Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana

What Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana does

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana (doing business as Easterseals Northeast Indiana) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit disability services organization founded in 1954 as the Johnny Appleseed School and headquartered at 4919 Coldwater Road in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with additional locations in Angola and Columbia City. The organization provides a comprehensive lifecycle of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across northeast Indiana, organized into four service lines: Youth Services (Sibshops, Mini Dreamers ages 6-13, Dream Teens ages 14-22); Adult Services (Adult Day Center, Structured Family Caregiving, Community Living, 11 Group Homes across Allen and Whitley Counties, Supported Living, Boundless Days, Wellness Coordination); Employment Services (Pre-Employment Transition Services reaching 65+ students in Summer 2025, Supported Employment, Services for Employers, state-approved Certified Nurse Aides Program, Easterseals Transitions Academy, Hospitality Lab with ServSafe training); and Additional Services (24/7 Respite, on-site Clinic operated by Rounding Providers, accessible ES Gaming/Esports, Behavior Solutions, Recreation). The organization holds CARF accreditation since 1997 and dual national affiliations with Easterseals and The Arc.

The business model is overwhelmingly government-funded: the majority of services are reimbursed through Indiana Medicaid waivers (notably the Community Integration and Habilitation waiver) and Vocational Rehabilitation funding routed through the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS), with private-pay and minimal out-of-pocket costs for core services. Revenue diversification comes through individual donations, planned giving, corporate sponsorships (Investing in People Society tiers from $1K-$10K annually), foundation grants (e.g., $75K Don Wood Foundation, $25K PHP Foundation, $25K WindSwell), and modest fee-for-service programs (CNA training at $1,000 tuition, Hospitality Lab at $650). GTM is sales-led/referral-driven, relying on direct outreach through schools for IEP/504 plan participants, healthcare providers, families, and BDDS coordination — intake is centralized via [email protected] and a 24/7 call center.

Easterseals Northeast Indiana is the consolidated product of three organizations (Easterseals Arc, Easterseals RISE, Easterseals Passages) that unified under a single brand in January 2025 as part of the Easterseals Community Network. Recent strategic positioning emphasizes workforce development pathways (E-Gaming Labs/Digital Workforce & Inclusion Initiative in partnership with Trine University, pre-manufacturing academies in five counties), employer partnerships (Anthem Blue Cross, RepuCare, local manufacturers), and care coordination (Indiana Autism Connections). The organization operates as a service-delivery platform — not a technology product company — with technology serving primarily as enablers (on-site clinic telehealth, gaming/esports for digital skills training) rather than proprietary AI or software products.

Name

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana

Legal name

Easterseals Community Network

Website

https://eastersealsnei.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Easterseals Northeast Indiana is a Fort Wayne-based non-profit (founded 1954) providing comprehensive residential, day, employment, youth, and respite services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across northeast Indiana, funded primarily through Medicaid waivers and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), IEP/504 Planning, Case Management & Compliance (EDAJAKAB)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Residential support
• Employment services
• Youth programs
• Respite care

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Medicaid Waiver Services: The majority of services are funded through Medicaid waivers, including the Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver. This covers residential, day, employment, and wellness programs for eligible individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Funding: Employment services are funded by Vocational Rehabilitation, a state-run program that helps people with disabilities prepare for and gain employment. Services for employers are provided at no cost to employers, funded by VR.
3. Donations and Charitable Giving: Individual donations, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships fund the gap between government reimbursement and actual program costs. The Investing in People Society recognizes donors giving $1,000+ per year for 5+ years.
4. Foundation Grants: Grants from foundations such as the Don Wood Foundation ($75,000 for pre-manufacturing academies), PHP Foundation ($25,000 for on-site clinic), and WindSwell Foundation support specific programmatic initiatives and expansion.
5. Fee-for-Service Programs: Some programs such as CNA training ($1,000 tuition) and Hospitality Lab ($650 tuition) charge program fees, with scholarships and Medicaid Waiver funding available to offset costs for eligible participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana is a non-profit disability services organization that provides comprehensive life-changing programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across northeast Indiana. Core offerings include residential support (group homes, supported living, structured family caregiving), day programs, youth services, employment and transition services, respite care, behavior solutions, and an on-site health clinic. The organization operates across three locations (Fort Wayne, Angola, Columbia City) with funding primarily through Medicaid waivers and Vocational Rehabilitation.

