Holy Childhood

What Holy Childhood does

Holy Childhood (legal name: The Rochester School of the Holy Childhood, Inc.) is a non-denominational, non-profit agency founded in 1946 in Rochester, New York, that serves more than 220 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across two core divisions: a School Program (ages 5-22) capped at 120 students transported from 40+ regional school districts, and Adult Programs (age 21 through retirement). Its service portfolio includes individualized special education, the Bianchi Family PAES Lab simulating up to 264 entry-level jobs, Work-Based Learning, Community Classrooms at Genesee Valley Regional Market, Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Supported Employment, Respite programs, and the OPWDD-certified Helen H. Heller Health Center and Article 16 Clinic delivering clinical services such as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, music therapy, social work counseling, and psychological evaluations.

Service delivery is built on a person-centered model using IEP-based instruction with 8:1:3 classroom ratios, evidence-based assessments (e.g., SEMTAP for music therapy), and technology integrations including N2Y adapted curriculum, Google Classroom, and Webex. The organization operates two commercial-adjacent social enterprises: Special Touch Bakery, a separately incorporated 20,000 sq. ft. not-for-profit bakery providing integrated employment and training whose proceeds benefit Holy Childhood, and Partners with Industry, a contract packaging and fulfillment enterprise.

Revenue is generated through a mix of government funding (OPWDD programs, ACCES-VR, school district tuition and transportation), charitable fundraising (Friendship Campaign, golf tournaments, Wine at Center Ice, craft fairs, United Way designation, Amazon Smile, leadership giving tiers up to $10,000+), commercial bakery sales, and clinical billings under the Article 16 Clinic. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Gail Norris and led by President and CEO Donna Dedee, with Kevin Koch serving as CFO/COO; it holds 4-star Charity Navigator, GuideStar Platinum, and 2017 ETHIE Award credentials.

Name

Holy Childhood

Legal name

The Rochester School of the Holy Childhood, Inc.

Website

https://holychildhood.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Holy Childhood is a Rochester, NY non-profit agency serving 220+ children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through K-22 special education, adult habilitation, vocational training, supported employment, and an OPWDD-certified Article 16 Clinic, funded by government programs, philanthropy, and the Special Touch Bakery social enterprise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services & Special Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Disability habilitation programs
• Supported employment services
• Vocational training programs
• Developmental disability services

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Holy Childhood relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, corporate sponsors, and foundation grants. They conduct annual fundraising campaigns (Friendship Campaign), golf tournaments, Wine at Center Ice events, and craft fairs. Leadership giving levels include St. Mark's Circle ($1,000-$2,499), Benefactor ($2,500-$9,999), and President's Council ($10,000+).
2. Special Touch Bakery Revenue: Special Touch Bakery is a separately incorporated not-for-profit bakery at 1999 Mt. Read Boulevard. This 20,000 sq. ft. facility provides jobs and training to adults of all abilities. Proceeds from the bakery benefit Holy Childhood.
3. Government Program Funding (OPWDD, ACCES-VR): Services are funded through OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) programs including Pathway to Employment, Employment Training Program, and ACCES-VR. Students are transported from regional school districts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Holy Childhood is a non-profit agency providing individualized education, habilitation, vocational training, supported employment, and OPWDD-certified clinical services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ages 5 through retirement). It operates a School Program (K-22) on its Henrietta/Rochester campus and an Adult Programs division that includes day habilitation, community habilitation, supported employment, respite, and an Article 16 Clinic, with Special Touch Bakery serving as an integrated social-enterprise employer.

