Cape Abilities Expands With Barnstable Location Thanks to MassDevelopment Loans

August 15, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Meggie Quackenbush, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2011 & 857-208-2777 (cell)
mquackenbush@massdevelopment.com

Ray Pirrone, Cape Abilities, 508-778-5040
rpirrone@capeabilities.org

MassDevelopment has issued two loans totaling $613,500 — a $463,500 commercial real estate loan and a $150,000 Tech Dollar Loan — to Cape Abilities, Inc., a nonprofit human services organization in Hyannis. Cape Abilities is using proceeds to buy and renovate a group home for people with autism in Barnstable. The organization will also use proceeds to upgrade computer, software and security systems at its headquarters in Hyannis.

“By supporting people with disabilities through job placement, training, life skills and residential programming, Cape Abilities provides crucial services to Barnstable County,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “MassDevelopment is pleased to help the organization with its real estate and technology needs, ensuring that more people with disabilities have the resources necessary to reach their full potential.”

Cape Abilities, Inc., based in Hyannis, serves individuals with a broad range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, developmental and intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, blindness, Down syndrome and acquired brain injury. The agency was founded in 1968 as the “Nauset Workshop” to serve individuals with disabilities in the town of Barnstable. Today, it operates 14 group homes and serves more than 360 individuals throughout Cape Cod.

“We truly appreciate the ability to partner with MassDevelopment to expand the services and supports that are so greatly needed for individuals on the autism spectrum. The funding for much-needed technology upgrades will provide the necessary infrastructure we need to accomplish our mission,” said Rosalie Edes, Cape Abilities Executive Director.

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2015, MassDevelopment financed or managed 294 projects generating investment of more than $2.5 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 6,100 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 2,000 residential units.