The Arc of the Ozarks

What The Arc of the Ozarks does

The Arc of the Ozarks is a Missouri-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1964 by parents seeking services for their children with developmental disabilities. Headquartered in Springfield, it delivers a comprehensive, "one-stop" platform of disability services across five regional divisions — Springfield, Joplin, Monett, Kansas City, and St. Charles County — plus affordable housing in Nixa. The portfolio spans the lifespan: early intervention for children with autism (Rivendale Center for Autism, ages 2-6), K-12+ private schools (Rivendale Institute of Learning, Infinity Academy), applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational/physical/speech and feeding therapy, behavioral health including psychiatric care and interventional treatments (TMS, Esketamine/Spravato, Alpha Stim), pharmacogenomic testing via GeneSight, 24/7 supported community living, employment solutions, recreational programs (No Limits Summer Camp, CampAbility, Timothy Grant Newport Activity Center), and family advocacy. Underlying clinical and technology assets include ABA-trained professional staff, Remote Support systems using home sensors and video monitors (deployed through Missouri Developmental Disability waivers in partnership with HEARO), and CARF-accredited program quality standards. The organization is affiliated with The Arc of the U.S. and is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Chad Astle, with Mike Powers as President/CEO.

Revenue is generated primarily through Missouri state and federal government contracts — most notably the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) — and through Missouri Developmental Disability waivers, making the payer base concentrated at the state level even though direct service recipients are highly fragmented. Supplementary revenue streams include private donations (the Christmas Extravaganza alone raised >$145K in 2024, up from ~$92K in 2022), foundation grants (e.g., Sutherland Foundation for facility improvements), community-event fundraising, and nominal fees from social enterprises including the Auto Detail Shop ($40 per service), the A.M. Donuts & Coffee food truck, shred services, and recycling partnerships. The go-to-market is community-led and referral-driven (state agencies, regional offices, school partnerships, and a co-developed autism clinic with Missouri State University and Mercy), with distribution supported by nine office/program locations across Missouri. The organization has accelerated growth through acquisition (TheraCare in 2022; an equine therapy nonprofit in November 2025; a second Springfield building from Empower:abilities in February 2026) and was recognized on the 2026 Springfield Business Journal Dynamic Dozen list of fastest-growing companies in the Ozarks region.

Name

The Arc of the Ozarks

Legal name

The Arc of the Ozarks

Website

https://thearcoftheozarks.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Arc of the Ozarks is a Missouri-based nonprofit, founded in 1964, that delivers a one-stop hub of disability services — including residential living, employment, ABA and behavioral health, therapeutic, educational, and recreational programs — to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across five regional divisions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Human Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM), Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL), Pediatric/School-Based Occupational Therapy (OT) (EDAKAFAA), Assistive Technology (AT) Access & AAC Access Support (OT-Led) (EDAKAFAG), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Community living programs
• Applied behavior analysis
• Vocational rehabilitation services
• Autism diagnostic services

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts: State and federal contracts through Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for disability services, employment services, and residential programs.
2. Private Donations: Individual donations from community supporters, including annual Christmas Extravaganza events raising significant funds for children's autism services.
3. Grants: Funding from foundations and organizations such as Sutherland Foundation for facility improvements.
4. Community Partnerships: Revenue from community partnerships including service fees for shred services, auto detail services, and recycling programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Arc of the Ozarks provides a comprehensive portfolio of disability services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), autism spectrum disorder, and behavioral health needs across Missouri. Services include residential and community living support, employment solutions, educational programs, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), therapeutic services (occupational, physical, speech, and feeding therapy), behavioral health and interventional psychiatry, recreation programs, and family advocacy. The organization operates across five regional divisions and the Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center, funded primarily through state and federal contracts supplemented by donations and grants.

Product overview

The Arc of the Ozarks provides a comprehensive platform of disability services across Missouri, organized into five regional divisions (Springfield, Joplin, Monett, Kansas City, St. Charles County) plus specialized centers. The service portfolio includes community living, employment solutions, educational programs, therapeutic services, behavioral health, recreation, and family advocacy. Key branded programs include the Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center offering diagnostic and treatment services in Springfield, Branson, and Joplin; Cornerstone Behavioral Services in St. Charles County providing crisis and intensive behavioral support; Rivendale Center for Autism (ages 2-6 early intervention); Rivendale Institute of Learning (private school for ages 7-21); and Infinity Academy (private alternative school for middle/high school students). Therapeutic offerings span Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), psychiatric care including interventional treatments (TMS, Esketamine), occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy. All services are performed by trained, certified professionals with CARF accreditation across programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cornerstone Behavioral Services: Therapeutic behavioral health services focusing on teaching safe, positive alternatives to unwanted behaviors using evidence-based practices in St. Charles County
• Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center
• Rivendale Center for Autism
• Rivendale Institute of Learning
• Infinity Academy
• SOAR Program
• No Limits Summer Camp
• Counterpoint
• A.M. Donuts & Coffee
• Crowhaven Apartments
• Timothy Grant Newport Activity Center
• CampAbility

