The Arc of the South Shore
The Arc of the South Shore is a Massachusetts nonprofit founded in 1951 that delivers residential, day, early intervention, and autism services to approximately 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually across the South Shore region, funded by DDS contracts, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1951
- HeadquartersHingham, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Arc of the South Shore does
The Arc of the South Shore is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1951 that delivers person-centered services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism, across the South Shore and Greater Southeastern Massachusetts regions. Its core service portfolio spans Residential Supports (group homes in Braintree, Hingham, Milton, Rockland, Scituate, and Weymouth, plus supported independent and shared-living arrangements), Day Habilitation, Community-Based Day Services, Personal Care Management, Positive Behavior Supports, Adult Family Care, and First Early Intervention for children from birth to age three. The Autism Supports Department, including the Autism Resource Center established in 2016, serves approximately 4,000 individuals and families annually with programming such as Sensational Story Time Yoga Training, dance programs, LEGO Social Builders, sensory-friendly movies, and the Exploring Movie Animation series.
The organization runs an operational technology layer known as the Smart Home initiative, which integrates voice-activated controls, live-feed cameras, sensors, hands-free faucets, and high-speed internet into residential group homes, with a stated goal of converting up to 10 homes to enable greater resident independence.
The revenue model is a hybrid nonprofit stack. Government funding flows through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) referrals and contracts for eligible services; foundation grants (Yawkey, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Evan Henry Foundation, UnitedHealthCare, Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, and others) fund specific programs and capital improvements; and private philanthropy is generated through one-time and recurring individual donations (the 75 for 75 Circle at $75 per month), six-tier corporate sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 annually, and signature fundraising events such as the Summer Soiree ($175 per ticket), Holiday Festival, Bunny Bash, and Autism Rocks concert. The go-to-market motion is event- and community-driven, leveraging regional chambers, hospital and bank partners, and the broader Arc federation of 700 state and local chapters. Governance sits with an independent Board of Directors currently chaired by George Toma, with CEO Elizabeth Sandblom (appointed February 2025) leading a 101-250-person staff.
The Arc of the South Shore firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Arc of the South Shore
- Legal name
- The Arc of the South Shore
- Website
- https://arcsouthshore.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1951
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The Arc of the South Shore is a Massachusetts nonprofit founded in 1951 that delivers residential, day, early intervention, and autism services to approximately 5,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually across the South Shore region, funded by DDS contracts, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Arc of the South Shore industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Child and Youth Services (624110)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Schools & Life Skills Programs (EDAKAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Transition & School-Readiness Support for Special Needs Children (HSAAAIAO), Early Childhood Development (ECD) & Pre-Primary Education (BPADAKAB), Disability Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs (EDAAAOAI)
Keywords
Where The Arc of the South Shore is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hingham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
The Arc of the South Shore business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Government Contracts and DDS Funding: The Arc receives funding from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for residential care, day programs, and other services. Individuals must be referred by DDS and funding supports core operational costs.
- Grants and Foundation Support: The organization receives grants from foundations including Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, United HealthCare Community Grant, Evan Henry Foundation, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Yawkey Foundation, and Harold Brooks Foundation. These grants support specific programs and capital improvements.
- Individual Donations and Monthly Giving: Private philanthropy through one-time and recurring donations, including the '75 for 75 Circle' monthly giving program ($75/month). Donors can give in honor or memory of loved ones and receive tax deductions.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Annual sponsorship program with levels ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, providing benefits including event tickets, recognition on website and social media, logo placement, and speaking opportunities. Sponsors include local businesses, banks, and healthcare organizations.
- Fundraising Events: Revenue from signature events including Summer Soiree ($175 tickets), Holiday Festival, Bunny Bash, and Autism Rocks concert. Events feature sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction items.
- Program Fees and Service Charges: Some programs charge fees, such as the Exploring Movie Animation program ($20 per class) and sensory-friendly movie events ($7.50 per additional ticket). Vehicle donations provide tax deduction benefits to donors.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Friend of The Arc Supporter - $100,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Inclusion Supporter - $75,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Empowerment Supporter - $50,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Independence Supporter - $25,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Advocacy Supporter - $10,000/year |
| Subscription | Monthly | 75 for 75 Circle Monthly Donor - $75/month |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Event Tickets - Summer Soiree |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Program Fees - Movie Animation Classes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Event Tickets - Sensory Friendly Movies |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Arc of the South Shore product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Arc of the South Shore is a nonprofit human services organization that delivers a continuum of supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across the South Shore of Massachusetts. Offerings include residential group homes equipped with smart-home technology, day habilitation, autism-specific supports, early intervention for children, adult family care, shared living, clinical supports, family and individual supports, and community-based arts, recreation, social, and workforce development programs.
Product overview
The Arc of the South Shore is a nonprofit service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The core service offerings span residential supports (including group homes in Braintree, Hingham, Milton, Rockland, Scituate, and Weymouth), day habilitation, autism supports department (serving 4,000 individuals annually), first early intervention for children birth to three, adult family care, community-based day services, personal care management, and positive behavior supports. The organization incorporates smart home technology across its residential settings to enhance independence. Beyond direct services, the organization operates community programs including LEGO Social Builders, sensory-friendly movies, caregiver support groups, and fundraising events (Summer Soiree, Holiday Festival, Bunny Bash, Falmouth Road Race). The Become a Friend campaign encompasses donor engagement through volunteering, donations, planned giving, and an online merchandise store.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Residential Support Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 5.4% increase in individuals served in one year (261 additional people)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Arc of the South Shore
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Arc of the South Shore technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
The Arc of the South Shore partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)corePrimary government partner providing referrals, licensing, certification, and funding for residential and day programs. DDS must refer individuals for core services, and the organization maintains 100% compliance rating with DDS standards.
