AMessagefromKimMcElholm
President and CEO
At Cape Abilities, community is something we create together, one story at a time.
doors, creates opportunities, and makes moments of connection possible.
“Each step forward reflects not just progress, but people discovering their capabilities and their place within the community.”
That story takes shape in everyday moments. In the encouragement of a staff member. In the trust of a family. In the generosity of a donor. In the commitment of an employer and a community partner. And each person we support brings their own strengths and perspective to who we are.
For more than 57 years, this story has been unfolding across Cape Cod. With each chapter, new voices, new experiences, and new possibilities have taken shape. What has remained constant is Cape Abilities' belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute, connect, and belong. Everyone is part of the story at Cape Abilities.
Sometimes a story begins quietly. Someone arrives looking for connection or purpose. Over time, something shifts. Confidence grows. A voice becomes stronger. A place begins to feel like their own. Because belonging is not something we find. It is something we create together.
We also see this in the quiet generosity of donors who may never meet the individuals they support, but choose to be part of their story. Their belief opens
We see this spirit in our group homes, at the Farm, at the Thrift Shop, and across all our programs. These are places where people contribute, connect, and are valued for who they are.
Across Cape Cod, employers open their doors. Volunteers give their time. Community partners collaborate. Each plays a different role, but together, are shaping something meaningful.
As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded that the strength of Cape Abilities lives in people. In the way we show up for one another. In the opportunities we create together. In the belief that everyone deserves dignity, purpose, and a place to belong.
You are part of this story. And because of you, the story we are writing together continues to evolveshaping new chapters that are guided by imagination, shaped with intention, and full of possibility.
With gratitude,
RaisingHisVoice:James’JourneyinSelf-Advocacy
James lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that brings daily challenges and lifelong complexity. From an early age, those challenges shaped how he navigated the world and how others sometimes underestimated what might be possible. But James’ story is not defined by limitation. It is defined by persistence, purpose, and the discovery of his own voice.
A few years ago, James found himself at a crossroads. His attendance in the program was slipping, and he was becoming less engaged. Instead of allowing him to drift, the Cape Abilities team brought together James and his support network to ask an important question: What would engagement look like if the program better reflected his strengths, interests, and goals?
Beyond the program, James contin about what is possible. He joined a abilities and learned to skate indep
They listened. That conversation led James to Cape Abilities’ Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS) program, focused on advocacy, leadership, and employment readiness. With encouragement from staff and peers, James became more confident, connected, and involved
“I thought, why not me? With persistence and determination, I made it happen.” – James
As he settled into CBDS, his leadership quickly emerged. He helped establish an advocacy group, gathered feedback from peers, and presented ideas to strengthen the program. Today, James is recognized as a mentor, with others looking to him for guidance and encouragement.
James has also become a passionate advocate, speaking openly about Prader-Willi syndrome and sharing his story across the country. His advocacy has taken him from local libraries to meetings with policymakers in Washington, DC, where he has helped advance research and support for individuals with rare diseases. Today, he serves on national advisory boards, ensuring lived experience helps guide future progress.
At Cape Abilities, James continues exploring volunteer opportunities and future employment pathways, building skills and shaping a future rooted in self-advocacy and possibility.
James’ story is a reminder of what can happen when people are met with the right support, opportunities, and belief in their potential. His growth is measured not only in milestones, but in courage, leadership, and the confidence to ask, “Why not me?”
F I N A N C I A L S
N A P S H O T
We generated We invested program service fees 79% commercial products and services 13% contributions, grants and events 6% other income 2% programs 89% management and general 9% fundraising 2%
PEOPLE SUPPORTED
AT A GLANCE
Highlighting some of our programs and services
109 PEOPLE SUPPORTED THROUGH RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
104 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN DAY & COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS
62 PEOPLE RECIEVING VOCATIONAL SUPPORTS
In 2025, Cape Abilities supported more than 320 people across our programs, each with their own goals, strengths, and path forward Through residential homes and day programs, we created spaces where people can build skills, form meaningful connections, and grow with confidence. The people who found employment through our vocational services are gaining independence and contributing to their communities. Together, these numbers reflect more than reach — they represent lives strengthened, opportunities expanded, and a community where everyone has a place
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES + LOCAL FARM VENDORS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
LOCAL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
RESIDENTIAL HOMES
MILES DRIVEN BY OUR TRANSPORTATION TEAM
THAT’S MORE THAN 13 TRIPS AROUND THE EARTH!