Products and services

• Community Living Services Supported community living programs providing personalized support for individuals with developmental disabilities to live and work within the community while developing daily life management skills and achieving personal goals; includes 24/7 support from registered nurses and professional staff.
• Employment Solutions Employment-first services assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment, including career planning, job development, job coaching, prevocational services, and follow-along supports, delivered through partnerships with the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Autism & Neurodevelopmental Center Comprehensive evaluation and treatment center providing quality diagnostic and treatment services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental diagnoses in Southwest Missouri, offering a family-centered approach with coordinated comprehensive care.
• Cornerstone Behavioral Services Therapeutic model focused on teaching safe, positive alternatives to unwanted or high-risk behaviors using evidence-based practices grounded in positive reinforcement and proactive interventions; includes Functional Behavioral Assessment, BCBA services, RBT services, crisis residential, and individualized supported living in St. Charles County.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services Behavior analysis services supporting individuals of all ages in clinic, school, and home settings, focusing on safety, self-care, social skills, and community integration through individualized ABA therapies and techniques, including caregiver training using behavior skills training.
• Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive behavioral health services including psychiatric care with diagnostic evaluations, medication management, GeneSight pharmacogenomic testing, and interventional psychiatry treatments including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS - Traditional, Deep, Theta Burst), Esketamine (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression, and Cranial Electrotherapy (Alpha Stim).
• Therapeutic Services (OT, PT, Speech, Feeding) Child-centered therapeutic services including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy (including Augmentative and Alternative Communication evaluations), and feeding therapy for sensory-behavioral issues, neurological disorders, and pre/post-surgical care; available through the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield and surrounding communities.
• Rivendale Center for Autism Early intervention program for children ages 2-6 with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to improve new skills, social interactions, communication, and positive behavior.
• Rivendale Institute of Learning Year-round, state-approved private school for students ages 7-21 with autism, emotional, social, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviors who have struggled in traditional public-school settings, with the goal of helping students successfully return to their home public school.
• Infinity Academy Private school serving middle and high school students with autism, developmental disabilities, or other learning differences who need an alternative to traditional schooling; offers year-round full-time, part-time, and in-home options using Acellus Academy comprehensive curricula.
• Community Support Programs (including SOAR and Remote Support Services) Community engagement services including community networking, individualized skill development, community integration, the SOAR day program (Strengths, Opportunities, Access, Resources) teaching life and social skills for independence, and Remote Support Services delivered through assistive technology (home sensors, video cameras, health monitors) in partnership with HEARO.
• Education & Recreation Programs Therapeutic recreational activities for all ages and ability levels, including summer camp, weekend recreation, aquatic programs, and lifetime learning offered at the Timothy Grant Newport Activity Center in Springfield.
• Crowhaven Apartments Affordable housing for adults with disabilities in Nixa, Missouri, providing independent living options with minimal supervision for employed individuals seeking to transition to independent living.
• No Limits Summer Camp Multi-week summer camp for children and young adults ages 6-21 with disabilities promoting educational and recreational interests through swimming, games, arts and crafts, community field trips, and IEP maintenance.
• CampAbility Summer camp for youth ages 6-21 with disabilities held in the Monett area, helping participants maintain important skills over summer break while creating friendships and spending time in the community.
• Family Advocacy Family advocacy services providing guidance about available resources, connecting individuals and families with local organizations, self-advocacy training, assistive technology resources, and community events.
• Auto Detail Shop Vehicle detailing services staffed by individuals with disabilities, providing community-based vocational experience at $40.00 per service.
• Crisis Residential Services Specialized 24/7 support for individuals in acute crisis, featuring enhanced staffing, specialized training, and close collaboration with psychiatrists and behavior analysts; part of Cornerstone Behavioral Services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Only 41 percent of Missouri children on the autism spectrum had a comprehensive developmental evaluation by age 3 (addressing this gap through early intervention services)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Dynamic Strides Therapy ArenaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Event venue partnership for Sunset at the Stables fundraiser benefiting life-changing therapy services for individuals with disabilities. Event held at Dynamic Strides barn in Republic, MO.
• Empower:abilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Acquired a second building in Springfield from Empower:abilities to expand the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, increasing capacity to serve more children and families in southwest Missouri.
• Missouri State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2022Collaboration on autism clinic in Springfield providing diagnostic evaluations, behavioral analysis, psychological/psychiatric services, and specialty therapies. Clinic opened Summer 2023.
• MercycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2022Healthcare collaboration partner on autism clinic providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. Clinic accepts referrals from all network providers regardless of ability to pay.
• TheraCarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Acquired TheraCare, expanding therapeutic services for children and families. Now part of The Arc's autism and neurodevelopmental services.
• HEAROcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for supportive technology and installation for Remote Support services. HEARO provides assistive technology including home sensors, video cameras, and health monitors for individuals receiving remote support without direct staff presence.
• Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partnership for recycling services; OTC provides recyclable materials collection from campus.
• The Humane SocietyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partnership for recycling services; accepts recyclable materials from The Arc's program.
• Franklin Recycling CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partnership for recycling services; processes recyclable materials collected by The Arc.
• CARE Animal RescueminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partnership for recycling services; accepts recyclable materials from The Arc's program.
• Millsap FarmsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing agricultural work experience for students with disabilities.
• The Discovery CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing community-based work experience for students with disabilities.
• Dickerson Park ZoominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing animal care-related work experience for students with disabilities.
• The HiveminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing community work experience for students with disabilities.
• Rutledge Wilson FarmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing agricultural/farm work experience for students with disabilities.
• OATs TransportationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVR Summer Work Experience work site partnership providing transportation-related work experience for students with disabilities.
• The Arc of the U.S.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with The Arc of the U.S., the national organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing standards, resources, and advocacy support.
• Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)coreOthersPrograms accredited by CARF, an international nonprofit accrediting body that surveys services to confirm they meet rigorous standards for consumer-focused care.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Burrell Behavioral Health: Large Missouri-based behavioral health provider with therapy, psychiatric, and crisis services across the state. Overlaps with Arc's Behavioral Health and Cornerstone lines, particularly interventional psychiatry (TMS, Esketamine) and ABA-adjacent services.
• United Cerebral Palsy: National nonprofit network providing residential, employment, therapy, and advocacy services to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Broad incumbent with overlapping mission and service mix, though generally more cerebral-palsy focused.
• Compass Health Network: Missouri-wide community mental health and substance use provider with residential, outpatient, and employment programs. Competes for state DMH contracts and case management referrals across the same geographies.
• Easterseals (National): National nonprofit federation delivering disability, autism, and rehabilitation services across the U.S. through affiliated chapters. Larger, more diversified incumbent offering broadly overlapping services but not as concentrated in Missouri.

