We are thrilled to invite members of our community to visit our brain injury community center in Tewksbury. The Incompass Safe Minds Community Center (SMCC) supports those who have experienced a brain injury. It empowers participants to maximize their level of independence, self confidence, and dignity so they can experience full lives in their communities.
Community members will have a chance to mingle with SMCC participants and their families, and learn about the impact that the program has had on their lives. RSVP here.
]]>Together we raised $35,000 – all funds going towards the services and supports we provide to people with intellectual & developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries. The evening was centered around the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and the race certainly didn’t disappoint the crowd. All eyes were glued to the screens, as guests waited with bated breath. Three guests walked away with the Win, Place, and Show prizes! The excitement didn’t end there, as we moved on to announce the winners of our raffle and the sports silent auction. And who could forget the stylish winners of the Best Hat and Best Dressed competitions? We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this a night to remember. Be sure to check out the gallery below, and we’ll see you next year!
As the calendar turned to 2024 we were not just embracing another year. This year we are celebrating a significant milestone in our journey – the 70th anniversary of Incompass Human Services! It’s a momentous occasion that fills me with pride as I reflect on the unwavering commitment of our founding families and the remarkable impact we’ve had on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries, and their caregivers throughout Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence and beyond.
Incompass has always been more than just a service provider; we are a beacon of hope, a source of support, and a community of compassion. Our mission: a testament to our founding families is steeped in an unwavering belief that every individual deserves to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, continues to guide us each day. As we embark on this milestone year, we renew our dedication to empowering those we serve and advocating for their rights and well-being.
We are kicking off our anniversary celebration with the revival of a somewhat new tradition – the “Kentucky Derby Day Party,” under the theme “Stride for a Cause”. I want to extend an invitation to you to join us on May 4th under the tent at Chateau Merrimack in Tyngsboro from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. As the team at Incompass has heard me say so many times before…” this isn’t a gala!” This event promises not only an exciting live stream viewing of the Kentucky Derby but also an array of contests and games, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Let’s come together to celebrate our achievements, raise funds to support Incompass’ mission, and pave the way for a brighter future. I’ll “bet” it will be the best thing you do all spring!
Speaking of the future, our team of “Care Champions” continues to expand, with 50 new members joining us in 2024 already, with three new group homes under development and continued expansion of other services, these champions are helping us fulfill our strategic vision. Additionally, this year we welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors! We remain committed to recruiting top talent as we strive to meet the growing demand for our services and uphold our standard of excellence.
However, even as we celebrate our successes and look toward the future, we must also confront challenges that are not unique to our agency. Access to quality services post-covid remains a pressing issue, with many individuals still unable to receive the support they desperately need. Incompass continues to carry the advocacy standard. Incompass is proud to be one of ten agencies in the northeast who are collaborating to host an advocacy breakfast next week. The event, “Recognizing Resilience, Celebrating Care,” will amplify our voices and advocacy with the MA Legislature to maintain the governor’s proposed FY’25 budget increase to the health and human services budget. This crucial funding is essential to ensure that we can continue to provide high-quality services while expanding access to those in need.
As we embark on this historic year, I invite each of you to join us in supporting our mission. Whether it’s attending our upcoming events, volunteering your time and talents, or becoming an advocate for change, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
With warm regards,
Jean Phelps
CEO, Incompass Human Services
]]>Below is just a glimpse into the contributions by the TREE program participants and staff. Projects have been completed at our Chelmsford and Tewksbury facilities, and our group homes.
Gardening Project
Car Detailing
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Seth Greenblatt can best be described as a jack of all trades, having spent time in almost every program that Incompass Human Services offers since joining the agency in 2011. After living abroad in Australia for a year, Greenblatt was inspired to reenter the human services workforce, and his passion for the work has driven his career advancement at Incompass. When family support, day habilitation, or community-based day services needed an extra set of hands, he never hesitated. In spring 2023, Greenblatt was promoted to his current position as the TREE program manager, a facility-based day program at Incompass.
