The ABCD
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1973
- HeadquartersCanton, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
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.
The ABCD firmographics
Firmographics- 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
The ABCD industry classification
Industry- 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
Where The ABCD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Canton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The ABCD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Service Fees: Fees for transportation services, housing rentals, and weatherization services provided to eligible households in Stark County and surrounding communities.
- 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.
- 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
The ABCD product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use The ABCD
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The ABCD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The ABCD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)coreSARTA 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)coreSCRPC 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 NetworkcoreABCD 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 CompanyminorPrimary funder for ABCD's weatherization and energy conservation programs including home insulation, furnace installation, and related energy efficiency services.
- United Methodist ChurchcoreABCD 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 OhiominorJobs 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 WestminorState 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 CommerceminorSCMBA 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 ExchangeminorThe 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 FameminorABCD 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)minorNRP handles rental information for Bradley Place, a 52-unit senior housing complex named after Ben Bradley. Contact: (216) 475-8900.
- EANDCminorEANDC handles rental information for Queen Esther's Village (33 cottages) and Wilson Pointe (40-unit complex). Contact: (330) 724-1210.
- Cleveland BricksminorCleveland 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
The ABCD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
The ABCD social profiles
Digital presenceThe ABCD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The ABCD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
The ABCD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The ABCD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The ABCD
What does The ABCD do?
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.
Is The ABCD a public or private company?
The ABCD is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The ABCD founded?
The ABCD was founded in 1973. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The ABCD based?
The ABCD is headquartered in Canton, United States, in the North America region.
How does The ABCD make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Service Fees are the primary driver. The others are rental Income and donations & Fundraising.
Who are The ABCD's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Habitat for Humanity, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), MTM Transit, Enterprise Community Partners, United Way of Greater Stark County and NeighborWorks America. Broad incumbents are Catholic Charities USA, Modivcare and The Salvation Army. Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority is listed as a regional player.
Does The ABCD have an API?
No public API is recorded for The ABCD.
What industry is The ABCD in?
The ABCD's product category is Community Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAJAAAO, Community Health & Health Equity/Social Determinants Units, with a secondary code of BPAIACAJ, Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs). Its NAICS code is 62422 and its SIC code is 8300.