Hills and Dales
Hills & Dales is a Dubuque, Iowa-based nonprofit providing disability services across the lifespan — ABA therapy, ICF/ID residential care, Home and Community Based Services, Supported Employment, childcare, and senior programs — serving 250+ clients with 450+ staff.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersDubuque, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Hills and Dales does
Hills & Dales is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1973 in Dubuque, Iowa, delivering a continuum of disability services across the lifespan. With 450+ staff, the organization operates an Intermediate Care Facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities (59 residents with 24-hour nursing), four ABA therapy clinic locations under the Weber Autism Center and AutismHD sub-brands staffed by 9 Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Home and Community Based Services supporting 60+ clients across 18 apartments and community homes, a Supported Employment program with 27 active placements as of October 2024, Childcare and Childcare Medical Services for children ages 0-18, a Senior/LifeTime Center, and a Developmental & Behavioral Health Clinic opened in July 2024 led by a dual-certified nurse practitioner (DNP, ARNP, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC) who rendered the organization's first autism diagnosis in August 2025. Approximately 250+ individuals are served across all programs, with services delivered at facilities in Dubuque, Dyersville, and the Quad Cities area.
The revenue model is dominated by Medicaid reimbursement for ICF/ID, HCBS, and Childcare Medical Services, supplemented by charitable donations (online, planned giving, stock, bequests) and corporate/foundation grants. From 2021 through 2025 the organization raised approximately $865,000 in cumulative grants, with 2025 alone totaling approximately $593,500 — including a $500,000 anonymous gift for Residential Based Supported Community Living home construction. Senior meal pricing operates on a voluntary contribution model ($6 dine-in for NEI3A participants, $8 carry-out for age 60+, $9 for under-60). The organization holds its seventh consecutive three-year CARF International accreditation (2025) for Community Employment Services and Community Integration services.
Go-to-market is community-led: families enter via website inquiry forms, healthcare provider referrals, and school district collaborations, while Supported Employment cultivates employer partnerships with local businesses (Walmart, Fareway, Pizza Ranch, Dollar Fresh, National Mississippi River Museum, University of Dubuque, among others). Distribution occurs through six disclosed physical service locations plus staff deployed to employer worksites and client homes. Capital expansion is grant-funded and supported by two governance boards (Operations Board chaired by Bradley Kemp of MidWestOne Bank, Foundation Board chaired by Craig Schaefer of Loras College), with Jack Mescher serving as CEO.
Hills and Dales firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hills and Dales
- Legal name
- Hills & Dales
- Website
- https://hillsdales.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1973
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Hills & Dales is a Dubuque, Iowa-based nonprofit providing disability services across the lifespan — ABA therapy, ICF/ID residential care, Home and Community Based Services, Supported Employment, childcare, and senior programs — serving 250+ clients with 450+ staff.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hills and Dales industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability Services / Human Services
- NAICS
- Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)
- SIC
- Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Respite Care for Adults with Disabilities / Special Needs (HSABAGAI), Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Adult Day Rehabilitation & Therapy Programs (PT/OT/SLP) (HLADAIAD)
Keywords
Where Hills and Dales is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dubuque
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Hills and Dales business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Medicaid-Funded Services: Hills & Dales generates revenue through Medicaid-funded programs including Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/ID) services, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), and childcare medical services for eligible individuals with authorization from medical professionals.
- Donations and Fundraising: The organization accepts charitable donations through online giving, checks, stock contributions, and planned giving vehicles including bequests, IRA beneficiary designations, gift annuities, life insurance, and charitable trusts.
- Grant Funding: Hills & Dales receives grant funding from corporate foundations (Andersen Corporate Foundation, McDonough Foundation, Wahlert Foundation), government entities (City of Dubuque), community foundations (DRA, Dupaco Hoefer Foundation), and charitable organizations (Variety - The Children's Charity, Optimist Club of Dubuque) to support specific programs and capital projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Per meal | Senior meal program - dine-in for NEI3A participants age 60+ |
| Unit Pricing | Per meal | Senior meal program - carry-out age 60+ |
| Unit Pricing | Per meal | Senior meal program - under age 60 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Hills and Dales product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hills & Dales delivers a continuum of human services for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, including autism diagnosis and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, 24-hour Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/ID) residential care, Home and Community Based Services (Supported Community Living, Day Habilitation, Supported Employment, Respite), a Developmental and Behavioral Health Clinic, Childcare and Childcare Medical Services, Residential Based Supported Community Living, and a Senior/LifeTime Center program. Services are funded through Medicaid, private pay, donations, and grants, and delivered at multiple locations across Dubuque, Dyersville, and the Quad Cities.