Product overview

Easterseals Northeast Indiana operates as a comprehensive disability services organization offering a broad portfolio of programs and services across three locations (Fort Wayne, Angola, and Columbia City). The organization provides Youth Services (Sibshops, Mini Dreamers, Dream Teens), Adult Services (Adult Day Center, Structured Family Caregiving, Community Living, Group Homes, Supported Living, Boundless Days, Wellness Coordination), Employment Services (Pre-Employment Transition Services, Supported Employment, Services for Employers, Certified Nurse Aides Program, Easterseals Transitions Academy, Hospitality Lab), and Additional Services (Respite, On-Site Clinic, ES Gaming Esports, Behavior Solutions, Recreation). This is a service-delivery organization, not a technology product company; the programs are delivered through in-person services, facilities, and community partnerships rather than a unified software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sibshops
• Mini Dreamers Program for children ages 6 to 13 with intellectual or developmental disabilities offering fun activities during spring, summer, and winter breaks to build confidence, explore creativity, and connect with peers. Funded through Medicaid Waiver; private pay also available. Summer 2026 runs May 27 – August 7.
• Dream Teens Program for teens and young adults ages 14 to 22 with disabilities offering fun-filled school breaks with activities designed to develop skills, build confidence, and explore possibilities for the future.
• Adult Day Center Adult day program providing a welcoming environment where adults age 18 and older with higher support needs can learn new skills, socialize with peers, and explore the community. CARF-accredited program.
• Structured Family Caregiving Family-based supported living option where trained caregivers welcome individuals with disabilities into their homes and involve them in everyday family lives.
• Community Living Support services for individuals living independently or at home with family, providing assistance with accessing community resources, discovering local activities, and developing independent living skills.
• Group Homes Person-centered group home living environment where four to eight individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live together with 24/7 support in homes owned or leased by Easterseals. Operates 11 group homes (8 in Allen County + 3 in Whitley County).
• Supported Living Program providing assistance and supervision up to 24 hours a day for one-to-four residents in a private house or apartment, with Direct Support Professionals providing life-skills coaching and personalized support.
• Boundless Days Day program extending beyond traditional services to include weekday, evening, and weekend experiences across Northeast Indiana, empowering participants through personalized learning, social engagement, and comprehensive health services. CARF-accredited program.
• Wellness Coordination Tiered wellness support program with nurse consultation and face-to-face visits for individuals who need assistance coordinating their medical care, provided as part of the Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services Resources for students with disabilities age 14 to 22 to explore employment and education options, enhance hard and soft skills, and participate in on-site job training across Adams, Allen, Wells, and Whitley counties. Served over 65 students with work-based learning experiences in Summer 2025.
• Supported Employment Comprehensive employment services helping individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and retain meaningful employment, including resume development, job coaching, interview practice, and extended workplace support.
• Services for Employers Employer partnership services connecting businesses to people with disabilities, including pre-screening individuals, customized training programs, and disability awareness initiatives. Services provided at no cost to employers, funded by Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Certified Nurse Aides Program State-approved healthcare learning lab preparing participants for careers as certified nurse aides, covering infection control, emergency procedures, basic nursing skills, and activities of daily living. Approved by the Indiana State Department of Health. $1,000 tuition (July 20 – August 24, 2026 cohort).
• Easterseals Transitions Academy Summer program for young adults with disabilities offering independent living skills and work readiness training, with participants living on Purdue University Fort Wayne campus and having paid jobs. 6-week summer program.
• Hospitality Lab Hands-on hospitality training program preparing individuals for careers in the hospitality industry, with ServSafe food handler certification preparation and training in a commercial-style kitchen environment. $650 program cost with scholarships available; 4-week program.
• Respite Temporary relief services for caregivers providing trained staff to step in for brief periods, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at a dedicated respite house in Fort Wayne.
• On-Site Clinic Health clinic operated by Rounding Providers offering on-site exams, telehealth appointments, diagnostic testing, medication prescriptions, psychiatric services, and COVID-19 testing for individuals served by Easterseals. Open Mondays and Wednesdays 10am–4pm at the Fort Wayne Coldwater Road location.
• ES Gaming (Esports) Accessible esports program as part of the nationwide ES Gaming initiative, creating welcoming spaces where gamers with disabilities can connect, develop skills, and compete. Operates in partnership with Trine University as an integrated esports team.
• Behavior Solutions Behavior intervention services delivered by master's degree-holding consultants who develop individualized behavior intervention plans to decrease disruptive behaviors and increase skills needed for success.
• Recreation Extensive recreational opportunities for people with disabilities emphasizing adaptive recreation and community engagement, including sports events, museum visits, bowling leagues, and Special Olympics partnerships.

