Block Institute
Block Institute is a Brooklyn-based non-profit founded in 1962 that provides educational, clinical, residential, day habilitation, and housing subsidy services to approximately 1,400 children and adults with developmental disabilities annually, funded primarily through OPWDD, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1962
- HeadquartersBrooklyn, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Block Institute does
Block Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-sectarian agency founded in 1962 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. It provides individualized services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across an integrated continuum that includes preschool and school-age special education (through its Block Academy subsidiary), Adult Day Habilitation, Adult Residential Services operating Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs), an Article 16 outpatient Clinic offering psychiatry, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, and an OPWDD-funded ISS Housing Subsidy program supporting independent community living. Differentiated therapeutic and enrichment programs include a heated accessible aquatics pool, Pals with Paws pet-assisted therapy (launched 2009), and structured music, yoga, and art programs.
The organization employs 501–1,000 staff across multiple Brooklyn facilities (Bay 44th Street headquarters, Stillwell Avenue, and Gravesend residential locations) and serves approximately 1,400 individuals per year. Client acquisition runs through the OPWDD-mandated Front Door intake process, care manager referrals, and the DDRO network, with housing placements coordinated through community landlord partnerships such as Fountain Seaview (Brooklyn) and Edgemere Commons (Queens). The technology stack is not publicly disclosed and there is no proprietary software product; the organization operates as a service-delivery nonprofit rather than a technology company.
Block Institute's revenue model is managed-services style: services are reimbursed primarily through New York State OPWDD funding for residential, day habilitation, and housing subsidy programs, and through Medicaid/Medicare for Article 16 clinical services, supplemented by charitable donations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed because reimbursement is driven by individual eligibility and program criteria rather than standard fee schedules. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors (President: Jill Zelenko, CPA) and led by Executive Director Scott L. Barkin, PhD. Its preschool program has been recognized by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) for five consecutive years, and Block Academy was launched in 2026 to expand children's services capacity by up to 160 children annually.
Block Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Block Institute
- Legal name
- Block Institute
- Website
- https://blockinstitute.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1962
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Block Institute is a Brooklyn-based non-profit founded in 1962 that provides educational, clinical, residential, day habilitation, and housing subsidy services to approximately 1,400 children and adults with developmental disabilities annually, funded primarily through OPWDD, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Block Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Developmental Disability Services
- NAICS
- Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child Care Services (6244), Temporary Shelters (624221)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
Keywords
Where Block Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brooklyn
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Block Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government-funded healthcare services (Medicaid/Medicare): Block Institute generates revenue primarily through government-funded healthcare programs including Medicaid and Medicare for clinical Article 16 services, and OPWDD-funded services for residential, day habilitation, and housing subsidy programs. Services are funded based on eligible individuals meeting program criteria.
- Donations and charitable contributions: Block Institute accepts charitable donations to strengthen and expand programs including innovative programming, enrichment activities, and staff development initiatives.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Block Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Block Institute is a non-profit agency that provides individualized educational, residential, day habilitation, clinical (Article 16), and housing subsidy services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services are delivered across multiple Brooklyn facilities and funded primarily through OPWDD, Medicaid, and Medicare, with supplemental charitable donations. The organization serves approximately 1,400 individuals annually through a continuum spanning preschool special education, adult day programs, 24/7 residential care, therapy services, and community-based housing support.
Product overview
Block Institute operates as a multi-service non-profit organization providing individualized services for children and adults with developmental disabilities through a coordinated portfolio of programs. The core offerings span Adult Services (Day Habilitation, Residential Care, Housing Subsidy, and Article 16 Clinic), Preschool/Special Education Services (including Block Academy), and therapeutic/enrichment programs (Aquatics, Pals with Paws pet therapy, Music, Yoga, Art, and Water Therapy). Services are delivered across multiple Brooklyn locations including Gravesend and Stillwell Ave sites, with the organization serving approximately 1,400 individuals annually. The portfolio is unified by a person-centered, whole-person approach with individualized treatment planning.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Block Academy: Educational institution providing preschool, school age and integrated children's services for up to 160 more children annually.
- Pals with Paws
- Block Academy
Products and services
- Adult Day Services Day habilitation program providing transformative experiences and support for individuals with diverse intellectual and developmental disabilities, located in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
- Adult Residential Services Quality residential care in family-like settings including Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) and Individual Residential Alternatives (IRAs), providing medical care, nourishment, psychological well-being, and holistic support for adults with developmental disabilities.
- ISS Housing Subsidy OPWDD Housing Subsidy program supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently in their communities, helping with apartment applications and ongoing tenancy support through partnerships with community landlords.
- Article 16 Clinic Comprehensive clinical program providing habilitative services including psychiatry/medication management, comprehensive evaluations, specialized group therapy, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech & language pathology for cognitively, physically, emotionally, and/or developmentally disabled individuals.
- Preschool Services Award-winning preschool program for children ages 3-5 with special needs, featuring individualized attention with 8:1:2 and 9:1:3 ratios, integrated speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and adaptive curriculum aligned with NYS Learning Standards.
