News for Home
Updated 5/9/2025
This dedicated webpage is exclusively for families and home staff, offering updates on Day Services, Family Services, and Residential Services. Stay informed, stay connected, bookmark this page today!
Pinned Information – click the buttons to learn more
Agency Announcement (posted 5/9/25)
Dear Families,
As the landscape surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, we want to share an important update regarding how we’re adapting to these changes. Moving forward, we will no longer be conducting program-wide testing following an exposure. We will also not be providing test kits to program individuals and will use the stock we have left to test in program as needed.
This change reflects a broader shift in public health resources. Most health insurance plans now cover the cost of COVID-19 tests, either directly or through reimbursement. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance provider for details on accessing tests. For additional testing options, including free resources, please visit www.mass.gov.
We also want to remind everyone of our current Respiratory Illness Policy:
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, please remain home until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of medication).
- After returning, we ask that you wear a well-fitted mask for 5 days to help protect others.
- If you have been exposed to someone with a respiratory illness, please wear a well-fitted mask for 5 days, to help protect others.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our community safe and healthy.
Communitas CEO Communication (posted 5/8/25)
Dear Parents & Guardians,
I hope you are enjoying the early spring weather. Symbolically, spring is often associated with growth, renewal, and hope. Spring’s theme of renewal and growth is perfectly reflected by increased staffing within our Day and Residential programs, which has allowed for the full-time return of most participants in our Day Services Division and our ability to accept new referrals for our Residential Services Division. Just as the season brings the promise of warmer days and flourishing nature, the materialization of these staffing improvements symbolizes progress and optimism. In the last three months, our Residential Division has hired 21 new staff. Likewise, we have hired 7 new staff for our Day Service Division (3 Woburn, 2 Beverly, & 2 Wakefield). The hiring of new staff provides more consistency and stability in terms of supporting your family members.
There continues to be an expressed desire for the return of the Gala, but only 4 people have communicated their willingness to participate on a Gala committee. It is my hope that more people will join the committee because we have decided to revive the Gala. As the Gala makes its grand return, we are reminded of the profound impact it brings, not only as a celebration but as a catalyst for change. This cherished event unites the community in support of Communitas and its vital mission to empower individuals with disabilities. It highlights the importance of collective action, fostering awareness, inclusion, and compassion while raising funds for programs that enrich lives. The Gala is more than a gathering; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength of a community working together to build a brighter, more equitable future.
Our first Gala committee meeting will be late September/early October to begin planning for the 2026 Gala. Please email with your intent to participate, so I can establish a committee contact list. This meeting will serve as an important starting point for planning a meaningful and impactful event, bringing together creative minds and passionate individuals dedicated to supporting Communitas. Your involvement will ensure that the Gala runs smoothly and fulfills its potential to unite the community for a common cause. Together, we can make the Gala a powerful celebration of inclusion and compassion. Let’s create an unforgettable experience that highlights the strength and generosity of our community!
PS As a friendly reminder, see this link for information about the upcoming CommUNITY Walk that guides you on registration, sponsorship opportunities, and individual donations. You can also use this link https://communitasma.org/2025-community-walk/
Additionally, each Day Service location will host a contest to see which classroom can raise the most money. The classroom that raises the most money at each site will when a pizza party.
You support of Communitas is appreciated!
Respectfully,
James
James E. Campbell, Jr., Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Register for the CommUNITY Walk! (posted 5/7/25)
Hi friends! Don’t forget to register for the CommUNITY Walk! If you register by 5/16, you get a free t-shirt!
https://communitasma.org/2025-community-walk/
Call to Action – House Budget Amendment #1216 (posted 4/22/25)
House Budget Amendment #1216 has been filed by Representative Finn. This amendment proposes benchmarking all positions at the 63rd percentile of the Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which would result in a $100 million increase to the Chapter 257 line item (1599-6903).
Please contact your state representative by Wednesday, April 23, to ask them to co-sponsor this important amendment. Click here to find your state representative.
CommUNITY Walk Registration – now open! (posted 4/15/25)
It’s tiiiiime!
