Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that provides free programs, peer support, and resources to Northeast Ohio families concerned about their child's development, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental challenges.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersWestlake, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Connecting for Kids does
Connecting for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2011 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, that delivers free programs, peer support, and curated resources to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child's development — including autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. The organization operates a portfolio of programs organized around three pillars: CONNECT (Share & Support groups, inclusive playgroups, caregiver meetups, family outings), EXPERT (16-topic Speaker Series podcast, evidence-based Resource Guides, How-To Guides, Awareness Programs), and SUPPORT (1:1 Ask Us sessions with Family Resource Specialists, Service Provider Directory, Summer Program Directory). Signature programs include Music Therapy & More led by board-certified music therapists, Adapted Library Programs delivered through five library system partners, and three annual Regional Resource Fairs that each convene 70+ service providers.
Connecting for Kids firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Connecting for Kids
- Legal name
- Connecting for Kids of Westlake
- Website
- https://connectingforkids.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Connecting for Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 that provides free programs, peer support, and resources to Northeast Ohio families concerned about their child's development, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental challenges.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Connecting for Kids industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Family and Child Development Support Services
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (61171), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services (EDACALAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Parent Support Groups & Peer Networks (EDACALAG), Home Visiting & Parent Coaching Programs (EDACALAC), Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC)
Keywords
Where Connecting for Kids is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Westlake
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Connecting for Kids business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individual donors supporting the nonprofit's mission of providing free resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio
- Grants and Foundation Funding: Funding from foundations including Parker, Healthy Lakewood Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, OberlinKids Community Collaborative, and Rotary clubs
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Free programs for all families |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Connecting for Kids product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Connecting for Kids delivers free programs, peer support, expert-led education, and community connections to families in Northeast Ohio who are concerned about their child's development, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental challenges. Core services include Share & Support groups, Music Therapy & More led by Board-Certified Music Therapists, Inclusive Playgroups, Adapted Library Programs, three annual regional Resource Fairs, a Speaker Series podcast, Resource Guides, How-To Guides, 1:1 Ask Us family support sessions, Service Provider and Summer Program directories, and awareness programs on sensory, parking lot safety, and wandering prevention.
Product overview
Connecting for Kids is a Northeast Ohio nonprofit organization founded in 2011 that provides a comprehensive suite of free programs and resources for families with concerns about their children's development. The organization operates as a unified program portfolio — not a software product — organized around three pillars: CONNECT (peer support groups, playgroups, caregiver meetups), EXPERT (speaker series podcasts, resource guides, how-to guides), and SUPPORT (1:1 Ask Us sessions, service provider directory, summer program directory). Core programs include Music Therapy & More (board-certified music therapy for ages 0–6 and 7–17), Inclusive Playgroups, Adapted Library Programs, Resource Fairs (three regional events annually with 70+ providers each), and a Speaker Series podcast covering 16 educational topics. Supporting offerings include a Summer Program Directory, Service Provider Directory, Awareness Programs (sensory, parking lot safety, wandering), Family Outings, and a Social Series. All programs are provided free of charge to families, with funding from grants, donations, and community partnerships.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Resource Guides Evidence-based resource guides covering 16+ developmental topics including anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavior, sensory differences, school services, and more. Each guide includes common challenges, solutions, FAQ, and curated resources for families.
- Share & Support Groups Virtual peer support groups for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, or other concerns, featuring structured sharing formats (roses/joys, thorns/struggles, buds/hopes). Includes neurodivergent caregiver meetups.
- Music Therapy & More Hands-on programs led by Board-Certified Music Therapists designed for families with concerns about their child's development, using music to improve academic, motor, communication, social skills, and behavior. Offered for ages 0-6 and for tweens and teens (ages 7-17) with complex needs.
- Inclusive Playgroups Free inclusive playgroups for families with children ages 18 months to 6 years, with or without disabilities or delays. Led by Early Childhood Specialists, providing opportunities for children to practice play and social skills while caregivers connect with CFK staff and access resources.
- Adapted Library Programs Adapted storytimes and library programming at partner libraries across Northeast Ohio, including music and movement, reading buddies, sensory-friendly activities, and inclusive arts programs for children of all abilities.
- Speaker Series Podcasts A podcast-based family education program covering 16 topic categories (anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavior, early childhood, equity and inclusion, family issues, feeding/nutrition, giftedness, learning disabilities, parenting, school, sensory differences, social skills, speech and language, vision impairment). Most presentations include downloadable slides, handouts, and audio recordings.
- Ask Us (1:1 Family Support) Free 30-minute one-on-one sessions with Family Resource Specialists who help families find tailored local resources and support for their child's needs, including follow-up check-ins.
- Summer Program Directory An online directory of verified and unverified summer programs in Northeast Ohio for children and youth ages 0-22 with mental health concerns, disabilities, delays, or who have experienced major life changes. Programs run June-August and include advanced search by region, time, age, and zip code.
- Service Provider Directory A directory of pediatric professionals, programs, and organizations/nonprofits serving children with different challenges. Provided as an information resource only; Connecting for Kids does not endorse or recommend specific providers.
- Resource Fairs Annual resource fairs held across Eastern Cuyahoga, Lorain County, and Western Cuyahoga counties, each featuring over 70 service providers. Approximately 1,000 participants attended three fairs combined in 2024-2025.
- Embrace the Pace 5K An inaugural inclusive race for all paces, including a 5K run/walk/roll and kids' race, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.
