What Orange Grove Center does

Orange Grove Center is a private non-profit organization founded in 1953 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and recognized as Tennessee's largest provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It operates a full continuum of programs including a specialized private school (Orange Grove School, ages 6-22), 18 Intermediate Care Facility homes plus 70+ additional residential properties, adult day and community-based services, employment support, clinical services (primary care and dental clinics, IOP and PSR mental health programs), enrichment programs (art, music, Special Olympics), and Chattanooga's only Ticket to Work Employment Network. Operations extend to Northwest Georgia through a regional office in Ringgold serving 100+ adults across seven counties, with residential services launched in Georgia in 2022.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of government funding (Tennessee Medicaid waivers, Department of Aging and Disability contracts, school district placements, Katie Beckett Waiver, Education Freedom Scholarship, IEA), program service fees (school tuition, Camp Osage at $350/week, Family Support Program distributions up to $3,500 per family), charitable donations and planned giving (Osage Roots Society, Thomas A. Caldwell Society), corporate sponsorships of annual fundraising events (Bingo for the Grove, Golf Tournament, Fishing Tournament), and merchandise sales. A 30-year contract with the City of Chattanooga to manage eight recycling and refuse centers is scheduled to end in 2025.

The organization is nationally accredited by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and operates specialized initiatives including the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center, Project DIME (Disability Inspired Medical Education), and a clinical training partnership with Chattanooga State Community College that graduated 25 CNA students in its first cohort. Leadership is led by CEO Tera Parsons (DBA) and CFO Danny Johnson, with a board chaired by Gregory Reabold. The organization serves 1,000+ individuals annually with a workforce of 501-1,000 employees.

Name

Orange Grove Center

Legal name

Orange Grove Center

Website

https://orangegrovecenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Orange Grove Center is a Chattanooga-based non-profit, founded in 1953, that provides educational, residential, clinical, employment, and enrichment services to over 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually across Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child and Youth Services (624110), Individual and Family Services (6241)

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

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ), IEP/504 Planning, Case Management & Compliance (EDAJAKAB), Family Advocacy, Parent Training & Support Services (EDAJAKAK), Specialized Instruction & Resource Support (Inclusion, Pull-Out, Co-Teaching) (EDAJAKAC)

Keywords

• Intellectual disability services
• Developmental disability care
• Special education school
• Residential habilitation services
• Supported employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: Orange Grove relies on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund programs and services. The organization maintains donor privacy policies and offers various giving options including one-time donations, tribute gifts, and planned giving through the Osage Roots Society.
2. Program Service Fees: Revenue from tuition (Orange Grove School), summer camp fees (Camp Osage at $350/week), and various program service fees for individuals and families.
3. Government Grants and Contracts: Funding from Tennessee Department of Aging and Disability (DDA) for Family Support Program distribution; state-funded services through various waiver programs; contracts with City of Chattanooga for recycling services.
4. Merchandise Sales: The Orange Grove Store sells branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets), accessories (bags, umbrellas), and books authored by board members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Orange Grove Center is a private non-profit organization that provides a full continuum of person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. Offerings include specialized K-22 private school education, residential habilitation and supported living in 18 ICF group homes, competitive employment support, primary care and dental clinics, mental health programs (IOP and PSR), enrichment programs (art, music, Special Olympics, Camp Double G, Camp Osage), Family Support funding, and a Ticket to Work Employment Network.

