Even in the heart of winter, there has been no slowing down at Incompass. From an exciting new chapter for our CBDS program to meaningful community experiences like visits to the Museum of Fine Arts and the New England Aquarium, these past months have reflected growth and joy across our organization. Whether embracing winter fun with DESE support or celebrating Valentine’s Day together, the moments highlighted in this newsletter are powerful reminders of access, inclusion, and connection in action.
As we move out of the winter months, we note that March is a meaningful month across our field, as it marks both Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month and Brain Injury Awareness Month. Established nationally by The Arc of the United States and the Brain Injury Association of America, these awareness campaigns call on all of us to recognize the strengths, resilience, and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. They also remind us that awareness must go beyond recognition — it must translate into meaningful inclusion, equitable opportunity, and full participation in community life.
At Incompass Human Services, this commitment is at the heart of our mission. Every day, we work alongside individuals and families to create pathways to independence, dignity, and belonging. Whether through residential supports, employment services, community-based programs, or advocacy, we believe that true awareness is demonstrated through action, by building communities where differences are valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive. This March, we celebrate not only awareness, but the power of partnership and community in advancing inclusion for all.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue the tradition of our Stride for a Cause Kentucky Derby Party on May 2nd. This signature event brings our community together to celebrate our mission and collective impact.
Thank you for your support and commitment to Incompass mission. Because of you, we continue moving forward with strength and purpose.
I always find our December newsletter to be one of the most enjoyable to read, and not just because of the holiday photos! It gives us a moment to pause, look back on the year that was, and reflect on everything we accomplished together. Because coming together as Care Champions is what it’s all about here at Incompass, and it heartens me to see how much we value community in everything we do.
But you know me; it’s not just about reflection, it’s about what’s coming down the road. And with the purchase of our building in Chelmsford, one of the major milestones of 2025, we’re already putting that investment to work. In the coming weeks, we’ll officially open our brand-new CBDS space! This dedicated, thoughtfully designed area will not only elevate the program experience for participants, but it will also increase capacity across other programs so we can meet the rising demand for Incompass services in our community.
Looking further ahead, we’re already planning for our 2026 Kentucky Derby Party at the Stevens Estate in North Andover on Derby Day, always such a joyful celebration of community and mission. We’re also continuing to advance our digital transformation through Motivity, empowering individuals and caregivers with timely, accessible documentation in ways never before possible. And through our ongoing affiliation with the New England Human Services Collaborative (NEHSCO), we’re building a hub of provider agencies to ensure we can meet the needs of people where they are.
Thank you to everyone for your support throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful New Year!
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! 🎃👻
As we close out another summer at Incompass, I can’t help but smile at all the wonderful moments we shared together as a community. From barbecues and beach outings to countless everyday acts of connection, our Care Champions created experiences that brought joy to the individuals we support. These memories remind us why our mission matters so deeply and why our culture is so core to our ability to deliver on that mission.
As the school year begins, that means our internship program has come to an end. So let’s take a moment to recognize and congratulate our Urban Youth Intern Class of 2025! Their graduation is highlighted in this issue, and it’s a celebration that is well deserved! Throughout the summer, these talented young people worked across our programs with energy, compassion, and fresh ideas. Our Annual Talent Show was a rousing success, and we are eternally grateful for their contributions.
I am also thrilled to announce that we have added four new members to our Board of Directors! Each of these leaders brings unique perspectives, skills, and lived experiences that will help guide Incompass at this critical moment in our growth.
Amee Dhoria, founder of Amee Dhoria Design, brings over 25 years of expertise in creating workplace strategies that inspire and elevate human potential.
John Stempeck, founder of Avalon Associates, offers an extraordinary depth of experience in consulting, strategy, and business development, and has guided Fortune 1000 companies and start-ups alike.
Rich Blatt, an accomplished Mediator with a background in negotiation and conflict resolution, will strengthen our ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and fairness.
Mary Petricone, an experienced Accounting Controller and devoted mother of an individual served by Incompass, brings invaluable financial acumen and a personal passion for our mission.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Amee, John, Rich, and Mary as our newest Care Champions! Having a Board comprised of accomplished, passionate people is so important to ensuring that we remain mission-driven and focused on the people we serve.
As we send out this latest edition of the “Incompass Insights” newsletter, I find myself reflecting deeply on the power of community. It’s a fitting theme, especially during National Volunteer Week, just days after celebrating Earth Day here at Incompass, and in a month when Autism Awareness is front and center. We also have a new Community Engagement Manager we’re excited to introduce!
Earlier this month, we had the incredible honor of welcoming players from the Boston Fleet WPHL team to our Omni Way location. They rolled up their sleeves alongside our day program participants, helping prepare the garden beds for spring planting, decorating the parking lot with vibrant chalk art, and—naturally—playing some lively street hockey! Watching the sheer joy on the faces of our participants as they scored goals and learned goal celebrations from the pros was a moment our team will never forget.
Our community engagement doesn’t stop there. Our Strive2Thrive program participants have been out and about, building connections and life skills at places like Zesty’s Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery. Seeing the program participants thrive in the community is so meaningful, as this program is one of our newest at Incompass aimed at empowering people with ASD without an intellectual disability.
These small acts of kindness create memories that go far beyond any annual report — they embody the true spirit of empowerment that drives our mission every day. Moments like these remind me just how fortunate I am to be the CEO of this extraordinary agency, and why we continue to advocate for the people we serve. Several of our senior leadership team members traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Disability Policy Seminar, where we joined voices with human services leaders from across the country to fight for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. Advocacy is — and will always be — a cornerstone of our mission. And while the challenges are real, so is our determination to build a more inclusive world.
As you read through this newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to celebrate the incredible community that we are all part of at Incompass. And if you’re looking for a way to engage even more directly, get in touch with our new community engagement manager Katie Desmarais. We are always looking for people willing to volunteer at Omni Way, hire people from our employment program, and host programs in the community.
And of course, I’d love for you to join me at our Stride for a Cause Kentucky Derby Day Party on Saturday, May 3 at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton! Don your best hat, bring your festive spirit, and spend an unforgettable afternoon with Care Champions who are united in purpose and passion. There will be games, prizes, raffles — and most importantly — plenty of laughter and camaraderie.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and healthy spring season!
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.