- Awareness Programs Awareness initiatives including Parking Lot Safety, Sensory Awareness (with sensory red flags and printable resources), and Wandering prevention programs.
- How-To Guides Practical step-by-step guides including how to communicate with your child's school, build a communication binder, choose a mental health provider, find funding for therapy, get help for a child concern, and more.
- Caregiver Workshops Caregiver workshops providing psychoeducational content on topics relevant to families with children who have disabilities, developmental delays, or other concerns.
- Family Outings Program offerings designed for families to participate together in community activities, complementing other CFK programs.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,000+ families connected with resources through 1:1 sessions
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Connecting for Kids
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Connecting for Kids technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Connecting for Kids partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Lakewood Public LibrarycorePartnership for Music Therapy & More programs at Madison Branch, adapted storytimes, and Neurodivergent Caregivers Meetup. Programs supported by Healthy Lakewood Foundation grant.
- Cuyahoga County Public LibrarycorePartnership for Music Therapy & More programs at Maple Heights branch. Supported in part by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture public grant.
- Oberlin Public LibrarycorePartnership for Music Therapy & More programs. Supported by OberlinKids Community Collaborative grant.
- Lakewood Family RoomcorePartnership for inclusive drop-in playgroups at the playground, supported by Healthy Lakewood Foundation.
- Lorain County LibrariescorePartnership for adapted library programs at North Ridgeville Branch and other Lorain County locations including storytimes and Browser's Reading Buddies.
- Cleveland CliniccoreExpert presenters for speaker series on autism, anxiety and other topics. Featured in presentations on understanding children's unique voices and social anxiety.
- Lakeshore Speech TherapycoreRegular presenter for social skills and speech/language podcasts including Friendship 411, Social Filter, and Communication Temptations.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Connecting for Kids competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Bellefaire JCB: One of the largest child and family service agencies in Northeast Ohio, providing residential treatment, autism services, and behavioral health. Larger incumbent serving overlapping special-needs populations across the same geography.
Direct peers
- Achievement Centers for Children: Cleveland nonprofit offering therapy, education, and family support services for children with disabilities and developmental delays. Comparable as a Northeast Ohio special-needs family support organization with wraparound programming.
- Family Connections of Northeast Ohio: Nonprofit serving families and children in the Cleveland area with parent education, playgroups, and resource navigation. Directly comparable in Northeast Ohio geography, free programming model, and focus on family support and resource connection.
- OCECD (Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities): Statewide parent-training and information center helping families navigate special education and disability services. Comparable in mission of parent education and resource connection for special-needs children, though operating at a state rather than regional level.
- Milestones Autism Resources: Greater Cleveland-based nonprofit providing resources, consultation, and training for families and professionals supporting individuals with autism. Directly comparable in mission (autism/special needs family support), region, and free-program model.
- Federation for Children with Special Needs: Massachusetts-based parent-run nonprofit providing information, support, and advocacy training for families of children with special needs. Comparable family-centered, parent-led wraparound support model with comparable programmatic pillars (information, advocacy, support groups).
Others
- Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Autism: Clinical partner of CFK for speaker series content; provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and care-coordination services for children with autism in Northeast Ohio. Comparable in serving the same target population, though as a paid clinical provider rather than a free community-based nonprofit.
Broad incumbents
- Autism Society of America: National nonprofit providing information, education, advocacy, and support for the autism community through a network of local affiliates. Comparable mission of connecting families affected by autism to resources and community, with overlapping resource-directory and support-group offerings.
- Parent to Parent USA: National network of state-based Parent to Parent organizations offering emotional and informational support to families of children with disabilities. Comparable peer-support network model with lived-experience matching of families.
- Help Me Grow (Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities): Statewide Ohio early intervention system for children at risk for developmental delays. Comparable as a publicly funded resource and referral hub for families of young children with developmental concerns, though delivered through government rather than nonprofit channels.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Connecting for Kids social profiles
Digital presenceConnecting for Kids financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Connecting for Kids leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Connecting for Kids funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Connecting for Kids 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 Connecting for Kids
What does Connecting for Kids do?
Connecting for Kids delivers free programs, peer support, expert-led education, and community connections to families in Northeast Ohio who are concerned about their child's development, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other developmental challenges. Core services include Share & Support groups, Music Therapy & More led by Board-Certified Music Therapists, Inclusive Playgroups, Adapted Library Programs, three annual regional Resource Fairs, a Speaker Series podcast, Resource Guides, How-To Guides, 1:1 Ask Us family support sessions, Service Provider and Summer Program directories, and awareness programs on sensory, parking lot safety, and wandering prevention.
Is Connecting for Kids a public or private company?
Connecting for Kids is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Connecting for Kids founded?
Connecting for Kids was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Connecting for Kids based?
Connecting for Kids is headquartered in Westlake, United States, in the North America region.
How does Connecting for Kids make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Donations are the primary driver. The others are grants and Foundation Funding.
Who are Connecting for Kids's main competitors?
Bellefaire JCB is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Achievement Centers for Children, Family Connections of Northeast Ohio, OCECD (Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities), Milestones Autism Resources and Federation for Children with Special Needs. Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Autism is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Autism Society of America, Parent to Parent USA and Help Me Grow (Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities).
Does Connecting for Kids have an API?
No public API is recorded for Connecting for Kids.
What industry is Connecting for Kids in?
Connecting for Kids's product category is Family and Child Development Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACALAH, Family Resource Centers & Wraparound Support Services, with a secondary code of EDAKAKAJ, Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked). Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.