Penn-Mar Human Services

What Penn-Mar Human Services does

Penn-Mar Human Services is a Maryland-based nonprofit founded in 1981 that delivers a portfolio of community-based disability support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across northern Maryland (Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford counties) and southern Pennsylvania (York and Adams counties). The organization's core service platform comprises Community Living (approximately 55 residential homes plus Life Sharing, Shared Living, and In-Home Supports programs), Day Learning (community-based programming at three facilities including Penn-Mar Central, Penn-Mar North, and the 2026-opening Penn-Mar West), and Customized Employment (an evidence-based Discovery process supporting 100+ individuals in competitive integrated jobs across 80+ employer partners). Supporting offerings include an Assistive Technology Lending Library, Respite Services, Transitioning Youth programs, Self-Directed Services, and the Maryland LISS program.

Penn-Mar's technology stack is built on third-party assistive tools (Seeing AI, Pictello, WordQ, Alexa, Work Autonomy, Uber) curated through the AT Library, complemented by internal operational systems for ISP-based service delivery. The organization does not develop proprietary AI or software products; instead, it integrates consumer-grade assistive technology into individualized support plans and is establishing a C-suite technology function via a newly appointed CTO in June 2026.

The revenue model combines government funding (Maryland DDA, Pennsylvania OVR, Maryland DORS contracts and Medicaid waivers as the primary recurring revenue stream), contributed income (foundation grants, individual and corporate donations, an annual gala, and a golf classic), and fee-for-service revenue from Penn-Mar Consulting, which offers organizational transformation, ACRE certified training, and Employment First technical assistance to other human services organizations. Customer segments span individuals with IDD and their families (persona) and employer/business clients in Maryland and Pennsylvania (business segment).

Name

Penn-Mar Human Services

Legal name

Penn-Mar Human Services

Website

https://penn-mar.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Penn-Mar Human Services is a Maryland-based nonprofit founded in 1981 that provides community living, day learning, customized employment, assistive technology, and respite services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Community living residential
• Customized employment services
• Assistive technology library
• Developmental disability nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Freeland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Funded through state Developmental Disabilities Administrations (DDA), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) for providing services to individuals with IDD
2. Donations and Grants: Charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors including annual gala fundraising, golf classic, and foundation grants
3. Consulting Services: Fee-for-service consulting to share best practices with other organizations in the IDD field

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit organization that delivers a continuum of person-centered supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Community Living (residential homes, Life Sharing, Shared Living, and In-Home Supports), Day Learning programs, Customized Employment with job coaching, Assistive Technology Services with a Lending Library, Respite, Transitioning Youth, Self-Directed Services, and the Maryland LISS program. Funded through government Medicaid waivers, state agency contracts, donations, and grants, it supports approximately 400 adults daily across northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

Product overview

Penn-Mar Human Services offers an integrated portfolio of disability support services centered around a core platform of residential (Community Living), day program (Day Learning), and employment services (Customized Employment). These foundational services are supported by specialized offerings including Assistive Technology Services (with a Lending Library), Respite Services, Transitioning Youth programs, Self-Directed Services, and LISS. The organization also extends its expertise through a consulting division (Penn-Mar Consulting) offering organizational transformation services, and a Professional Development Program for leadership development. The service ecosystem is designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lifetimes, from youth transition through adult residential and employment support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Penn-Mar Consulting: A consulting division that shares best practices and innovative approaches to support courageous living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering services including strategic organizational change, Employment 1st Initiative approaches, certified leadership coaching, ACRE certified training, and certified benefits counseling.
• Penn-Mar Foundation
• Life Sharing
• Shared Living
• Customized Employment

