Our Vision, Mission, and Values
Vision Statement: The Nemasket Group envisions a vibrant, inclusive community where every person we support is regarded as the expert of their own life and is empowered to lead a meaningful, self-directed life, strengthened by connection, family, opportunity, and a shared sense of belonging.
Mission Statement: The Nemasket Group empowers and families of all abilities to self-directed lives through innovative services, meaningful opportunties, and inclusive community connections.
Values:
Respect: We listen to each other and to the people we support with core and understanding. We speak kindly and treat everyone with dignity.
Collaboration: We share information and ideas so everyone stays on the same page. We help each other out and celebrate our wins together.
Passion: We show up with energy and positive attitude every day. We try new ideas, cheer each other on, and go the extra mile for each other and those we serve and support.
Commitment: We do what we say we’ll do and take responsibility for our work, We keep learning and growing, and we help others do the same.
Excellence: We do our best in everything we take on. We give and recieve feedback to get better and to support each other’s success.
Positive Behavioral Supports Vision Statement
The Nemasket Group embraces Positive Behavioral Supports as a universal framework to guide respectful, person-centered practices. Through strong systems and data, we ensure consistent, meaningful support that promotes safety, belonging, choice, contribution, and access to everyday life. Our goal is to help each person build relationships, meet their needs, enjoy good health, and pursue valued social roles in inclusive communities.
“Words from our Chief Executive Officer”—Jenny Duval
Our History
The Nemasket Group began in 1984, when a group of determined families came together with a shared belief—that their sons and daughters deserved futures filled with possibility. They envisioned lives where people with disabilities could work, contribute, and fully participate in their communities. Guided by this vision and fueled by the dedication of families, friends, local officials, and state partners, The Nemasket Group opened its doors to 19 individuals and a mission that would shape generations.
Our name and our purpose are deeply tied to the Nemasket River, whose steady flow and life‑giving history inspired our founding Executive Director, Lou Nisenbaum. Just as the river sustained the Wampanoag people for centuries, Lou imagined an organization that would nourish, strengthen, and empower individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts. From that inspiration emerged an agency grounded in values, flowing with purpose, and committed to enriching the lives of all it touches.
Over the decades, we have grown and evolved far beyond our original employment‑focused beginnings. Today, The Nemasket Group supports people of all abilities across a broad continuum of services that promote independence, inclusion, and meaningful community living. From comprehensive residential and in‑home supports, to pathways to employment, community engagement, higher education, and family‑centered services that strengthen and sustain families, we continue to expand our programs to meet the needs of children, adults, and caregivers throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Our commitment remains the same: to empower each person we serve to build a life that reflects their goals, their strengths, and their hopes for the future.
What began as a small but powerful idea has become a thriving organization with an enduring impact. We take tremendous pride in the work we do and remain deeply grateful for the trust placed in us. The Nemasket Group continues to carry forward the spirit of its founders—shaped by community, inspired by possibility, and devoted to creating a fuller future for all.
Our Founding Executive Director:
Louis Nisenbaum, Founding Executive Director of The Nemasket Group, Inc. 1984 – 2011
It is crucial that The Nemasket Group remain true to the Mission of the organization, built by Louis Nisenbaum and the founding members. Lou left a lasting legacy of his own in all who knew him, but we want to be sure the next generation knows who Louis Nisenbaum was, and the impact he had during his time with The Nemasket Group. To honor Lou, we created an audio recording of interviews with people that Lou knew and the impact he had on their lives. We hope you enjoy the audio recordings and find inspiration in the words of those who had the pleasure of knowing Lou.
Audio Interviews from Louis Nisenbaum’s Legacy Video:
Leadership
Jenny Duval
Chief Executive Officer
Sandra Souza
Finance Director
Sandra Heller
Director of Complex Care and Community Choice Division
Ericka Duckett
Director of Day Services Division
Jaime Alves
Director of Community Living Division
Ross Hooley
Director of Building Futures Project
Patrick Russell
Continuous Quality Improvement Manager
Steven Furtado
Facilities Manager
Kim Lawrence
Assistant Director of Finance
Erica Roemhild
Assistant Director of Community Living
Ryan Sylvia
Assistant Director of Day Services
Board of Directors
President – Jacqueline E. Einstein
Treasurer – David Filipek
Clerk – Lee Ann Wood
Director-Emily Nisenbaum
Director – Chris Charyk
Director – June Goguen
Director – Danielle Renzo
Director – Mary Ann Touhey