The Center for Discovery

What The Center for Discovery does

The Center for Discovery (TCFD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1948, headquartered on a 1,500-acre campus in Harris, Sullivan County, New York, where it is the largest employer. It delivers integrated residential, educational, medical, clinical, nutritional, and therapeutic services to more than 1,700 children and adults annually who have complex disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and medical frailties. Service architecture includes a Children's Specialty Hospital with a Lab School, pediatric day and residential schools, an adult program, a Discovery Health Center, 52 residences, a Department of Nourishment Arts anchored by an organic/biodynamic Thanksgiving Farm, and the Research Institute for Brain & Body Health with six integrated laboratories and a federally-approved Institutional Review Board. Technology components include behavior imaging with biometric sensors and computer vision in the Lab School, proprietary assistive devices (FlexTable®, indieGo®/Right to Move™, Glove Donner, Communication Device Stabilizer), and digital health informatics used to develop individual algorithms and paths of care for precision medicine.

Underlying the operations is the proprietary SynergE6 Healthspan Model, a six-domain framework covering energy regulation/physical activity, stress/behavior/cognition, neuroimaging, nutrition/farming/pharmacology, environmental studies/assistive technology, and data analytics/digital health. Approximately 1,800 staff — including physicians, clinicians, behavior analysts, farmers, chefs, teachers, and therapists — operate the integrated model, and TCFD is designated a Center of Excellence by the NY State Department of Health and OPWDD. Research partnerships span NYU, Northwell Health, Emory, Baylor/Texas Children's, Cornell, Rensselaer, Columbia, University at Buffalo, NYU Langone, UNC Chapel Hill, and University of Colorado.

Revenue is sourced from New York State OPWDD and other government funding, federal grants (including $35M secured by Senator Schumer for the Children's Specialty Hospital), state capital grants ($10M for Transitional Living Community, $25M for health clinic expansion), foundation grants (Mother Cabrini Health Foundation), corporate and individual donations, annual fundraising events (Evening of Discovery Gala raising over $2M per event), OPWDD/Medicaid service reimbursements, and training/consultation contracts with school districts and providers. A $100M endowment campaign is in progress. The go-to-market combines direct service delivery on the residential campus with an emerging external distribution channel through the Resource Hub, Training & Consultation Services, assistive technology productization, and a Northwell Health clinical affiliation.

Name

The Center for Discovery

Legal name

The Center for Discovery, Inc.

Website

https://thecenterfordiscovery.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Center for Discovery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 1,500-acre campus in Harris, NY that provides integrated residential, educational, medical, and clinical services to approximately 1,700 children and adults annually with complex disabilities, autism, and medical frailties, organized around its proprietary SynergE6 Healthspan Model and supported by a Research Institute for Brain & Body Health.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Disability and Autism Healthcare Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)

Keywords

• Developmental disability care
• Autism specialty services
• Specialty pediatric hospital
• Residential disability care
• Assistive technology products

Headquarters

HQ city

Harris

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: The Center raises critical funds through annual events like the Evening of Discovery Gala, annual appeals, endowment campaigns, and special events. The 2019 gala raised more than $2 million, the 2022 An Evening for the Endowment raised over $1 million, and the 2024 gala raised over $2 million.
2. Government Funding: The organization receives government funding through OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) for services provided to individuals with developmental disabilities. They also received $10 million capital grant from NY State for Transitional Living Community.
3. Service Fees: Revenue from providing services including residential programs, education, healthcare, and clinical services to children and adults with complex disabilities.
4. Training and Consultation Services: Revenue from providing professional development services to school districts and organizations, including customized in-classroom coaching, trainings, and continuing education units.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Center for Discovery is a nonprofit organization providing residential, educational, medical/clinical, therapeutic, and research services for children and adults with complex disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and medical frailties. Its service portfolio is organized around the proprietary SynergE6 Healthspan Model, which integrates six domains (energy regulation, behavior/cognition, neuroimaging, nutrition, assistive technology, and digital health) and operates across a 1,500-acre campus featuring a Children's Specialty Hospital, Pediatric and Adult day/residential programs, the Department of Nourishment Arts (Thanksgiving Farm), an Integrated Arts program, and a Research Institute with six laboratories.

