2012 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Cape Abilities Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Human Services

Mission: Cape Abilities is a 501 (c) (3) Massachusetts nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve individuals with disabilities by educating, counseling and providing residential, therapeutic, social and employment supports that empower them to achieve meaningful and valued roles in the community.

Community Stories

29 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Carol K, Client Served

Rating: 5

11/25/2014

Cape Abilities has enhanced the quality of life for our son tremendously. As a direct result of work of its gifted staff, our son now participates in community trips, swims at a local pool and has developed wonderful relationships with his peers. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication, creativity and commitment of Cape Abilities' staff. We are grateful for the superb work they do. Innovation is the hallmark of the organization both in its work with people like our son, and in the Cape community. For example, just recently Michael's (retailer of arts and crafts supplies) generously donated 100 boxes of art supplies which Cape Abilities' people turned into holiday gifts for the elderly in nursing homes. Another think-outside-the-box concept which benefits all.

IrieMan2790 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/10/2023

Wonderful organization. And they do grow some great tomatoes in their greenhouses in Dennis, MA.

LynnSilva Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 1

03/31/2021

You don't want to work there as an accountant. The people who work in their Shared living program. Then when you ask for more information about what they are trying to do your going to get a bunch of stories. Combine that with the high turnover rate caregivers you don't even know who works there day to day. On top of that some employees think $15.07 is the same amount as $15.99. Keep in mind they are in charge of the money for people with developmental disabilities. When I asked someone to clean up the presentation of the receipts they turn in they give you grief. Then there's the CFO who covers them. No one there for you.

Carol K Client Served

Rating: 5

11/25/2014

Cape Abilities has enhanced the quality of life for our son tremendously. As a direct result of work of its gifted staff, our son now participates in community trips, swims at a local pool and has developed wonderful relationships with his peers. None of these achievements would have been possible without the dedication, creativity and commitment of Cape Abilities' staff. We are grateful for the superb work they do.
Innovation is the hallmark of the organization both in its work with people like our son, and in the Cape community. For example, just recently Michael's (retailer of arts and crafts supplies) generously donated 100 boxes of art supplies which Cape Abilities' people turned into holiday gifts for the elderly in nursing homes. Another think-outside-the-box concept which benefits all.

Previous Stories
1

Client Served

Rating: 5

10/30/2012

We are very enthusiastic supporters of Cape Abilities, which serves developmentally-challenged adults on Cape Cod. Our son, age 28, has Down Syndrome and attends the terrific day hab in Hyannis, MA. Being in the program for the last three years has been an amazing, positive experience for him. He has learned many new skills, developed solid friendships with peers and with staff and even made significant advances in his verbal skills. Our son is not capable of working in the community, as many adults in the program do. But he has a broad choice of activities each day, ranging from bowling, swimming, music, dancing, etc. We give enormous credit to the dedicated, innovative staff. They are professionals through and through. What sets them apart from others is their commitment to ensuring that each person in the program thrives to the best of his or her ability. They are creative and tireless in seeking solutions to challenges - true think-outside-the-box problem solvers. We are thrilled we found such an excellent program for our son. Creativity runs throughout the organization. Both my husband and I are active in the organization. My husband volunteers two days a week at the Eastham, MA dayhab and loves it. He serves on the Human Rights and Finance Committees. I am on the Board of Directors. CapeAbilities is remarkably innovative at creating jobs for the people in the program by partnering with many local businesses and organizations, including for example Centerville Pie, Woods Hole Oceanographic Society, Gustare, "Farm to Table" in Chatham, Audobon Society, as well as many restaurants. One amazing venture is the CapeAbilities farm at Marstons Mills and the farm stand in Dennis, MA. CapeAbilities just opened a new wheel-chair-accessible green house in Hyannis so they can start the hydroponic tomato seeds early for the farm stand. Many consumers are able to work part-time at the farm and the farm stand and are proud they can earn a good paycheck. Cape Abilities' tomatoes win awards every summer. And chefs at the finest restaurants on the Cape are eager to obtain produce from the farm. Cape Abilities is a terrific organization.

1 CapeCodBeth

CapeCodBeth Board Member

Rating: 5

11/24/2014

This is the first board I've ever served on and I can't imagine a more meaningful, upbeat organization! Group homes full of love and caring. Transportation getting participants safely to work, appointments or community events. Day programs with cutting edge technology, expansive learning. Creative programs teaching participants to refinish furniture, volunteering within the community and broadening their horizons in innumerable ways. But my favorite is to see everyone in action in their jobs - especially at the Cape Abilities Farm - growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, giving tours to shoppers, loading Christmas trees onto the roofs of cars. The pride in their work and the joy they exude is hard to explain and irresistible to be around. Opportunities are created, lives are changed. It's simple, Cape Abilities works!

