In this edition of People of JEVS, we highlight Carlos Permell, the Program Director of JEVS’ START program, part of the National Center for START Services (NCSS). START stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment. Carlos, whose career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice, community organizing, and systems change, is originally from London and the child of Caribbean immigrants. His experiences have informed a lifelong dedication to equity and building stronger communities. In this conversation, he shares what brought him to JEVS, the purpose behind the START, and what continues to motivate his work every day.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in London, England. My parents migrated from the Caribbean to what was called the “mother country” in the mid-1960s seeking opportunity. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to see signs that read, “No Irish, No Dogs, No Blacks.” Experiences like that shaped how I see systems, power, and community.
There’s a James Baldwin’s quote that has always stayed with me. “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in rage almost all the time.” Baldwin was speaking about the United States, but that level of awareness resonates far beyond one country. Across the Western Hemisphere Black, Indigenous, and People of Color understand that consciousness through lived experience. Because of that, my work has always centered on social justice and equity, what I often call “La Causa.” Regardless of my title, I see myself as an organizer. To me, organizing is about building collective impact through asset-based, community-driven change.
My vision is simple: no one should live in poverty. Everyone deserves access to quality education, affordable housing, healthcare focused on prevention, equal pay for equal work, and healthy food.
Outside of work, I’m an avid Premier League fan and a loyal (and currently patient) Manchester United supporter. My weekends revolve around match schedules. Family keeps me grounded, and my music rotation runs from Hip-Hop and Reggae to Soca, Afrobeats, and R&B.
2. What brought you to JEVS?
JEVS’ vision immediately resonated with me: “Every person achieves personal independence and fulfillment.”
I believe deeply in people’s resilience, especially those from communities that have been systematically marginalized. With the right tools and support, people can thrive.
At this stage in my career, alignment matters. There’s no separation for me between being a professional and being a Black man: my lived experience connects directly to the communities JEVS supports.
After speaking with Clara Thompson and Alycia Keeports, (Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President for Community Living and Home Support, respectively) I felt that alignment. Their openness and understanding made it clear that JEVS was a place where I could do meaningful work.
3. Can you tell us about your role and your work with the START program?
As Program Director, my role is to grow the START program to its fullest potential, structurally, operationally, and programmatically. START works with caregivers and providers supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs. Our goal is simple but powerful: prevent crises whenever possible and respond effectively when they happen.
My days often include triage meetings with our team and partners, supporting staff in the field, supervising our clinical team and coordinating next steps with families and providers.
What START represents to me is dignity. It challenges the idea that disability equals deficit. Instead, it recognizes cognitive diversity and focuses on inclusion, prevention, and respect.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work?
Right now, we’re in a start-up phase of building systems, refining policies, hiring staff, strengthening referrals, and creating team cohesion. It’s dynamic. It’s evolving. It’s a “live theatre” every day. What brings me the most joy is watching the team grow. Seeing each member develop their practice within the START model bringing their own voice and strength to the work is powerful. That growth directly translates into stronger caregiving systems and, ultimately, crisis reduction and prevention.
Our partnerships with the NCSS, ODP, DHIDS, IDS, & CBH* has also been incredibly meaningful. Their collaboration shows what real system-building looks like.
*JEVS’ START programs are in partnership with the National Center for START Services (NCSS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), the Division of Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS), the Office of Development Programs (ODP), and Community Behavioral Health (CBH).
5. Is there a moment that stands out?
Building a program is a marathon, not a sprint. Success comes in small, steady wins.
One of my favorite moments is participating in daily triage meetings. Hearing team members thoughtfully discuss person-centered and trauma-informed approaches shifting seamlessly between clinical language and practical guidance feels almost like a symphony.
As Dr. Michael Brenner, Founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership says, it’s about playing the right “CHORDS”: Communication, Harmony, Ownership, Respect, Direction, and Support. When those align, a real impact happens.
6. What motivates you?
I’m motivated by knowing we stand on the shoulders of giants. We have a responsibility to honor the work that came before us while adapting to today’s realities. Each generation must carry the work forward with integrity, courage, and new tools.
7. What would you like people to know about START?
START strengthens support teams so they can better serve individuals with IDD and mental health needs. We focus on wellness, strengths, system gaps, and skill-building across providers.
Prevention is our priority, but when crises occur, we offer 24-hour support and coordinated response through a clear, collaborative plan.
Ultimately, START is about strengthening systems so individuals and families can thrive.