A Note from Jay
Sharing our Community Investment Plan
At this year's Annual Meeting on April 2nd, we released the CDP's new Community Investment Plan - a comprehensive strategic plan for the work we do to create opportunities for people to live, work and thrive on the Lower Cape. This Community Investment Plan (CIP) was developed with broad input from our clients, community leaders and our Board of Directors. The document was part of our application for an allotment of Community Investment Tax Credits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (more on this next month). You can view the plan on our website by clicking here. In this plan we identify the communities we serve, how we engage those communities to set goals and create programs and activities to meet our goals. The CIP describes how we partner with other organizations and how we will measure our success. We also lay out how our vision for the Lower Cape is informed by broader regional goals, how we will secure the necessary resources to fund our programs and why, with a 20+ year track record, we are uniquely positioned to do this work. I'm incredibly proud of this document and the work described in this plan. It is my hope that after reading our Community Investment Plan you will be inspired to join with us in making an investment in the future of the Lower Cape with a contribution to the Community Development Partnership. As always, thank YOU for your support and interest.
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Affordable Homes
'It's the House of the Neighborhood'  | | Before |
According to Sheri Pope of Harwich, "Good
things don't happen in my life." Well that changed this past December when she applied for and was selected to participate in the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
we offer jointly with HECH. A Cape Cod resident her whole life, Sheri purchased her home in North Harwich 11 years ago. Admittedly it was a 'fixer-upper', but over the years it turned into even more. According to
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Sheri, the house started to rot from the outside, in. The windows, original to the house from the 1970's were leaky and drafty, and last summer she fell through the deck. With the condition of her home deteriorating, and struggling to pay her significant mortgage and living expenses on a seasonal income, Sheri said to herself, "Oh my god - what am I going to do." Read more.
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Business Development
Micro Lending in High Gear
 | | Chatham fisherman, Tim Linnell of fishing vessel Perry's Pride & Jay Coburn |
Aquaculture, landscaping, a yoga studio and fishing...what do they all have in common? Well, within the past four months it has been a loan from the CDP. Since December 2013, we have lent $149,125 to eight Lower Cape small business owners through our various Lending Programs. Equipment, seed, nets, boat repairs, and a truck are some of the things financed with these loans to businesses that are starting up, diversifying and growing. Small businesses that are critical to our local economy and a strong community.
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Sustainability 
Prior to participating in Cape & Islands Green, the Hole in One and Fairway Restaurant had been very involved with recycling bottles, cans, plastics and paper with the help of their disposal company, Nauset Disposal. During recent construction work in Eastham, green business practices have been part of the ongoing conversation with employees and management. According to Hole In One Group President, Ken Taber, "Nothing happens overnight. But what is critical, is thinking and talking about how we can reduce our carbon footprint. It has been beneficial to include our staff because they have great ideas and are willing to help improve our procedures, which in turn achieves a common goal." Ken goes on to say, "My message to fellow businesses is not to look at this (Cape & Islands Green verification) as a daunting  task but take small steps by including the subject when discussing a new procedure or changing how you remedy a problem regarding light usage, usage of water, elimination of paper, plastic or cardboard and most importantly include your vendors with what you are trying to fix." And for those of you who may be wondering, the newly renovated Fairway re-opened this week!
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How to Be a Non-Starving Artist
Selling Your Artwork!
If you're an Artist and you want to know how to
sell  more of your work, join this well- rounded panel of business and art experts as they share tips and advice. The panel
including, CDP's Sheila Hoogeboom; Artist - Rick Fleury; and Audrey Parent of Left Bank Gallery will share their stories and provide tips on how to prepare your work for a gallery, dealer or retail store. The class is part of Wellfleet Blossoms.
When: Saturday, April 19th 1-3 PM
More Information: Contact Andrea at 508-240-7873 x22 or by email
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First Time Home Buyer Workshop
First Time Home Buyers Education will benefit anyone considering or actively planning their first home purchase. The workshop covers: credit health and budgeting; the mortgage process and options; finding the right home and making an offer; appraisals; home inspection; legal procedures and protections; insurance protection; home energy audits and savings and ongoing home ownership.
The CDP offers this workshop twice a year, next class will be in the Fall.
When: June 9th, June 11th and June 16th (workshop consists of 3 classes)
Where: CDP Conference room, 3 Main St Mercantile, Unit 8, Eastham, 02642
More Information: Contact Andrea at 508-240-7873 x22 or by email.
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Tune In to This Place Matters
  92.1 WOMR & 91.3 WFMR
Join host Susan Lindquist & her guests for a lunchtime
talk about life on the Lower Cape.
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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