At Incompass Human Services, advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. Recently, members of our leadership team went the extra mile—literally—traveling to both coasts of the country to advocate for the needs and rights of the individuals and families we serve.
Whether navigating complex systems, supporting someone through a critical transition, or ensuring continued access to vital resources, our staff stepped up in meaningful and personal ways. These cross-country efforts weren’t about maintaining programs—they were about standing up for the Individuals we serve, wherever they are.
“This is a powerful example of what it means to lead with empathy,” said Gillien Feld, Chief Operating Officer of Incompass Human Services. “Our team doesn’t just provide services—they advocate fiercely, build trust, and ensure that every voice is heard. I’m so proud of their commitment to walking alongside those we serve, no matter the distance.”
These efforts reflect our belief that advocacy goes beyond the office or the service plan—it’s about showing up when it matters most. From helping individuals navigate housing or healthcare systems, to standing by families through life-changing events, our team brings compassion and determination to every situation.
And while these recent trips took our staff from coast to coast, they reflect the kind of advocacy and care that happens every single day at Incompass. Because to us, going the distance is just part of what it means to truly be person-centered.
Last year’s Stride for a Cause was the first Incompass gala I attended—and while I had a blast I can tell you that I still hear from people in the room about how much fun they had too! It was one of those nights where the energy was high, the hats were fabulous, and the matching bowties were plentiful! It’s definitely not your typical formal fundraiser, and that’s exactly what made it so memorable. In true Care Champion fashion, we created something fun, engaging, and deeply connected to our mission. And this year, we’re doing it all again—bigger and better!
On Saturday, May 3, I invite you to join us as we bring a bit of Churchill Downs to the picturesque Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton. No assigned seating. No long speeches. Just good food, good people, and a great cause. If you haven’t been before, here’s is what you can expect…
🎟️ Leader Board Raffle – Pick the winning horse and you could walk away with $1,000!
👒 Best Hat and Best-Dressed Contests – It might not be Churchill Downs, but you’d never know it based on the fashion show our guests put on!
📍 Scenic New Venue – The Barn at Gibbet Hill is a beautiful setting that makes the perfect spring backdrop for celebration.
🎁 Exciting Raffle Prizes – We’re talking Red Sox and Patriots tickets, Bose headphones, and more can’t-miss items.
(Still not sure what to expect? Check out the highlight video from last year’s event—you can literally feel the energy in the room.)
But beyond the hats, raffles, and mint juleps, what makes this event so special is you. Our community of Care Champions—staff, families, supporters, partners—is what makes Incompass thrive. And opportunities like this to come together, celebrate, and lift each other up are more important than ever.
🎫 Buy your tickets now and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to come along. Every ticket, every raffle entry, every toast raised helps us empower the people and families who count on Incompass every day.
We’ll see you at the starting gate!
This week, Incompass Human Services had the honor of welcoming Congresswoman Lori Trahan and her team to our Chelmsford facility. During her visit, the Congresswoman toured our programs, met with staff, and had meaningful conversations with family members of the individuals we serve.
Congresswoman Trahan took to social media to share her experience, stating, “The dedicated and compassionate team at [Incompass] does an outstanding job delivering care, services, and support to individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries. Today, I saw that work firsthand as I toured their Chelmsford facility and spoke to families that benefit from the programs they provide, which are almost entirely funded by Medicaid. Stripping organizations like Incompass of their primary funding stream would be devastating for the children and adults they care for.”
Her visit underscored the vital role that Medicaid-funded programs play in providing essential services to individuals with disabilities. As an organization dedicated to empowering the people we serve to live full and meaningful lives, Incompass relies on this funding to offer high-quality care, innovative programming, and critical support services.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Trahan for taking the time to visit our facility and engage directly with the families we support,” said Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services. “Her advocacy and commitment to protecting Medicaid funding ensure that organizations like ours can continue delivering the care that so many depend on.”
At Incompass Human Services, we are committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We appreciate the opportunity to share our mission with leaders like Congresswoman Trahan, who recognize the importance of sustaining and strengthening programs that serve our community’s most vulnerable members.