Emerging players

• ACES (ABA Centers of America): For-profit ABA therapy provider with expanding autism diagnostic and treatment capacity across multiple states. Emerging competitive threat to The Arc's autism services in commercial-pay segments where for-profit chains are growing rapidly.

Direct peers

• Ability KC: Kansas City-based nonprofit providing outpatient rehabilitation, autism services, therapy, and inclusive employment programs. Direct competitor in the Kansas City Division's territory with comparable pediatric therapy, autism, and employment offerings.
• Easterseals Midwest: Midwest-focused nonprofit providing autism services, residential support, employment, and therapy across Missouri and neighboring states. Closest direct peer given overlapping service lines (autism diagnostics, ABA, employment, residential) and similar reliance on Medicaid waiver funding.
• The Arc of St. Louis: Sibling Arc chapter serving the St. Louis metro with similar disability services including residential, employment, advocacy, and family support. Directly comparable model under the same national Arc US affiliation but operating in a different Missouri region.

Regional players

• KVC Health Systems: Midwest nonprofit providing behavioral health, foster care, and child welfare services across Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Comparable scale and government contract dependence, though more focused on children and adolescents than adults with IDD.

Others

• Missouri Department of Mental Health (Division of Developmental Disabilities): State agency that funds and case-manages the waiver services The Arc of the Ozarks delivers. Not a peer but the largest payer and referral source, included as an ecosystem participant whose policies materially shape Arc's growth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/arcoftheozarks
• Facebookfacebook.com/thearcoftheozarks

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 The Arc of the Ozarks