Disability Resource Association

What Disability Resource Association does

Disability Resource Association (DRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living founded in 1996 and headquartered in Festus, Missouri. The organization delivers direct-service programs to individuals with disabilities, seniors, veterans, youth experiencing homelessness, and economically disadvantaged families across Jefferson County and the metropolitan St. Louis area. DRA has scaled from a four-person operation with a $205,000 annual budget in 1996 to approximately 50 staff and a $7M+ operating budget, managing two non-profit subsidiaries (Disability Resource In-Home Services and Access Housing Jefferson County) and operating more than 20 community programs.

DRA's core services fall into four functional categories: (1) in-home care through Consumer Directed Services (CDS) and agency-model Disability Resource In-Home Services (DRIHS); (2) transportation via a 15-vehicle fleet delivering door-to-door medical and essential rides; (3) affordable housing through 138 units across three senior and accessible apartment complexes developed under its HUD-certified Community Housing Development Organization status; and (4) the five federally mandated CIL core services — Information & Referral, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, and Transitions. Technical assets include a DVT3 driving simulator for cognitive and physical driver assessment, a Low Vision Center with CCTV enlargers, and an assistive telephone equipment distribution program under Missouri's TAP initiative. Adjacent community programs include the Back to School Fair (serving 700+ children), the Homeless Youth Initiative, and the Jefferson County Hunger Task Force (serving 2,000+ families monthly).

DRA operates on a hybrid non-profit revenue model. Primary funding flows from Medicaid/MO HealthNet reimbursements for in-home and consumer-directed services, federal CIL pass-through grants, and HUD-related housing development activity, supplemented by individual donations processed via Givebutter and modest usage-based revenue from driving simulator sessions ($25 per lesson or $125 for a 5-week program). Most direct services to eligible clients are free of charge; housing units carry income-qualified monthly rent. DRA's competitive position rests on its HUD-CHDO designation, MOCIL affiliation, BBB Charity Seal accreditation, 2023 Candid Gold Seal of Transparency, and a 28-year operating track record supporting grant eligibility and donor confidence.

Name

Disability Resource Association

Legal name

Disability Resource Association, Inc.

Website

https://dra4help.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Disability Resource Association is a 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living serving individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those in need across Jefferson County and metropolitan St. Louis. Founded in 1996, it operates 20+ programs spanning in-home care, transportation, affordable housing, and assistive technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support and Independent Living Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH), Community Resources, Social Services & Transportation Coordination (HLADALAK)

Keywords

• Independent living services
• Disability support services
• In-home personal care
• Consumer directed services
• Center for independent living

Headquarters

HQ city

Festus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Medicaid/MO Healthnet Funding: Primary funding source includes government grants and Medicaid/MO Healthnet reimbursement for services such as Consumer Directed Services (CDS), In-Home Support Services, and transportation programs. The CDS program is funded by Medicaid/MO Healthnet.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations received through online platforms (Givebutter), mail-in checks, monthly giving programs, memorial and honorary gifts, and planned giving/bequests. DRA relies on donations to supplement grant funding for services.
3. Housing Partnership Revenue: As HUD certified Community Housing Development Organization, DRA partners with developers like Golden Seven, LLC to develop affordable housing. DRA acts as lead referral agency and provides services at no cost to tenants. The organization manages three apartment complexes with 138 affordable housing units.
4. Driving Simulator Fees: Driving simulator sessions are offered at $25 per lesson or $125 for a 5-week session, with scholarship funds available from State Farm Foundation for eligible candidates.
5. Grant Funding: Various grant funding supports specific programs including ramps and home modifications, driving simulator scholarships, and general operational costs. Grant funding only covers a portion of service delivery costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Disability Resource Association operates as a Center for Independent Living delivering personal empowerment services to people with disabilities, seniors, and those in need across Jefferson County and the metropolitan St. Louis area. Its core offerings span the five mandated CIL services (Information and Referral, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, and Transitions) plus Medicaid-funded Consumer Directed Services, agency-model in-home personal care, door-to-door medical transportation, assistive technology loans and testing, affordable accessible housing, ramps and home modifications, youth transition services, and community programs such as the Back to School Fair, Homeless Youth Initiative, and Jefferson County Hunger Task Force.