Registration for the 2025 CommUNITY Walk is officially OPEN! 
Join us on Saturday, June 21 from 10 AM – 1 PM at the beautiful Lake Quannapowitt for a day full of walking, connection, games, dancing, and all the feel-good community vibes! 
Want to walk with us, donate, or become a sponsor?
Get all the info here 
https://communitasma.org/2025-community-walk/
Let’s show the world that we’re #BetterTogether
#CommUnityWalk#WeAreCommunitas#InclusionInAction
EBT/SNAP Benefits Alert from DDS (posted 4/15/25)
DDS Let us know that the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) will be switching to a new EBT vendor later this month, and during the actual transition, clients will not be able to use their EBT cards to access their benefits. This impacts clients who receive SNAP benefits, as well as those who receive cash benefits through TAFDC and EAEDC programs. The outage time begins at 11 p.m. on April 26 and runs through mid-day on April 27. We are strongly encouraging those who use EBT cards to plan accordingly, including getting shopping done before the outage begins. We encourage you to direct people to the state’s website,www.mass.gov/EBT, which has key messaging, FAQs and outreach flyers that have been translated into Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Health Alert from DDS (posted 4/14/25)
DDS Recently issued a Health Alert regarding the recent increase in measles cases in many states, including Massachusetts. Please click here to read the Health Alert. Or click here to directly to the Mass.gov Fact Sheet about measles.
April Recreation Newsletter (posted 3/25/25)
Spring into fun with Recreation! Click here for the April Recreation Newsletter!
Satisfaction Survey Report (posted 3/20/25)
Please click this link to view our agency overview from the 2024 Satisfaction Survey.
Call to Action – Protect Medicaid (posted 2/24/25)
Medicaid is more than just a program—it’s a lifeline. It makes living in the community possible for people with developmental and other disabilities, providing the essential support they need to thrive. But right now, federal discussions about cutting costs could put Medicaid funding at risk. Stand up to make sure lawmakers understand what’s at stake. We will continue to educate, advocate, and amplify the voices of people with disabilities. Medicaid matters—join us in protecting it!
The newly released House budget framework calls for 1.5 trillion in cuts over ten years, and directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to cut at least $880 billion in spending—placing Medicaid on the chopping block. While details remain uncertain, these reductions would likely result in deep cuts to Medicaid funding.
These cuts would have devastating consequences for people with I/DD, potentially stripping away access to vital HCBS that allow individuals to remain in their communities. These are not just numbers—they represent real people whose independence and well-being are at stake.
📢 Take action today! Tell Congress to protect Medicaid and preserve I/DD services by adding your voice here: Preserve I/DD Services
March Recreation Newsletter (posted 2/24/25)
March is packed with fun at Communitas Recreation! Join us for track, cooking, and more! Click here to view!
February Day Program Newsletter (posted 1/27/25)
From the Desk of James E. Campbell, CEO (posted 1/28/25)
Dear Parents & Guardians:
Continuing from our previous conversation about the following themes that emerged from the Meet & Greet events:
- Enhance communication with families
- The full-time return of all participants in Day Programs
- Increase staffing in Day Programs to support the return of participants
- Upgrade curriculum/activities for the people supported in Day Programs
- The return of the Gala and/or opportunities to support Communitas
We’re excited to introduce this dedicated webpage created just for families and home staff. This platform is your go-to resource for the latest updates on:
- Day Services
- Family Services
- Residential Services
Stay informed and stay connected with all the latest happenings at Communitas. Make sure to bookmark this page and check back often for updates!
Likewise, we’re delighted to share that there has been a gradual increase in applications in our day programs. This can be attributed to the recent increase in pay. With the addition of a few new hires at our Wakefield location, we can open a new classroom. The new classroom will allow us to return participants to full-time attendance and accommodate approximately four new participants. Furthermore, there is an active assessment underway to explore opportunities for integrating more participants into the Wakefield location. Also, our Beverly day program is fully staffed, and all participants have returned to their regular schedule. The Woburn location is facing some staffing challenges but have developed a plan to return 6 participants to full-time attendance.
