BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Each month, “WBZ Cares” highlights a worthy non-profit organization and tells the story of what that organization does for the community. This month WBZ is profiling Cape Abilities, a non-profit organization that serves individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod by educating, counseling and providing residential, therapeutic, social and employment supports that empower them to achieve meaningful and valued roles in the community.
CapeAbilities serves more than 400 individuals on Cape Cod with intellectual and physical disabilities.
“Autism, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome, the list goes on. We serve everybody who needs that support, who needs that care, and we have for over 50 years,” said CapeAbilities Communications Manager Troy Smith.
CapeAbilities Communications Manager Troy Smith says one of the many ways they help foster independence is by helping participants gain employment by first training them through a variety of job skills training programs.
“They're working so hard at it that they become the A+ employee that every job wants. And the jobs recognize that. When we send CapeAbilities participants out to work we're confident they can do the job. We wouldn't put them in the position if they could not,” stated Smith.
“I'm saving up my money for a laptop. I'm getting so close to get one,” said Lisa Magnuson.
Lisa Magnuson is 44 years old. CapeAbilities helped her prepare for her job at a Yarmouth Wendy's restaurant.
“I bus tables. I clean tables, trays, and greet people and do some ice. I love my job. I love to see all the customers,” said Magnuson.
This is her first job.
“It is my first job. And I love it,” stated Magnuson.
I bet they love you,” commented Shari Small.
“They do. They do. They love me,” Magnuson said.
Smith says helping participants like Lisa become a valued part of Cape Cod workforce and community in general is what CapeAbilities is all about.
“It is a joy to see them so happy. They have a job. They have a paycheck. It's leading them to having their own place, they can buy their own clothes. They can go where they want to go. Who doesn't want that in life? It's priceless to be able to give another human being that opportunity to be happy,” concluded Smith.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Shari Small Reports