Product overview

Disability Resource Association (DRA) operates as a Center for Independent Living offering a comprehensive suite of direct-service programs rather than a technology product. The core services include Consumer Directed Services (CDS) for self-directed in-home care, Disability Resource In-Home Services (DRIHS) for agency-model care, Transportation Programs, and the five mandated CIL core services: Information and Referral, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Consultation, and Transitions. Additional services expand this portfolio to include Housing Assistance, Medical Equipment Loans, Support Groups, Youth Services, Assistive Telephone Technology, Low Vision Technology, Simulated Driving Lessons, Ramps and Home Modifications, and Social Security Disability Assistance. DRA also administers community programs including the Back to School Fair, Homeless Youth Initiative, and Jefferson County Hunger Task Force through partnerships with local organizations. All services focus on enabling individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those in need to live independently in their communities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Disability Resource In-Home Services (DRIHS): In-home support services providing personal care, homemaker, chore, advanced personal care, nurse visits, and respite services for clients with disabilities or chronic illness.
• Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

Products and services

• Consumer Directed Services (CDS) A Medicaid/MO Healthnet-funded program that allows individuals with disabilities to hire, manage, and direct their own caregivers (including family members or friends) so they can remain independently in their homes.
• Disability Resource In-Home Services (DRIHS) Agency-model in-home care providing personal care, homemaker services, chore services, advanced personal care, authorized nurse visits, and respite care to clients in their homes.
• Transportation Programs Door-to-door transportation services using a fleet of 15 vehicles for medical appointments, X-rays, minor outpatient surgery, and prescription drop-offs for individuals with disabilities and seniors who lack other transportation options.
• Independent Living Skills Training One-on-one training with an Independent Living Specialist covering community resources, budgeting, transportation, cooking, self-advocacy, household management, nutrition, organizational skills, communication, and stress management.
• Peer Consultation Matching individuals with similar disabilities to empower each other through encouragement, support, and shared experiences adapting to life with a disability.
• Individual and Systems Advocacy Advocacy helping individuals learn to advocate for their own rights regarding healthcare, housing, and essential services, as well as working to change policies and remove systemic barriers.
• Information and Referral A database that provides information to individuals and families, with policy to locate information if not immediately available, connecting them to community resources.
• Transitions Services helping adults move from nursing facilities to community settings, and supporting youth transitioning from secondary education to post-secondary life.
• Housing Assistance Assistance finding affordable accessible housing in Jefferson County through partnerships with senior apartment complexes and Access Housing Jefferson County.
• Medical Equipment Loans

