Everyone who knows her agrees Kathy Edwards has made a lot of progress this year. In fact, she’s made so much progress that she was recognized in March 2010 with a state individual achievement award.
Kathy, 52, who lives with another Cape Abilities member in shared living in Cotuit, has blossomed.
“I think Cape Abilities has been a great experience for my sister, “ says her brother, Charles Edwards. “Kathy seems to be very self-reliant. She’s taken the initiative to start projects.”
“She’s really been a happier person, reaching for the goals she wants to reach in her life.,” says Tom Quinn, shared living provider at the Cotuit home Kathy lives in.
Kathy’s efforts were recently recognized by the state. She and Quinn each received individual achievement awards from the Cape and Islands Citizens Advisory Board of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services.
With help from Quinn and other Cape Abilities staffers, Edwards has taken a more demanding work and social schedule.
Kathy has increased her social outreach, Quinn says. Kathy recently made her own outfit and wore it when she sang a Karaoke version of “You Lift Me Up” before dozens of people at an Oscars party. Celtic music is also a passion of Kathy’s. She frequently goes with friends to Celtic music nights.
All of this has been encouraged by Quinn and other staff members at Cape Abilities, but Quinn said the drive has come from Kathy.
“She’s really starting to push herself,” Quinn says.
Kathy is enthusiastic. “I like living here and I like being part of Cape Abilities,” she says.
Charles Edwards says his mother, who lived with Kathy for many years, was quite meticulous about looking around for the best program for Kathy before settling on Cape Abilities.
“It’s been very positive,” he says. “They’re very professional. They do a great job.”