manager, he oversees the individual support plans (ISP) for each program participant, organizes vocational training opportunities for participants, and handles data entry for the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS).
Managing twelve staff in a unique program such as TREE is no small feat. Greenblatt leverages the hard and soft skills he has acquired over the years to be an efficient leader. His Bachelor of Communications gives him an edge when collaborating with other departments within the agency. In contrast, his MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications are critical in maintaining a safe environment for staff and participants.
Outside of the technical responsibilities of his position, Greenblatt emphasizes the importance of putting the “human” into human services. “Seth has embraced his time in the TREE program and made great strides in developing relationships with participants that have contributed to their positive experiences in the program,” Director of Day Services Emily Horn said. “I find ways to connect with them on a personal level and look forward to activities where they can enjoy themselves. Really anything that makes them happy,” said Greenblatt. He is admired by staff for being personable, dependable, and always “on the clock” when a situation arises.
Greenblatt meets people with the compassion and open-mindedness that allows them to be their most authentic selves, truly encompassing what it means to be a care champion.
As I step into the role of Chair of the Board at Incompass Human Services, I am filled with a profound sense of honor and excitement. This opportunity to lead an organization that stands as a beacon of innovation and compassion in human services is truly humbling.
I want to start by expressing my deep gratitude to Tim, our past Chair, for his remarkable service. His leadership has been pivotal, and we are fortunate to continue benefiting from his wisdom as he remains an active member of the Incompass Board and Chair of the New England Human Services Collaborative (NEHSCO).
For those who don’t know me, my connection to Incompass is more than just professional; it’s deeply personal. The support my older brother receives in a group home in Merrimack Valley has a profound impact on our family. The team that supports him has provided him with so much; he is now even working at a job in the community. I can’t properly describe the sense of pride he has earning a paycheck, but I am forever grateful that he is able to have this experience. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Incompass Human Services is a shining beacon of innovation and compassion. Throughout my tenure on the board, I have been consistently inspired by this community of caregivers who are truly engaged in our mission to empower the people we serve to live full lives.
To our incredible team, your dedication and compassion as Care Champions are the core of our success. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed – I thank each of you for your unwavering commitment and perseverance. The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team will continue to support you and spotlight you as we expand our impact.
I also extend heartfelt thanks to our NESCHO Affiliates – Bridgewell and The Arc of Opportunity. We have a shared vision to continue building a person-centered network rooted in innovating to help the most vulnerable thrive. Seeing some of the early returns like shared staff training and enhanced IT resources give me confidence that we will continue delivering on that vision together.
A special acknowledgment to our partners in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including our elected officials. Your support is essential to our mission, and we value the relationships we have forged with all of you over the years. I’d love to personally invite you to visit Incompass, either at our Chelmsford headquarters or one of our numerous group homes throughout Greater Lowell, and see the impact that Care Champions have in your districts.
As we step into the Incompass Human Services Days of Giving in December, I encourage our extended network to generously contribute. Your support is vital in enabling us to continue our mission of empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Every donation, big or small, helps us in our commitment to innovation and compassionate service.
In closing, I express my deepest appreciation for each one of you in our Incompass community. Together, we are poised for greatness. Our journey is one of progress, growth, and boundless compassion. I eagerly anticipate celebrating our shared achievements in the coming year and beyond.
