More than 100 people came together at the Black Box Theatre to advocate for the human services workforce
PEABODY, MA – On Friday, April 1, Incompass Human Services joined six other northeast Massachusetts human services agencies to host elected officials at the annual “Northeast Human Services Advocacy Breakfast” at the Black Box Theatre in Peabody, MA. Given the fact that it was April Fool’s Day, the theme of the 2022 breakfast was “It’s No Joke,” with a robust policy agenda focused on the workforce crisis in the state’s human services industry.
More than 100 people attended the breakfast that was catered by the Breaking Grounds Café, a social enterprise operated by the Northeast Arc. Speakers included Senator Joann Lovely, Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Centerboard program director Martina Campbell, and Northeast Arc family member Carol McGee – whose sister receives services from the Northeast Arc. The breakfast was co-sponsored by a consortium of human services providers:
Human services leaders are asking for an increase to the Chapter 257 Rate Reserve that would bring wages to $20.30/hour
Northeast Arc CEO JoAnn Simons, Bridgewell CEO Chris Tuttle, NFI Massachusetts CEO Lydia Todd, and Incompass CEO Jean Phelps also made remarks in support of the workforce.
“We’re specifically asking lawmakers to set aside funds to raise the starting wage for human service workers,” remarked Tuttle.
Incompass CEO Jean Phelps at the podium.
Phelps, who had just returned from Washington, D.C. where she attended the Disability Policy Seminar, recalled words from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley that stuck with her that morning. “It would be great if we didn’t have to weaponize our trauma around disability to adequately support our services.”
Incompass Human Services and the six other human services agencies sponsoring the event used the venue to highlight the major policy initiative being championed by The Collaborative – an increase of $581.6 million for the Chapter 257 Rate Reserve. This increase is a necessary investment in the human services industry, as it would bring wages up to a more competitive $20.30 an hour.
“Without this increase, we’re going to continue to lose workers to Amazon and to the state, and we won’t be able to offer the services and supports that the vulnerable people we serve rely on,” Todd told the crowd.
Speakers focused on the important work that human services workers perform, and the lives they touch
A high point of the morning was the legislative panel, which was moderated by Arc of Massachusetts CEO Leo Sarkisian. The panelists included:
Senator JoAnn Lovely
Representative Jamie Belsito addresses the crowd.
Senator Bruce Tarr
Senator Brendan Crighton
Representative Paul Tucker
Representative Dan Cahill
Representative Jamie Belsito
Representative Thomas Walsh
Representative Sally Kerans
“This is about dignity. This is about respect. This is about our communities. This is about our vulnerable populations,” said Representative Belsito in her remarks advocating for more support for the critical workers in the human services field.
Picking up on that theme, Representative Tucker remarked that “they do it because they have a passion for helping people and working with some really special folks. No headlines. No accolades. Sometimes they might get a pat on the back, but that doesn’t pay the bills.”
Representative Walsh added that “we have a terrific group of legislators here who really do hear your message…and we have a tremendous respect for the work that you do.”
Last year’s breakfast was cancelled due to the pandemic, so this was a momentous morning
Attendees remarked on what an uplifting morning it was, and how much they appreciated being in-person given that last year’s breakfast was cancelled due to the pandemic. Senator Diana DiZoglio and former Senator Richard Tisei were also in attendance, as were numerous human services workers, families, and caregivers.
The legislative panel and human services leaders take a moment to strike a pose after a lively panel discussion.
Did you know that Heather has a cat named “Bear,” is a huge fan of Marvel movies, and has a one-year old daughter? Check out the full video below.
This month, Assistant Director of Day Programs Heather Melo sat down with CareCast host Dan Esdale. Heather happily shared insights in her role working at Incompass Human Services, and definitely had a little fun! She has spent virtually her entire career working in the field of human services, and had some heart-warming stories to share. During the conversation, she shares some of her favorite memories, tells us what she likes most about working in the field, and even gives us her take on the Brady vs. Belichick debate!
When asked how Heather would describe the Incompass experience, she had a wonderful answer!
“For me, I feel that all the staff are super invested in all of the individuals who come through this door. I feel that Incompass does a really great job of investing their time and really getting to know the individual; not just in the ways that we have to write their goals and all of those day-to-day things, but as a whole and I think we do a really good job with that.”
Heather also shared her favorite part of working as a Care Champion for Incompass…
“My favorite part is that I’m working with new people everyday, and I’m working with people who’ve been here for years and years. Seeing their growth over a time period is really fulfilling to see. And a lot of times when you know you’ve made a positive impact on those folks and you’re a part of that process, it’s great!”
Heather ended the conversation by saying “let’s do it again!” You can hear the CareCast on Spotify and iTunes as well…just search for Incompass Human Services!
And guess what…Incompass is hiring! Know someone you think would be a great fit? Let us know, as we’d love to talk to them. We have open positions in day programs and residential services, with both full-time and part-time roles available. Check out our open positions here.
For the first time in nearly 150 days, our day programs will be open next week when we welcome a small cohort of day hab participants to Lawrence and Chelmsford!