We’re thrilled to announce that Career Services staffing has increased from 2 to 8. The increase in staffing will contribute to the provision of one-on-one coaching and support for participants who are ready for work, and those who are interested in learning about vocational opportunities.
Lastly, we continue to evaluate our curriculum/activities and will communicate any modifications. As it relates to the return of the Gala, 3 parents have expressed a willingness to support this initiative, we will need more parents to engage if the Gala is to return.
Warm regards,
James
February Recreation Newsletter (posted 1/27/25)
Click Here for the February Recreation Newsletter! Registration linked included!
Celebrating Workiversaries! (posted 1/13/25)
Check out our Facebook or Instagram pages for a shoutout to some special staff celebrating work anniversaries this month!
MDDC Legislative Priorities Survey (posted 1/8/25)
The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is conducting its legislative priorities survey and would like to have more voices of individuals with I/DD provide input. They are asking providers like Communitas to share with our network and encourage individuals we serve to complete the survey. Please click here for more information.
December Day Services Newsletters (posted 12/27/24)
Day Services Reporting Absentee, Late Dropoff or Early Pickup (posted 12/20/24)
We’re excited to share that a new email address is now live to streamline your communication with our programs! Families and home supports can now use these emails to inform us of schedule changes (if someone will be out, will be late, or will be picked up early). This new process is designed to make it easier and more efficient for you to communicate these updates directly to the programs. As always, you can still call the main switchboard for each program location:
* Beverly –
or 978-279-2100
* Wakefield –
or 781-587-2440
* Woburn –
or 781-365-1350
From the Desk of James E. Campbell, CEO (posted 12/11/24)
Dear Parents & Guardians:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me at the “Meet the CEO” events in November and December. Your support and advocacy for your sons and daughters is commendable. Also, I appreciate your interest in supporting our organization. We see Communitas as a community, with parents and the people we support as community members. Your support of Communitas will enhance the experiences of our community members.
I discerned the following themes from these events:
- Enhance communication to families
- The full-time return of all participants in Day Programs
- Increase staffing in Day Programs to support the return of participants
- Upgrade curriculum/activities for the people supported in Day Programs
- The return of the Gala and/or opportunities to support Communitas
Our first effort in improving communication will be to provide you with a “QR” code that can be scanned with your phones; directing you to a site just for parents and guardians. Additionally, we have reviewed and updated email contact information for correctness. Further, I will be sending quarterly emails, keeping you abreast of pertinent information.
We have recently increased our entry level pay for Skills Instructors from $18 to $20 that makes us competitive in recruiting new employees. Also, we are exploring partnerships with other non-profits and area schools to try and increase our candidate pool.
Improving our curriculum delivery is dependent on addressing staffing needs and educating our staff. We will be exploring opportunities for in-service training days for our staff. This time would be used to educate staff on how to implement the curriculum and activities. Most importantly, it would allow for team-building exercises, which are essential for establishing a nurturing environment.
As for the return of the Gala, we will need a committee of parents to make it happen. We don’t have the human resources to effectively make it happen. Communitas is a very lean organization, illustrated by our 8% administration cost, whereas many nonprofit organizations in our sector have 15-20% administration cost. If you are interested in participating on this committee, please send me an email and I will connect those interested.
Wishing you happy holidays and a prosperous year ahead!
Warm regards,
James E. Campbell, Jr., Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 781-587-2289
Welcome Scott Robertson, Director of Finance (posted 12/10/24)
It is my pleasure to welcome Scott Robertson to Communitas, as our Director of Finance. Prior to coming to Communitas, Scott served as the Director of Financial Planning & Operations at Greater Lynn Senior Services, where he provided oversight of a $71 million budget. Throughout his career, Scott has demonstrated exceptional leadership in financial planning, accounting, and budgeting. He has a proven track record of improving operational processes and internal controls and is adept at managing diverse teams to achieve operational excellence.
Please join me in welcoming Scott to Communitas. When you have the chance, stop by his temporary office to say hello.
Thank you,
James E. Campbell, Jr., Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer