The ABCD

What The ABCD does

ABCD, Inc. (The ABCD) is a non-profit Community Development Corporation founded in 1973 by Will Dent in Canton, Ohio, as part of the United Methodist Church Community Developers Program. The organization operates an integrated multi-service platform serving low-income, elderly, disabled, and minority populations across Stark County, with four core programmatic areas: (1) Housing Development, encompassing affordable homeownership (Richmond Homes) and rental communities for seniors (Bradley Place, Queen Esther's Village, Wilson Pointe) totaling approximately 149+ units, plus 255 houses constructed and 24 renovated through Limited Partnerships; (2) Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, operating a 30-vehicle fleet of wheelchair vans and ambulatory vehicles that transports 200+ clients daily, including 66 daily dialysis patients; (3) Energy Conservation/Weatherization, insulating 250-300 houses and installing 50 furnaces annually, capable of reducing household gas bills by up to 35%; and (4) Community Economic Development, including the Center for Economic Development (affordable office space for eight nonprofits), workforce training (AUTO program with ASE-certified mechanics and CDL preparation), and minority business development via SCMBA (150+ members).

The business model combines fee-for-service revenue (subsidized transportation, affordable housing rentals, weatherization service fees), government and utility grants (Dominion East Ohio Gas, Cleveland Housing Network, City of Canton, Area Agency on Aging, Stark County Regional Planning Commission), and philanthropic donations via the Donor Wall program. Distribution is direct: door-to-door transportation, on-site service at the Will Dent Center headquarters, and channel partnerships with NRP and EANDC for property management. The organization recently completed the multi-year Crystal Park Revitalization Project, adding the Will Dent Center (Phase 1, 2024) and the Transportation & Job Training Center (Phase 2, 2025), and is developing O'Jays Plaza commercial space.

In 2025, founder Will Dent transitioned to President Emeritus after 50 years of leadership, and Tomier T. Davenport (former Board Chair, banking background, former Canton City Schools Assistant Principal) became President & CEO. Governance is provided by a 16-member Board of Directors including a Stark County Common Pleas judge, a Canton City Councilwoman, healthcare executives, and local entrepreneurs. The organization employs 51-100 people and is preparing for its 53rd Annual Meeting in June 2026.

Name

The ABCD

Legal name

ABCD, Inc.

Website

https://theabcdinc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The ABCD is a non-profit Community Development Corporation in Canton, Ohio, founded in 1973 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It provides integrated affordable housing, non-emergency medical transportation, weatherization, and workforce development services to low-income, elderly, and minority populations across Stark County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Health & Health Equity/Social Determinants Units (HLAJAAAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Transportation-Integrated Adult Day Programs (Day Program + Non-Emergency Transport) (HLADAIAK)

Keywords

• Affordable housing services
• Non-emergency medical transportation
• Home weatherization services
• Community economic development
• Minority business support

Headquarters

HQ city

Canton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Service Fees: Fees for transportation services, housing rentals, and weatherization services provided to eligible households in Stark County and surrounding communities.
2. Rental Income: Revenue from affordable housing units including Richmond Homes, Bradley Place, Queen Esther's Village, and Wilson Pointe. Also includes rental income from commercial space at the Center for Economic Development.
3. Donations & Fundraising: Donor contributions through the Donor Wall program and naming opportunities, supporting the organization's mission and community programs.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ABCD Inc. is a non-profit community development corporation providing affordable housing development (homeownership and senior rental complexes including Richmond Homes, Bradley Place, Queen Esther's Village, and Wilson Pointe), non-emergency medical transportation with a 30-vehicle fleet, home weatherization and energy conservation services, workforce development training, and affordable office space for community-based organizations in Stark County, Ohio.

Product overview

The ABCD Inc. is a community development corporation offering a multi-service portfolio spanning four core areas: Housing Development (affordable homeownership, rental complexes for seniors including Richmond Homes, Bradley Place, Queen Esther's Village, and Wilson Pointe), Transportation Services (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation with wheelchair vans and ambulatory vehicles), Energy Conservation through Weatherization (insulation, furnaces, hot water tank installation), and Community Economic Development (affordable office space, workforce training via AUTO program, minority business support through SCMBA). Major initiatives include the Crystal Park Project featuring the Will Dent Center for Community & Economic Development (Phase 1) and the Transportation & Job Training Center (Phase 2), along with the O'Jays Plaza commercial development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Will Dent Center for Community & Economic Development: New headquarters of ABCD, named after the founder Will Dent. Houses the Center for Entrepreneurship Development and administrative offices.

