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Cape Abilities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod, announced today that it has received a 2021 Community Advocacy Award from the Eastern Bank Foundation for its leadership in providing equitable vaccine access in a community-based setting on Cape Cod. “We are honored to be recognized with a Community Advocacy Award from the Eastern Bank Foundation.” said Kim McElholm, Interim President and CEO of Cape Abilities. “When COVID-19 hit, our staff rose to the challenge and were true heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic. We were fortunate to have early vaccine access, and we knew we had to make the opportunity available to our program participants and staff as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of our community,” said McElholm. The annual Community Advocacy Awards celebrate local community leaders whose contributions address vital needs throughout the communities that Eastern Bank serves. In 2021, nine organizations are being recognized, including Cape Abilities, for its leadership in addressing vaccination inequities, and creating solutions to the disparities surrounding the vaccine and getting populations vaccinated. In response to COVID-19, Cape Abilities was one of the first human services agencies in the area to offer widespread vaccine access to its stakeholders. As part of the state’s phase one rollout, Cape Abilities successfully vaccinated eligible members of the community by executing multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics, and partnered with Whole Health Pharmacy to facilitate an additional two clinics. In total, Cape Abilities delivered the vaccine to approximately 760 staff, program participants, and other stakeholders through its in- house clinics. “Time and again, at times of great challenge and especially during this pandemic, it’s our nonprofit sector that picks us up and moves us forward,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of the Eastern Bank Foundation. “In 2021, many organizations stepped up in extraordinary ways to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, and we’re proud to recognize Cape Abilities for their efforts. When they were faced with overwhelming and urgent demand for their services, they pivoted and scaled up rapidly to be a source of help and strength to many.” About Eastern Bank Foundation Created in 1994, the Eastern Bank Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Boston-based Eastern Bank. Through philanthropy, employee volunteerism, advocacy and collaborations with other businesses and community partners, Eastern Bank Foundation responds to community needs and supports sustainable solutions to our communities’ most vexing challenges across eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. To learn more, visit www.easternbank.com/foundation. About Cape Abilities Founded in 1968, Cape Abilities is a 501 (c) (3) Massachusetts nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve individuals with disabilities by educating, counseling, providing residential, social, therapeutic and employment supports so as to empower them to achieve meaningful and valued roles in society. The organization serves all of Cape Cod and has program centers in Hyannis, Eastham, and Falmouth. To learn more, visit www.capeabilities.org.