Comings & Goings is an occasional feature of Connections in which we highlight promotions, retirements, transitions and more from ANCOR’s provider agency and state association members.
Welcome New Members
On July 1, Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO), the state provider association for the Volunteer State, officially became ANCOR’s newest 100% state provider association! That means that each of the roughly 60 TNCO members are now also ANCOR members. Welcome, Tennessee providers!
In addition to welcoming TNCO members into our community, we are delighted to welcome six other organizations into our growing community of disability service providers:
- California Community Opportunities in San Jose
- Grand Teton Human Services in Idaho Falls, ID
- Life Opportunities Unlimited in Ridgewood, NJ
- Monarch Lifeworks in Shaker Heights, OH
- Outside the Lens in San Diego, CA
- Wow In-Sync, Inc. in Tucker, GA
Bonnie-Jean Brooks to Receive John F. Kennedy, Jr., Award for Direct Support Workforce Advocacy & Leadership
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) announced this week that it will recognize long-time ANCOR member and leader Bonnie-Jean Brooks with the John F. Kennedy, Jr., Award for Direct Support Workforce Advocacy & Leadership. NADSP bestows this award upon individuals who show exceptional leadership and longstanding commitment to advancing the knowledge, skill and values of direct support professionals.
As Founding President & CEO of Maine member OHI, Bonnie-Jean has pioneered groundbreaking efforts to professionalize the direct support workforce, guiding initiatives that embedded competency-based standards, credentialing, and frontline leadership. From on-the-ground training implemented at OHI and adopted by others, to advocating at state and federal levels, Bonnie-Jean has been a one-of-a-kind champion for direct support professionals.
NADSP will honor Bonnie-Jean at its Annual Conference, which will be held in Buffalo, New York, in early September. ANCOR congratulates Bonnie-Jean on this fantastic achievement, and recognition of a lifetime of advocacy, innovation, and love.
Matt Fletcher Named Executive Director of TARC, Inc.
ANCOR congratulates Matt Fletcher on becoming executive director at TARC, Inc., in Topeka, Kansas.
Previously, Fletcher served for several years leading InterHab, the state provider association in Kansas and member of ANCOR’s 100% State Provider Association program. In a statement, Patrick Gardner, president of InterHab’s Board of Directors, said, “Matt established good working relationships with legislators, lobbyists and system partners that will continue well into the future. We are grateful to him for leading InterHab’s vital advocacy work and will continue to build on the foundation he helped establish. We thank him for his years of service and wish him continued success.”
In June, TARC’s Board of Directors welcomed Fletcher to his new role as Executive Director. Eileen Doran, TARC’s retiring Executive Director, said, “I couldn’t be more excited that the TARC Board of Directors has named its next leader, who has been as much an advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and related disabilities, as its first leader in 1954, Ethel May Miller.”
Keystone Human Services and Mainstay Life Services Announce Intention to Affiliate
Keystone Human Services, a multinational human services organization headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Western Pennsylvania-based Mainstay Life Services, have announced their intention to explore affiliation. The two mission-driven nonprofit organizations provide essential services and support for people living with intellectual disabilities and autism.
This collaborative effort represents a shared commitment to enhancing the quality and reach of services provided to the communities they serve, while exploring opportunities to build a stronger and more sustainable organization for the future. When they affiliate in early Fall 2025, Keystone Human Services with Mainstay Life Services will become one of the largest providers of human services in Pennsylvania. Read the full statement.
In Memoriam: Kevin Carey, CEO, YAI
ANCOR was saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Carey on June 30, following a courageous battle with cancer. Kevin had been Chief Executive Officer for New York member YAI.
“With profound sadness and heavy hearts we share the tragic news of the passing of our CEO, Kevin Carey,” said Jeffery Mordos, Chair of YAI’s Board of Trustees. “Kevin was an extraordinary leader, inspiring us all with his unwavering commitment to YAI building a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kevin will be sorely missed by everyone across the YAI community, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Our Trustees, our leadership team, and all our employees across the organization mourn this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Kevin’s wife Maggie, children Finn and Lucy, entire loving family, and many friends.” Read the full statement.
ANCOR extends condolences to Kevin’s family, colleagues, and everyone else whose life was touched by Kevin’s generous spirit.
André Floyd is ANCOR’s Communications Manager. Have something you’d like to see included in an upcoming edition of Comings & Goings? Reach out to André by email.