43 North Iowa

What 43 North Iowa does

43 North Iowa (legally North Iowa Transition and Employment Services) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise headquartered in Mason City, Iowa, founded in 1969. The organization delivers housing, employment, day habilitation, and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and adults with mental health needs across North Iowa. Its core programs include Transitional Living (residential support aimed at independence and life skills), Employment Services (Individual Placement and Support, Ticket to Work, Project SEARCH, career exploration, and job coaching), Day Habilitation/Joblink Activities Group (socialization and community access), Community Social Work, and the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT), a cross-agency mobile crisis intervention unit co-deployed with law enforcement, fire/EMS, and behavioral health partners.

The organization operates a 'no eject, no reject' clinical model for mental health services and pairs social programs with three revenue-generating business centers that provide vocational training: Manufacturing (pallet production, assembly, packaging, and fulfillment for enterprise partners including Sukup Manufacturing, Curries/Assa Abloy, Masonite, Metalcraft, and VT Industries), Retail (Affordables Thrift Store, Affordables Marketplace/43's Marketplace serving 150-200 daily customers, The Lunchbox café, and Java Works coffee shop at Mason City Public Library), and Janitorial Services (clients including Prairie Ridge, Four Oaks, Youth for Christ, St. John's Church, and Lime Creek Nature Center). Underlying technology is service-model based (IPS evidence-based employment framework, trauma-informed care, crisis response coordination) rather than software-based; there is no mobile app, API, or AI system.

Revenue mechanics span four streams: (1) fee-for-service government contracts including Medicaid waivers and state disability/mental health contracts, which is the dominant funding source for employment and residential services; (2) retail and food service revenue across the business centers; (3) contract manufacturing and janitorial revenue from enterprise and institutional clients; and (4) donations and fundraising through Dancing for the Dream gala, Fashion Show, BINGO, and direct giving. Distribution is direct service delivery at six documented Mason City locations plus mobile community deployment. The organization is independently operated with no parent company, no funding rounds, and no disclosed investors.

Name

43 North Iowa

Legal name

North Iowa Transition and Employment Services

Website

https://43northiowa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1969

Operating status

Operating

Short description

43 North Iowa is a Mason City, Iowa-based nonprofit social enterprise providing transitional housing, supported employment, day habilitation, crisis response, and community-based services to individuals with disabilities and mental health needs, funded by Medicaid contracts, retail and manufacturing business centers, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services (Disability and Mental Health Services)

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK), Special Needs Adult Day Programs (Developmental/Physical Disabilities, Seniors) (HLADAIAI), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Mental health services
• Supported employment
• Transitional living
• Contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Mason City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Fee-for-Service Government Contracts: Revenue from government-funded programs including Medicaid waivers, mental health services, and disability services contracts.
2. Retail Operations: Revenue from Affordables Thrift Store, Affordables Marketplace (furniture/home decor), and The Lunchbox café, with proceeds supporting employment training programs.
3. Manufacturing and Janitorial Services: Contract manufacturing and janitorial services revenue generated through business partnerships with local companies.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events including Dancing for the Dream annual gala.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

43 North Iowa delivers residential, employment, day habilitation, and community-based services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and mental health needs in North Iowa. Programs include Transitional Living, Employment Services using Individual Placement and Support, Day Habilitation, Community Social Work, and a Community Crisis Response Team. The organization also operates Manufacturing, Retail (Affordables Thrift Store, Affordables Marketplace, The Lunchbox, and Java Works coffee shop), and Janitorial Business Centers that provide vocational training while generating revenue to sustain programs.

Product overview

43 North Iowa is a comprehensive human services organization offering a multi-layered portfolio of programs and business centers. Its core programs include Transitional Living (residential support and life skills), Employment Services (IPS job placement, career exploration, Ticket to Work, Project SEARCH), Day Habilitation Services (Joblink Activities Group), and Community Social Work. These are complemented by three business centers — Manufacturing, Retail (Affordables Thrift Store, Affordables Marketplace, The Lunchbox, Java Works), and Janitorial Services — which provide vocational training and employment opportunities for program participants. Additional offerings include the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) and community events such as the annual Fashion Show, Block Party, and Dancing for the Dream fundraiser. Together, these products and services form a continuum of support empowering individuals with disabilities and mental health needs toward independence, meaningful employment, and community integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Affordables Thrift Store: Thrift store providing employment training for individuals facing employment barriers, restocking with over 300 unique items daily
• Affordables Marketplace
• The Lunchbox
• Java Works
• Business Centers

