From the CMO: A Summer of Connection, Community & Joy

by Tim Keene | Aug 27, 2026 | Featured, From the CMO

Care Champions,

As summer winds down, this issue of our newsletter highlights moments that reflect a core value of Incompass: the importance of connection.

Throughout the summer, our Care Champions supported individuals in making the most of the season – spending time with friends, trying something new, exploring their communities, and simply having fun. From Residential and CBDS summer BBQs to an afternoon at the Lowell Folk Festival and our annual Incompass Got Talent show, these experiences are about much more than what’s on the calendar. They are moments of belonging, friendship, independence, and joy.

This summer also gave us the opportunity to welcome eight Urban Youth Interns to Incompass. Over the past several weeks, they became part of our community – supporting programs, building relationships with the individuals we serve, taking on new responsibilities, and bringing their own energy and ideas to our organization. Watching them celebrate their graduation was a wonderful reminder of the impact these opportunities can have in both directions. While our interns gained valuable professional experience, they also made a meaningful contribution to Incompass.

Connection can also be measured in years, and this month we have the privilege of celebrating an incredible 35-year milestone for Doug Babbitt. Doug’s decades of service reflect the relationships, knowledge, and commitment that make Incompass what it is today. We are fortunate to have Care Champions who have dedicated so much of their careers to our mission and, most importantly, to the individuals we support.

As we look ahead to September, we are especially excited to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and recognize the incredible DSPs who bring our mission to life every day. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment support individuals in building independence, pursuing their goals, connecting with their communities, and living fulfilling lives. We look forward to celebrating them throughout the week and shining a well-deserved spotlight on the impact they make across Incompass.

But before we turn the page on summer, I hope we can take a moment to appreciate the memories made, the relationships strengthened, and all of the people who made these experiences possible.

Thank you to our Care Champions, individuals, families, interns, and community partners for making this another memorable summer at Incompass. Together, you continue to show what’s possible when people feel connected, supported, and truly part of their community.

From the CMO: Building Connections, Creating Opportunities

by Tim Keene | Jun 29, 2026 | Featured, From the CMO

Care Champions,

As summer settles in at Incompass, there is a renewed sense of energy throughout our organization. Our programs are filled with exciting activities, we’re welcoming our Urban Youth interns, and every day our Care Champions continue to create meaningful experiences for the individuals we support. Whether it’s a community outing, an advocacy effort, or supporting individuals as they develop greater independence, it’s inspiring to see our mission come to life in so many different ways.

This month also provided an opportunity for reflection as we recognized Juneteenth. We invited our Care Champions to share what the day means to them, and common themes emerged: freedom, advocacy, human rights, and the importance of understanding our shared history. Those reflections serve as an important reminder that creating inclusive communities begins with listening, learning, and ensuring every individual is valued, respected, and empowered.

That same spirit of advocacy extends beyond our walls. Earlier this month, members of our AFC team traveled to the Massachusetts State House for Adult Foster Care Awareness Day, joining caregivers, providers, and advocates from across the Commonwealth to educate legislators about the vital role Adult Family Care plays in helping individuals remain safely in the homes and communities they know and love. Strong community supports and dedicated caregivers make independence possible, and we’re proud to advocate for policies that strengthen those services.

As you read this issue, you’ll find stories that capture the many ways our Care Champions, supporters, and community partners are making a difference – from the Epilepsy Walk and Fashion Show to our Fishing Trip, Safe Minds Donation Box initiative, the Explore Possibility Summit, and the well-deserved recognition of Jean Phelps and Michael Bloom for their outstanding contributions. Thank you for being part of the Incompass community and for helping us continue to create opportunities, build connections, and make every day meaningful for the people we serve.