House of Possibilities celebrates partners who helped bring Yawkey Campus project to groundbreaking

Easton, MA House of Possibilities (HOPe), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives, is celebrating important behind-the-scenes partnerships that brought its Yawkey Campus project from vision to groundbreaking.

The campus, named in honor of the Yawkey Foundation for their $5 million, project-driving grant, will transform HOPe’s facilities at Stonehill College with construction of a new 15,000 s/f building and renovations to the existing 11,000 s/f building, more than doubling the program space. 

It is through the combined contributions of MassDevelopment, Rockland Trust, and McDermott Will & Schulte that HOPe secured financing, legal support, and strategic expertise needed to launch the expansion project.

MassDevelopment issued a $14.135 million tax-exempt bond (purchased by Rockland Trust) to help HOPe expand its campus and renovate the original building, increasing programming for individuals with disabilities. 

Rockland Trust not only purchased the bond, but now serves as HOPe’s bank of record, playing a crucial role in financing and ongoing banking operations. McDermott Will & Schulte offered essential pro bono legal guidance on contracts and agreements, ensuring the project was structured soundly and always in HOPe’s best interests.

“It is an honor to stand alongside HOPe as their financial partner. At Rockland Trust, we value the opportunity to build lasting relationships that strengthen the communities in which we work, live, and serve,” said David Semenza, Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer at Rockland Trust. “This expansion will open doors for so many individuals and families, and we are proud to be part of the team that is ensuring HOPe has the resources needed to continue changing lives.”

Once complete, the new facilities will expand access to HOPE’s signature Career & Community Access Program, a unique approach that goes beyond traditional community-based day services and allow the organization to enroll more individuals in other life changing programs. The indispensable contributions of its financial, legal, and banking partners allow HOPe to continue providing unparalleled access to meaningful community activities, life skills training, career exploration, volunteering, coaching and college navigation, and respite services. 

“This project demonstrates how strategic financing and strong partnerships can transform what’s possible,” said Katie Terino, President & CEO of HOPe. “The need for our services is critical, individuals in the disability community are waiting for programs, – and this expansion will allow us to meet that demand. By leveraging our assets and working with trusted partners like MassDevelopment, McDermott Will & Schulte, and Rockland Trust, we’re building a cost-effective model that will last.”

The project is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.