Products and services

• Community Living Residential support program operating roughly 25 homes in Southern York County PA and approximately 30 homes in northern Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford counties MD. Programs include Life Sharing (PA), Shared Living (MD), In-Home Supports, Personal Supports, and Supported Living.
• Day Learning Community-based day programs at Penn-Mar North (New Freedom, PA), Penn-Mar Central (Freeland, MD), and Penn-Mar West (Westminster, MD), with a new Westminster office opening early 2026. Includes community integration, educational and recreational activities, technology labs, maker spaces, art programs, and pet therapy.
• Customized Employment Employment support service helping individuals with IDD find and maintain competitive integrated employment via an evidence-based Discovery process, career planning, job development, job negotiation, and ongoing job coaching. Supports over 100 individuals in jobs across Northern Baltimore County, Carroll County (MD), and York and Adams Counties (PA).
• Assistive Technology Services Assistive technology service helping individuals with disabilities communicate, navigate, and participate in their communities, including annual AT assessment screenings in Maryland and AT Showcase events.
• Assistive Technology Lending Library Lending library catalog of assistive technology devices available for team members and individuals supported to borrow and try, ranging from high-tech to no-tech items for vision, communication, environmental control, and daily living skills.
• Respite Services Short-term breaks and temporary care services for families and caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Transitioning Youth Services supporting young adults with disabilities as they transition from school to adult services and employment.
• Self-Directed Services Programs allowing individuals with disabilities and their families to have more control over the services and supports they receive.
• LISS Living Independence Services Maryland-based program providing services to help individuals with disabilities live independently in the community through a random selection process.
• Penn-Mar Consulting Consulting division offering organizational transformation, strategic planning, ACRE certified training, certified benefits counseling, and board engagement services to other human services organizations, backed by over 100 years of multi-disciplinary leadership experience.
• Professional Development Program 10-month leadership development program for supervisors that covers emotional intelligence, effective communications, management skills, and coaching approaches to identify and develop proven leaders with a growth mindset.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 individuals with IDD supported in various jobs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Community Media Center of Carroll County (CMC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025Collaborated on documentary 'Thriving Together: The Power of Inclusion' featuring four people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and highlighting their experiences with independence and community support.
• TransCen, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2021Non-profit organization dedicated to improving education and employment success of youth and young adults with disabilities. Penn-Mar and TransCen were awarded a $150,000 contract from The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council to provide technical assistance to five community service providers. TransCen brings over 25 years of experience providing organizational change and provider transformation training in more than 17 states.
• The Arc Carroll CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on documentary production exploring lives of people with disabilities
• Target Community & Educational Services, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on documentary production exploring lives of people with disabilities
• Bello MachreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered on documentary production exploring lives of people with disabilities
• Jemicy SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual disability-inclusive fashion show collaboration celebrating style, self-expression, and inclusion for individuals with IDD. Partnership in its 4th year as of 2026.
• Whispering Rise Farm & Animal SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Seeding Transformation: Community Learning Garden Project promoting disability inclusion and health and wellness
• Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPenn-Mar is a Community Rehabilitation Provider with DORS in Maryland for employment services
• Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPenn-Mar is an OVR Provider for Pennsylvania employment services

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: National federation of chapters serving people with IDD across residential, day, employment, and advocacy programs. Directly comparable mission and service mix to Penn-Mar, but operates a federated national footprint rather than a focused two-state regional model.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit network combining workforce development and disability employment services. Comparable customized employment and mission-driven revenue model, though much larger and broader in scope.
• Easterseals: Large national nonprofit providing disability and rehabilitation services including residential, employment, and assistive technology support. Comparable to Penn-Mar's combination of community living, employment, and AT services, at greater scale and geographic breadth.
• Sevita Health (formerly MENTOR/Remedy): Large national provider of home and community-based services for individuals with IDD and brain injury. Comparable Medicaid-funded HCBS delivery model to Penn-Mar's community living and supported employment lines.

Direct peers

• Community Options: Nonprofit operating residential, day, and employment programs for people with IDD across multiple states. Comparable service architecture and customized employment orientation to Penn-Mar.
• YAI (Young Adult Institute): Nonprofit providing residential, day, employment, and clinical services for people with IDD and behavioral health needs. Most directly comparable peer in mission and service mix to Penn-Mar, though primarily New York-anchored.
• Chimes: Mid-Atlantic nonprofit delivering residential, day, vocational, and behavioral supports to individuals with IDD. Strong comparable on customized employment and community living, with similar reliance on Medicaid-funded supports.
• The Arc Carroll County: Local Arc affiliate providing residential, day, employment, and family support services in Carroll County, MD. Direct regional peer overlapping Penn-Mar's Westminster footprint, and existing documentary co-production partner.
• Bello Machre: Maryland-based nonprofit supporting people with IDD through homes, day services, and employment. Most comparable regional peer given shared geography, mission, and current Penn-Mar documentary partnership.

Emerging players

• TransCen, Inc. Nonprofit focused on organizational change and Employment First transformation for IDD providers; existing Penn-Mar consulting JV partner. Comparable customized employment expertise and technical assistance delivery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PennMarHS
• Facebookfacebook.com/PennMarHS

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Penn-Mar Human Services