About Us

Great Bay Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides innovative program enrichment, case management, independent living support, and employment empowerment to adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism. We have supported this community for over 70 years, from Hampton, NH, to Portland, Maine. Great Bay Services is committed to serving the lives of our members to fulfill their self-determined aspirations and realize their dreams beyond all expectations.

Our Mission

​​​Great Bay Services empowers adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism ​to fulfill their lives’ potential as valued members of the communities we serve.

Our Vision

​"Our Vision is to enhance the unique abilities of our members through companionship, education, support, employment, community connectivity, personal development, and creative opportunities. 

We strive to treat our members individually with respect, equanimity, compassion, patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness. 

We are committed to serving the lives of our members to fulfill their aspirations and realize their dreams beyond all expectations."

Our Values

​​The things we value are as follows in no particular order:
​​The people we serve.
​Collaboration with families and our communities.
​The employees who provide our services.
​Integrity beyond reproach.
​Lifelong learning and enrichment.
​Fiscal responsibility and accountability.
​ A safe and empowering environment.
​Continuous improvement and innovation.

Our History


On March 8, 1954 a group of parents met in Durham, NH to advocate for the needs of their children with developmental disabilities. Special education did not exist in schools. Families were told to send their loved ones to the state institutions instead. These intrepid parents formed their own school.

This was the first association in New Hampshire dedicated to children with intellectual disabilities. The group would go on to start the first special education classes in the state, play an instrumental part in closing the state institutions, and form a training center to provide employment for adults with disabilities.

​This association continued to adapt over time, including expanding into Maine in 2015, and changing to meet the needs of individuals of the region. Over 70 years later, it continues on as Great Bay Services.