Hello, Care Champions.

It's been a minute since our last Care Champion Bulletin (our awesome recruiters are working hard to hire our next marketing specialist!), so I have a lot to catch up on. Mostly because you all continue to do so much! We have awards, events, open houses, staff anniversaries, and promotions to cover! In short, there is a lot to love about this one...

(Psst...we are also working our Summer Incompass Insights eNewsletter which will drop later this month!)

CHRO Becca Rausa sent an important reminder to Care Champions this week...

On behalf of the Incompass JEDI committee, I hope this message finds you well. We wanted to remind everyone that this Wednesday, June 19th, will be observed as a paid holiday at Incompass in recognition of Juneteenth. The administrative offices and day services will be closed on this day to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. 

Juneteenth's history highlights the resilience and determination of African American communities in the face of adversity. While Emancipation came into effect on January 1st, 1863, the slaves in Texas did not find out until more than two years later. Juneteenth is a time to acknowledge the struggles endured and celebrate the progress made towards justice and equality. 

Let's take this opportunity to honor the legacy of Juneteenth and reaffirm our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all.

Please find below some links to additional resources for further reflection on its historical significance and relevance today:

• "Juneteenth" via National Museum of African American History & Culture 
• Juneteenth Events in Massachusetts 
• Juneteenth Through the Lens of Disabled Women of Color
• Juneteenth and the legacy of Disabled Black Slaves

June is Pride Month, and our JEDI Committee is proud to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! It's a month that we are all proud to recognize as our core belief as Care Champions is that every person should feel valued, respected, and supported. We create inclusive and accepting spaces where people can thrive and be their authentic selves, and we are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community!

The new Director of Residential Services Thompson Stephens made a special announcement this week. Take it away, Thompson...

"I am thrilled to announce the promotion of two outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to Incompass Human Services. 

Herve Claude Dossa, who joined us on November 9, 2015, has been promoted to Assistant Director of Residential Services. Claude has shown remarkable growth and leadership since starting as Direct Care. His journey from Residential Manager to his new role is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Simon Waruhiu, a valued member of our team since October 9, 1995, has also been promoted to Assistant Director of Residential Services. Simon’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in his progression from Direct Care to Residential Manager, and now to Assistant Director.

Both Claude and Simon have exemplified the core values of Incompass Human Services through their dedication, leadership, and exceptional service. Please join me in congratulating them on their well-deserved promotions."

Visit an Incompass facility and you might notice a lot of staff sporting Care Champion sweatshirts and Incompass hats. That's because last month Incompass began handing out our spring staff gifts! It's great seeing the pride our team has in the work we do and the culture we emobdy!

Check out our June staff anniversary list! Douglas Babbitt is celebrating 33 years as a Care Champion! Bernard Njuguna has hit his 25 year milestone, while Betty Njuguna has hit 20 years! And Ryan Silva is celebrating a decade at Incompass Human Services! Congrats to everyone on your distinguished careers, and cheers to many more years together...

Our Safe Minds Community Center recently opened at our newest location in Tewksbury, and the team has been so busy turning it into a haven for the individuals with acquired brain injuries who we serve. From signage to new kitchen appliances to furniture to recreational tools, it's quickly become a place where attendees feel at home. To celebrate our progress, Heather Mantell and Stephanie Reed hosted individuals, caregivers, and staff from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission at an open house in May. Attendees were treated to a tour while staff and individuals shared their experiences and the impact that the program is having on their lives. Among those in attendance included Bill Yelenak, CEO of the Providers' Council! Check out our highlight video here!

One year ago Incompass opened our first ever medically complex respite home! Located in picturesque Dracut, the home was built specifically for this function and features fully-accessible features, hospital beds, and clinical spaces. The team has hosted numerous individuals just over the past year, and the feedback from caregivers has been overwhelmingly positive. So why not celebrate with a little summer barbecue?

Earlier this month, Incompass individuals attended the annual African Festival in Lowell! Here group home residents Gabriel and Stanley are captured enjoying the beautiful day!

From barbecues at our group homes to paying respects to the members of the community who gave their lives fighting for our freedom, it was an active holiday weekend!