At Incompass Human Services, we are always seeking meaningful opportunities for the individuals we support to connect with their community in impactful ways. One such opportunity has flourished through our ongoing partnership with Ironstone Farm in Andover, MA.
On a recurring basis, individuals from our Safe Minds Community Center eagerly visit Ironstone Farm to assist with farm maintenance and animal care. From preparing hay to walking the horses to their designated areas, our volunteers take pride in their responsibilities and embrace each visit with enthusiasm. These experiences allow them to contribute their skills while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with animals in a serene farm setting.
The excitement is always high when it’s time to visit Ironstone, and the stories they bring back are just as heartwarming. This partnership not only fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility but also strengthens the connection between our individuals and the greater community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Ironstone Farm for providing such an inclusive and welcoming space. Their dedication to creating opportunities for engagement and personal growth aligns perfectly with our mission at Incompass.
Stay tuned for more updates on this wonderful collaboration as we continue to build meaningful experiences together!
At Incompass Human Services, creativity is more than just an artistic outlet—it’s a way to engage, learn, and connect. Recently, individuals in Day Hab Room 2 embraced this philosophy with a vibrant tie-dye project that turned into a multi-sensory and communication-building experience.
The activity began with a hands-on exploration, as staff member Betsy encouraged participants to engage their senses before revealing their colorful banner. They felt the damp fabric, noticing its texture and temperature, and shared their thoughts on how it felt. This simple yet impactful moment sparked conversation and encouraged self-expression in a way that went beyond words.
As the tie-dye masterpiece unfolded, the group took time to appreciate the colors, each selecting a shade that caught their eye. But this wasn’t just about picking favorites—everyone had the chance to name their chosen color, a fun and meaningful exercise in creativity and communication. The colors reflected not only their observations but also their personalities and perspectives.
More than just an art project, this activity reinforced key skills such as sensory awareness, verbal expression, and social engagement. It also provided an opportunity for individuals to celebrate their creativity in a supportive and interactive environment.
At Incompass, we believe that learning and personal growth happen in many ways—and sometimes, the most impactful lessons come in the form of a hands-on, colorful experience. The tie-dye project in Day Hab Room 2 is just one example of how we empower individuals to build confidence, express themselves, and connect with others—one vibrant creation at a time.
Incompass Human Services was born out of the disability rights movement, rooted in the fundamental belief that disability rights are human rights. And 70 years later we have never wavered from that mission. We know that many in our community are feeling anxiety and uncertainty right now, and I want you to know that we hear you. If you receive services, if you support people in our programs, if your loved one relies on Incompass—whatever your connection—there is room for you in our tent. You are valued, you are supported, and you belong here.
Every day, our Care Champions come together with a shared purpose to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries to live their best lives. That commitment is not just a guiding principle—it is who we are. And I am so privileged to lead an agency with such an authentic culture. Whether someone is medically fragile, behaviorally challenged, autistic, or facing other significant life challenges, they deserve the chance to have a purpose and a place in this world. And we’re here to help them find it – that is our “north star.”
But honestly one of the things I am most proud of is the rich diversity of our community. Our Care Champions come from all backgrounds and bring their authentic selves to this work, united by a shared dedication to the people we support. In fact, one of our strategic plan goals is rooted in cultural competency and the JEDI model. We believe in fostering an inclusive culture where every voice matters, and that belief will not change. After all, the work we do here is built on seventy years of compassion, advocacy, and respect for each other.
As a Board member for The Arc at both the state and national level, I am advocating for our community alongside leaders across the country. Incompass is proud to be a chapter of The Arc, and we stand with our fellow advocates to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected. We are not alone in this mission, and we will continue to move forward with our vision —because the people we support deserve nothing less.
While I cannot predict what the future holds, I can say this with certainty: our commitment to the Incompass mission and our Care Champion culture will never waver. It is the foundation of who we are, and it is what will carry us forward—one step at a time.
