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!