- Block Academy Newest school providing additional educational options for Brooklyn families, enabling continued growth of preschool, school age, and integrated children's services, serving up to 160 more children annually.
- Pals with Paws Pet Assisted Therapy program integrating specially trained dogs into educational and therapeutic settings with children and adults, supporting speech, fine motor, and social skills development.
- Aquatics Program Aquatic therapy and recreational swimming services provided in a heated, fully accessible swimming pool, with trained therapists working with youth and adults.
- Music Program Hands-on music education approach using colors, shapes, and sound to teach rhythm, instruments, and early keyboard skills.
- Yoga Program Gentle movement, breathing, and playful activities supporting balance, coordination, focus, and emotional regulation in inclusive settings.
- Art Program Creative exploration using various materials and techniques to encourage self-expression, sensory integration, and social engagement.
Quantifiable outcome
- Serves approximately 1,400 individuals per year
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Block Institute
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Block Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Block Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Fountain SeaviewcoreBlock Institute has partnered with Fountain Seaview community landlords in East New York, Brooklyn to help streamline the apartment application process for OPWDD-eligible individuals. When apartments become available, the landlord connects with Block Institute's Subsidy Team to connect with eligible apartment seekers. Block Institute supports applicants through the application process and lease signing.
- Edgemere CommonscoreBlock Institute partners with Edgemere Commons in Rockaway, Queens to provide OPWDD Housing Subsidy services. The partnership helps individuals find affordable housing in this designated complex, with Block Institute acting as the liaison throughout the application and lease signing process.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Block Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- HeartShare Human Services of New York: Brooklyn-based nonprofit operating residential programs, day habilitation, preschool special education, and Article 16-style clinical services for people with IDD — a close geographic and service-line peer.
- Lifespire: NYC nonprofit providing residential (IRA/ICF), day, and clinical services to individuals with developmental disabilities, funded primarily through OPWDD and Medicaid — directly comparable service mix.
- Birch Family Services: NYC nonprofit offering early childhood special education, school-age programs, day habilitation, and residential services for children and adults with IDD/autism — a peer in the special-education-to-adult-services continuum.
- AHRC New York City: One of the largest NYC nonprofits serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing day programs, residential services, clinical supports, and family services — directly comparable to Block Institute's multi-service IDD model.
- Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State: Statewide nonprofit network providing residential, day, clinical, and advocacy services to people with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities — comparable diagnosis mix and OPWDD funding model.
- YAI / National Institute for People with Disabilities: Major NYC-area nonprofit offering residential, day habilitation, clinical, early intervention, and OPWDD-funded housing services for people with IDD/autism — overlapping almost the full Block Institute service continuum.
- ADAPT Community Network: NYC nonprofit (formerly UCP of NYC) providing residential, day, clinical, and community habilitation services for people with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, with comparable OPWDD funding reliance.
Broad incumbents
- Services for the UnderServed (S:US): Large NYC nonprofit operating supportive housing, residential, day, and behavioral health programs for people with IDD, mental health needs, and homelessness — broader portfolio but directly overlaps on OPWDD-funded residential/day.
- Goodwill Industries of New York and Northern New Jersey: Large regional nonprofit providing day programs, employment services, and some residential supports for people with disabilities — broader mission but overlapping on OPWDD-funded day and vocational services.
Regional players
- Wildwood Programs: Upstate New York nonprofit providing residential, day habilitation, and clinical services for children and adults with IDD/autism — similar service model but serving the Albany/Capital region rather than NYC.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Block Institute social profiles
Digital presenceBlock Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Block Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Block Institute subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Block Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Block Institute 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 Block Institute
What does Block Institute do?
Block Institute is a non-profit agency that provides individualized educational, residential, day habilitation, clinical (Article 16), and housing subsidy services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Services are delivered across multiple Brooklyn facilities and funded primarily through OPWDD, Medicaid, and Medicare, with supplemental charitable donations. The organization serves approximately 1,400 individuals annually through a continuum spanning preschool special education, adult day programs, 24/7 residential care, therapy services, and community-based housing support.
Is Block Institute a public or private company?
Block Institute is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Block Institute founded?
Block Institute was founded in 1962. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Block Institute based?
Block Institute is headquartered in Brooklyn, United States, in the North America region.
How does Block Institute make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government-funded healthcare services (Medicaid/Medicare) is the primary driver. The others are donations and charitable contributions.
Who are Block Institute's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are HeartShare Human Services of New York, Lifespire, Birch Family Services, AHRC New York City, Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, YAI / National Institute for People with Disabilities and ADAPT Community Network. Broad incumbents are Services for the UnderServed (S:US) and Goodwill Industries of New York and Northern New Jersey. Wildwood Programs is listed as a regional player.
Does Block Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Block Institute.
What industry is Block Institute in?
Block Institute's product category is Developmental Disability Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of HLADAIAI, Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors). Its NAICS code is 62321 and its SIC code is 8300.