- South Shore Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic partnership for community events and advocacy. Co-hosted preview screening of 'Raising Us' documentary and supports community engagement initiatives.
- Best BuddiescorePartnership for resource fairs and community programming serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- PLAN of MA and RIcoreNonprofit partner for resource fairs and advocacy. Premier sponsor of Summer Soiree and Holiday Festival events.
- Special Olympics MassachusettscorePartnership for resource fairs and athletic programming for individuals with disabilities.
- Grow AssociatescoreLaunched CARE (Caregiver Appreciation & Respite) Initiative in July 2023 at Grow's Randolph facility, offering no-cost respite services for individuals with IDD including autism.
- The Arc (National Organization)coreAffiliated with 700 state and local Arc chapters nationwide, providing access to best practices, collective advocacy power, and policy change efforts for disability rights.
- CARF InternationalcoreAccreditation body for rehabilitation and human services. Organization maintains CARF accreditation for programs and services.
- Derby Street ShopsminorRetail partner hosting Bunny Bash events at Hingham location, providing venue and community visibility for family-friendly autism acceptance programming.
- Sing Explore Create, LLCminorMusic therapy provider facilitating Vacation Music Jam programs and autism supports in partnership with Autism Resource Center.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Arc of the South Shore competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Arc of Massachusetts: The statewide chapter of The Arc, providing advocacy, family support, and system navigation for individuals with IDD across Massachusetts. Directly comparable as a fellow Arc chapter serving overlapping populations and the same state DDS system.
- Northeast Arc: Nonprofit serving individuals with IDD and autism across the North Shore and Greater Boston area of Massachusetts, operating residential, day, and employment programs. Directly comparable in service mix, geography, and funding model.
- May Institute: National nonprofit providing ABA, residential, educational, and adult services for individuals with autism and IDD, with a strong Massachusetts presence. Comparable as a multi-service IDD provider with similar program offerings and CARF-accredited services.
- Bay Cove Human Services: Boston-area nonprofit providing residential, day, and clinical services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, and brain injuries. Comparable in service scope, DDS-funded model, and community-based delivery.
- Vinfen: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing residential, day, employment, and behavioral health services for individuals with IDD, mental health conditions, and brain injuries. Comparable as a large multi-service human services provider in the same state DDS network.
- Cardinal Cushing Centers: Nonprofit in Hanover, Massachusetts serving children and adults with IDD through residential, educational, and vocational programs. Comparable in regional Massachusetts location, IDD focus, and residential/day service model.
- Advocates (Massachusetts): Nonprofit providing residential, clinical, and community-based services for individuals with IDD, autism, brain injury, and mental health conditions across Massachusetts. Comparable in service breadth and DDS-funded model.
- Riverside Community Care: Massachusetts nonprofit providing residential, day, early intervention, and behavioral health services including for individuals with IDD and autism. Comparable in early intervention offerings and DDS-funded services.
- Boston Higashi School: Massachusetts-based day and residential school for children and adults with autism. Comparable as a specialized autism/IDD provider in the same Massachusetts region with similar residential and day program model.
Others
- Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism: National autism-focused foundation that funds programs serving individuals with autism and their families. A current grant funder of The Arc's autism programming, with comparable mission focus and similar family/caregiver support orientation.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Arc of the South Shore social profiles
Digital presenceThe Arc of the South Shore compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
The Arc of the South Shore financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Arc of the South Shore leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
The Arc of the South Shore funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Arc of the South Shore M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Arc of the South Shore
What does The Arc of the South Shore do?
The Arc of the South Shore is a nonprofit human services organization that delivers a continuum of supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across the South Shore of Massachusetts. Offerings include residential group homes equipped with smart-home technology, day habilitation, autism-specific supports, early intervention for children, adult family care, shared living, clinical supports, family and individual supports, and community-based arts, recreation, social, and workforce development programs.
Is The Arc of the South Shore a public or private company?
The Arc of the South Shore is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Arc of the South Shore founded?
The Arc of the South Shore was founded in 1951. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The Arc of the South Shore based?
The Arc of the South Shore is headquartered in Hingham, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Arc of the South Shore make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Government Contracts and DDS Funding is the primary driver. The others are grants and Foundation Support, individual Donations and Monthly Giving, corporate Sponsorships, fundraising Events and program Fees and Service Charges.
Who are The Arc of the South Shore's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Arc of Massachusetts, Northeast Arc, May Institute, Bay Cove Human Services, Vinfen, Cardinal Cushing Centers, Advocates (Massachusetts), Riverside Community Care and Boston Higashi School. Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism is listed as an others.
Does The Arc of the South Shore have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Arc of the South Shore.
What industry is The Arc of the South Shore in?
The Arc of the South Shore's product category is Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAKAAAD, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Schools & Life Skills Programs, with a secondary code of HSAAAIAC, Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare. Its NAICS code is 624120 and its SIC code is 8300.