Athelas Institute

What Athelas Institute does

Athelas Institute, Inc. is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit human services agency founded in 1976 and headquartered at 9104 Red Branch Road, Columbia, Maryland. The organization provides day programs, personal supports, residential services, customized/supported employment, and specialized day programs for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including tailored services for individuals with autism, dually diagnosed individuals, and aging seniors with developmental disabilities. Service delivery spans Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, and Baltimore City counties with limited reach into Anne Arundel County, and individuals are admitted via dedicated intake coordinators handling day-program and residential/personal-support referrals. The leadership team includes Executive Director Diane S. LaSov, with a separate Leadership data record listing Chantelle Taylor as CEO — a discrepancy worth resolving before relying on either name externally.

Revenue mechanics are characteristic of a Medicaid-waiver-funded human services non-profit. The primary funding stream is the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), with services billed against individual plans on what the source material categorizes as a recurring/subscription basis. Secondary streams include charitable donations and fundraising (Giving Tuesday, the 50th Anniversary "A Legacy in Bloom" celebration, corporate sponsorships), and nominal program service fees ($4.00 per individual for community dances, free for caregivers). The technology stack is non-proprietary and consists of standard business tools (tablets, computers, printers, scanners) plus Zoom/Teams for virtual programming during COVID-19 and beyond; no AI, proprietary platform, mobile app, or public API is in evidence.

Distribution is community-led: referrals flow from DDA case managers and partner agencies, with direct intake via phone and email; outreach is reinforced through active Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter presences, an email newsletter, and community events including Special Olympics (35 athletes — largest single-agency team in Maryland) and the Meals on Wheels program (19 volunteers from the Gwynn Oak resource center). Marketing emphasizes the agency's 50-year history, comprehensive service breadth, and community integration rather than differentiated technology.

Name

Athelas Institute

Legal name

Athelas Institute, Inc.

Website

https://athelasinstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Athelas Institute is a Maryland-based 501(c)(3) non-profit human services agency that provides day programs, residential, personal supports, and employment services to adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities across multiple Maryland counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services - Developmental Disabilities

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Schools & Life Skills Programs (EDAKAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI), Accessibility, Accommodations & Assistive Services (EDALAFAN)

Keywords

• Developmental disabilities services
• Adult day programs
• Residential support services
• Supported employment programs
• Community integration services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (DDA): Primary funding from Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and state sources. Services are funded based on program participation and individual plans.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations. The organization runs annual giving campaigns, Giving Tuesday initiatives, and special events like the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
3. Program Service Fees: Fees for community dances ($4.00 per individual, free for caregivers) and other program services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Athelas Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit human services agency that provides day programs, residential services, personal supports, and employment services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) across multiple Maryland counties. Services include educational, rehabilitative, employment, and individualized support options delivered through community-based settings with specialized programs for individuals with autism, medical needs, and dual diagnoses.