Product overview

Orange Grove Center is a private non-profit organization providing a comprehensive portfolio of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization operates as a multi-service platform offering educational programs (Orange Grove School for children ages 6-22, Camp Osage summer day camp), clinical services (primary care clinic, dental clinic, speech/occupational/physical therapy), adult services (employment support, residential services including ICF and Supported Living, community support), mental health programs (Intensive Outpatient Program and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program), enrichment services (art, music, Special Olympics), family support funding, Georgia Services, and specialty programs like the Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center and Ticket to Work Employment Network. Services are primarily delivered in Tennessee (Hamilton County) and Georgia, with a mission focused on person-centered care promoting independence and community inclusion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Orange Grove School: Specialized private school program for children ages 6 to 22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Camp Osage
• Camp Double G
• Enrichment Services
• The Orange Grove School
• Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center
• Project DIME
• Augustus McCravey Health Care Clinic
• The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP)
• The Platinum Singers
• The Orange Grove Dancers
• The Sharon Thorn Music Center
• Recycle Express
• Georgia Services
• Osage Roots Society
• Thomas A. Caldwell Society

Products and services

• Orange Grove School Specialized private school program for children ages 6-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering tailored educational programs, speech/language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support. Tuition funded through state voucher programs (IEA, Katie Beckett Waiver, Education Freedom Scholarship), school district placement, or private pay.
• Camp Osage Summer Day Camp Week-long summer day camp for children ages 6-22 with IDD, offering arts and crafts, games, outdoor exploration, and a music class. Operates 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at $350 per week.
• Clinical Services (Augustus McCravey Health Care Clinic & Dental Clinic) Comprehensive health and dental care services including the Augustus McCravey Health Care Clinic providing primary care via the Patient-Centered Medical Home model, and an on-campus dental clinic that treats individuals with IDD regardless of program participation. Partners with UT College of Dentistry and Chattanooga State for clinical rotations.
• Employment Services Job matching and employment support services including job developers and job coaches that work with individuals and 50+ employer partners to facilitate competitive integrated employment for people with IDD.
• Residential Services (ICF, Residential Habilitation, Supported Living, CLS) Comprehensive residential support including 18 Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) supporting 80 individuals ages 13-80, plus Residential Habilitation, Supported Living, and Community Living Services (CLS) across group homes in Chattanooga/Hamilton County and Georgia.
• Community Support (Community-Based Day Services) Community-based day services enabling individuals to work, play, and volunteer in the community, including partnerships with 40+ local businesses such as Brainerd BX, Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Zoo, Community Kitchen, Goodwill Industries, McKamey Animal Center, Meals on Wheels, and North River YMCA.
• Georgia Services Services for adults with IDD in Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker, and Whitfield counties in Georgia, including supported employment, community volunteerism, and residential options. First Georgia group home opened in Catoosa County in 2022.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Mental health program serving individuals 18+ with dual diagnoses of IDD and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program (PSR) Community-based program promoting recovery, community integration, and improved quality of life through interventions for educational, vocational, recreational, and social goals.
• Enrichment Services (Art, Music, Special Olympics) Art, music, and Special Olympics programs stimulating different areas of the brain, including the Platinum Singers choral group, The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP), and the Orange Grove Dancers.
• Personal Assistance In-home services including assistance with dressing, bathing, homemaking, and transportation for recreational, medical, or other personal needs.
• Family Support Program Tennessee Family Support Program distributing funding (up to $3,500 per eligible family) for services not covered by insurance, including special equipment, therapies, dental/vision care, home modifications, and respite care.
• Ticket to Work Program Chattanooga's only Ticket to Work Employment Network, helping Social Security disability beneficiaries (SSDI/SSI recipients ages 18-64) find and maintain employment while maintaining benefits.
• Morton J. Kent Habilitation Center (Project DIME) A specialized center of innovation focused on medical education reform and disability competency training for clinicians; home to Project DIME (Disability Inspired Medical Education). Dr. Rick Rader leads the center and has testified in Congress and addressed the United Nations.