Product overview
Hills & Dales is a nonprofit organization providing disability services through multiple interconnected programs. The organization operates a unified service portfolio comprising: Autism Services with ABA therapy at clinic locations in Dubuque (Weber Autism Center) and Dyersville; Childcare Center and Childcare Medical Services for children ages 0-18; a Developmental & Behavioral Health Clinic for evaluation and diagnosis; Home & Community Based Services including Supported Community Living, Day Habilitation, Supported Employment, and Respite; Residential Based Supported Community Living for children in community homes; a Residential Center (ICF/ID) with 24-hour nursing for 59 residents; and a Senior/LifeTime Center with weekday meals and activities. Programs are coordinated to support individuals across their lifespan from early childhood through senior years.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Weber Autism Center: State-of-the-art ABA therapy clinic located at 1660 Embassy West Drive in Dubuque, opened in 2024. Provides applied behavior analysis services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- LifeTime Center
- AutismHD
Products and services
- Autism Services (ABA Therapy) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services delivered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and trained behavior technicians to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, using individualized plans based on each child's identified needs.
- Childcare Center & Childcare Medical Services Childcare services for children ages 0-18 with and without disabilities, including Childcare Medical Services with additional nursing support, individualized plans, and lower staff-to-child ratios for children with medical needs. Uses Creative Curriculum framework.
- Developmental & Behavioral Health Clinic Comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and individualized intervention for children and adults with behavioral, developmental, and learning challenges. Includes developmental assessments, behavioral interventions, speech and occupational therapy coordination, parent coaching, and medication management.
- Home & Community Based Services Comprehensive suite including Supported Community Living (1-24 hours daily skills training), Day Habilitation (community integration and life skills), Supported Employment, Respite care, and Home & Vehicle Modification services for adults and children with developmental disabilities.
- Residential Based Supported Community Living (RBSCL) 24-hour daily support to children aged 17 and under living outside their family home in community settings. Develops daily living and social skills paired with behavior intervention strategies.
- Residential Center (ICF/ID)
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced autism diagnosis wait time from 12-18 months to immediate access through Hills & Dales' first diagnosis rendered August 2025
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Hills and Dales
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Hills and Dales technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Hills and Dales partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Trustwell Living at Eagle Point PlaceminorPartnership for Senior/LifeTime Center activities including hosting BINGO and special dessert bar at Senior Citizen Day open house events.
- Iowa NEON (National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network)coreIowa Health and Human Services project funded by US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. Hills & Dales Community Services Director Kara Huss serves as one of five subject matter experts advising the project on transforming Day Habilitation services and providing Benefits Liaison Tools.
- Iowa Association of Community ProviderscoreState-level advocacy organization for community providers. Hills & Dales collaborates on policy advocacy and shares resources.
- Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)coreNational organization promoting employment first philosophy. Hills & Dales collaborates on employment initiatives and shares resources.
- Community Partnership for Protecting Children - Dubuque, Jackson and Clinton countiesminorMulti-county collaborative partnership for protecting children, sharing resources and initiatives.
- ACE (Active Citizen Experience) at Bay View Middle SchoolminorMiddle school service learning program from Green Bay, WI. Fourth visit since 2019. Students volunteer across Hills & Dales programs including Residential Center, Supported Community Living, Childcare, Day Habilitation, and Autism Services.
- Pizza RanchcoreLocal restaurant employer partner in Hills & Dales Supported Employment Program. Host businesses work with Hills & Dales at no cost to provide a learning environment for employees with disabilities. Pizza Ranch employs individuals with disabilities for cleaning and prep tasks.
