From the Massachusettes Department of Developmental Services Newsletter:
Renee set a goal of hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks several years ago. After each summit, she would return home and tell her daughter, Kendra, all about it – the thrill of being in the fresh air, the struggles over the challenging inclines, and finally, the elation of reaching the top and taking in the spectacular vista.
Kendra, who will turn 22 in December, was born with Rett Syndrome. She had never before been able to hike with her mother. But thanks to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)/DDS Residential Prevention Program, Renee and Kendra were given a “hike bike” that enabled Kendra to join her mom on her next hike, New Hampshire’s Mt. Williard. They set off from the trailhead last month with Renee’s husband, Kevin, and her sister, Cherie, pushing Kendra in her bike up the mountain and over the rocky terrain.
“I love getting her out in the community,” Renee said. “We’ve done four wheeling, ATVing, tubing. But she always wanted to hike with me, and thanks to DESE and DDS, it was finally possible.”
“I’m glad I was behind the camera when we reached the top so no one could see my tears,” Renee said. “Seeing Kendra’s face as she took in the view is something I’ll never forget. Summiting was amazing. We felt all the feels getting to the top.”
From Renee:
“We’re so proud to share this achievement with all of you! We reached the summit, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the funding we received from the DESE program. These funds helped us acquire our Huckleberry Hiking Equipment, which was absolutely crucial for our journey. Thank you for helping us get to the top!“
Halloween season is here, and while there may be a few friendly ghosts and ghouls around, there’s nothing spooky about what’s been happening at Incompass Human Services this month! In fact, it’s been full of treats…moments of pride, gratitude, and celebration that remind me how special our Care Champion community truly is.
One of the biggest treats of all? Our FY25 Incompass Annual Report has officially been released! Every year, this report gives us the chance to pause and reflect on the remarkable work being done across our programs. As I flipped through its pages, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in all that our Care Champions have accomplished. From expanding our services and strengthening our partnerships to amplifying the voices of those we support, the stories inside reflect the dedication and compassion that define who we are. I hope you’ll take a few moments to read through it—you’ll see how your hard work continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of so many throughout our community.
October also brought our annual meeting where we had the pleasure of welcoming four outstanding new members: Amee Dhoria, John Stempeck, Rich Blatt, and Mary Petricone. Each brings incredible experience, insight, and enthusiasm to our mission, and I’m confident they will help guide Incompass toward an even brighter future.
We also took time to recognize two valued members who recently concluded their Board service: Jon Seward and Rob Anctil, Esq. Jon’s thoughtful insight around technology and deep understanding of our work have helped shape key initiatives. Rob, who served for almost a decade, has been one of our agency’s most steadfast supporters and advocates and a dedicated member of our Philanthropy Committee! I want to personally thank them both for their extraordinary commitment to Incompass and to the people and families we serve.
Pictured below: Board Chair Brad MacDougall presented Rob Anctil with his award as he has ended his term on the Incompass Board of Directors.
And speaking of gratitude, October is also the time for First Responders’ Day! Read more in our newsletter about the individuals and Care Champions who visited first responders across Chelmsford and Dracut to thank them for their partnership and service. These men and women are always there when we need them most, providing care and compassion in moments of crisis. It was heartwarming to see our teams express their appreciation for the police officers, firefighters, and EMTs who help ensure the safety and well-being of those we support.
So, as we enjoy the pumpkins, costumes, and maybe a little candy, let’s also celebrate the real magic that happens every day here at Incompass. Together, we continue to light the way for others; no tricks, just treats!
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and spirited Halloween! 🎃👻
Reflecting on a Year of Impact: The 2025 Incompass Human Services Annual Report
As we share our 2025 Annual Report, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who made this year possible; the individuals and families we support, our dedicated staff, and our generous community partners. Together, we’ve built a stronger, more inclusive community where every individual can reach their potential.
The Annual Report is more than a collection of data and milestones — it’s a reflection of the compassion, resilience, and collaboration that define the Incompass community. Over the past year, we’ve continued to expand opportunities for people of all abilities, ensuring that every person we support has the tools and encouragement to thrive.
