LOOK FOR DISCUSSION OF THIS MATTER IN THE COMING DAYS AND WEEKS. IN THE MEANTIME SEE OUR REPORTING ON THE LEADERSHIP OF THE ORGANIZATION INVICTUS FOREVER INC. POSTED DECEMBER 16, 2020. THE WRITING WAS ON THE WALL THEN. NOW THE NAIL IS IN THE COFFIN.
Marian High School was purchased by Invictus Forever Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by Weston Resident Carolyn Langer, MD. Langer per her linkedin page is the Chief Medical Officer of Masshealth.
The plan for the former Marian High School property is to bring in children and adults with developmental disabilities and to promote community integration. Skills development will take place on site, per an article on The Framingham SOURCE.
Our concerns are that this charity has no online presence and does not seem to have present operations. Invictus Forever Inc. seems to have been formed by a name change in March of 2020 from Paragon Metrowest, Inc. Paragon Metrowest itself was founded in July of 2019, and it too has no online presence, nor does it seem to have any present operations.
Per the Secretary of State, the stated purpose of Paragon Metrowest Inc. and Invictus Forever Inc. is “To meet the community, residential, life skills and recreational needs of children, youth and adults with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities; to conduct such other activities and programs in furtherance of the foregoing purposes as may be carried out by a corporation organized under Massachusetts general laws chapter 180 and described in section 501 (c)(3) of the internal revenue code.”
The filing goes on to describe that the organization intends to be tax exempt.
The organization was initially listed as having the following directors, Carolyn Langer of Weston, former healthcare director Susan Servais of Chestnut Hill, spouses firestarter Dennis Dyer and healthcare consultant Lori Shaver of Dover, and attorney Mark Lanza of Sudbury.
Three months after incorporating Kathleen Grant of Newton was added to the directors.
Just last month, additional directors were added including former Lehman Brothers treasurer, Irene Ashkenazy of New York City, autism specialist Margaret Bauman of Winchester, new business owner Samantha Santaniello of Alexandra, VA, and former town administrator Melissa Malone of Natick.
As we said, Carolyn Langer MD, is listed per her linkedin as a Chief Medical Officer at Masshealth, we cannot find any evidence to support that. We do find that while she was active on the state’s Autism Commission, evidence seems to trail off in late 2019. You can take a 5 day leadership course, taught by Langer and eight other professionals through Harvard University for $2200. Through that course we find a profile indicating her as a consultant for Masshealth.
Why do I bring up the corporation behind this, and it’s leadership. We have enough issues with charities in Framingham, their misuse of the Dover Act, allowing expansion without taxation. Issues also have arisen out of when non-compliant clients of such charities make safety an issue to residents and businesses.
It is important to know who is coming into our city, what they are bringing, and their track records of success. In this case, the charity has no track record. It has purchased a property and will add no tax revenue to the city. We don’t know the expertise level of the directors, if this will be a well oiled machine or a shit show.
However by calling them out and naming names, they will know they will be watched closely. If their organization adds something wonderful to the city of Framingham, GREAT. If they add persons who are adverse to treatment, and wind up on our streets causing problems. Leadership will be held accountable.
If this “charity” is just a means to shelter money from taxation and using the welcoming nature of Framingham…. We will be watching that too.
AD SEEKING BOARD MEMBER$:
In full disclosure, their description of themselves on a website seeking directors from 5/30/2020:
INVICTUS FOREVER, INC is a start-up non-profit organization that seeks to promote greater community integration of children and adults with special needs through development of innovative educational, vocational, recreational, social, and therapeutic programs. Invictus’ model will include a state-of-the-art Life Skills Development, a residential component, and a robust initiative around workforce development. Meaningful activities and social enterprises will cater to individuals with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities (including those with autism or intellectual & developmental disabilities), and to the interests of the broader community. By promoting a tolerant and respectful atmosphere that recognizes and nurtures each individual’s unique talents, we are able to create a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where individuals of all strengths and abilities can excel. We give individuals opportunities to make a positive impact in the community by guiding them on the path to becoming conscientious citizens who endeavor to make meaningful contributions. Currently, the scarcity of resources and dearth of opportunities for those with disabilities prevent individuals from reaching their fullest potential. This population faces limited opportunities for vocational training, recreational activities, peer modeling and interaction, community access, and life skills training in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Additionally, many individuals with disabilities live isolated lives, while parents and caregivers require much-needed respite. Programming will consist of scheduled classes and activities led by knowledgeable instructors who are trained to work with populations with special needs. The “Life Skills Development” program will offer classes in a variety of subject areas including performing arts, visual arts, sports, cooking, STEM, music therapy, and functional therapies. In addition, social enterprises, such as a café, gift shop, and florist shop, will provide adolescents and adults with vocational training opportunities in a real world, inclusive setting. Individuals will have the opportunity to work on their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals, thus enhancing their general skill sets. In addition to scheduled programming, Invictus will host special events and socials where individuals can interact with their peers while participating in engaging and meaningful activities. Most programming will occur, although not exclusively, in the MetroWest region.In short, Invictus is forging new paths in promoting meaningful lives, full inclusiveness, and community engagement for individuals with disabilities. Invictus is seeking, in particular, new Board members with a background in finance, accounting, marketing/communications, construction, or fundraising/development. A direct connection to an individual with disabilities is not required.