House of Possibilities Celebrates Strategic Partners Who Helped Bring Yawkey Campus Project 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 in Easton with construction of a new 15,000 sq. ft. building and renovations to the existing 11,000 sq. ft. 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 $14,135,000 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.

Since 2009, House of Possibilitieshas been committed to building a life-changing path to greater independence for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Our innovative approach to disability services creates an exceptional, inclusive experience for our members and everyone whose lives they touch. We provide pathways to employment in partnership with Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) Boston, personalized social and recreational programming, community-based activities and volunteering, overnight respite stays, and college coaching and navigation. HOPe is more than just a place to be - it's a place to belong.

The Yawkey Foundationis dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom Yawkey and Jean Yawkey, whose quiet generosity over eight decades supported individuals and families in the communities closest to their hearts - Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. With more than $600 million awarded to date in charitable grants, the Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working in health care, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife.

Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: INDB) is the holding company for Rockland Trust Company, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts. With retail branches in Eastern Massachusetts, Worcester County, and Southern New Hampshire as well as commercial banking and investment management offices in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services to individuals, families, and businesses. Rockland Trust also offers a full suite of mobile, online, and telephone banking services. Rockland Trust is an FDIC member and an Equal Housing Lender.

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