The last five months have been an incredible period for all of us at LifeLinks CLASS.
We’ve listened to our Care Champions.
We’ve connected with our families and caregivers.
We’ve consulted with fellow provider agencies.
We’ve followed guidance from federal and state agencies.
We’ve completed training to build our skills in infection prevention and containment
All of this insight, collaboration, and action has driven our agency’s pandemic response plan that has been rooted in proactive steps aimed at promoting the health and safety of our community. Remember, we suspended day programs, required face coverings, and offered hand-washing training prior to the release of state requirements.
So, at the risk of sounding self-serving, I don’t mind saying that I think we’re doing a heck of a job! ???
But hey, don’t just take my word for it! Our most recent round of surveillance testing conducted at nearly every group home just this week recorded zero positive tests! In fact, we haven’t recorded a single positive COVID-19 test in six weeks! ? ?
And remember – WE NEVER CLOSED! Our 16 group homes are staffed 24/7 and are home to nearly 100 individuals. Our nurses and clinical teams are providing essential medical care to individuals where they are. Our Family Support Center is actively serving more than 300 families throughout the region. Our family support and day program specialists have run more than 1,000 virtual programs since day programs were suspended.
The bottom line is that our organization is rooted in doing things for each other; this isn’t novel for us. It’s what makes us all Care Champions! While it’s easy to focus on tangible policies and procedures, I am especially proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past few months…
We’ve learned from each other.
We’ve supported each other.
We’ve stayed home and avoided crowds for each other.
We’ve donned masks for each other.
We’ve been there for each other.
This includes all of you – staff, families, caregivers, individuals, public officials, Directors, and supporters. So on Monday, remember we aren’t just resuming day hab; we’re taking another step forward as a LifeLinks CLASS team…and we’re doing it #ForEachOther.
Last week, we regretfully announced layoffs of 140 valued members of the LifeLinks CLASS day program and employment services teams. It was a truly sad week for so many people, especially those staff members whose jobs were impacted through no fault of their own. But we will get through this.
When news like this drops, it’s natural that people may draw their own conclusions. LifeLinks CLASS is not closing. CEO Jean Phelps addresses this decision directly with all of you in her latest video, explaining “why we did what we did, and what our plans are going forward.” Additionally, we are enclosing the messages that were sent to both staff and families over the past week announcing the layoffs.
To our LifeLinks CLASS family, we will continue to lead in providing critical supports to the nearly 1,000 individuals and families who we serve. The Family Support Center will continue to provide engaging virtual programming, individualized support, and personalized counsel. Our residential programs will continue to support people living independently, in one of our 16 group homes, or with shared living providers. Our AFC program will continue to assist caregivers across the community during their time of need. Our clinical teams will continue providing their invaluable services to every person we serve. Our Strive2Thrive and Healthy Balance programs will continue to engage young people in the community in our work. And if we get guidance and funding in place, we are confident that facility-based, community, and employment programs will thrive again on the other side of the pandemic.
Message to Staff on June 17:
To my LifeLinks CLASS family,
I’ve pledged never to lose focus on communicating with all of you on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our agency. Sometimes that pledge is easier to keep than others, and today I’m overwhelmed with emotion as I write to you all with extremely sad news.
Tomorrow, we are mailing layoff notices to 140 of our colleagues – all of whom work in day hab, CBDS, TREE, and employment services. (If you do not work in these departments, you are not affected.) The layoffs will take effect on July 3 and will impact both hourly workers and managers. For an agency whose mission is centered on inclusion, this development has been painstakingly difficult. Even more frustrating is the fact that due to the pandemic, I’m delivering this news to all of you from a distance – and not speaking to you directly.
First, let me assure you that this decision was not made in haste; it was a last resort. We highly value and respect every member of the LifeLinks CLASS team. But the fact is our agency is confronting three hard realities that we have little control over:
Reduced funding of day programs that was in place through June 30 has now ceased.
It’s been nearly 14 weeks since we made the announcement suspending facility-based day programs due to the pandemic.
We’re not sure when – or even if – we’ll be able to operate at 100% capacity again.
Over these past few months, we’ve overcome so much by working together. You’ve all been laser-focused on the people we support. You’ve adopted new policies and procedures that keep all of us and the people we serve safe in a time of uncertainty. And most importantly, you’ve stayed positive throughout this entire ordeal. I’m so grateful for that, and it’s something I never take for granted.
To those team members who are leaving LifeLinks CLASS, I am truly sorry. This is not your fault. Let me say that again – this is NOT your fault. The people you serve and their families truly value the care and supports you provided on a daily basis. Your impact will live on, as you embody what it means to be a LifeLinks CLASS care champion. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you do. I pledge to you that we will do everything in our power to recall you as soon as we are able to resume our day and employment programs.
Human resources will be in touch individually with each of you whose jobs were impacted to help with the difficult and painful transition. We informed the SEIU earlier today and will work together to follow all the policies and procedures outlined in the CBA.
