The Guild for Human Services

What The Guild for Human Services does

The Guild for Human Services is a private, nonprofit human services organization founded in 1945 and headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, providing a continuum of educational, residential, clinical, and vocational services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization operates two principal programs: The Guild School, a private special education school serving 90 students ages 6-22 with intellectual disabilities (including autism, concurrent mental health diagnoses, and challenging behaviors), and Adult Services, which manages 15 residential homes across Massachusetts communities serving 74 adults with IDD. The Guild School delivers Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) built on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, with on-staff Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) overseeing behavior support, integrated clinical services (speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, psychiatric services), and the Without Walls community-based curriculum. Adult Services provide 24/7 residential support, nurse case management, and clinical services, with vocational and employment programs including The Guild Coffee Shop, which has trained approximately 300 students over 7+ years. Differentiated facility features include renovated sensory rooms and break spaces with documented operational outcomes (56% reduction in injuries and restraints year-over-year).

The Guild's revenue model is primarily government-funded through Massachusetts state agencies. Day and residential student tuition rates are set annually by the Commonwealth's Operational Services Division, and adult residential services are funded through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and similar state programs. The organization depends on referrals from local school districts, the DDS, and direct family inquiries, with a sales-led admissions process managed by a Director of Admissions and Admissions Manager. Secondary revenue and supplemental funding come from donations, foundation grants (The Sudbury Foundation, DCU for Kids), corporate partnerships (Emerson Health Network, IMPACT Melanoma, Waypoint Adventure, Special Olympics Massachusetts, Concord Police Department, Mass Advocates Standing Strong, Revival Cafe + Kitchen, The Westin Waltham), and competitive grants (DESE). Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

The organization holds a second consecutive CARF Three-Year Accreditation for its youth and adult residential programs and maintains memberships in NAPSEC, ACRC, NATSAP, ASE, SPaN, CLM, and maaps. The Guild is led by CEO Amy C. Sousa, PhD, with a senior team that is approximately 80% female at the chief officer level, and is governed by an independent Board of Trustees. It is not venture-backed or private-equity owned, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with no public stock listing.

Name

The Guild for Human Services

Legal name

The Guild for Human Services

Website

https://guildhumanservices.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

The Guild for Human Services is a Massachusetts nonprofit providing special education (90 students, ages 6-22) and adult residential services (74 adults in 15 homes) for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, funded primarily by state agencies and delivered through an ABA-based, person-centered care model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education and Disability Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Educational Support Services (611710), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Residential Special Education Programs (EDAKAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education Vocational & Transition Programs (18–22) (EDAKAAAG), OT Evaluations, Assessments & IEP/504 Planning Support (EDAKAFAM), School Counseling Services (Individual & Group) (EDAKAMAB), Occupational Therapy (OT) In-Home (HSABADAB)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Residential support services
• Developmental disability care
• Behavioral health therapy
• Vocational training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Concord

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Educational Services - Day Students: The Guild School provides educational services to students ages 6-22 with intellectual disabilities. Tuition rates for day students are set annually by Massachusetts' Operational Services Division.
2. Youth Residential Services: Approximately three-quarters of The Guild's 90 students live in nine family-style residences in communities around Concord. Residential services include separate day and residential tuition rates set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
3. Adult Residential Services: The Guild manages 15 adult homes serving 74 adult residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing 24/7 residential support, nurse case managers, and clinical services.
4. Adult Day/Employment Programs: Many adults attend day or employment programs during the week, though programs increasingly have long waitlists indicating demand for services.
5. Donations and Grants: The Guild depends on support from families, friends, foundations and grant-making institutions. Received grants from The Sudbury Foundation ($20,000), DESE ($1.5 million statewide grants), and DCU for Kids.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Guild for Human Services operates The Guild School, a private special education school serving 90 students ages 6-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, alongside nine youth family-style residences and 15 adult residential homes serving 74 adults. Services include individualized education plans, Applied Behavior Analysis-based behavior support, integrated clinical services (speech, occupational, mental health), vocational training, transition planning, and 24/7 residential support.

Product overview

The Guild for Human Services is a nonprofit organization offering a continuum of services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization operates The Guild School as its core educational program (serving 90 students ages 6-22) along with Youth Residential Services (9 family-style homes) and Adult Residential Services (15 homes serving 74 residents). Supporting programs include Integrated Clinical Services, Vocational Services (featuring The Guild Coffee Shop vocational training program), Health and Wellness, Transition Services, and the Without Walls community-based curriculum. Services are delivered through individualized education plans, evidence-based behavioral supports, and comprehensive clinical services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• The Guild School
• Youth Residential Services
• Adult Residential Services
• Integrated Clinical Services
• Vocational Services
• Health and Wellness
• Transition Services
• Admissions and Referral Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 12% reduction in reported injuries after sensory room renovations
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 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

