Empower Abilities

What Empower Abilities does

Empower Abilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, founded in 1985 as the Southwest Center for Independent Living and rebranded to its current name in 2019. The organization delivers the five federally-mandated Core Services — Advocacy, Peer Support, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, and Transition services — alongside a portfolio of disability-specific programs including Consumer Directed Services (a Medicaid-funded HCBS model in which consumers act as employers of their own caregivers), Access Services (an assistive technology demonstration and loan program with over 700 inventoried devices plus a Universal Design Apartment showroom), Home and Community Based Services, the Live & Thrive group programs umbrella, the Restaurant Access Points (RAP) Surveys accessibility-assessment program, and volunteer-led home modification programs (RAMPS). It serves all persons with disabilities across eight southwest Missouri counties (Christian, Dallas, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster), and the majority of its leadership, staff, and governing board are people with disabilities themselves — a structural feature that anchors its peer-support model.

Name

Empower Abilities

Legal name

Empower Abilities

Website

https://empowerabilities.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Empower Abilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living in Springfield, Missouri that delivers Core Services, Consumer-Directed Medicaid HCBS, assistive technology access, and home modification programs to people with disabilities across eight southwest Missouri counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability and Independent Living Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Personal Care & ADL Assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility) (HLADAGAA)

Keywords

• Independent living services
• Assistive technology
• Disability services
• Home modifications
• Consumer directed care

Headquarters

HQ city

Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Funded through grants including Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation's Independent Living Grant. The organization operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and receives federal and state funding for disability services.
2. Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services: Consumer Directed Services and other HCBS programs are funded through Medicaid. Consumers must have Medicaid eligibility to qualify for certain services.
3. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Accepts donations through PayPal and other means. Donations help create a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive regardless of abilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Empower Abilities is a Center for Independent Living that delivers a comprehensive suite of disability services including the five federally-mandated Core Services (advocacy, peer support, information and referral, independent living skills training, and transition), Consumer-Directed Services for Medicaid-funded in-home care, Access Services with assistive technology demonstrations and home modifications, Home and Community Based Services, and the Live & Thrive group programs. Services are delivered directly to consumers across eight southwest Missouri counties by staff who are themselves people with disabilities.

Product overview

Empower: abilities is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living offering a comprehensive suite of disability services as an integrated service portfolio rather than a software product. The organization provides five federally-mandated Core Services (Advocacy, Peer Support, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, and Transition) alongside specialized programs including Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) for Medicaid-funded in-home care, Access Services with over 700 assistive technology devices for demonstration and loan, Home and Community Based Services, and the Live & Thrive Group Programs initiative. Services are delivered through dedicated departments (Independent Living Services, Access Services, Employment Services, Consumer Directed Services) and serve eight southwest Missouri counties with staff who are themselves people with disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Live & Thrive: A comprehensive initiative that unites Social Clubs, Activities, Workshops, Support Groups, Educational Opportunities, and Wellness Programs under one cohesive approach to empowering independence and enhancing well-being for people with disabilities.
• empowered2work
• Restaurant Access Points (RAP) Surveys
• RAMPS (Renovations And Modifications Projects)

Products and services

• Independent Living Services and Programs Core service program providing individual case management, advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral, peer support, benefits counseling, housing services, voter information, and youth transitions for persons with disabilities aged 14-24.
• Consumer-Directed Services (CDS) Medicaid-based program where individuals with disabilities serve as employers controlling their own care, including hiring, training, and scheduling caregivers for housekeeping, personal care, and transportation.
• Access Services Comprehensive assistive technology program offering home modifications, durable medical equipment (including recycled equipment donation and equipment loan program), assistive technology demonstrations, TAP for Telephone/Wireless/Internet, and aging in place services including home safety assessments, lift chair sales, equipment sales, home automation, and equipment rentals.
• Core Services Five federally-mandated core services for Centers for Independent Living: Advocacy, Peer Support, Information and Referral, Independent Living Skills Training, and Transition services (including nursing home transition and youth transition for ages 14-25).
• Home and Community Based Services Suite of in-home services including Consumer-Directed Services (Medicaid), In-Home Services (Medicaid or self-pay), Nursing Services (medication setup, skin monitoring, nail care, B-12 injections), and Veterans Directed Care authorized through VA Medical Centers.
• Live & Thrive Group Programs Umbrella initiative unifying social clubs, activities, workshops, support groups, educational opportunities, and wellness programs including Circle of Friends Social Club, Youth Social Club (ages 14-25), Gaming Club, Empower Youth (ages 14-24), Blind and Low Vision Support Group, and Transitions Support Group.
• Universal Design Apartment Fully accessible model apartment showcasing state-of-the-art universal design features for people with disabilities and aging individuals, available for builders, developers, and individuals to tour and learn accessible home design principles.
• Deaf Equipment Assistance Program Income-based program providing essential equipment for individuals with severe hearing loss or deafness to live independently, with assistance in purchasing equipment through a co-pay structure dependent on available funding.
• Restaurant Access Points (RAP) Surveys Secret-shopper survey program assessing restaurant accessibility in parking, entrance, dining room, and restrooms, with resulting RAP decals awarded to accessible establishments and non-compliant venues offered assistance for modifications.
• RAMPS Volunteer Program Volunteer-based ramp building program providing free accessibility ramps for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, with professional construction staff leading volunteer groups through installation of wheelchair ramps, wedges, handrails, and grab bars.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 attendees at annual Day at the Lake accessible recreation event
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 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

