Our Urban Youth interns presented the 2024 Talent Showcase! This event is something we always look forward to and this year was another special show. Thank you to everyone who joined us to enjoy the performances by our day program participants. With excitement and spirit in the air, creativity and skill through Music and Art were on display.
Thank you to all the #CareChampions who made this happen. We couldn’t have done this without you.
Pictured above (From left to right)
Back row: Kami Thomas, Harriet Sander, Rochelle Nimely, Alyssa Goselin, Grace Sevigny, Meghan O’Brien, Karen Akwaboah, and Madelene Etienne.
Front row: Siddhi Ghadi, Halle Warnock, Farai Zuvaradoka, Portia Yeboah, Kennedy Wilson, and Jhoselin Perez.
Incompass Human Services proudly announces that CEO Jean Phelps has been honored with the first-ever “Community Award” by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). This prestigious national award was presented to Ms. Phelps earlier this month at the AAIDD Annual Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, recognizing her remarkable contributions in support of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The “Community Award” is a new addition to the AAIDD’s recognition programs, designed to honor leaders who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the intellectual and developmental disabilities field. Jean Phelps, who has led Incompass Human Services for nearly 20 years, was recognized for her dedicated efforts in championing the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Under her leadership, Incompass has grown its service portfolio through a combination of organic program growth, construction of new group homes, and mergers & affiliations – ultimately contributing to more inclusive and accessible community.
Upon receiving the award, Ms. Phelps shared her thoughts, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition and lead such an incredible team of Care Champions. It’s really a testament to the commitment of every person at Incompass Human Services who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, is valued and given the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.”
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Board at Incompass Human Services, added that “Jean is a wonderful person whose leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Incompass. She has not only steered our agency towards new heights but has also profoundly impacted the broader community by setting a standard for inclusion and advocacy. This award is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her visionary approach and unwavering dedication.”
What an amazing turnout for our Kentucky Derby Day Party! Our debut fundraising event as Incompass Human Services brought nearly 150 guests together at the Chateau Merrimack Resort & Spa. Reintroducing this event, after a five-year hiatus, meant it needed to make an impact. An impact that would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, who continue to show up for the Incompass community.
AAFCPAs
Brown & Brown Insurance
CGI Technologies and Solutions Inc.
Corporation for Independent Living (CIL)
Curtis Strategy
Fintuition Advising
Goodnight Johnny’s American Music Bar
Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Grossman Marketing Group
IR New England
Perkins & Anctil
Phoenix Performance Partners
Retirement Fiduciary Group
Steve Geoffroy, Incompass Board Member
Stirling Brandworks
The Arc of Massachusetts
Tim Allen, Incompass Board Member
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!
We are pleased to introduce Gillian Carter Feld as Incompass’ new Chief Operating Officer. Gillian has an extensive history in human services managing long-term services and supports. Her previous employment was with an Arc on the Northshore, where she managed long-term services including Day Hab and AFC. As our COO, Gillian will be overseeing the program services operations. Gillian brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity to her new role. Welcome, Gillian!
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!
Incompass Human Services is excited to announce the appointment of Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon to our esteemed Board of Directors. With their extensive experience and passion for serving others, they are incredible additions to our team as we continue our commitment to our founding family’s mission and embark on our new strategic plan.
Vincent Geromini brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our board. Presently serving as a Consultant for SEI, Mr. Geromini has worked closely with executive and senior leadership teams globally, developing and executing ambitious strategic initiatives across both the public and private sectors. His direct experience with state Medicaid programs and his advisory roles in various consulting firms make him a valuable asset to Incompass Human Services.
Kerri Dixon
Kerri Dixon’s background in regulation and compliance, coupled with her dedication to special education, adds a unique perspective to our board. With 15 years of experience in government and corporate environments, including NASDAQ and Retirement Fiduciary Group, and an MBA from Simmons University, Ms. Dixon brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. Her transition to becoming a Special Education teacher at the Dracut Public School System, where she works closely with children in residence who are struggling with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and abandonment, demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, her certification as a Yoga Teacher further enriches her ability to support our mission of holistic care.
Brad MacDougall, Chair of the Incompass Human Services Board of Directors, expressed his excitement about the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon to our board. Their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and deepen the wealth of knowledge at the Board level. I speak for my fellow Board members when I say we are all excited for the passion they both demonstrate for the work we are doing, and the people we are serving at Incompass.”
CEO Jean Phelps echoed these sentiments, remarking, “Vincent Geromini and Kerri Dixon bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our organization. Their demonstrated commitment to serving others make them incredible additions to the Incompass Board of Directors, and I’m thrilled to have them as Care Champions.”
As we celebrate 70 years of service in 2024, Incompass Human Services remains steadfast in our dedication to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families in need. With our new strategic plan guiding our efforts, we are excited to work alongside Vincent Geromini, Kerri Dixon, and the entire board to continue fulfilling our mission and driving our Care Champion culture for many years to come.
