Latham Centers Unveils New Education Facility

BREWSTER – On Friday, Latham Centers staff will host a grand opening for its new educational facility, the Anne McManus Center. 

Located half a mile from Latham Centers main campus, the “state-of-the-art building will provide essential classroom space, wellness and sports facilities, community gathering areas, and space for vocational activities for both students and adult residents,” said Jackie O’Connor, the center’s director of advancement. 

The building at 1439 Main St. was gifted to the nonprofit by the former New England Fire and History Museum in 2013 for just $1. At the time, former president and CEO of Latham Centers Anne McManus said her team was excited for the possibilities of providing more services to those in need on Cape Cod. 

Now, over 10 years later, the project, named after the beloved executive, is ready to be formally unveiled. 

McManus retired in 2023 after 20 years of service and an array of impressive projects under her belt. The center’s most recent annual report says, “Anne McManus, Latham’s recently retired president and CEO, for whom this building is named, said ‘yes’ to this project when it would have been much easier to say no.” Her most notable achievement was helping Latham become an internationally recognized leader in treating Prader-Willi Syndrome. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, PWS is a rare genetic condition that leads to mental, physical and behavioral problems, including an insatiable appetite. In working closely with experts, Latham has developed numerous care programs for children and adults who suffer from the condition. 

Latham Centers provides residential programs for students with complex special needs, creating a campus of group residences and individualized community living around the area. With the addition of the Anne McManus Center, students will now have a space to continue to learn, grow and develop skills for functional living. 

“This facility will not only enhance our programming but also strengthen our community ties and promote a culture of inclusivity and collaboration,” said current president and CEO Gerry Pouliot. 

The grand opening invites donors, staff, board members and public procurement teams to tour the facility and celebrate with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The public is invited to an open house on Thursday, Dec. 19.