Check out a behind the scenes video of the Respite Campaign photoshoot!
Incompass has been awarded what is one of the largest grants in our history! The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has awarded Incompass a grant, specifically for a Respite Campaign, to complete activities such as a photoshoot and digital marketing that were outlined in our grant proposal under the Respite Innovations Grant Program. This campaign will help grow our Respite community of providers and caregivers, to allow for continued support of the individuals we serve.
As some of you know, between climbing into a fishtank and the outside shoot in the parking lot, a bunch has been going on behind the scenes at Incompass. Take a sneak peek at what’s to come!
On Tuesday, September 17th the DDS Central Middlesex Office Appreciation Event was held to recognize providers and office staff for their hard work. The nominees have made a lasting and significant impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Our staff member Linda Cox was nominated for recognition, and at the event she was presented with the recognition award.
Linda was asked what this recognition meant to her, and while expressing her appreciation she also mentioned the impact her team has.
“I am humbled by the recognition from DDS with the appreciation certification I received for the positive impact I’ve made on the lives of those I support. It is, however, a team effort. I feel respected by my management team and my colleagues who work in sync with providing support to our families in both the DESE/DDS Program and the AWC Program. These families are very often juggling heightened and complex needs and our team at Incompass provides a coordinated effort to support them all.”
Linda also shared some background around her commitment to helping others.
“I am blessed to work in this field as it is my passion, due to my drive and life experience with my son, Brett, who is a 25-year-old man with profound autism and has complex medical needs. I can relate to the problem solving, need to know, and strategy with resources and for families. Also being able to assist with the goals and needs of their loved ones.”
In addition, Linda spoke about working with DDS and further advocating for the individuals we serve.
“I also enjoy the relationships built over the years with DDS – both management and Service Coordinators who work closely with me on the cases I support. I look forward to the advocacy work that is vital at the legislative level in MA and continue to speak on behalf of our families and I am so pleased we are an affiliate chapter of the ARC!”
We are so proud of Linda (and her team’s) efforts towards the individuals we serve. It is amazing to see her receive a recognition award to celebrate her work.
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week (September 8-14, 2024) was a great opportunity to highlight our dedicated and passionate direct support workforce, who are at the heart and soul of everything we do to support people with disabilities so they may access and participate in our communities.
We celebrated our DSPs throughout the week, to showcase the amazing and often unsung work of these incredible professionals and mark just a small fraction of the recognition that they deserve throughout the year. Check out the short video below to see how we celebrated our DSPs!
Our Urban Youth interns presented the 2024 Talent Showcase! This event is something we always look forward to and this year was another special show. Thank you to everyone who joined us to enjoy the performances by our day program participants. With excitement and spirit in the air, creativity and skill through Music and Art were on display.
Thank you to all the #CareChampions who made this happen. We couldn’t have done this without you.
Pictured above (From left to right)
Back row: Kami Thomas, Harriet Sander, Rochelle Nimely, Alyssa Goselin, Grace Sevigny, Meghan O’Brien, Karen Akwaboah, and Madelene Etienne.
Front row: Siddhi Ghadi, Halle Warnock, Farai Zuvaradoka, Portia Yeboah, Kennedy Wilson, and Jhoselin Perez.
Incompass Human Services proudly announces that CEO Jean Phelps has been honored with the first-ever “Community Award” by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). This prestigious national award was presented to Ms. Phelps earlier this month at the AAIDD Annual Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, recognizing her remarkable contributions in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The “Community Award” is a new addition to the AAIDD’s recognition programs, designed to honor leaders who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Jean Phelps, who has led Incompass Human Services for nearly 20 years, was recognized for her dedicated efforts in championing the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under her leadership, Incompass has grown its service portfolio through a combination of organic program growth, construction of new group homes, and mergers & affiliations – ultimately contributing to more inclusive and accessible community.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Phelps shared her thoughts, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and lead such an incredible team of Care Champions. It’s really a testament to the commitment of every person at Incompass Human Services who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and given the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.”
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Board at Incompass Human Services, added that “Jean is a wonderful person whose leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Incompass. She has not only steered our agency towards new heights but has also profoundly impacted the broader community by setting a standard for inclusion and advocacy. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her visionary approach and unwavering dedication.”
What an amazing turnout for our Kentucky Derby Day Party! Our debut fundraising event as Incompass Human Services brought nearly 150 guests together at the Chateau Merrimack Resort & Spa. Reintroducing this event, after a five-year hiatus, meant it needed to make an impact. An impact that would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, who continue to show up for the Incompass community.
AAFCPAs
Brown & Brown Insurance
CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc.
Corporation for Independent Living (CIL)
Curtis Strategy
Fintuition Advising
Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar
Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Grossman Marketing Group
IR New England
Perkins & Anctil
Phoenix Performance Partners
Retirement Fiduciary Group
Steve Geoffroy, Incompass Board Member
Stirling Brandworks
The Arc of Massachusetts
Tim Allen, Incompass Board Member
Together we raised $35,000 – all funds going towards the services and supports we provide to people with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries. The evening was centered around the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and the race certainly didn’t disappoint the crowd. All eyes were glued to the screens, as guests waited with bated breath. Three guests walked away with the Win, Place, and Show prizes! The excitement didn’t end there, as we moved on to announce the winners of our raffle and the sports silent auction. And who could forget the stylish winners of the Best Hat and Best Dressed competitions? We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this a night to remember. Be sure to check out the gallery below, and we’ll see you next year!
