Irina Adriaensen sat down with a challenge many organizations faced during the 2020 pandemic: How do you transition impactful in-person programs to an online format without losing the sense of community? For Moe Foundation, a UK-based global charity that had spent a decade building strong, in-person coaching certification programs, the stakes were high. The pandemic put their operations at a standstill, threatening to erode years of dedication to fostering personal growth and mental health support.

The Challenge: Transitioning Without Losing Community

Before 2020, Moe Foundation was synonymous with hands-on, immersive certification programs. Participants shared deep, personal connections that were integral to their learning and growth. The pandemic jeopardized this foundation. Irina, tasked with finding a solution, knew they needed more than just a tool to host courses—they needed a platform that brought the community aspect to life online. The goal was clear: maintain the heart of their programs while embracing the digital shift.

“We couldn’t get the community together anymore when the pandemic hit. When we decided to bring our programs online, we were looking for a way to bring that feeling of community online as well,” Irina shared.

The Solution: GroupApp—The All-in-One Platform

Irina’s search led her to GroupApp, a platform that seamlessly blended community and learning. Unlike other solutions that prioritized either courses or community, GroupApp’s integrated approach offered both as core features. Intrigued, Irina booked a demo and discovered that GroupApp was exactly what Moe Foundation needed to bring their certification programs online without sacrificing their community’s essence.

The Journey to Implementation: A Thoughtful Approach

Moe Foundation’s transition to online learning was thoughtful and strategic. Irina and her team started by building their first course using GroupApp’s intuitive Course Builder. Modules, assignments, and support materials were organized into a cohesive learning path. The next step was crucial: inviting alumni to test the new platform.

“We were really excited to bring our alumni into the testing phase. Their feedback was absolutely important in helping us shape the online course,” said Irina. “With GroupApp’s support, we felt well-equipped to make the transition smooth and truly impactful for our future learners.”

The feedback gathered during the testing phase allowed the team to refine the course content and ensure a user-friendly experience for future learners. Once confident in their setup, Moe Foundation launched their cohort-based programs on GroupApp, where learners could engage, learn, and grow together.

A New Era of Engagement: GroupApp’s Impact

GroupApp quickly became a vital part of Moe Foundation’s operations. The platform’s built-in community channels enabled structured discussions, supporting learners through their journeys without overwhelming them. Irina made strategic use of pinned posts to guide newcomers, ensuring they felt welcomed and informed from day one.

“Not everyone is super-tech literate, which is fine. We wanted to make it really clear to people how to navigate the community. The pinned post outlining first steps was a game changer,” Irina noted.

Introductions and Onboarding
The onboarding process was streamlined with GroupApp’s Introductions feature, which prompted new members to introduce themselves using a pre-set template. This small touch made a big difference in fostering immediate engagement and connection among learners.

Centralized Resource Hub
Moe Foundation utilized GroupApp’s Library feature to house their extensive resources. Podcasts, recorded guest webinars, and course guides were now accessible in one place, removing the need for external platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Learners could access what they needed when they needed it, enhancing the overall learning experience.

“One of the best things about the Library feature is the ability to create categories. It helps us organize content and ensure learners find everything they need,” said Irina.

Skill Labs and Events
GroupApp’s Events feature simplified the scheduling and management of Moe Foundation’s Skill Labs—live events where graduates practiced their coaching skills. Setting up and managing RSVPs became easier, ensuring all participants were kept in the loop and could focus on refining their skills.

Results: Turning a Setback into Growth

The switch to GroupApp didn’t just help Moe Foundation maintain their operations; it expanded their reach. They completed over 20 successful online cohorts, supporting learners from around the world. The shift online, once seen as a challenge, became a catalyst for growth.

“What I really like about GroupApp is that it has both the course and community components at the heart of the software. Neither feels like an afterthought. Presently, we have completed 20+ successful cohorts with GroupApp, and there’s a lot to look forward to!” Irina reflected.

Conclusion: A Platform for the Future

GroupApp enabled Moe Foundation to not only transition online but to thrive in a new era of learning and community-building. Irina and her team are now equipped to make a greater impact, reaching learners globally and staying true to their mission: impacting one million lives through personal growth and coaching.