• Recycling Services (Recycle Express & City Recycling Centers) 30-year partnership with the City of Chattanooga to manage eight recycling and refuse centers, plus Recycle Express service for local businesses. Provides employment opportunities for individuals served by Orange Grove.
• OGS GROW School Expansion Initiative Orange Grove School expansion initiative aimed at growing educational capacity for children with IDD, supported by an advisory committee formed in August 2025.
• Camp Double G Annual overnight summer camp at the 400-acre Double G Ranch near Chickamauga Lake for adults with IDD, running since 1956, offering activities including canoeing, fishing, and petting zoos.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1000+ individuals with IDD served annually across Tennessee and Georgia
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• United Nations / Congress (Project DIME)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2024Dr. Rick Rader addressed the United Nations about the need for global medical education reform in 2024. Project DIME (Disability Inspired Medical Education) aims to ensure future clinicians are equipped to treat people with disabilities through advisory committee and national strategy development.
• Chattanooga State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2024Collaboration on Student Certification Program for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training. 25 CNA students graduated in first year of program in December 2024. Dental hygiene students do rotations at Orange Grove during their second year of study.
• Georgia Department of LaborminorOthers · 19 July 2023Georgia Department of Labor partnership supporting employment services for individuals with IDD in Georgia Services program.
• PlaycoreminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 May 2023Playcore provided funding and installation for a new playground at Orange Grove's main campus. Ribbon-cutting ceremony held to celebrate the playground completion.
• City of Chattanooga (Recycling Services)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 202230-year partnership with City of Chattanooga to manage recycling and refuse centers. Orange Grove operates 8 recycling/refuse centers for the city and manages sale/marketing of recyclable materials. Partnership slated to end in 2025 after three decades.
• Nancy Lackey Community Education FundminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 June 2022Orange Grove Center appeared at Usher's McKenzie Arena ceremony as a partner of the Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund, supporting educational opportunities.
• Volkswagen ChattanoogaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 June 2021Volkswagen Chattanooga employees volunteered at Orange Grove Center during temporary production suspension, demonstrating corporate community engagement.
• Amy BockerstetteminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 April 2021Collegiate athlete and disabilities advocate Amy Bockerstette served as keynote speaker for virtual 2021 Champions event and made special appearance at 2021 Golf Tournament.
• Tennessee State Commissioner (Disability Services)minorOthers · 22 October 2020State Commissioner visited Orange Grove to present awards and recognize the organization's services.
• University of Tennessee (UT) College of DentistrycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2020Fourth-year dental students from UT spend one full day at Orange Grove's dental clinic as part of clinical education. The clinic also partners with University of Tennessee, Memphis for dental student rotations. Part of Orange Grove's effort to expand curricula for clinical education programs to include disability competency training.
• Dr. Nellie GannonminorOthers · 3 March 2020Dr. Nellie Gannon joined Orange Grove as dentist, expanding dental services for individuals with IDD.
• Smith-Summers Family (Smith-Summers Field)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 March 2018Smith-Summers Field dedication honoring Jerry Summers and his family for their support of Orange Grove Center's athletic field.
• Front Runner AthleticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 November 2017Front Runner Athletics donated new shoes for Orange Grove Center clients, demonstrating corporate community support.
• Usher (Entertainer)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 February 2017Usher returned to Orange Grove Center as keynote speaker for Champions event recognizing individuals served. Partnered with Nancy Lackey Community Education Fund.
• Commissioner Randy FairbanksminorOthers · 24 September 2015State Commissioner Randy Fairbanks publicly supported Orange Grove Center's recycling operations and MRF partnership with the city.
• Sweetwater Valley OilminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 March 2015Sweetwater Valley Oil provided donation to fuel Orange Grove Center vehicles and operations.
• President's Committee for People with Intellectual DisabilitiesminorOthers · 18 February 2015Committee scheduled to meet in Washington D.C. with participation from Orange Grove Center representatives regarding disability policy.
• Brainerd BX (Brainerd Baptist Church)minorOthersCommunity volunteer partner location where individuals served by Orange Grove volunteer.
• Chattanooga Fire DepartmentminorOthersCommunity volunteer partner location where individuals served by Orange Grove volunteer.
• Chattanooga ZoominorOthersCommunity volunteer partner location where individuals served by Orange Grove volunteer.