Product overview

Holy Childhood is a non-profit agency offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization operates two core divisions: the School Program (K-22) providing special education for up to 120 students, including the Community Classroom for students ages 18-21; and Adult Programs offering Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Respite Programs, Supported Employment, and Community-Based Pre-Vocational Services. The Helen H. Heller Health Center and Article 16 Clinic provides clinical services including therapy and psychological evaluations. The Special Touch Bakery is a separately incorporated subsidiary providing vocational training and employment. Partners with Industry handles contract packaging and fulfillment. The PAES Lab and Work-Based Learning Program support vocational assessment and job readiness. These programs work together to prepare individuals for maximum independence from childhood through adulthood.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School Program (K-22) Comprehensive special education program serving up to 120 students ages 5-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with 8:1:3 classroom ratios and instruction in literacy, math, science, social skills, daily living activities, work-based learning, music, art, and adaptive physical education. Students are transported from 40+ regional school districts.
• Community Classroom Community-based learning environment for transition-age students 18-21 located at Genesee Valley Regional Market. Students develop job readiness skills in classroom settings and apply them through internships at Monroe County businesses.
• Adult Programs Comprehensive day services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (age 21 through retirement), bundling Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Supported Employment, Respite Programs, and Article 16 Clinic services under a person-centered model.
• Day Habilitation Three service tracks: Day Habilitation Without Walls (community-based volunteer and wellness activities), Transitional Day Habilitation (independence building), and Seniors Day Habilitation (social and wellness opportunities for seniors).
• Community Habilitation Individual and small group support delivered at non-certified locations (including the person's home), focused on community inclusion, independence, life skills, transportation, and social skills under person-centered goals.
• Supported Employment Services Employment services for people 21+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Pathway to Employment, Employment Training Program, and ACCES-VR partnerships, providing job placement, coaching, and ongoing support to obtain and maintain competitive employment.
• Community Based Pre-Vocational Services / Partners with Industry Skills training in employment-related areas on campus and in the community, including at Special Touch Bakery. Partners with Industry is a non-certified integrated community-based enterprise providing custom contract packaging and fulfillment services with paid and volunteer opportunities.
• Helen H. Heller Health Center and Article 16 Clinic OPWDD-certified outpatient clinic offering comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to adults with intellectual disabilities, including social work counseling, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and psychological evaluations.
• Special Touch Bakery Separately incorporated 20,000 sq. ft. not-for-profit bakery providing integrated employment and job training to adults of all abilities, with retail and commercial sales of pies and baked goods. Proceeds benefit Holy Childhood.
• PAES Lab (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Job training and assessment lab (The Bianchi Family Job Training and Assessment Lab) providing hands-on training in entry-level jobs across five occupational areas: Business/Marketing, Computer/Technology, Construction/Industrial, Consumer/Service, and Processing/Production — covering up to 264 job types with time clocks and paycheck simulations.
• Work-Based Learning Program Program for school students ages 16-21 with a coordinator and job coaches providing in-school instruction and off-site work experiences throughout the Rochester community, including unpaid internships.
• Respite Programs Recreational and socialization programs including Out & About (after-hours program for ages 14+), Yes I Can (lifetime skills development with Nazareth University OT/PT graduate students), Respite Overnight Trips, and Respite Camp for students ages 5-21.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves more than 220 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Partners with IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Industry is a non-certified, integrated community-based enterprise providing custom contract packaging and fulfillment services. As of October 2019, Holy Childhood's site-based prevocational program operates under this name. Provides paid and volunteer opportunities through Community Based Pre-Vocational Services.
• Special Touch BakerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecial Touch Bakery is a separately incorporated not-for-profit bakery located at 1999 Mt. Read Boulevard, Rochester. This 20,000 sq. ft. facility is an integrated business model providing jobs and training to adults of all abilities. Proceeds from Special Touch Bakery benefit Holy Childhood.
• Rochester International AirportcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner for supported employment placements. Rochester International Airport employs individuals with disabilities through Holy Childhood's Employment Services program.
• WegmanscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner for supported employment placements. Wegmans employs individuals with disabilities through Holy Childhood's supported employment program.
• OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency that certifies Holy Childhood's Article 16 Clinic and funds programs including Pathway to Employment, Employment Training Program. Holy Childhood is an OPWDD-certified provider.
• ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState vocational rehabilitation agency that assists people with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment. Partner in providing supported employment services.
• BOCESsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerEducational partner and internship site for supported employment placements.
• Fairport Central SchoolssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerSchool district referral source and internship partner for work-based learning and supported employment.
• Webster Central SchoolssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerSchool district referral source and internship partner for work-based learning and supported employment.
• Staples WarehousesecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner for supported employment placements through warehousing and distribution work.
• SaverssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner for supported employment placements.
• WalgreenssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness partner for supported employment placements.
• Elderwood Village at FairportsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerHealthcare partner for supported employment placements.
• Sisters of St. JosephsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding partner organization. Historical partner for supported employment placements.
• Salvatores PizzeriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business partner for supported employment placements.
• World Painting CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business partner for supported employment placements.
• Genesee Valley Regional MarketcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocation of two Community Classroom sites for students ages 18-21. Students learn job readiness skills and apply them through internships at businesses within Monroe County.
• Sager Beer WorksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollaboration for Inspiration IPA fundraising beer benefiting Holy Childhood.
• Nazareth University OT and PT Graduate ProgramssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Yes I Can program for bowling league, lasertron league, and other lifetime skills development activities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lifetime Assistance: Rochester-area nonprofit providing residential, day, community habilitation, and supported employment to people with IDD through OPWDD funding. Functions as one of HC's main competitors for Monroe County adult-services and employment placements.
• Heritage Christian Services: Greater Rochester nonprofit providing residential, day habilitation, employment, and clinical supports to individuals with IDD across the lifespan. Operates OPWDD-funded programs that directly compete with HC for adult participants and employer partnerships in the same region.
• CP Rochester: Rochester-based nonprofit serving children and adults with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities through early intervention, school, and adult day/employment programs. Overlaps with HC on lifespan disability services, supported employment, and clinical supports.
• Mary Cariola Children's Center: Rochester-area nonprofit special education school serving children with IDD ages 3-21 with residential and day programs. Most direct structural peer to HC's School Program and represents the primary local alternative for district CSE placements.
• Happiness House: Finger Lakes-region nonprofit serving children and adults with IDD through early intervention, school-age, adult day, and vocational programs. Comparable business model to HC across the K-22 to adult lifespan in a similar upstate NY catchment.
• ARC of Monroe County: Local chapter of The Arc providing advocacy, family support, and direct services (recreation, clinical, residential) to people with IDD in Monroe County. Closely adjacent mission and beneficiary base to HC's Adult Programs.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: National nonprofit network providing disability and IDD services including education, employment, and therapy across the U.S. Functions as a broad incumbent reference point for HC's multi-program model and federal policy engagement.
• The Arc of the United States: National organization advocating for and serving people with IDD through local chapters and direct service affiliates. Provides a comparable governance, advocacy, and service-delivery reference model for HC's lifespan approach.

Others

• Bay Shore Industries: Rochester-region vocational services and contract packaging/fulfillment provider employing adults with disabilities. Operates a model adjacent to HC's Partners with Industry and Special Touch Bakery social-enterprise workforce lines.

Regional players

• UCP of Greater Rochester: Rochester-area affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy providing education, therapy, and adult services to people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities. Competes with HC on the school-program side and shares the OPWDD/Medicaid payer mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCENv4kOrM1UpyxM6sAsEq5Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/HolyChildhoodROC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/holy-childhood
• Instagraminstagram.com/holychildhoodroc
• Xx.com/HolyChildhood

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Holy Childhood