On Friday, March 31, Incompass Human Services joined eight other northeastern MA human service agencies to hold an advocacy breakfast, calling on legislators to meet the growing demands in human services. The event’s theme was the “Weight of Waiting,” which aimed to demonstrate how the lack of access to critical human services is having detrimental effects on individuals and families in the Commonwealth. The quality of life and livelihoods of the vulnerable population we support are being threatened, and we must do better.
An enormous thank you to everyone who attended and all those who continue to advocate on behalf of the population we serve. Our collective goal as part of this breakfast was to advocate for support of Governor Healy’s proposed budget and the continued need for more resources to address the needs of human services organizations and those we serve, many of who are still waiting to return to services after the pandemic.
Though events like these only happen a few times a year, advocacy never stops. Agencies like ours can’t afford to take a break while we are hearing cries from families while simultaneously coping with a staffing crisis.
Senator Joan Lovely had this to say, ” I’m honored to offer remarks at the Northeast Human Service Providers Legislative Breakfast on behalf of the #NorthShoreMA delegation to thank our human service workers for their dedication to the critical work helping assisting our most vulnerable residents. I will continue to advocate for improved wages for these valuable workers.” Her support of the bills on Beacon Hill that will lead to a living wage for all of the human service workers in the state means so much!
Incompass CEO, and event MC, Jean Phelps offered some profound words on the “Weight of Waiting” and the “profound impact of being a caregiver.” Representative Sally Kerans echoed those same sentiments while sitting on the legislative panel, “We value the legacy of people who care for our loved ones.”
The highlight of the morning was the premiere the “Weight of Waiting” video that highlighted three families from Northeast Arc, and NFI Massachusetts, Inc. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building as the families shared their struggles. Our advocacy efforts are that much more impactful when we can highlight real life stories. We are incredibly grateful to the families for sharing such vulnerable moments with us. The video will be shared separately, so be sure to check it out!
I’ve been a Board member with Incompass for over a decade now, and I can’t recall a time in our history when I’ve been prouder of the work we do, and more excited for what’s to come. I know you’re used to hearing from our CEO Jean Phelps, so don’t tell her that I’m stealing her above-the-fold message this month!
First, I speak for every member of the Board when I say just how thrilled we are about the caliber of people working at Incompass Human Services. We are so fortunate to have such highly skilled and passionate Care Champions who are making a difference in the lives of the individuals and caregivers they support throughout Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence. It’s not an easy job – and the challenges over these past few years have been like nothing we’ve ever seen – but we value each one of you. The stories we hear in our Board meetings are an important reminder to us to never waver on our mission to empower the people we serve to live their best lives.
And while she isn’t the best at taking praise (show me a human services leader who is!), I can’t say enough about the visionary leadership that our CEO Jean Phelps brings to the table. Jean has spent her entire career in the human services field, dedicating her life to helping others. She is a sought-after expert around the country in nonprofit leadership and is now also serving as the president of the New England Human Services Collaborative.
I’d be remiss too if I didn’t recognize the outstanding leadership team that our CEO has assembled. There is an exceptional group of accomplished women and men with truly complementary skill sets who actively collaborate on key strategic initiatives that enable Incompass Human Services to thrive even in uncertain times. Look no further than our new COO Kelly Trickett, who was just nominated for an Outstanding Young Professionals award by the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.
We are just completing our very first post-merger strategic plan, a period where we opened new group homes, welcomed our acquired brain injury program participants, launched a new brand, and centralized all of our facility-based programs at Omni Way. I am eager to begin the next strategic planning process and continue growing our agency and expanding our reach, as the people we serve truly benefit from the impact we have on our community.
I hope you share my confidence in the agency, its leadership, and Care Champions who truly define Incompass Human Services. I look forward to working together to set ambitious goals and continue our path to becoming the premier provider of lifelong human services needs for people at all stages of their lives.
About the “Give-A-Click” Program: Every quarter, the Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s We Share A Common Thread Foundation donates $1,500 to a worthy area non-profit organization, through the “Give A Click” program. Vote for one of this quarter’s featured organizations, and the non-profit with the most votes will receive $1,500 from the Foundation.
Incompass Human Services is a finalist in JDCU’s “Give-A-Click” Program and we need your help to win! Visit the website below to vote for Incompass. It’s easy!
As always, we couldn’t do what we do without our amazing network of donors. Our Care Champion Fundraisers rose to the occasion, helping us raise $25,000! All money raised in our 2022 “Days of Giving” campaign will be used as financial support to members of the Incompass community and funding for our programs.
We were thrilled to bring back the Incompass Holiday Party on Saturday, December 3. A treasured, annual tradition that was sorely missed by individuals, families, and staff alike. The weather may have been dreary, but the Incompass community brightened up the room with their smiles and best holiday attire. Melanie Harrington, Stacie Murphy, and the rest of the committee set the event up for success by securing a new AV vendor. Crown Entertainment kept a steady stream of dancing tunes going for the evening, and the line for their photo booth was out the door! And as always, Lenzi’s staff went above and beyond with meeting the unique dietary needs of the folks we support. Dinner was delicious! Our rockstar vendors are what this special night possible.
But the true stars of the evening were the individuals and their families attending. For some, this is the only party they’ll be attending for the holiday season. For others, it’s an evening they can cherish with their loved ones. Regardless of the particular situation, it’s a night to remember for everyone.
Last year, we hosted our first-ever Incompass “Day of Giving” virtual event. It went so well that we decided to extend it throughout the month of December. This year we’re back with “Day(s) of Giving” and a more ambitious goal of $50,000! All money raised will help provide financial support to members of the Incompass community as well as fund our portfolio of programs. Thank you in advance for taking the time to watch this short message from the Incompass marketing team, and thank you for your support.
I’ve been a Board member with Incompass for over a decade now, and I can’t recall a time in our history when I’ve been prouder of the work we do, and more excited for what’s to come. I know you’re used to hearing from our CEO Jean Phelps, so don’t tell her that I’m stealing her above-the-fold message this month!
