EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER

What EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER does

The Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center (EPDSC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1999 (concept in 1995) and headquartered in Bethlehem, PA, serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The organization operates a comprehensive age-based portfolio of programs spanning the life continuum: Bright Beginnings (0–6), Little Stars (K–2), Shining Stars (3–6), Pizza with Pals (7–12), and Club 21 (adults 21+), complemented by the New & Expecting Parents Program, Parent-to-Parent Mentor Program, Educational Advocacy, the Brian J. Wittig Enrichment Fund, Scholarship Program, and a Share the Love resource-exchange platform. EPDSC also spearheads the LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic (now affiliated with Lehigh Valley Health Network) and the 1528 West housing initiative — a 49-unit affordable housing complex in Allentown with 20–25% of units dedicated to residents with intellectual disabilities.

EPDSC employs a 5-person full-time staff (Executive Director, Program Coordinator, Educational Advocate, Office Assistant, and one additional staff member) and operates on a free-membership model for most programs, with select event-based fees ($15/person for non-members at events like the Annual Membership Picnic). Revenue is generated from individual donations (including a $21/month recurring giving program), corporate and foundation grants (e.g., The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust), event fundraising (annual Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk, now in its 27th year), tribute/memorial gifts, planned giving, and capitalized housing development funding (PHFA Low Income Housing Tax Credits, National Housing Trust Funds, City of Allentown HOME funds). The organization is governed by an independent Board of Directors and has no parent company, subsidiaries, or institutional investor ownership.

The business model is community-driven, relying on event-based outreach, peer referrals, healthcare provider referrals (notably through LVHN), school district partnerships, and grassroots social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest). The organization has no proprietary technology platform, no mobile app, and no AI/ML capabilities disclosed; it is a service-delivery nonprofit executing programs through in-person community engagement and a small set of strategic institutional partnerships (LVHN, East Stroudsburg University, HDC MidAtlantic, Alliance for Building Communities).

Name

EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER

Legal name

Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center

Website

https://epdsc.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York through age-based programs from birth through adulthood, educational advocacy, a medical clinic partnership with LVHN, and the 1528 West affordable housing initiative.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Down Syndrome & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Childcare (HSAAAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assistive Technology (AT) & AAC Services (EDAJAKAF), Assistive Technology & AAC for Young Children (EDACAFAL)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Down syndrome programs
• Special needs advocacy
• Inclusive housing community
• Specialized medical clinic

Headquarters

HQ city

Bethlehem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting the Down syndrome community. Monthly giving program available with symbolic $21 contribution representing the extra 21st chromosome.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Funding from corporations and foundations to support programs and operations. The organization has received grants from The Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust and others.
3. Housing Initiative Partnerships: Development funding for the 1528 West housing complex including Low Income Housing Tax Credits ($1,197,172 from PHFA), National Housing Trust Funds ($800,000+), and HOME funds ($250,000 from City of Allentown).
4. Membership Dues: Annual membership program offering free events and perks to members. While membership is described as free in some contexts, there is a membership form and payment processing mentioned.
5. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Legacy giving program allowing donors to include EPDSC in wills or estate plans, including charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts.
6. Tribute and Memorial Gifts: Special donations made to honor or remember loved ones on birthdays, graduations, or in memory of those passed.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

EPDSC is a nonprofit community center delivering a cradle-to-adulthood continuum of programs and support services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Offerings include age-based social and educational programs (Bright Beginnings, Little Stars, Shining Stars, Pizza with Pals, Club 21), parent mentoring, educational advocacy, a specialized medical clinic partnership, financial assistance, scholarships, and the 1528 West inclusive housing initiative.

Product overview

The Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center (EPDSC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of support programs serving individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood. The center provides age-based programs including Bright Beginnings (0-6 years), Little Stars (K-2nd grade), Shining Stars (3rd-6th grade), Pizza with Pals (middle/high school), and Club 21 (adults 21+). Additional services include the New & Expecting Parents Program, Parent to Parent Mentor Program, Educational Advocacy, the Brian J. Wittig Enrichment Memorial Fund, LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic partnership, The Housing Initiative – 1528 West housing development, Scholarship Program, Share the Love resource sharing, and annual membership with community events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bright Beginnings Monthly playgroup for children ages 0 to 6, providing families opportunities to connect, build friendships, find support, and explore resources.
• Little Stars Playgroup for children in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade offering flexible schedule meetings for families to connect and access EPDSC resources.
• Shining Stars Group program for children in Grades 3 through 6 offering flexible schedule activities, new friendships, and academic and personal growth resources.
• Pizza with Pals Inclusive social group for students in Grades 7 through 12 (or up to age 21) with or without Down syndrome featuring games, activities, and pizza.
• Club 21 Safe, supervised social program for adults 21 and older with and without Down syndrome to meet and enjoy activities together.
• New & Expecting Parents Program Emotional support, information, and social connections for families of children with Down syndrome during pregnancy and from birth through 6 years.
• Parent to Parent Mentor Program Connects families with veteran parents and caregivers to provide guidance on raising a child with Down syndrome across various topics.
• Educational Advocacy Advocacy services for families of school-aged children to ensure appropriate services and accommodations for inclusive education.
• Brian J. Wittig Enrichment Memorial Fund Financial assistance program for individuals with Down syndrome and their families to support opportunities for enrichment and quality of life.
• LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic Medical clinic partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network providing specialized healthcare for individuals with Down syndrome.
• The Housing Initiative – 1528 West Affordable housing complex with 49 units in Allentown, PA, with 20-25% dedicated to residents with intellectual disabilities.
• EPDSC Scholarship Program Scholarship program featuring Bryan Meltzer Rise Up Scholarship for individuals with Down syndrome and Dr. Donald Levick Lighting the Way Scholarship for family members pursuing relevant degrees.
• Share the Love Facebook-based platform for passing on Down syndrome-related items like books, toys, equipment, and therapy items to other EPDSC families.
• EPDSC Membership Annual membership offering benefits including meetings, picnics, holiday parties, and special event access for families, self-advocates, professionals, and community members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Motor skill development of up to seven months growth shown in children completing consistent 8-week Young Athletes program

Named customers2 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

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2023On January 23, 2023, the Down Syndrome Medical Clinic became part of LVHN and was renamed LVPG Down Syndrome Medical Clinic. This partnership allows improved access for clinic visits by recruiting additional providers, therapists, and family support specialists. The affiliation facilitates access to pediatric specialists at LVHN and improves care across the continuum. Drs. Levick, Morrow-Connolly, Rice and Greenburg continue to see patients.
• HDC MidAtlanticcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2021HDC MidAtlantic is the primary development partner for the 1528 West housing project. They received $1,197,172 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits from PHFA for this project. HDC envisions a world where affordable housing is accessible to everyone and has been working in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland since 1971. EPDSC's Housing Initiative committee works closely with HDC to develop inclusive housing communities.
• Alliance for Building Communities, Inc. (ABC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2021ABC is co-developing the 1528 West housing project with HDC MidAtlantic. ABC's mission is to create community partnerships dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by developing safe and affordable housing that fosters independent living and enhances quality of life. ABC currently owns and manages rental housing for several hundred low and very low income families and senior citizens throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
• Community Music SchoolminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 October 20211528 West housing project is located adjacent to the Community Music School in the 1500 block of Hamilton Street in Allentown, creating a cultural hub for residents.
• Lehigh Valley Center for Independent LivingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 October 2021Community service organization supporting the 1528 West housing project as a stakeholder in supporting independent living options.
• East Stroudsburg UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Partnership for CILLS (Career & Independent Living & Learning Studies) program - the first program in Pennsylvania at a state university to include both academics and housing for individuals with intellectual disabilities. EPDSC spearheaded CILLS and financially supported it for the first three years. CILLS had 30 students enrolled in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Jack's Basket: National nonprofit sending welcome baskets to families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. Directly comparable to EPDSC's New & Expecting Parents Program and Welcome Kit offering.
• GiGi's Playhouse: National network of Down syndrome achievement centers offering free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs. Directly comparable in mission, free-program model, and age-based programming structure.
• National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS): Chicago-based Down syndrome support organization providing parent support, education, and adult programs. Closely comparable in age-based program structure and direct service model.
• Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network (DSDN): National nonprofit supporting families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. EPDSC's New & Expecting Parents Program is a direct regional analog, providing similar peer support and welcome resources.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc of the United States: National organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome. Comparable in advocacy, housing, and family support, though broader in scope across all IDD.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): National advocacy and support organization for individuals with Down syndrome. Operates the Buddy Walk program nationally (EPDSC hosts a local Lehigh Valley Buddy Walk affiliate event), making it a direct umbrella comparable in mission and program model.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): National education and advocacy nonprofit serving the Down syndrome community across all life stages. Closely comparable in target population and cradle-to-adulthood program philosophy.
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: Major Down syndrome research and advocacy organization with medical care partnerships (Linda Crnic Institute). Comparable in combining family support, medical clinics, and Down syndrome-specific programming.

Emerging players

• Best Buddies International: Organization creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including friendship programs and inclusive employment. Comparable in social/inclusive programming for the same population.

Regional players

• Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome / Rare Disease Family Support Orgs: Regional Down syndrome support organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Central Pennsylvania or the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware Valley serve comparable populations with similar age-staged programming in adjacent geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/EasternPADownSyndromeCenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/epdsc
• Pinterestpinterest.com/easternpadownsyndromecenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epdsc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA DOWN SYNDROME CENTER