Product overview

Athelas Institute is a non-profit human services agency that provides a range of programs and services for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Their service portfolio includes Day Programs & Services (employment services, community integrated activities, skills enhancement), Personal Supports (daily living skills training), Residential Services (community integrated homes and group homes), and supplementary services such as transportation, nursing/clinical support, wellness programs, and community integration activities. This is not a technology product company but rather a direct service provider organization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Day Programs & Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 35 athletes participating in Special Olympics - largest team from a single agency in Maryland
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Howard County Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2011Students from Howard County Community College volunteer at the Athelas Wellness Center, assisting personal trainers with running floor exercises, training individuals on equipment, and spotting weight training.
• Meals on Wheels MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Athelas Institute has participated with Meals on Wheels since 2008, assisting with 3 different sites. Currently 19 volunteers from Gwynn Oak resource center participate. The relationship has been mutually beneficial - providing community integration opportunities for Athelas individuals while supporting Meals on Wheels operations.
• Maryland Special OlympicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Athelas individuals have been participating in Maryland Special Olympics since 2005. Started with 4 individuals from one residential home and has grown to 35 athletes - the largest team from a single agency in the state. Athletes compete year-round in soccer, bocce, track and field, swimming, and basketball. Empowers individuals to be valued community members.
• Cavanaugh HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNot-for-profit located on Main Street in Reisterstown providing classes in specific skill sets. Two Athelas participants are involved in sewing classes (learning clothing, reupholstering, making pillows) and a computer design course. Participants can take sewing machines home to practice and sell their creations.
• BJ's Wholesale ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRefreshments for Athelas Community Dances are donated through a partnership with BJ's Wholesale Club, enabling free refreshments at community events.
• Walgreen'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted COVID-19 vaccine clinics for Athelas residential individuals and staff. Three Walgreen's staff members administered approximately 100 vaccinations. Partnership followed Federal Government guidelines for vaccination distribution.
• Association of Community Services (ACS) for Howard CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDynamic network of 100+ Howard County member organizations serving more than 100,000 Howard County families and individuals. ACS is a membership organization supporting human services providers and advocates in Howard County.
• Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrivate nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening agencies supporting people with developmental disabilities and their families. Works through advocacy, fostering quality workforce climate, and increasing inclusive community capacity.
• Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Provides coordinated service delivery for people with developmental disabilities through partnerships with individuals and families, focusing on Self-Determination, Self-Advocacy, Supporting Families, Housing, and Employment.
• The ARC of Howard CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on COVID-19 resources and information sharing for people with disabilities during the pandemic.
• Applied Technology ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall, women-owned business certified as Minority Business in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, DC and for Federal business through WBENC. Provides technology and business support services.
• States Employee Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness contributor and sponsor supporting Athelas Institute's mission.
• ThriveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness contributor and sponsor supporting Athelas Institute's mission.
• ALCO PharmacyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner and sponsor providing pharmacy services support.
• Tino's Italian BistrominorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business contributor and sponsor supporting Athelas Institute's mission.
• Fairway Independent MortgageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor with David Koonce as representative supporting Athelas.
• Mullen Wimbish Sondberg StoneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner and sponsor (accounting/financial services).
• Maury Donnelly & Parr, IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner and sponsor supporting Athelas Institute.
• Wilhelm Commercial BuildersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness partner providing construction and building services support.
• CarematicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness partner providing technology or services support.
• Capital Office SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness partner providing office solutions and supplies.
• WegmansminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness sponsor and partner supporting Athelas Institute.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Arc of Howard County: Howard County-based nonprofit providing advocacy, residential, day, and employment supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — direct, in-county competitor for the same DDA-funded population Athelas serves.
• The Arc Maryland: Statewide umbrella for The Arc affiliates in Maryland; comparable mission and IDD population served, with policy and DDA-adjacent positioning that overlaps with Athelas' Maryland advocacy footprint.

Regional players

• Penn-Mar Human Services: Maryland-headquartered (but multi-state) nonprofit providing residential, day, vocational, and behavioral services to individuals with IDD; directly comparable service model and similar DDA funding base, but with broader geographic reach.
• Melwood: Maryland/Virginia-based nonprofit providing employment, day, and residential services to people with disabilities; directly comparable supported-employment and community-integration focus, serving the same regional DDA/Medicaid ecosystem.
• Chimes: Mid-Atlantic nonprofit delivering residential, day, employment, and behavioral health services to individuals with IDD; comparable service mix and Medicaid/DDA funding model, scaled across multiple states.

Broad incumbents

• Community Options: National nonprofit operating residential, day, and employment programs for people with IDD; comparable direct-service model but at materially larger scale and broader geographic footprint, often acquiring smaller regional providers.
• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): Largest U.S. provider of home- and community-based services for individuals with IDD and brain injuries; operates day, residential, and supported-employment programs that compete with Athelas' service lines in overlapping Mid-Atlantic markets.
• Volunteers of America (National): National nonprofit operating IDD, senior, and behavioral health programs including residential and day services; comparable service mix and government-funded model, with the scale and capital to acquire or partner with regional IDD agencies.
• RHA Health Services: Multi-state provider of IDD, behavioral health, and substance-use services including residential and supported employment; comparable Medicaid-funded service portfolio and a likely consolidator of regional IDD providers.

Others

• Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS): Maryland nonprofit trade association that advocates for and supports IDD service providers including Athelas; comparable ecosystem participant and funder-network connector, useful for peer benchmarking on DDA policy and rate trends.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Athelas_Inst
• Facebookfacebook.com/AthelasInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/athelas-institute-inc-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 Athelas Institute