Quantifiable outcome

• Provides over 6,000 rides to more than 300 individuals with disabilities each year
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Arapaho DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA partnered with Arapaho Development on multiple senior apartment complexes including Bluff View Senior Apartments in Festus (50% units for special needs) and Water Crest Villas and Richardson Ridge Villas in Arnold (20% units for special needs). All built with universal design principles.
• Golden Seven, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA partners with Golden Seven, LLC as HUD certified Community Housing Development Organization for Jefferson County. Currently has three apartment complexes with 138 affordable housing units in Jefferson County.
• Golden Management, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA partners with Golden Management to hold the disabled wait list for Water Crest Senior Apartments, Richardson Ridge Senior Apartments, and Bluff View Senior Apartments. DRA provides housing assistance and referral services.
• Jefferson County Public High SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA collaborates with Jefferson County Public High Schools as part of the Homeless Youth Initiative to deliver goods and services to homeless youth ages 15-20.
• Arnold Food PantryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Homeless Youth Initiative providing food assistance to homeless youth in the community.
• Jefferson CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with DRA on Homeless Youth Initiative to provide resources and services to homeless youth.
• Jefferson County Hunger Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA takes primary lead of this task force consisting of food pantries, churches, and non-profits. Provides food and personal care items to over 2,000 families monthly. Contact: Suzan Weller.
• Jefferson County Health and Education CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA takes primary lead of this partnership of local non-profits and health/social service organizations. Hosts annual Back-to-School Fair serving 700+ children. Contact: Paulette Hensley.
• Homeless Youth InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA takes primary lead of this initiative helping homeless youth ages 15-20. Collaborates with schools, churches, and community organizations. Contact: Robin Scott, HYI President.
• Missouri Centers for Independent Living (MOCIL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMOCIL is the original state-certified organization providing personal attendant services such as Consumer Directed Services. DRA is a regional center under MOCIL serving Jefferson County, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and surrounding counties.
• Rehabilitation Services for the BlindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides equipment and program materials for DRA's Low Vision Technology services. Representative visits clients in person to provide permanent equipment after initial DRA loan.
• Operation Food SearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides meals (500+ distributed at 2024 Back to School Fair) through partnership with Jefferson County Health and Education Committee.
• Sneakers with SoulminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Twin City Optimist Club to provide free shoes to children at Back to School Fair (594 children received shoes in 2024).
• Twin City Optimist ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners with Sneakers with Soul to provide free shoes; supports Homeless Youth Initiative and various DRA programs.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals Midwest: Large regional disability services nonprofit operating across Missouri and the Midwest. Comparable as a peer delivering disability and senior services (in-home support, therapy, case management, transportation) at greater geographic scale, with similar funding from Medicaid, grants, and donations.
• MOCIL (Missouri Centers for Independent Living): Statewide association of Missouri Centers for Independent Living. Functions as DRA's parent coordinating body and operates personal attendant services directly; comparable as a peer given shared CIL service model and funding streams, but broader in geographic mandate.

Others

• ILRU (Independent Living Research Utilization): National technical assistance and research center for the CIL network. Comparable as a peer only thematically — supports CILs like DRA through training, research, and program development rather than competing directly for service delivery contracts.

Regional players

• CaringWorks: Disability services nonprofit (Macon, GA-based) providing case management, housing support, and independent living services. Comparable as a peer in mission and service model to a CIL, but operating in a different state and region.
• Ability KC: Kansas City-based nonprofit providing disability services including assistive technology, home modifications, therapy, and independent living support. Comparable in service mix (AT, home mods, IL skills) and target population but operates in a different Missouri metro area.
• Aging Best: Central Missouri area agency on aging serving seniors and adults with disabilities. Comparable in target population (seniors, disabled adults) and service lines (in-home support, transportation, case management, caregiver support), with similar Medicaid/grant funding mix but operating as a designated AAA rather than a CIL.

Direct peers

• The Whole Person: Kansas City, Missouri-based Center for Independent Living. Direct peer operating under the same federal CIL mandate with parallel programs (independent living skills, advocacy, peer support, in-home services, information & referral) for people with disabilities across a Missouri urban service area.
• Delta Center for Independent Living: Southeast Missouri Center for Independent Living serving rural counties adjacent to DRA's footprint. Directly comparable as a small-to-mid CIL delivering the five mandated core services plus in-home support, transportation, and assistive technology under MOCIL.
• Starkloff Disability Institute: St. Louis-based disability nonprofit focused on independent living, employment, and community engagement for people with disabilities. Directly comparable service philosophy and target population to DRA, with overlap in advocacy, peer support, and youth transition programming.
• Paraquad: St. Louis-based Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities in the metro region. Direct peer operating the same federally mandated CIL core services in overlapping Missouri geography, with comparable funding mix (Medicaid, grants, donations) and similar in-home, independent living, and advocacy programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/jeffersoncountyhungertaskforce
• Xx.com/disabilityra

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Disability Resource Association