In his current role, Greenblatt offers supports to a unique subset of the population – adults with complex life experiences, psychiatric diagnoses, and behavioral challenges. As program manager, he oversees the individual support plans (ISP) for each program participant, organizes vocational training opportunities for participants, and handles data entry for the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS).
Managing twelve staff in a unique program such as TREE is no small feat. Greenblatt leverages the hard and soft skills he has acquired over the years to be an efficient leader. His Bachelor of Communications gives him an edge when collaborating with other departments within the agency. In contrast, his MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications are critical in maintaining a safe environment for staff and participants.
Outside of the technical responsibilities of his position, Greenblatt emphasizes the importance of putting the “human” into human services. “Seth has embraced his time in the TREE program and made great strides in developing relationships with participants that have contributed to their positive experiences in the program,” Director of Day Services Emily Horn said. “I find ways to connect with them on a personal level and look forward to activities where they can enjoy themselves. Really anything that makes them happy,” said Greenblatt. He is admired by staff for being personable, dependable, and always “on the clock” when a situation arises.
Greenblatt meets people with the compassion and open-mindedness that allows them to be their most authentic selves, truly encompassing what it means to be a care champion.
]]>All proceeds raised through the “Days of Giving” campaign will help fund the programs and services that we provide to the Incompass community. Our portfolio of programs supports those with intellectual/developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries as well as their families and caregivers. We’d love for you to donate to these causes, but there’s another way you can be involved…by becoming a Care Champion Fundraiser!
Incompass relies on the generosity of our community to help us achieve our mission to empower the people we serve in Greater Lowell and Greater Lawrence to live full lives. At the end of the day, we’re all care champions!
Donate or signup to be a Care Champion Fundraiser here!
Thank you to our sponsors! Your generosity will help make this a memorable event for the individuals and families we support, as well as the community.
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Brad MacDougall, new Board Chair
Incompass Human Services, a founding affiliate of the New England Human Services Collaborative (NEHSCO), is proud to announce Brad MacDougall as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. The organization also warmly welcomes Carolyn Dunn as a new member of the Board.
Brad MacDougall, who has been a member of the Board of Directors for four years, succeeds Timothy Allen, who has been designated as Emeritus Chair of the Incompass Board of Directors. Allen will continue his invaluable service as Chair of the Board of the New England Human Services Collaborative.
MacDougall’s role as the Director of Consulting Services New England at CGI, combined with his extensive experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors that includes a fourteen year tenure as a vice president of government affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead the board.
“I am truly honored to serve as the Chair of the Board of Incompass Human Services,” said MacDougall. “It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I take on this role, and I want to express my deep appreciation for the dedication and support of the entire Incompass community. Together, we will continue to create a positive impact and empower individuals to live fulfilling lives.”
In addition, Carolyn Dunn joins the board, bringing 25 years of dedicated service in human services, particularly in residential programs and hospice care. Her extensive experience as a National Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and her proactive role in developing solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services are invaluable to Incompass Human Services.
Incompass CEO Jean Phelps presented Emeritus Chair Tim Allen with a plaque recognizing his years of service as Board Chair at a recent Board of Directors meeting.
Jean Phelps, CEO of Incompass Human Services, expressed her enthusiasm about these appointments. “We are thrilled to welcome Brad MacDougall as our new Chair of the Board of Directors and Carolyn Dunn as a new board member. Brad’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in our board’s success, and we are excited to see him step into this new role. Carolyn’s vast experience and dedication to human services make her a perfect fit for our team. Together, their contributions will undoubtedly steer Incompass towards a future rooted in growth and innovation.”
The Board appointments are pivotal for Incompass Human Services as the organization continues to expand its reach and impact in the community. With a new strategic plan in place, their combined expertise and commitment to service will play a critical role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and enhancing its mission.
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