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.
As we bask in the warmth (and humidity) of summer, I am delighted to share that at Incompass Human Services, the season has brought no respite in our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Actually, that is not entirely accurate. You see, we achieved a significant milestone by opening our first respite group home, catering to medically complex individuals across the Northeast region. Presently, we have three individuals staying with us, and it warms my heart to witness the support and care they receive from our compassionate staff.
As we step into a new fiscal year, we find ourselves eagerly embracing a fresh strategic plan – our first as an affiliate of NEHSCO – that will undoubtedly propel us toward greater heights. I am excited to witness the incredible strides our dedicated team will take in the coming months, and I can honestly say that the culture of our agency has never been stronger!
As you read this, I’ll be in Las Vegas, where our COO Kelly Trickett and I are attending The Arc of the United States, National Council of Executives (NCE) Summer Leadership Initiative. This event is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow with leaders from various Arc chapters across the nation, inspiring us to further our commitment to those we serve.
This summer edition of our Insights newsletter fills me with immense pride, as we continue to be a beacon of innovation and compassion. Let me share with you just a few of the updates that have really risen to the top over these past few months.
Incompass Human Services was delighted to celebrate the recognition of two outstanding members of our team. Our COO, Kelly Trickett, was honored as a Distinguished Young Professional by the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. Furthermore, our residential manager, Claude Dossa, was honored as a workforce hero by The Arc of Massachusetts, reflecting the exceptional level of care he provides to our clients. Congratulations again to both Kelly and Claude!
Additionally, we’ve made considerable progress in refining our approach through collaboration. Our team of Care Champions recently came together to develop the yearly balanced scorecard, leveraging insights gained from our engagement with the esteemed London/Boston-based Clarasys Consultants. This collective effort ensures that we continuously grow our program portfolio and enhance the quality of services we provide while staying true to our founding mission and core values.
Our Chelmsford headquarters are also buzzing this summer with the arrival of our latest cohort of Urban Youth Scholars, who come from colleges including UMass Lowell, Yale, and Bowdoin College. Watching these students come together to work with our individuals is always a joy, and we’re fortunate that the Department of Developmental Services continues to support this vital workforce development program.
As we embark on this exciting journey, we are acutely aware of the immense responsibility we bear in enriching the lives of those who rely on our support. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our Care Champions, the trust and support of families and caregivers, and the resilience of the individuals we serve.
On behalf of the entire Incompass team, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Together, we will continue to create a positive impact and empower individuals to live fulfilling lives. Here’s to a summer filled with progress, growth, and compassion!
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since we launched the Incompass brand to much fanfare! While I love our new logo, what I truly appreciated was the deliberative process behind the creation of the brand. And as I sit here today reading through some of that foundational work, I’m trying to contain my excitement for the path our agency is carving out in the human services space.
Let’s start with our brand position:
“Innovating to help the most vulnerable thrive.”
We live this statement every day, and it’s this aspect of our culture that has helped us and the people we serve to stay connected throughout the pandemic. But beyond adapting to the external environment, it’s become a core focus at Incompass – at all levels of the agency.
More important is how we define innovation at Incompass. Innovation isn’t merely defined by technology; it’s defined by new ideas and initiatives that advance our mission to empower individuals in need of human services to experience full lives. We’re bringing on new programs, adding new supports, launching new technology, and creating new ways to help the people we serve thrive.
Let me share just a few examples of innovation in action at Incompass:
ABI Supports and Group Home: As part of our strategic plan, we have launched programs to support people with acquired brain injuries. Working with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), we completed construction on a new fully accessible group home in Tyngsborough designed specifically for the ABI population and moved in five residents. We were also just selected by the MRC to expand our ABI portfolio to provide a range of facility-based and community support services, as well as transitional assistance to those seeking to live more independently. In the coming years, we anticipate helping a number of individuals with ABI in the Northeast Region to secure affordable apartments along with meaningful day or employments supports.
Adaptive Technology: We have created an ad-hoc technology committee, chaired by board member and senior engineer at iRobot Jon Seward, that has just launched an industry-first adaptive technology initiative. Cloud-based sleep tracking devices have been installed in a select number of group homes that will for the first time provide sleep health metrics to our clinical team. With this data, Incompass nurses will be able to identify sleep disorders and other factors leading to sleep loss that can adversely impact the health and well-being of the people we serve.
Virtual Programming: While we don’t know if the state will continue to support virtual programming in 2022, one thing is clear that our virtual program portfolio is here to stay! Our clinical specialists have embraced this platform to not only keep people engaged who are not able to attend a facility-based program but to supplement the activities that are core to our day programs.
Autism Coaching: On the heels of our award-winning Strive2Thrive program for people with autism without an intellectual disability, DDS awarded Incompass a contract to expand our portfolio for people with autism. For the first time, our team is now offering life coaching and college navigation services to the people with autism in our programs. We’ve hired a highly-qualified Care Champion to oversee this program, who himself is an alumnus of the Urban Youth Scholars program.
These are just a few of the examples of innovation that keep driving our agency, and there are countless more I could share. Our Care Champions are as creative as they come when it comes to evolving our service model, and it’s one of the many reasons why our funders continue to choose Incompass Human Services to offer new and vital services to the community.
I wish you all a safe and healthy fall season, filled with pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider donuts!