- FarewaycoreGrocery store employer partner in Supported Employment Program. Provides competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Walmart of DubuquecoreMajor retail employer partner providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Supported Employment Program.
- National Mississippi River Museum & AquariumcoreNonprofit museum partner providing employment and volunteer opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Staff and clients volunteer together at the museum.
- Dollar FreshcoreGrocery store employer partner providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through the Supported Employment Program.
- Divine Word College SeminaryminorEducational institution employer partner in Epworth, Iowa providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Four MoundscoreFoundation and conference center nonprofit partner providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- University of DubuqueminorHigher education institution employer providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Hills and Dales competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Arc of the United States: National nonprofit organization providing advocacy and direct services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential, employment, and community-based supports. Directly comparable mission and service mix to Hills & Dales.
- Mosaic: Nonprofit providing services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including residential, day services, employment supports, and autism services across multiple states. Closely matches Hills & Dales' ICF/ID, HCBS, and Supported Employment portfolio.
- Penn-Mar Human Services: Nonprofit provider of disability services including residential, day programs, employment supports, and behavioral health. Similar integrated lifespan service portfolio to Hills & Dales, though operating primarily in the Mid-Atlantic.
- RHA Health Services: Behavioral health and I/DD services provider operating ICF/ID facilities, HCBS programs, and supported employment across multiple states. Highly comparable service mix including institutional and community-based disability supports.
Emerging players
- Centria Healthcare: For-profit provider specializing in ABA therapy and autism services across multiple states. Directly comparable to Hills & Dales' Weber Autism Center / ABA therapy service line.
Regional players
- Hope Network: Michigan-based nonprofit providing behavioral health, autism, and disability services including residential, employment, and community living supports. Comparable integrated service model and population focus.
- Four Oaks: Iowa-based nonprofit providing child welfare, behavioral health, and family services including some disability programming. Comparable Iowa footprint and community-based nonprofit model, though narrower disability specialization.
- Tanager Place: Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based nonprofit providing behavioral health, child welfare, and disability services. Regional peer with overlapping Iowa service territory and similar population focus on children and families.
Broad incumbents
- Sevita Health (formerly REM Iowa): Large for-profit provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including HCBS, day programs, and supported employment across Iowa and nationally. Direct competitor in the Iowa HCBS market.
- Easterseals: National nonprofit federation providing disability and autism services including ABA therapy, residential, employment, and early childhood programs. Highly comparable service portfolio to Hills & Dales, though operating at significantly larger national scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Hills and Dales social profiles
Digital presenceHills and Dales compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Hills and Dales financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hills and Dales leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Hills and Dales funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hills and Dales 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 Hills and Dales
What does Hills and Dales do?
Hills & Dales delivers a continuum of human services for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, including autism diagnosis and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, 24-hour Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/ID) residential care, Home and Community Based Services (Supported Community Living, Day Habilitation, Supported Employment, Respite), a Developmental and Behavioral Health Clinic, Childcare and Childcare Medical Services, Residential Based Supported Community Living, and a Senior/LifeTime Center program. Services are funded through Medicaid, private pay, donations, and grants, and delivered at multiple locations across Dubuque, Dyersville, and the Quad Cities.
Is Hills and Dales a public or private company?
Hills and Dales is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Hills and Dales founded?
Hills and Dales was founded in 1973. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Hills and Dales based?
Hills and Dales is headquartered in Dubuque, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hills and Dales make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Medicaid-Funded Services are the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising and grant Funding.
Who are Hills and Dales's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Arc of the United States, Mosaic, Penn-Mar Human Services and RHA Health Services. Centria Healthcare is listed as an emerging player. Regional players are Hope Network, Four Oaks and Tanager Place. Broad incumbents are Sevita Health (formerly REM Iowa) and Easterseals.
Does Hills and Dales have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hills and Dales.
What industry is Hills and Dales in?
Hills and Dales's product category is Disability Services / Human Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLADABAJ, Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult), with a secondary code of HSABAGAI, Respite Care for Adults with Disabilities / Special Needs. Its NAICS code is 623210 and its SIC code is 8050.