3

Marmalade1506 Board Member

Rating: 5

11/15/2012

I was thrilled when I was first asked to serve on the CapeAbilities board over 15 years ago. At the time, I had (and have) a niece with special needs--- and as a newcomer, I was very motivated to learn all I could about this organization and its wonderful mission to serve people like Lin. Since that time, I have come to admire the competent and deeply sensitive management skills which staff members bring to their daily efforts to stabilize, improve, and give meaning to the lives of so many on Cape Cod. I have been grateful for the opportunities which serving CapeAbilities have given me to support its work in the Cape Cod community--- both as an involved volunteer and through my own annual donations to a very deserving organization.

5

Cynthia46 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/14/2012

My son started attending the Day Habilitation program 2 1/2 years ago and has gone from being afraid to leave the house to someone who looks forward to getting up and out of the house to Cape Abilities every day. He looks forward so much to going, that his birthday wish last March (while recovering from pneumonia) was to return to his program the next day. He got his wish and was ecstatic! I truly believe that without this organization in his life, his overall health and happiness would be compromised. He goes on outings every day and has made many new friends. It's been amazing to see the positive changes in his life, both mentally and physically. Thank you Cape Abilities for being such a positive influence in our family.

2

Hiram Client Served

Rating: 5

11/13/2012

We have been blessed to have had capeAbilities provide excellent services to our daughter for over 18 years. Through the years there have been many challengers for her; this organization has been extremely supportive of her needs and has assisted us all.

The professional manner from the top administrators to the direct care staff is reflected by the many long term and dedicated employees. Seeing her continuing growth, self esteem, and confidence assisting her to reach her on going needs and potential is a credit to this wonderful community based program.

The vision, commitment, goals, innovating entrepreneurial spirit of this organization has been outstanding throughout Cape Cod.

3

Meandersmea General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/13/2012

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is most appreciative of the support that CapeAbilities has provided to us in many ways. For the past few years we have had a CapeAbilities Team help access nutritious food for us at Stop & Shop, which is a huge benefit to us. Most recently we have a CapeAbilities group that comes and works in our garden sharing their expertise from their own garden. It is our privilege to work with people from this fine organization.

2

JE165 Board Member

Rating: 5

11/12/2012

I am fortuante to serve as a board member of CapeAbilities. The commitment and dedication of all involved in this organization is incredible. We all work toward our mission of helping those with disabilities on Cape Cod by educating, counseling and providing residential, therapeutic, social and employment supports so as to empower them to achieve meaningful and valued roles in society.

2

Terrence Donor

Rating: 5

11/12/2012

I have had the pleasure of working for the CapeAbilities' programs for the past eleven years. Their work is outstanding in not only bringing quality programs to men and women with disabilities, but also with their work with their members' parents and relatives. They have a broad range of different programs to assist the many and varied needs.

2

nancynorth Donor

Rating: 5

11/12/2012

I first became acquainted with CapeAbilities about 4 years ago. This is truly a wonderful organization which does so much for individuals with challenges. CapeAbilities's programs have given these individuals skills and confidence that they can and do make a valuable contribution; help build self esteem and self worth. I am proud to donate to this wonderful local non-profit.

1

Erica19 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/12/2012

I've known Cape Abilities for a number of years and the impact they have on the individuals they serve is simply amazing! Every time I walk in there, I can see the smiling faces of the people they impact. And it's not just that but also thanks to their business focus and their collaborative approach, they have a great rep all over Cape Cod... I'm proud to be involved with Cape Abilities, their staff, volunteers and all individuals impacted.

2

Softball Client Served

Rating: 5

11/12/2012

My son started his Day Program at Cape Abilities about 18 months. Cape Abilities has a very structured and well run program for individuals that are developmentally challenged. The staff are very caring and interested in the consumers. Cape Abilities offer many activities and programs to help the consumers lead a maximum achievable life.

4

Carolecapej Client Served

Rating: 5

11/11/2012



We are the parents of a consumer whose needs are being met at the highest level of care and interaction from the Staff of CapeAbilities Corcoran Center location in N.Eastham, Ma...Our son is working and enjoying his program and has for many years now. The Staff of CapeAbilities and the Van drivers are very caring people and understand the needs of people like my son who has Downs Syndrome. The Staff are special people taking care of very special people. Sincerely Carole Taylor

3

bhbo General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/10/2012

Cape Abilities is a fantastic organization that provides positive and life changing opportunities for adults with disabilities. I have participated in their annual Walk and frequent the Farm in Dennis and am always impressed with the interaction between the workers and clients. Very compassionate and professional organization!

1

Coreykid Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/08/2012

I know Cape Abilities as a parent of a client and as a volunteer. There are so many things this organization does well! Most impressive to me is the talent and commitment of their staff. The adults they serve always come first. The entire organization is run with the positive attitude that the disabled adults are a terrific group and with a dedication to making their lives as happy and productive as possible. Management in the day programs are incredibly hands-on with the clients and daily activities. All in all, a group that takes what it has and makes the most out of it.

3

ed__9 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/07/2012

Not only does capeabilities provide a valuable service to it's clients, but also to the businesses that utilize their production cape-ablitlies. They have been an important part of growing my business, while making me feel like it is also good for their community.