Products and services

• Transportation Services Non-Emergency Medical Transportation service providing door-to-door transport via wheelchair vans and ambulatory vehicles, serving dialysis centers, Area Agency on Aging, governmental agencies, church groups, and veterans in Stark County and surrounding Ohio communities.
• Weatherization / Energy Conservation Energy conservation program providing home insulation, electrical audits, and furnace installation for eligible households, primarily funded by government funds and Dominion East Ohio Gas Company. Reduces gas bills by up to 35% through home insulation.
• Housing Development Affordable housing and homeownership opportunities including new construction ranch homes (Richmond Homes), rental complexes for elderly (Bradley Place, Queen Esther's Village, Wilson Pointe), with down payment assistance and tax abatement programs in Stark County.
• Crystal Park Project Revitalization project including the Will Dent Center for Community & Economic Development, O'Jays Plaza with tribute space and restaurant, 24 affordable senior housing units (Stephen Perry), commercial space, vehicle storage facility, and construction trades training site.
• Center for Economic Development Provides affordable office space for non-profit and for-profit businesses including Black Nurses Association, C.H.O.I.C.E., KidSummit Against Drugs, Medical In-Touch Services, OMEGA Psi Fraternity, Regina's Winter Drive, SCMBA, and W.A.T.O.E.S.
• Workforce Development Workforce development including the Association for Urban Training Opportunities (AUTO) housing transportation services, ASE Certified Automotive Mechanics Training Program, Commercial Driver's License Preparation Program, auto repair business, and trucking company operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Transports 200 elderly and low-income people daily, including 66 to dialysis treatments
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 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

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SARTA is recognized with the SARTA Outstanding Support to ABCD Award in 2026 for their partnership and support in advancing community well-being and improving quality of life for Stark County residents. Ralph Lee is recognized as the award recipient representing SARTA.
• Stark County Regional Planning Commission (SCRPC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026SCRPC is recognized with the Outstanding Support to ABCD Award in 2026 for their partnership and support in advancing community well-being for Stark County residents. Robert Nau is the award recipient representing SCRPC.
• Cleveland Housing NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABCD has a contract with Cleveland Housing Network for furnace installation services. Through this partnership, ABCD installs an average of 50 furnaces per year for eligible households in the community.
• Dominion East Ohio Gas CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder for ABCD's weatherization and energy conservation programs including home insulation, furnace installation, and related energy efficiency services.
• United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABCD was created as part of the Community Developers Program of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and maintains its affiliation with the U.M.C. The organization serves as a Training Consultant with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
• Jobs OhiominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJobs Ohio is sponsoring the Elite Program through SCMBA, which ABCD helps administer. The program includes workshops on risk assessment, strategic planning, and financing options for participating businesses.
• State Rep. Tom WestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState Rep. Tom West helped SCMBA secure a $300,000 grant over a two-year period for mentorship programs and partnership with Jobs Ohio's Elite Program.
• Greater Canton Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSCMBA partnership with the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce for implementing the Mentorship Program as part of the Elite Program funded by Jobs Ohio.
• London Stock ExchangeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe London Stock Exchange sponsors the Elite Program which SCMBA participates in through its partnership with Jobs Ohio, providing access to a global network of 1,500+ businesses across 42 countries.
• Pro Football Hall of FameminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerABCD assisted SCMBA members in obtaining contracts with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, demonstrating successful business development outcomes for minority-owned businesses.
• NRP (National Residential Properties)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNRP handles rental information for Bradley Place, a 52-unit senior housing complex named after Ben Bradley. Contact: (216) 475-8900.
• EANDCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEANDC handles rental information for Queen Esther's Village (33 cottages) and Wilson Pointe (40-unit complex). Contact: (330) 724-1210.
• Cleveland BricksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCleveland Bricks LLC offers luxury houses, condos, lofts, and apartments. Founded in 2006, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Provides housing options that complement ABCD's affordable housing mission.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity: National nonprofit focused on affordable housing development and homeownership for low-income households; directly comparable to ABCD's housing development and Richmond Homes work.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI and community development organization funding housing, economic development, and community facilities; closely comparable mission and structure to ABCD.
• MTM Transit: Major non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) broker and operator; comparable as a scaled provider of NEMT services for Medicaid and elderly populations.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit developing and preserving affordable housing and advancing economic mobility; directly comparable in mission, scale ambition, and integrated housing/community development model.
• United Way of Greater Stark County: Regional social services funder and convener in Stark County; directly comparable given shared service geography and donor/program overlap with ABCD.
• NeighborWorks America: Network of community development nonprofits providing affordable housing, financial counseling, and neighborhood revitalization; directly comparable as a multi-vertical community development intermediary.

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities USA: National faith-based social services network delivering housing, transportation, and community programs; comparable multi-vertical community services model but at national scale.
• Modivcare: Large, publicly listed NEMT and personal care provider; comparable end market (Medicaid NEMT, elderly and disabled transport) though operating at much larger scale.
• The Salvation Army: Large faith-affiliated nonprofit providing housing, social services, and community programs nationwide; comparable in mission but operates at vastly larger scale and broader footprint.

Regional players

• Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority: Local public housing authority serving Stark County with affordable housing and related programs; comparable as a regional affordable housing provider in the same geography as ABCD.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/theabcdinc
• Xx.com/theabcdinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-abcd-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 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 ABCD