Living Well Disability Services

What Living Well Disability Services does

Living Well Disability Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 (originally as Dakota's Children) and headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, providing residential, customized in-home, and wellness services to individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities across the Greater Twin Cities metro area. The organization owns and operates 35–37 group homes across 22 communities in 8 counties (Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota, Anoka, Washington, Isanti, Sherburne, and Wright), delivering 24/7 person-centered care through highly trained Direct Support Professionals, and supplements residential services with individualized in-home supports (IHST, IHSFT, SILS) and holistic wellness programming including exercise, music therapy, garden therapy, and animal-assisted interactions. Services are funded primarily through county-administered government waivers (DD, CADI, TBI) with supplementary private pay, individual and corporate donations, planned giving, and event-based fundraising — most notably an annual Transforming Lives Gala with a $450,000 target in 2026. Strategic partnerships include the Jet Dental Pop-Up Clinics (launched 2024 with Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation grant funding, 409 appointments across 25 homes to date), the Best Life Alliance advocacy coalition (130+ organizations), and community partners such as Union 32 Craft House, ARRM, and Ways to Wellness at Woodwinds Hospital. Technology is limited to assistive devices, care planning systems, and a third-party donation platform (Giveffect); no AI/ML capabilities or proprietary technology products are disclosed. Leadership is provided by President and CEO Tom Gillespie, with governance by an independent Board of Directors.

Name

Living Well Disability Services

Legal name

Living Well Disability Services

Website

https://livingwell.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Living Well Disability Services is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates 35–37 residential group homes and customized in-home support services across 22 Twin Cities communities for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

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

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Disability residential services
• Group home care
• Customized in-home support
• Developmental disabilities care
• Wellness programming services

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices23 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (County/State): Primary revenue stream from county funding including DD (Developmental Disabilities), CADI (Community Alternative Care), and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) waivers. Also accepts county funding for services.
2. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting care beyond basics. One-time and monthly donation options available. EIN: 23-7181360
3. Event Fundraising: Annual Transforming Lives Gala with ticket sales, sponsorships, and auctions. Goal of $450,000 for 2026 gala to fund care beyond basics.
4. Private Pay: Accepts private pay for customized services for individuals not covered by government funding programs
5. Corporate Sponsorships: Event sponsorships, company matching programs, and partnership programs with businesses

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Living Well Disability Services provides 24/7 person-centered residential care in 37 group homes across 22 Twin Cities communities, customized in-home support services (Individualized Home Supports with Training, IHSFT, and Semi-Independent Living Services) for adults with intellectual, developmental, physical, and traumatic brain injury disabilities, and holistic wellness programming. Services are funded through Minnesota HCBS waivers (DD, CADI, TBI), private pay, and donor contributions, with supplemental programs including on-site dental care and therapeutic recreation.

Product overview

Living Well Disability Services is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of disability services centered around two core programs: Residential Services (36-37 group homes across 22 Twin Cities communities providing 24/7 care for adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities) and Customized Services (in-home supports including IHST, IHSFT, and SILS for individuals living independently or with family). The organization supplements its care services with comprehensive Wellness & Lifestyle Programs, volunteer engagement initiatives (Meal Makers, Better Together, Drivers, Wellness Ally, Yard Heroes, Adopt a Home), and an online Donation/Fundraising Platform. Services are funded through government waivers (DD, CADI, TBI), private pay, and donor contributions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Services Group home residential care providing 24/7 expert staff and person-centered care for adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities across 37 owned and operated homes in 22 communities within the Twin Cities metro area.
• Customized Services In-home support services including Individualized Home Supports with Training (IHST), Individualized Home Supports with Family Training (IHSFT), and Semi-Independent Living Service (SILS), delivered by trained Direct Support Professionals for individuals with disabilities living independently or with family.
• Wellness & Lifestyle Programs Holistic wellness programming including individualized exercise programs, healthy menu planning with fresh foods, animal-assisted interactions, music therapy, garden therapy, and the 12-week Ways to Wellness partnership with Woodwinds Hospital (HealthEast Care System).
• Jet Dental Pop-Up Clinics On-site mobile dental clinic program delivered through a partnership with Jet Dental, bringing personalized dental care directly to Living Well homes for individuals with disabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% of people served experienced good to excellent health per 2014 doctor reports
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Little Free LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Minnesota-based nonprofit known for fostering literacy and community. Donated Little Free Library refurbished and installed at Highview home in Eagan. Includes books featuring disabled characters and disability-related topics.
• Jet DentalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024On-site dental care partnership bringing personalized dental services directly to Living Well homes. Started in 2024 through Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation grant. 409 appointments provided across 25 homes. Dental professionals adapt care to each individual, sometimes conducting exams outside traditional dental chairs for comfort.
• Best Life AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Statewide coalition of 130+ organizations, people with disabilities, families and supporters advocating for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Founded in 2014 (previously The 5% Campaign). Works to ensure services remain available, stable and sustainable.
• Ways to Wellness at Woodwinds Hospital (HealthEast Care System)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner12-week wellness program including individual goal-setting, nutrition education, and fitness training. Employees and individuals served can participate. Focus on learning new behaviors for healthy lifestyles.
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum / Dakota County Master GardenersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for garden education and landscaping projects. All homes receive flowers; volunteers and people served participate in planting and landscaping. Encourages farmer's markets and fresh produce in meal planning.
• Union 32 Craft HousecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner providing event sponsorships, in-kind food donations for STARS meetings and employee events, fundraising efforts, and space use. Pints for Purpose initiative selected Living Well as nonprofit partner, donating proceeds from featured menu items.
• ARRM (Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association for disability services. Hosts largest educational event in Minnesota for DSPs, supervisors, managers, and leaders. Living Well sends 23+ team members annually. Staff recognized as ARRM Cares Award finalists.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• BrightSpring Health Services: Diversified home and community-based services platform serving IDD, behavioral health and pharmacy populations; comparable in offering residential and in-home disability supports at national scale.
• Cascade Healthcare Services (Addus HomeCare): Multi-state home and community-based services provider for individuals with intellectual, developmental and behavioral health needs; comparable in delivering waiver-funded personal care and residential supports.

Direct peers

• Opportunity Partners: Minnesota nonprofit providing residential, day and employment services for people with disabilities; comparable IDD residential and community-based service offering in the same regional market.
• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): National provider of home and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including residential group homes and customized supports — the same service model Living Well operates, but at multi-state scale.
• Hammer Residences: Twin Cities nonprofit operating group homes and customized in-home supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — directly comparable residential and waiver-funded service model.
• Fraser: Minnesota-based nonprofit providing residential, in-home and clinical services for children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities; comparable service portfolio and Twin Cities footprint.
• REM Minnesota (Sevita): Minnesota-based subsidiary of Sevita providing residential and community supports for individuals with IDD and brain injury — directly overlaps Living Well's waiver-funded residential model in the same Twin Cities geography.
• Lumen Support Services: Minneapolis-based nonprofit providing residential and customized in-home supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, directly competing in the same Twin Cities market.

Regional players

• St. David's Center: Minnesota nonprofit serving children and adults with developmental disabilities through in-home, outpatient and residential programming — overlapping service lines and Twin Cities geography.

Emerging players

• The Arc Minnesota: Minnesota disability advocacy and service organization supporting people with IDD; comparable advocacy footprint and partial overlap on community-based supports.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LivingWellDS
• Facebookfacebook.com/LivingWellDisabilityServices
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/living-well-disability-services
• Instagraminstagram.com/livingwellds

Compliance2 records

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 Living Well Disability Services