At The Emily Center, we support adults with developmental disabilities in building independence, confidence, and connection. Through daily life skills training, social development, and community participation, we create opportunities for each person to reach their goals in a safe, inclusive environment.
The Legacy of Emily C. Moises
Emily Moises was a vibrant nineteen-year-old Miami native whose life was defined by compassion, excellence, and joy. She loved traveling, dancing, and serving her community. Emily embraced life fully and believed deeply in lifting others up.
A gifted student, she attended Miami High School and later the University of South Florida, where she was an honor student recognized with numerous scholarships and tributes. She spoke four languages, reflecting both her intelligence and her deep appreciation for culture and connection.
The Emily Moises Center was founded in her memory — to carry forward her spirit of service, her commitment to excellence, and her love for community.
We are dedicated to honoring Emily’s dreams by creating a space where individuals are supported, empowered, and encouraged to participate fully in life. Her legacy inspires everything we do — from the compassion we show, to the standards we uphold, to the lives we strive to impact each day.
The Legacy of Nieves Moises
Behind the heart of this center stands another extraordinary woman — Emily’s mother, Nieves Moises.
In the face of unimaginable loss, Nieves transformed grief into purpose. She founded the Emily Moises Center not only to honor her daughter’s memory, but to continue the life of service and compassion that Emily embodied. What began as a tribute became a lifelong mission.
Nieves poured her heart, soul, time, and energy into building and sustaining the center. Through economic challenges, personal sacrifices, and the everyday demands of running an organization, she remained steadfast. She was the constant presence — the encourager, the problem-solver, the advocate, and the protector of the community she was building.
Because of her unwavering commitment, the Emily C. Moises Center became more than a program — it became a family.
Staff members, attendees, and families formed lasting friendships and meaningful relationships under her leadership. Nieves fostered an environment rooted in warmth, dignity, and respect. She knew every individual personally and made sure each person felt seen, valued, and supported.
She was the glue that held everything together through both triumphs and challenges. Her resilience and dedication created a foundation strong enough to endure and flourish for generations to come.
Today, even after her passing, the relationships she nurtured remain strong. The sense of unity she cultivated continues to define the center’s culture. Her legacy lives on in the laughter shared in the halls, the support offered between families, and the unwavering commitment to service that guides the center forward.
Our Continuing Mission
The Emily Moises Center stands today as a living tribute to both Emily and Nieves — a testament to love turned into action, and loss transformed into lasting impact.
We remain dedicated to fostering a supportive, empowering environment where individuals are encouraged to grow, connect, and participate fully in community life. Every program, every interaction, and every milestone reflects the compassion and excellence that both Emily and Nieves exemplified.
Their legacy is not only remembered — it is lived each day.