LEGEND
LOCALFARMVENDORS
RESIDENTIALHOMES
LOCALBUSINESSPARTNERS
COMMUNITYENGAGEMENTOPPORTUNITIES
At Cape Abilities, staff do more than provide support they help shape who we are. Through their compassion and consistency, they build relationships that make people feel valued and connected.
In 2025, Farm Market staff worked with over 1,800 customers through programs like the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), helping SNAP recipients access additional funds for fresh, local fruits and vegetables strengthening both food security and connections to local agriculture.
That same spirit extended beyond our programs. When Hurricane Melissa impacted Jamaica, staff came together to raise funds and support relief efforts for the families of their colleagues, a powerful reminder that community is not just what we build, but how we show up for one another.
2025BoardofDirectors
MollyKarlson–BoardChair
BarbaraArel-ViceChair
SuzanneLowensohn–Treasurer
SharonBurgess–Secretary
JanetCurtis
RickO'Connor
SaraKohls
SuzanneBarth
MichaelM Dutton,JD,ICMA-CM
AnnmarieChang
Molly Karlson Board Chair
T O G E T H E R I N C O M M U N I T Y
2025 Executive Team
Kim McElholm - President &CEO
Kathy Hansen - Vice President of Human Resources
Jillian Stockwell - Vice President of Business Operations
Thomas Maul - Chief Financial Officer
Mairead Graf - Vice President of Development
Gianna Jonas - Vice President of Programs &Services
David Santos - Vice President of Information Technology &Facilities
Employees
Staff Promotions Of Women in Leadership Positions
S
Donors, Foundations and Business Supporters
“For eight years, Courtney has benefited from all Cape Abilities has to offer. From her thoughtful driver to her caring day program staff to her encouraging enclave supports Cape Abilities is the perfect environment to promote growth with stability. Choosing to be a donor to Cape Abilities means helping people like our daughter enjoy life, embrace community and feel successful! We are grateful she is in a safe and caring setting every day.”
– Leanne Avakian, Parent and Monthly Champion Donor
T A F F , D O N O R S A N D V O L U N T E E R S
“Volunteering here gives me a true sense of community—not just with the other volunteers, but with the individuals we support. Working with our participants is the happiest part of my week. It’s incredibly meaningful to see the impact we make together it’s truly a team effort, not just me. I believe deeply in creating a Cape community where people of all abilities feel included and valued.”
– Kathy Parkus, 2025 Volunteer Award Recipient
A D V O C A C Y A N D E V E N T S
Thankyoutomembersofouramazing FalmouthRoadRace2025Teamwhoraised over$19,000!Pictured,afewofouramazing runnerswhocompletedthe53rdAnnualAsics FalmouthRoadRaceinAugustandfundraised tosupportCapeAbilitiesmission.
CapeAbilitiesFarmCommunityBuilding GroundBreaking–October2025.We werehonoredtobejoinedbythen UndersecretaryofEconomic DevelopmentAshleyStolbaandour partnersDavenportBuildingCompany.
LocalSelectmanChrisLambtonshopsat CapeAbilitiesFarmandsupportsour mission.We’regratefulforthe continuedsupportfromourcommunity andforeveryonewhochoosestoshop withpurposeatCapeAbilitiesFarm.
ThankyoutoSenatorJulianCyrand RepresentativeHadleyLuddyforvisitingoneof ourgrouphomes!Weappreciatedthechanceto talkabouttherewardingworkourdirectsupport professionalsdoeveryday,andtheimportance ofadvocatingforthesupportandresourcesthey deserve.
9 AnnualCharterFishingCupTournament. ThankyoutoEJJaxtimerandSamJaxtimer (pictured)andPellaWindowsandDoorsfor supportingCapeAbilitiesMission.The2025 CharterCupsuccessfullyraisedover$20,000to supportourmission!
Thankyoutothe55SecondSummer Cycle2025Capeabilitiesteamriders whocompletedtheSeptemberbike raceandraisedover$18,000tosupport CapeAbilitiesmission.
th AnEveningSupportingCapeAbilities,thank youtoJosephCarrforopeningyourhomefor thiseventandgraciouslyhosting.
AbigthankyoutoKevin,wholovedwelcoming ourguests,givingthematour,andsharing storiesabouthisday.Visitslikethisremindus howmeaningfulourworkisandhowstrongour communitycanbewhenwecometogether.
Kim and Justin at an Evening Supporting Cape Abilities
Lisa Oliver at Cape Abilities Annual Meeting accepting the Community Partnership Award