1

jgibbons57 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/06/2012

My son Anthony has been attending Cape Abilities for ten years. This great organization helps to foster the psychological and physical growth of developmentally challenged adults.

J_fitt General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/06/2012

Great charity that does a wonderful service for these people

3

Lisa163 General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

11/06/2012

I would like to start by saying how impressed I am with the cape abilities program. Thanks to their day program my son is made to feel like a functional part of society. He works in house a couple days a week and loves it. They have different jobs that you can pick from, one of them is the farm that they run on route 6A in Dennis,I've heard so many people rave about the salad club, and what an amazing job they do on the Capeabilities Farm. They also help with the making of the pies for the Centerville pie shop which is now known world wide. These are just a couple of options that the organization has to offer for work to the developmentally challenged adults of the community. They also take individuals to different outings during the week and help them to be independent and self sufficient individuals teaching them along the way. We feel truly blessed to have our son involved with the Capeabilities organization.

3

capeabled Client Served

Rating: 5

11/06/2012

My daughter is a 20-something young lady who can neither walk nor speak. When she completed her school years she could have been facing a bleak future. This is when we were introduced to Cape Abilities. Now my daughter has a daily program of activities and exercise with a delightful group of friends. The clients and staff are all very supportive of each other's varying needs. There are structured exercise programs daily. There are special holiday celebrations from Halloween costume contests to Thanksgiving turkey dinners. Arts and Crafts groups are constantly updating the decor according to the season. In the summer there are outdoor picnics around Cape Cod, and year-round there are weekly activities and trips of interest to members. Each week there are multiple activities out in the community such as swiming, bowling, horseback riding and shopping. This program, with its capable and caring staff, has been a blessing for our family.

1

cape cop Client Served

Rating: 5

11/06/2012

I have had several opportunities to use the services at Capeabilities and they have been fantastic. From the Farm in Dennis, the work groups doing garden work at my place of employment in Eastham or through the vending services they provide, they are just a fantastic organization providing guidance and work opportunities for their residents. Always positive, always smiling and always helpful!!

1

fossiljack General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

I love it that CapeAbilities is able to raise awareness of the positive contributions that adults with disabilities make to our community. In addition to providing meaningful employment to their clients, their farms produce excellent fresh vegetable for our homes and restaurants. Working as an occasional volunteer, I have enjoyed the interaction between staff and clients. Each spring, CapeAbilites fundraising walk/run is a family event for us. They continue to find new ways to remove any barriers that might keep their clients from being all they can be.

2

Stephanie64 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

Cape Abilities is a wonderful organization that serves Cape Cod by employing adults with disabilities. I have enjoyed the products that are sold at their farm in Dennis many times and have always been impressed with the clients and their mentors. What great organization and I will continue to support their efforts any way I can.

1

drtomh88 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

We are extremely fortunate to have an organization like Cape Abilities employing adults with disabilities in our area. Their work in the community has assisted many businesses and provided a tremendous opportunity for positive work experiences for this often neglected segment of our population. Their staff has represented the organization with personality and their administrative staff is second to none. They should be commended and rewarded for these efforts.

2

Clare H. Client Served

Rating: 5

11/04/2012

What a wonderful organization. We love visiting their farm and the thrift store they operate. Everyone we have met has been friendly and welcoming. The pride exhibited at the farm is fantastic and the quality of the produce is superb.

1

Marty Z. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/04/2012

Cape Abilities is an outstanding organization and Cape Cod is so fortunate to have them! Not only do they provide much needed services for adults with disabilities, but they've been able to put such people in front of the public in tremendously positive way, helping them provide services to the general public that are truly sought after. Their farms, where the clients are involved in every step from planting seeds to selling produce at the farm stand, have become go to spots for Cape residents for all seasons. Cape Abilities is a role model in their industry and in our community!

2

Nancy Lowery Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

I volunteer at Cape Abilities on Cape Cod and personally know that it is an outstanding organization that serves individuals with disabilities. It's mission is to provide residentual, therapeutic, social, and employment supports to its consumers. I work with a broad range of people in the day-hab program and have seen the amazing progress that mamy of them have made. They are becoming empowered to live active and meaningful lives. Activities that I have observed in the Life Skills Day Habilitation program include walking, swimming, music, bowling, horse back riding and community volunteering. Many people work at the Cape Abilities farm in Dennis where a wide variety of vegetables are sold. Award winning tomatoes are grown hydroponically in the greenhouses. Cape Abilities also has partnered with many businesses including The Centerville Pie Company which achieved fame after Oprah Winfrey sampled the pies when she was on Cape Cod and featured the Pie Company on her show. Due to the increas in business,The Pie Company now has a "pie kitchen" at Cape Abilities and people with disabilities are employed to help make the pies. I am also on the board of this wonderful organization and it is a joy to be a supporter of Cape Abilities and watch each individual strive to be the person they are most capable of being.

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