Product overview

The Center for Discovery is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive, integrated portfolio of healthcare, educational, residential, and therapeutic services for individuals with complex disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and medical frailties. The organization operates a multi-level service architecture centered on its SynergE6 Healthspan Model, which unifies six essential domains: Energy Regulation and Physical Activity, Stress/Behavior/Cognition, Neuroimaging, Nutrition/Farming/Pharmacology, Environmental Studies/Assistive Technology, and Data Analytics/Digital Health. Key service lines include a Children's Specialty Hospital with sophisticated Lab School technology (behavior imaging, biometric sensors, computer vision), Medical & Clinical Services (Discovery Health Center, psychology, behavior supports), assistive technology products (FlexTable®, indieGo®/Right to Move™), Pediatric Programs (day school, residential, transition services), Adult Programs, a Transitional Living Community for aging adults with disabilities, and Training & Consultation Services. The organization maintains a Research Institute for Brain & Body Health with six integrated laboratories, publishes therapeutic resources and books, and operates specialized facilities including the American Portfolios Assistive Technology Lab at THINC and the Department of Nourishment Arts with Thanksgiving Farm. With over 1,800 employees serving more than 1,700 children and adults annually across its 1,500-acre campus in Harris, NY, TCFD represents one of the most comprehensive disability care models in the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SynergE6 Healthspan Model: The organization's holistic, person-centered care model bringing together six essential elements that foster healing, resilience, and long-term wellness for individuals with complex conditions.
• Children's Specialty Hospital
• Research Institute for Brain & Body Health
• Thanksgiving Farm
• DaVinci Master Chefs
• Seed to Belly
• Food is Medicine
• Discovery Health Center
• Transitional Living Community
• FlexTable
• indieGo / Right to Move
• ENerGym
• Thanksgiving Society

