The Third Annual Community Heart Awards took place on June 6, 2025, at the Rosebrook Event Center in Wareham.  The event celebrated individuals and organizations committed to supporting and including people with disabilities.  Community Connections, the host organization, aims to promote independence and enrich the lives of adults with disabilities. 

2025 Award Honorees: 

• Employer of the Year: Copeland Chevrolet (Cape Cod) and Steel Dog (South Coast) for inclusive employment practices.
    
  
• Legislator of the Year: State Representative David Vieira for advocating disability rights. 
  
  
• Advocate of the Year: Alex Porter for his leadership in self-advocacy efforts.
  
  
• Volunteer Partner Award: Veterans’ Kitchen for its collaboration with Community Connections’ Fall River program.
  
  
• Vice President’s Choice Award: Jade Silva for her creative and impactful work at the Mashpee Day Center.
  
  
• Kind Heart Award (Organization): Cape Auto Body for promoting workplace diversity and accessibility.
  
  
• Kind Heart Award (Individual): Isabel Gomes-McCann for her advocacy and generosity.
  
  

The event highlighted the importance of community partnerships and featured a video showcasing Community Connections’ work.  Sponsors Rogers Gray, Cape Cod 5, Citrin Cooperman, and Jefferson Realty supported the celebration.  CEO Katie Driscoll emphasized the collective power to make a difference and encouraged others to lead with heart.