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Emerson Health NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Emerson Health Network sponsors free sunscreen dispensers in six towns around Concord that Guild adults help monitor and maintain as part of their volunteer work with IMPACT Melanoma.
• IMPACT MelanomacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025The Guild partnered with IMPACT Melanoma to provide volunteer opportunities for adult residents to assemble sun safety packets and monitor sunscreen dispensers in six towns around Concord. Residents gain job skills through materials fulfillment while supporting the organization's mission to reduce melanoma incidence.
• Boston GlobeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2025Boston Globe covered The Guild's annual spring dance with photos and written story, featuring the community of students, residents, and staff. Multimedia team published video following a mother-daughter story through the Billerica house and dance events.
• The Westin Hotel (Waltham)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025The Westin Hotel in Waltham has hosted The Guild's annual spring dance since 2014 when it expanded to include adult residents. They provide sensory break rooms and customize menus for dietary restrictions.
• GBH NewsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2025GBH News featured The Guild Coffee Shop program on Instagram, with journalist Meghan Smith spending the morning at The Guild and sharing video about the vocational program and its impact on students.
• Mass Advocates Standing StrongcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Guild adults participate in a self-advocacy course with Mass Advocates Standing Strong, enabling them to express their needs and be active members of their communities.
• Lesley University Expressive Arts DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership with Lesley University's Expressive Arts department created a four-week intervention connecting individuals with their parents over Zoom using drama, storytelling, and play, along with quilting activities.
• Tufts Dental FacilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Faculty from Tufts Dental Facilities visit The Guild School 3-4 times per year for cleanings and dental exams in a familiar environment. More intensive appointments scheduled at their Canton office or referred to specialists.
• Waypoint AdventurecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Waypoint Adventure collaborates with The Guild on outdoor education trips for residents, helping individuals build skills and self-confidence through outdoor activities including hiking. Staff assist on trips even when unfamiliar with activities.
• Concord Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Concord Police Department participates in honoring Guild athletes at Special Olympics events and utilizes the National Autism Association's Meet The Police program to build trusting relationships with individuals affected by autism.
• Viamark VideocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Viamark Video produced The Guild's documentaries including 'The World Got Smaller: The Spirit of The Guild During COVID-19' and 'We Need to Talk' about AAC users.
• Special Olympics MassachusettscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021The Guild launched a Special Olympics team participating in Area Games Track and Field competitions. Plans to incorporate up to 17 Olympic-style sports offered through Special Olympics Massachusetts.
• Revival Cafe + KitchencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Revival Cafe + Kitchen, co-owned by Liza Shirazi, has partnered with The Guild for 7 years to create meaningful employment and visibility for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through hospitality.
• New ImagecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014New Image is a long-time partner providing sound setup and DJ services for The Guild's annual spring dance, creating the event atmosphere for over 10 years.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Melmark: Nonprofit provider of residential, educational, and adult day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with significant Massachusetts and Pennsylvania operations — directly comparable program mix including private special education schools and group homes.
• May Institute: Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing special education schools, residential programs, and adult services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities across multiple states — directly comparable continuum of services and Massachusetts footprint.
• Boston Higashi School: Massachusetts private special education day and residential school serving children and young adults with autism and developmental disabilities using a daily-life therapy approach — directly comparable special-education + residential model in the same state.
• Cotting School: Massachusetts nonprofit private special education school serving students ages 3-22 with a wide range of learning, communication, and physical disabilities — directly comparable private special-ed referral and tuition-rate structure.
• Riverview School: Massachusetts private special education school and residential program serving students with complex language, learning, and cognitive disabilities — directly comparable private special-ed + residential tuition model funded by MA OSD rates.
• Cardinal Cushing Centers: Massachusetts nonprofit serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through school, residential, and adult day programs — directly comparable continuum from youth education through adult residential services.
• The New England Center for Children: Nonprofit special education school and residential program for children and young adults with autism, headquartered in Massachusetts — directly comparable in evidence-based ABA services, IEP-driven education, and residential capacity.

Broad incumbents

• Vinfen: Large Massachusetts-based nonprofit providing residential, clinical, and community-based services across mental health, IDD, and brain injury populations — broader portfolio but overlapping adult residential and clinical services for IDD.
• Bay Cove Human Services: Large Massachusetts nonprofit providing residential, day, and clinical services for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and substance use — broader population scope but directly comparable adult residential and DDS-funded programs.
• Community Resources for Justice: Massachusetts nonprofit operating residential, educational, and community-based programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and those involved in the justice system — comparable adult residential services with shared DDS funding base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCMh8teHK4zxDXOYIM5hphrA
• Facebookfacebook.com/GuildHumanServices
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/guildhumanservices
• Instagraminstagram.com/guildhumanservices

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 The Guild for Human Services