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Missouri Assistive TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationLong-standing partnership allowing the Access Department to provide a wide range of services. Funding from MOAT has provided equipment demonstration inventory and recycled durable medical equipment programs. The partnership facilitates Missouri Telecommunications Assistance Program services, which provides free adaptive phones, devices and accessories to keep Missourians with disabilities connected.
• Missouri State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with MSU's Citizenship and Student Learning program to expand organizational capacity and provide students with work experience opportunities.
• The Arc of the OzarkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability services organization providing inter-organization referrals to maximize service opportunities. The Arc of the Ozarks acquired a second building from empower: abilities to expand its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield.
• City of SpringfieldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership works to increase access in the areas of employment, resources and city amenities.
• Burrell Behavioral HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounseling/Psychiatric Services partnership providing collaboration opportunities for comprehensive care.
• Cox CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership provides Occupational Therapy Students information about Independent Living Centers to take with them into practice.
• Ozarks Technical Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetworking and collaboration partnership with the community college.
• Ozarks TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to identify transportation barriers and expand transportation options in the region.
• Community Partnership of the OzarkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud to be part of the network of service organizations to benefit disadvantaged populations in the community.
• Missouri SHIPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to connect people with the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program services.
• Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegislative partnership expands legislative engagement opportunities and works to develop self advocates.
• Great Plains ADA CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner to provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) education and improve accessibility throughout the community.
• Fellows LakeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTogether host a Day at the Lake event that provides opportunities for people with significant disabilities to enjoy activities such as kayaking, pontoon boat rides and sailing.
• Vocational RehabilitationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to assist youth in reaching their goals for independence post high school.
• Hallmark Property Management InccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding partnership has provided a conduit to accessible, affordable housing throughout the service area.
• Springfield Apartment and Housing AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to address lack of accessible and affordable housing in the Springfield area.
• Abilities FirstminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability services partnership allows expansion of community education around disability related topics and issues.
• Christian County LinksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCC Links is part of the Ozarks Inclusion Partnership and resource for individuals with developmental disabilities living in Christian County.
• Drew Lewis FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to connect people to services and programs for the benefit of the community.
• Greene County COADminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs a member of the COAD, ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are part of disaster planning and response.
• Leadership SpringfieldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetworking/outreach collaboration and education partnership.
• Ozarks Inclusion PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting businesses and organizations in expanding inclusion of people with disabilities.
• SeniorAgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutreach at Senior Centers and ramp building collaboration.
• Southwest Missouri League of Women VotersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promotes voting education and initiatives.
• Springfield Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWork together to provide wrap around services to families of children with special needs.
• Convoy of HopeminorOthersDonations from Convoy of Hope provides essential items that are passed on directly to the community.
• Realtors Helping PeopleminorOthersHousing assistance partnership connecting people with disabilities to housing resources.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Arc of the Ozarks: Springfield-based disability services nonprofit that is a formal Empower Abilities partner and recently acquired a building from it to expand its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center. Serves overlapping IDD populations in southwest Missouri with direct service overlap.
• Abilities First: Disability services nonprofit explicitly listed as an Empower Abilities partnership for community education on disability topics. Operates a similar independent living/advocacy model in a comparable regional geography.
• Independence First: Federally-designated Center for Independent Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering the same five core CIL services (advocacy, peer support, IL skills training, info & referral, transition) plus HCBS. Closest functional peer at CIL-level structure.
• Northeast Independent Living Services (NILS): Federally-funded Center for Independent Living providing the same five core IL services, HCBS, and assistive technology programs in a different U.S. region. Closest structural and service-portfolio analog to Empower Abilities as a CIL.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National disability and disability-related services nonprofit providing independent living, employment, and assistive technology services across the U.S. Operates as a much larger incumbent with overlapping CIL-equivalent services and broader medical/therapy programs.
• The Arc of the United States: National intellectual and developmental disabilities advocacy and services organization with local chapters (including Arc of the Ozarks) that overlap Empower Abilities' IDD service lines including residential, employment, and independent living.
• United Cerebral Palsy: National disability services nonprofit providing housing, independent living, assistive technology, and HCBS programs. Directly comparable service portfolio to Empower Abilities but operating at national scale through affiliates.
• Goodwill Industries International: Major nonprofit providing vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and disability inclusion programs. Highly comparable on the employment/empowered2work line, with much broader scope and geographic reach.

Regional players

• Disability Rights Missouri: Missouri's designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system, federally mandated to protect disability rights. Highly comparable on advocacy/legal services but Missouri-wide rather than the southwest Missouri footprint Empower Abilities serves.

Others

• Missouri Assistive Technology: Statewide assistive technology program and Empower Abilities' longest-standing core partner. Comparable on the AT device demonstration, durable medical equipment recycling, and TAP telecommunications programs, but operates as a state-level resource rather than direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCDE1b_v6mR5R7KzJbZ7CmLg
• Facebookfacebook.com/empowerabilities
• Instagraminstagram.com/empower.abilities
• Xx.com/swcil_sgf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/empowerabilities

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 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 Empower Abilities