Throughout 2025, our programs and partnerships have grown stronger, grounded in the belief that enduring care begins with understanding each individual’s unique journey. From new initiatives that promote independence and inclusion to ongoing support that uplifts families and caregivers, our mission continues to be fueled by unwavering hearts and lasting impact.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to empowering people, strengthening connections, and leading with compassion in all that we do. We invite you to explore the 2025 Annual Report and see how your support has helped shape a community rooted in care that endures.
October is a meaningful month for those of us passionate about inclusive employment, because it marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). This month reminds us to celebrate the talent, dedication, and value that individuals with disabilities bring to workplaces across the country, something we are fortunate to witness every single day here at Incompass.
In this work, we’ve learned that for an individual to truly shine, we first need to understand who they are, their personality, their motivations, and their strengths. When we take the time to really get to know someone, we can help leverage their unique skills in a job environment where they can thrive.
One of the best examples of this is Jason. When he was let go from Walmart after many years of service, he didn’t dwell on the setback. Instead, he was eager to jump back into the workforce, help others, and stay connected to his community. Today, Jason is a valued and dedicated team member at Stop & Shop, and his resilience is a powerful reminder of why inclusive employment matters.
Then there’s Yovanny, who has spent the last eight years making a difference at Merrimack College as a dining area attendant. His strong work ethic and pride in his role shine through every shift. Success stories like Jason’s and Yovanny’s inspire us to keep pushing forward, because every meaningful job placement opens more doors for more individuals.
At Incompass, employment is about independence, confidence, and belonging. And once someone is through the door, the journey doesn’t stop, it grows. When employers invest in someone’s potential, that relationship strengthens, and the results are incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.
Throughout #NDEAM, we’ve highlighted stories like these on social media, not only to celebrate success, but to show what’s possible when individuals are understood, supported, and given opportunity.
These visits served as a heartfelt way to thank our local first responders for their incredible dedication to keeping our communities safe, while also providing a chance for the individuals we support to connect with them in a non-emergency setting.
With the helping hands of Eileen and Suzanne from Old Mill House Coffee in Chelmsford, our teams brought along beautifully arranged gift baskets filled with baked goods, snacks, and coffee for the first responders to enjoy. The gesture was warmly received and set the tone for an engaging and educational visit.
Following arrival, Individuals were treated to informative tours of each station, where they got a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and equipment that first responders use every day. What truly stood out was the kindness and enthusiasm of each department — taking the time to answer questions, demonstrate their gear, and help everyone feel comfortable and included.
These visits were not only educational but also deeply meaningful. For the individuals we serve, it was a chance to meet and interact with first responders in a positive environment. For the police officers and firefighters, it was an opportunity to connect with members of the community they serve and protect every day.
Building strong, inclusive community ties like these is what it’s all about, and we’re so grateful to our local departments for welcoming us with open arms.
Fall has always been my favorite season. There’s a chill in the air, the first signs of that New England foliage start to show, and of course, it’s football season—go Packers! (Sorry, I’ll always be a Wisconsin girl at heart!) But what truly makes this time of year special for me at Incompass is Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.
DSP Week is a national movement led by ANCOR, and we are so proud to participate here at Incompass. Our DSPs are the ultimate Care Champions, and it’s such a joy to honor them for the extraordinary work they do every single day. This year’s theme—“Care Champions wear their heart on their sleeve”—was beautifully brought to life with the new sweatshirts our staff are proudly wearing. The week kicked off with a balloon arch welcome and continued with breakfast at Omni Way, lunches at our group homes, and cards of appreciation signed by Incompass leadership. Every day we had raffles—giving away $500 across the week to some very lucky DSPs—and all of us donned pins to honor our incredible DSP workforce.
Check out the DSP Week highlight video in the September newsletter to truly get a feel for the vibe at Incompass that week! I honestly feel immense pride in calling our DSPs my colleagues, and weeks like that remind me why it is such a privilege to work here. So on behalf of everyone at Incompass, thank you to our DSPs. Your dedication, compassion, and open hearts are what make Incompass the incredible place it is!
Oh…and before I go, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another September holiday that holds a special place in my heart. September 26 was HR Professionals Day! A huge shoutout to our amazing HR team, who do so much behind the scenes for our agency, our Care Champions, and the individuals we support. We just launched a revamped new employee orientation this month, a true team effort and testament to the team’s commitment to recruitment and retention at Incompass!
