How The Moore Center Partners with the Community

For more than 70 years, The Moore Center has partnered with organizations across Greater Manchester to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and expand possibilities for the people we serve. Collaborations with valued partners such as the SEE Science Center, Saint Anselm College, the Institute on Disability, and the International Institute of New England help us extend our reach and deepen our impact throughout the region.
Learn how our community partnerships are making a difference:

St. Anselm College – MooreTogether
Education and community engagement come together through our longstanding partnership with St. Anselm College. Together, we create meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of both students and the people we serve.
This collaboration comes to life through a variety of programs and events. Coffee Talk hosted by the Meelia Center brings Moore Center participants and St. A’s students together for conversation, music, karaoke, and shared refreshments, fostering friendship and connection in a welcoming campus environment. Students also lead classes and activities focused on cooking, fitness, and the arts, creating opportunities for learning, creativity, and fun.
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the annual Valentine’s Day Dance, which welcomes hundreds of attendees and has become a favorite tradition for many of the people we support.
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the activities themselves. Through these shared experiences, students build meaningful relationships with people with disabilities, gaining a deeper understanding of inclusion and recognizing the unique strengths, talents, and personalities of every individual. At the same time, Moore Center participants enjoy opportunities to connect, learn, and fully engage in campus life.
Together, The Moore Center and St. Anselm College are building a more inclusive community where everyone can learn from one another and thrive.
International Institute of New England
Our partnership with the International Institute of New England (IINE) is helping create new pathways to employment while strengthening the direct support workforce. Together, we developed an innovative English-language training program designed for current and aspiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
Hosted by The Moore Center, the program offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) instruction tailored specifically to the unique needs of support professionals and local jobseekers connected through IINE. Coursework focuses on practical communication skills, industry-specific vocabulary, and agency documentation, equipping participants with the tools they need to succeed in their roles.
Strong communication is essential in support work. It enhances interactions with the people we serve, enables meaningful community engagement, and helps staff communicate effectively with colleagues, community partners, and emergency personnel.
This partnership creates opportunities for economic mobility while helping participants build valuable career skills and advance professionally. At the same time, it strengthens the talent pipeline for The Moore Center and other organizations across the region, supporting a more skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
Together, The Moore Center and IINE are investing in people, expanding opportunities, and building stronger communities through workforce development.
Our partnership with the International Institute of New England (IINE) is helping create new pathways to employment while strengthening the direct support workforce. Together, we developed an innovative English-language training program designed for current and aspiring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
Hosted by The Moore Center, the program offers ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) instruction tailored specifically to the unique needs of support professionals and local jobseekers connected through IINE. Coursework focuses on practical communication skills, industry-specific vocabulary, and agency documentation, equipping participants with the tools they need to succeed in their roles.
Strong communication is essential in support work. It enhances interactions with the people we serve, enables meaningful community engagement, and helps staff communicate effectively with colleagues, community partners, and emergency personnel.
This partnership creates opportunities for economic mobility while helping participants build valuable career skills and advance professionally. At the same time, it strengthens the talent pipeline for The Moore Center and other organizations across the region, supporting a more skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
Together, The Moore Center and IINE are investing in people, expanding opportunities, and building stronger communities through workforce development.

Institute on Disability
Through our partnership with the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (IOD), we have expanded our impact by creating The Moore Center Academy, a comprehensive training program that prepares new Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for success.
Our team of more than 225 dedicated DSPs is the backbone of The Moore Center. Every day, they support individuals and families across a wide range of settings, helping the people we serve pursue their goals, build connections and live fulfilling lives. With nearly 3,000 individuals and families relying on our services, it is essential that our frontline staff have the knowledge, skills and confidence to meet a diverse range of needs.
The Moore Center Academy provides a robust learning experience that combines online coursework, classroom instruction and hands-on training. Developed in collaboration with the IOD, the program aligns with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ nationally recognized standards of excellence, ensuring that new team members are equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centered support from day one.
Beyond strengthening professional development, The Moore Center Academy serves as an important recruitment and retention tool, helping us attract and support talented professionals in a challenging workforce environment. Most importantly, it reinforces our commitment to delivering the exceptional services for which our DSPs are known.
Together, The Moore Center and IOD are investing in the future of the direct support profession, strengthening our workforce and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families throughout our community.

SEE Science Center
A shared commitment to accessibility and inclusion is at the heart of our partnership with SEE Science Center. Together, we are expanding access to educational resources, enriching community experiences, and creating opportunities for people of all abilities to learn, explore and connect.
Through this collaboration, individuals in The Moore Center’s community-based day and residential programs enjoy access to hands-on STEM learning opportunities through SEE Science Center’s nonprofit membership program. These experiences encourage curiosity, foster community engagement, and make science more accessible to the people we serve.
Our partnership also extends beyond participation. The people we support have played an important role in helping SEE Science Center enhance accessibility for all visitors by providing feedback during the selection and testing of accessible chairs used throughout the museum. Their input has helped create a more welcoming experience not only for visitors with disabilities but for the broader community as well.
Additionally, individuals from The Moore Center regularly volunteer at SEE, putting together STEM kits for visitors and helping to reset exhibits. SEE is also a valued employment partner through The Moore Center’s Supported Employment program.
By working together, The Moore Center and SEE Science Center are helping build a more inclusive community where accessibility, learning and participation are available to everyone.
Joppa Hill Educational Farm
The Moore Center’s Community Based Services program partners with Joppa Hill Farm to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities that build employment, social, and independent living skills. Individuals supported by the program assist with a variety of tasks at the farm stand, including pricing and tagging merchandise, stocking shelves, preparing animal feed, and helping customers at checkout. Through these hands-on experiences, participants gain confidence, develop workplace skills, and contribute to a valued community resource while fostering connections with local businesses and community members.
Staff from The Moore Center are also providing input and helping to develop, The Meadow, the farm’s newest outdoor space. The Meadow is an inclusive, nature-inspired play area rooted in the sights, sounds, and textures of farm life and designed for children of all ages and abilities.