To those team members who are staying with LifeLinks CLASS, let’s live up to the example set by those who are leaving us. Let’s honor their contributions to LifeLinks CLASS. And let’s never forget our mission as an agency, that every individual has a right to live a fulfilling and happy life.
I know this news is difficult, and I want to give everyone a few days to process it. I’ll be convening a virtual town hall meeting next week so we can come together virtually as a community and begin the healing process. I’ll release more details on that in the coming days.
I promise you, better days are ahead. We will persevere. And we will always be there for the people we serve. The world is a better place because of it.
Message to Families on June 23:
Dear LifeLinks CLASS Families:
Last week, I shared the extremely sad news with the LifeLinks CLASS team that 140 of our colleagues – all of whom work in day hab, CBDS, TREE, and employment services – were receiving layoff notices effective July 3. The staff who are leaving us did nothing wrong, and truly embody what it means to be a LifeLinks CLASS care champion.
When I last wrote you it was with the news that we were suspending our facility-based day programs indefinitely, The reality is that without clear re-opening guidance from the Department of Developmental Services there is no way to commit to a re-opening date. Unfortunately, even after Governor Baker’s announcement of the phased re-opening plan, our agency is confronting three hard realities that we have little control over:
The already reduced funding of day programs that was in place through June 30 has now ceased.
It’s been 14 weeks since we made the announcement suspending facility-based day programs due to the pandemic.
We’re not sure when – or even if – we’ll be able to operate at 100% capacity again.
Over these past few months, we’ve overcome so much by working together. No matter the circumstance, we’ve kept our focus on providing the critical services and supports to your loved ones. We will get through this. Together.
That being said, we’re losing critical funding that we need to maintain our current level of day services. While we’re hoping to recall all of the day services staff once we’re able to re-open, members of the team who you count on have been impacted by the layoffs. For some of you, that will mean changes after July 3:
You may have a new main contact assigned to you.
You may see a decrease in remote and in-person check-ins.
You may see a reduction in some of the day program-related services and support we’re able to provide.
Over the next week, we’ll be in touch with each of you who will be directly impacted. While this is difficult, we’re all in this together. While we have to adapt to a new economic reality, we will never waiver on our commitment to providing the services and supports that your loved ones deserve. Our incredible team has pivoted over these past few months to ramp up our virtual and remote services and programs, and you’ve been a huge part of this incredible transition.
I want to thank you all. These past few months have been challenging for all of us – especially for your loved ones who are part of our family. We’ve been forced to suspend programs, restrict group home visitation, and implement new COVID-19 policies. Through it all, you’ve been thoughtful, understanding, and incredibly supportive. The stories you’ve shared with me about the dedication of our care champions have warmed my heart in ways I cannot possibly express.
I know this news is difficult to hear. I truly wish I could be more certain about the state’s plan and what it means for us going forward, but I promise I will update all of you as soon as we have clarity.
In the meantime, be well and stay safe.
Our agency is in regular contact with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and industry organizations and will keep you updated and informed as we learn more. We’re anxious to see all of you in person again once it’s safe to do so.
Today I want to take the opportunity to share with you the note that I sent to the LifeLinks CLASS team on Monday…
Dear LifeLinks CLASS family:
I’m not even sure where to begin in my message to you. Like many of you, I was disgusted and horrified by the senseless killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I watched on my tv as scenes played out across Boston and throughout the nation over the past few nights that devolved into something that was heart-wrenching and anxiety-provoking. A desperate unhappiness for the country permeates my heart and thoughts.
I realize that today we’re all hurting deeply. We are outraged and heartbroken. As a community, we can stand together. We can help each other. We can respect one another. And, most importantly, we can condemn hate and discrimination in all forms.
There are some immutable realities that we experience every day here at LifeLinks CLASS that – for me – help to equalize my emotions and ground me. First, we are one organization focused on one mission of ensuring the best life possible for each of the individuals we support to be happy and safe. Second, there are many races, religions, and cultures represented in our workforce and the people and families who we support; we are all unique and we actively respect those differences. Third, all are welcomed, and all are supported.
Think about that last statement. Inclusion is a core value of our organization. And it’s not just something I put in the annual report; it means that we collectively aspire to give those individuals we support the opportunity to achieve their full potential in an environment free from discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or political ideology.
I know many of you right now feel overwhelmed, anxious, powerless, lonely, frustrated, and angry. We cannot separate the realities of the world from our work. We need to be open and honest with ourselves, and with each other, that there are systemic and ideologic divides right now in our country that are deep and wide. But remember that every day at LifeLinks CLASS we work in ways both small and wide to bridge those divides.
It’s a privilege to do what we do, and I have never been prouder of all of you or more humbled by the example of love and devotion that I have seen expressed during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. You have supported our individuals above all else, including your own families. You have stood shoulder to shoulder carrying a very heavy burden. You are demonstrating compassion to individuals who are at home, struggling to understand the restrictions of a lockdown.
At LifeLinks CLASS we have always valued the preservation of the dignity of life. I pledge to never waver in that commitment.