• Community KitchenminorOthersCommunity Kitchen food pantry and soup kitchen is a volunteer partnership location for individuals served by Orange Grove.
• Goodwill IndustriesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGoodwill Industries is both a community volunteer partner and employer partner, providing employment opportunities and volunteer positions for individuals with IDD.
• McKamey Animal CenterminorOthersCommunity volunteer partner location where individuals served by Orange Grove volunteer.
• Meals on WheelsminorOthersCommunity volunteer partner where individuals served by Orange Grove assist with meal delivery and related services.
• North River YMCAminorOthersCommunity volunteer partner and recreation partner for individuals served by Orange Grove.
• United Way of Greater ChattanoogaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUnited Way is a community partner supporting Orange Grove's programs and services.
• Hart Gallery and River Gallery at Bluff ViewminorOthersArt galleries that display and sell artwork created by individuals served by Orange Grove Center.
• The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrange Grove is the South's only Training Center for TRAP, a class that uses drums as a learning tool. The program addresses cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities through customized exercises teaching focus, memory, socialization, motor control, spatial awareness, and communication.
• Southwire CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSouthwire Company of Carrollton, GA provided generous donation (courtesy of Stu Thorn) for renovation of The Sharon Thorn Music Center at Orange Grove Center.
• Sharon Thorn / Thorn FamilyminorOthersNashville songwriter and composer Sharon Thorn gifted Orange Grove its theme song 'After All.' Her children continue her legacy with annual fundraisers to benefit the music program. Husband Stu Thorn donated for music center renovation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Resource Center: Western New York nonprofit offering comprehensive IDD services including residential, clinical, day, and educational programs. Directly comparable to Orange Grove's continuum-of-services nonprofit model, although operating in a different geography (NY state).
• Penn-Mar Human Services: Mid-Atlantic nonprofit providing lifespan services for individuals with IDD including residential, day, employment, and clinical supports. Closely comparable to Orange Grove as a community-based IDD services nonprofit operating across school-age to senior populations, though based in Pennsylvania/Maryland rather than the Southeast.
• St. John's Community Services: Nonprofit providing residential, day, employment, and behavioral supports for individuals with IDD across the Mid-Atlantic. Closely comparable to Orange Grove's direct-service IDD operating model and similar program mix (ICF, supported living, day services, case management) at a comparable regional scale.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc: National community-based nonprofit organization advocating for and serving people with IDD through state and local chapters. Comparable to Orange Grove in mission, IDD focus, and nonprofit status, but organized as a federated advocacy network rather than a direct service operator.
• United Cerebral Palsy: National nonprofit network supporting people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities via direct service affiliates. Comparable to Orange Grove's mission of lifetime supports for individuals with disabilities, with overlapping residential, education, and employment service models at the affiliate level.
• Sevita Health (formerly The MENTOR Network): One of the largest U.S. providers of home- and community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injury. Comparable to Orange Grove as a multi-state IDD services platform, though operated at national scale with private ownership rather than a regional nonprofit.
• Easterseals: National network of nonprofit disability services affiliates offering education, therapy, employment, and community supports. Comparable as a long-tenured nonprofit serving people with disabilities and IDD across a similarly broad service continuum, but operating at nationwide scale through independent affiliates.
• BrightSpring Health Services: Publicly traded diversified provider of home and community health services including IDD-focused programs (formerly ResCare). Comparable to Orange Grove across IDD services lines but at national, for-profit scale with broader health services.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit operating IDD, behavioral health, housing, and senior services. Comparable to Orange Grove in mission and broad human services portfolio, including residential and day programs for IDD populations, though much larger and more diversified across service lines.

Regional players

• The Arc Tennessee: Statewide nonprofit serving Tennesseans with IDD through advocacy and service programs, headquartered in the same state as Orange Grove Center. Comparable as a Tennessee-based nonprofit serving the same IDD population, although it emphasizes advocacy and information/referral rather than operating direct service facilities at Orange Grove's scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FamilySupportOGC
• Xx.com/orangegrovectr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles25 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 Orange Grove Center