Quantifiable outcome

• Pre-Employment Transition Services served over 65 students with work-based learning experiences in Summer 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hope's HarborcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHope's Harbor partners with Easterseals Northeast Indiana and Erin's House for Grieving Children to co-host Sibshops — peer support and recreational sessions for siblings of children with disabilities. Sibshops sessions are held at Hope's Harbor's Fort Wayne location (7922 W. Jefferson Blvd.) on select Saturdays.
• Erin's House for Grieving ChildrencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-partner with Easterseals and Hope's Harbor in the Sibshops program, providing grief support expertise and programming for siblings of children with disabilities and special health concerns.
• Trine UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Trine University to launch an integrated esports team featuring both Easterseals participants and Trine students. The accessible esports program develops leadership, communication, critical thinking, team-building, and technical skills while fostering genuine connections between college students and individuals with disabilities.
• RepuCarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce Collaboration Program — a partnership between Easterseals and RepuCare to provide education, employment support, and resources to individuals aged 18-64 enrolled in Anthem's Hoosier Care Connect plan. Easterseals educates members on employment programs, assesses job skills, provides pre-employment readiness, and offers employment support.
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IndianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnthem is a partner in Indiana Autism Connections, an innovative care coordination program launched by Easterseals Community Network (ECN) in partnership with RepuCare. The program is designed to support children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and their families in Indiana.
• Rounding ProviderscoreTechnology or IntegrationRounding Providers operates the on-site health clinic at Easterseals Northeast Indiana's Fort Wayne location (Coldwater Road). The clinic provides accessible medical exams, telehealth, diagnostic testing, chronic disease management, and psychiatric care for all participants.
• The Arc (National Affiliation)coreOthersEasterseals Northeast Indiana is an affiliated chapter of The Arc, the nation's largest voluntary organization committed to the welfare of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This national affiliation provides program frameworks, advocacy resources, and organizational credibility.
• Easterseals (National Affiliation)coreOthersEasterseals Northeast Indiana is an affiliated chapter of Easterseals, a leading provider of rehabilitation services ensuring equality for people with disabilities. The national affiliation provides established program models, training resources, and access to the broader Easterseals network.
• Local ManufacturersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPre-manufacturing academies (Don Wood Foundation grant) partner with local manufacturing companies in five counties to provide hands-on training, certification pathways, and direct employment pipelines for people with disabilities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dungarvin: National provider of residential, day, and behavioral support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities operating across many states. Comparable as a broader-incumbent IDD services competitor with overlapping service lines (group homes, supported living, employment) but a multi-state footprint rather than northeast-Indiana focus.
• Easterseals (National): National nonprofit federation providing disability and rehabilitation services through a network of 70+ affiliates including Easterseals Northeast Indiana. Comparable as the parent brand and broader federation, with overlapping mission and program models but a national rather than northeast-Indiana operating footprint.
• BrightSpring Health Services: Large public home and community-based services platform serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and complex conditions. Comparable in IDD residential and day services category, but operates at national scale across pharmacy, home health, and behavioral services rather than a single Indiana region.
• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): National provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and behavioral health needs, including group homes and supported employment. Comparable in IDD service portfolio but materially larger and multi-state, positioning it as a broad incumbent rather than direct local competitor.

Direct peers

• Sycamore Services: Indiana-based nonprofit providing residential, day, employment, and behavioral services to people with developmental disabilities across multiple counties. Directly comparable to Easterseals Northeast Indiana in service mix, Medicaid waiver funding model, and Indiana IDD provider landscape.
• LifeStream Services: Indiana nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, vocational, and community-based programs. Comparable to Easterseals Northeast Indiana in target population, Indiana geography, and CARF-style quality framework.
• Easterseals Crossroads: Indianapolis-based Easterseals affiliate providing a similar comprehensive portfolio of disability and rehabilitation services across Central Indiana. Direct peer because both are Easterseals-branded chapters serving overlapping service categories (employment, residential, day programs) within Indiana, competing for the same statewide donor and grant pools.
• The Arc of Indiana: Statewide advocacy and service affiliate of The Arc, the same national network Easterseals Northeast Indiana is affiliated with. Comparable because both deliver IDD advocacy, family support, and direct services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Indiana, and share overlapping funder relationships.

Others

• Indiana Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS): Indiana state agency that determines Medicaid waiver eligibility and coordinates group home placements for individuals with IDD. Comparable as a critical regulator and referral gateway that gates access to Easterseals Northeast Indiana's largest funding stream, but is a public agency rather than an operating peer.
• Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): State agency that funds Pre-ETS and supported employment services Easterseals Northeast Indiana delivers. Comparable as a major funder and referral source rather than a direct competitor, but operates the same employment-services regulatory framework and could in principle deliver services directly.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EastersealsArc
• Facebookfacebook.com/eastersealsnein
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eastersealsnein
• Instagraminstagram.com/eastersealsnein

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana