About Us

We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting people with disabilities and those with significant challenges. We see ourselves as partners with the people we serve, with their families, with our funders, community groups and individual donors…all for the purpose of empowering the individuals we serve to pursue their goals and live a fulfilled life.

In considering what the future holds for human services organizations, we have developed a strategic plan that focuses on innovation. To view a summary of our 2019 Interim Strategic Plan, click here. Special recognition and thanks goes to private foundations such as the Cummings Foundation http://www.cummingsfoundation.org and the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation http://www.thetowerfoundation.org. for supporting two important strategic initiatives.

You can view our most recent Annual Report here.

President’s Message

This past year has been like no other. To say it has
been challenging for everyone is an
understatement. No one has been untouched by
COVID, racial injustice, and the pervasive
uncertainty running through our country.

Fortunately, Fidelity House CRC employees and
supporters stepped up to provide care and
support to those connected to our agency. The
commitment to our mission has never been more
visible and tangible than over this past year. It is a
testament to our employees who have faced
adversity with courage, commitment and
teamwork.

The pandemic and many other concerns are far
from over. However, our ability to adapt and
remain strong in uncertain times will ensure that
the people we support will have the highest
quality of services well into the future.

Thank you for standing with us throughout 2020.
I am honored and humbled to be part of such a
compassionate and courageous community!

Brad Howell

President & CEO

It is with deep sadness that Fidelity House CRC mourns the passing of long-time Board member and friend Walter Meyer. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for six years, most recently as Board President, Walter was deeply dedicated to the organization, its employees, and the people we serve. His kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm were unmatched. Following Walter’s passing, a number of generous donations in his memory spurred Fidelity House CRC to create an employee scholarship fund in his name, which is poised to give its inaugural award later this year. We are grateful for Walter’s service, friendship, and the incredible legacy he has left behind.

Walter Meyer 1956-2020

Meet the Board President

Kara J. Johnson has worked as an employment attorney for over 15 years, representing and counseling employers in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Prior to earning her law degree, Kara worked in the victim services field for many years, including with the Children’s Advocacy Center at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and as Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. She also worked with the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance to help establish its founding Board of Directors. Kara’s background includes work in the Intergovernmental Relations department at the Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. and service as a Jesuit Volunteer supporting the needs of at-risk adolescents in Oregon. Kara is a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School. She lives in Andover with her husband, her two daughters, and their Scottish Terrier. Kara has served as a member of the Board since 2007.

Kara Johnson (President) Attorney at Law, Spruce Law LLC

Lisa Staff  (President-Elect) Owner, Simply Organized

Gregory Spurr  (Treasurer) Vice President, Rockland Trust

George Moriarty (Clerk) Former Executive Director, Northern Essex Community College, Corporate & Community Ed., Retired

Andrew Novelline (Immediate Past President) President, Abbot Financial Management

Carol Curtin Associate Director, E. K. Shriver Center

Darlene Beal Executive Director, Haverhill Community Television

Firouz Tehrani Owner, Abol M. Tehrani – Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry

Holly Vietzke-Lynch Attorney at Law, Holly Lynch Law, LLC

Nancy McCafferty Senior Relationship Manager, Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Wayne Simmons, Jr. Attorney at Law, Morris, Rossi & Hayes

Charlette Wheeden CFO, Haverhill Bank

Jose Pino Community Relations Officer, Pentucket Bank

Brian Dempsey President, Dempsey, Lucey & Associates 

Brian Stevenson, Clinical Research Psychologist, VA Bedford Healthcare

Scott Ludgin, Self-Advocate

Glavielinys Cruz, Behavioral Health Clinician, Lynn Community Healthcare

Fidelity House CRC began in 1968 when an agency that would later evolve into Career Resources Corporation (CRC) opened a traditional sheltered workshop, providing meaningful work activities for adults with developmental disabilities. In 1971, Fidelity House, Inc. was founded as a single group home in Lawrence, an alternative to placement in a state institution for eight adults with disabilities. Both agencies have continuously expanded services, creating new housing options and providing a wide variety of supportive services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other significant challenges. In 2019, Fidelity House, Inc. and CRC merged into one organization for the purpose of further enhancing services, improving efficiency and increasing the capacity for future innovation.

Highlights:

  • In 1991, Fidelity House established the Latino Medical Program to increase access to medical care for Spanish speaking families caring for someone with disabilities.
  • In 1994 Fidelity House was chosen to provide intensive in-home support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • From 1994 to the present, Fidelity House and CRC have gradually expanded residential programs for adults with disabilities, now managing 26 homes in the Merrimack Valley.
  • In 2008, Fidelity House became the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Family Support Center for the Merrimack Valley, providing service navigation, support groups, respite, and a wide variety of therapeutic, recreational and educational activities.
  • In 2009, CRC implemented Day Habilitation services and introduced Community Based Day Supports. This created more options for work and other activities in the community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • In 2011, CRC created a unique employment program for veterans.
  • In 2013, CRC opened a home for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) in response to the growing need for housing that is affordable and wheelchair accessible.
  • In 2014, CRC completed a transition from sheltered workshops to community-based employment programs.
  • In 2016, CRC started a pre-employment internship program for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • In 2017, Fidelity House opened a new residential program for young adults who have aged out of the special education system require 24/7 support.
  • In 2018, Fidelity House created a community residence program for adults with disabilities who require 24/7 nursing support.
  • As of January 1, 2019, Fidelity House CRC serves 1,200 individuals with disabilities or other challenges.
  • In 2020, we employed 475 people, we served more than 1400 individuals and their families, we provided more than 45,000 hours of nursing and clinical support, and we distributed more than 140,000 pieces of PPE.
  • "Your team is compassionate, thorough, and tenacious."

    Carmen Fulchini, Home Depot Manager

You Can Help Us Make a Difference

Haley Lebel-StephenCarmen Fulchini, Home Depot Manager