Products and services

• Children's Specialty Hospital A specialized hospital transforming the standard of care for children with autism and other complex conditions, featuring a world-renowned Lab School with sophisticated behavior imaging technology, biometric sensors, and computer vision technology for children with autism and complex medical conditions.
• Pediatric Programs Comprehensive programs for children including Day School, Residential School Program, and Transition Services for children with complex disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
• Adult Program Programs and services for adults with complex conditions, disabilities, and medical needs, including residential services for 350 children and adults in 52 different residences on TCFD's farms and on Main Street in Hurleyville, NY.
• Transitional Living Community A first-of-its-kind skilled nursing demonstration project designed to support aging adults with complex disabilities and medical needs, providing small, highly supportive medical care neighborhoods aimed at reducing frequency and duration of acute hospitalizations and preventing discharges to traditional nursing facilities.
• Medical & Clinical Services Comprehensive medical and clinical services including the Discovery Health Center, Clinical Services, Food Exploration & Discovery, Animal Assisted Intervention & Education, Psychology & Behavior, and Assistive Technology & Innovation for individuals with complex disabilities.
• SynergE6 Healthspan Model A comprehensive whole-person health model bringing together six essential elements (Energy Regulation and Physical Activity, Stress/Behavior/Cognition, Neuroimaging, Nutrition/Farming/Pharmacology, Environmental Studies/Assistive Technology, Data Analytics/Digital Health) that foster healing, resilience, and long-term wellness for individuals with complex conditions.
• Training & Consultation Services Expert-level, specialized instruction and training on best practices for complex conditions including autism. Offers virtual trainings, in-person coaching, and customizable trainings for school districts and personnel; TCFD is an IACET Approved Provider offering CEUs for professional development.
• Research Institute for Brain & Body Health An integrated research environment bringing together physicians, research scientists, data analytic scientists, clinicians, and academic colleagues to conduct pioneering studies related to brain and body health, including six integrated laboratories, governed by a federally-approved IRB.
• Department of Nourishment Arts (DNA) A comprehensive food, farming and nourishment program including Thanksgiving Farm, Seed to Belly, Food is Medicine, and DaVinci Master Chefs initiative, involving residents in every stage of food production from planting seeds to preparing meals.
• Integrated Arts Program Therapeutic arts programs including Recreation, Music Therapy & Dramatic Arts, Therapeutic Dance, and Therapeutic Horticulture, designed to unlock hidden potential and enable individuals to engage fully in community and professional activities.
• Discovery Health Center A health center providing medical services and dental care for individuals with complex disabilities, including partnerships with NYU College of Dentistry for specialized dental services.
• FlexTable® An assistive technology product designed to support individuals with complex disabilities in various activities, developed by TCFD's Innovation Team.
• indieGo®/Right to Move™ An assistive technology product designed to support mobility and movement for individuals with complex disabilities, developed by TCFD.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 93% of residents received COVID-19 vaccine with 95% immunity achieved
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NYU College of DentistrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2026Collaboration to provide compassionate dental care to children and adults with disabilities. NYU College of Dentistry brings specialized dental services to TCFD, with support from Governor Hochul's $25 million investment for health clinic expansion statewide.
• Emory University - Gari Clifford LabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership focused on mHealth informatics, sleep analysis using off-body sensors, and AI models to predict ASD-related high-risk behaviors. Dr. Gari Clifford leads the collaboration with expertise in biomedical informatics from MIT and Oxford.
• Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor research partnerships focused on microbiome-gut-brain axis in autism. Dr. Ruth Ann Luna leads the largest pediatric autism microbiome study in the country, and Dr. Tor Savidge studies microbial-neuroimmune interactions.
• Cornell UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Nancy Wells conducts research on beneficial effects of nature on human health and functioning, focusing on how time in natural environments may affect individuals with autism and severe disability.
• Rensselaer Polytechnic InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Juergen Hahn leads exploratory analysis of TCFD data to better understand and improve patient outcomes, focusing on biomarker identification for autism spectrum disorder.
• Columbia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Kara Gross Margolis, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterologist, leads research on GI issues and gut microbiome abnormalities in complex conditions.
• University at BuffalocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultiple collaborations including Dr. Jeffrey Lombardo on patient safety research and Dr. Gene Morse on clinical pharmacology and translational research. Dr. Morse co-founded Buffalo Jamaica Innovation Enterprise.
• NYU Langone / Comprehensive Epilepsy CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Orrin Devinsky directs the center with research interests in autism, tuberous sclerosis, and translational therapies for epilepsy.
• University of North Carolina Chapel HillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Rune Simeonsson provides expertise on developmental and psychological characteristics of children with chronic conditions and disabilities.
• University of Colorado School of MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Terry Katz involved in Autism Treatment Network and co-founded sleep clinic for children with autism.
• Mount SinaiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. George Todd, Professor of Surgery, serves on TCFD's Board of Directors and has long-standing commitment to improving lives of those affected by autism.
• Northwell HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthwell announced affiliation with The Center for Discovery to expand healthcare services for people with developmental disabilities.
• Windham Mountain ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdaptive Sports Center at Windham Mountain Club partners with TCFD for annual ski outings, providing recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• Catskill Animal Rescue, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSource of facility dog Homer for TCFD's Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program.
• Makers Making Change (MMC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCFD is a chapter of this international organization promoting inclusivity and accessibility through open-source assistive technology.
• IAHAIOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Society for Animal-Assisted Intervention. TCFD's Animal Assisted Intervention and Education program was admitted as a new member after Sarah Merrick presented at the annual meeting.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TCFDiscovery
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdtZwycD_iGL-viQKnulz7g
• Facebookfacebook.com/thecenterfordiscoveryofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-center-for-discovery
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecenterfordiscovery

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Center for Discovery