Products and services

• Transitional Living A safe, supportive residential program that helps clients develop independence, life skills, and confidence for the future. Includes Residential Care Facility (RCF) services and a new RCF-PMI Transitional Living Center.
• Employment Services A comprehensive employment support program offering Individual Placement and Support (IPS), community job placement, Ticket to Work, career exploration, group supported employment, prevocational services, and transition services including Project SEARCH partnerships.
• Day Habilitation Services (Joblink Activities Group) A socialization service through Joblink Activities Group (JAG) designed to help clients develop and practice social skills outside of work through community-based leisure activities, community access skills, and friendship building.
• Community Social Work Building connections and encouraging active community participation to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals with disabilities and mental health needs.
• Affordables Thrift Store A thrift store providing retail training for individuals in 43 North Iowa programs. The store handles over 300 unique items daily, welcomes 150-200 daily customers, and all sales fund employment training programs.
• Affordables Marketplace (43's Marketplace) A retail training and marketplace at the Becker Center offering furniture and home decor items, providing workforce skill training in customer service, merchandising, donation processing, and item preparation for resale.
• The Lunchbox An inclusive kitchen and cafe offering food service skill development. Provides hot meals, sandwiches, salads, daily specials, and catering services for special events (with two weeks notice).
• Java Works at Mason City Public Library A community coffee shop operated in partnership with the Mason City Public Library, providing purposeful employment opportunities for 43 North Iowa team members while serving coffee, tea, and treats to library visitors.
• Manufacturing Contract manufacturing and fulfillment services including pallet manufacturing, assembly, packaging and kitting, labeling, mailing services, shredding, and re-work and quality checking for industry partners such as Sukup Manufacturing, Curries (Assa Abloy), Stellar, Masonite, Metalcraft, and VT Industries.
• Janitorial Services Janitorial and cleaning services provided to local businesses by 43 North Iowa clients, with support from the employment team. Local partners include Youth for Christ, Prairie Ridge, Four Oaks, St. John's Church, and Lime Creek Nature Center.
• Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) A cross-agency crisis response team (partnership with Prairie Ridge, MCPD/MCFD, Cerro Gordo Public Health, and others) providing on-scene crisis intervention, assessment, and care coordination for 911 behavioral health calls. Connects individuals in crisis to emergency care, crisis stabilization, substance use treatment, or community-based supports.

Quantifiable outcome

• 43 North Iowa's 'no eject, no reject' mental health model generated $2.4 million in client salaries
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cerro Gordo Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Cross-agency partner in Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) working to connect people in mental health crisis to appropriate services, reduce repeat 911 calls, and build a safer, healthier community.
• Sukup ManufacturingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner for contract production including record-high pallet production. Partners with 43 North Iowa to provide meaningful employment to individuals with disabilities while receiving quality manufacturing services.
• Curries (Assa Abloy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner providing contract production work. Partnership delivers cost-effective manufacturing solutions while creating employment opportunities for 43 North Iowa clients.
• StellarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner with ongoing contract work for assembly and production services.
• MasoniteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner providing contract production work supporting 43 North Iowa's employment mission.
• MetalcraftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner with ongoing contract work.
• VT IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturing partner providing contract production work.
• Youth for ChristminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal janitorial services client receiving high-quality cleaning services from 43 North Iowa's client workforce.
• Prairie RidgecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJanitorial services client and partner in Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) cross-agency partnership connecting people in mental health crisis to appropriate care.
• Four OaksminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJanitorial services client receiving professional cleaning services.
• St. John's ChurchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJanitorial services client.
• Lime Creek Nature CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment/nonprofit janitorial services client.
• MercyOne North IowacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject SEARCH internship host providing workplace internships for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Partnership supports employment transition from school to career.
• MCPD/MCFD (Mason City Police/Fire)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement and emergency services partners in CCRT responding to 911 behavioral health calls alongside 43 North Iowa crisis response staff.
• Moorman ClothiersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion retailer providing clothing for annual Fashion Show at Affordables event featuring 43 North Iowa clients, staff, and community members as models.
• Mason City Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner hosting 43 North Iowa events including Annual Community Report Lunch & Learn at Anderson Event Room.
• Mason City Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost location for Java Works coffee shop providing employment opportunities for 43 North Iowa clients while supporting library operations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Four Oaks Family & Children's Services: Iowa-based human services nonprofit offering behavioral health, residential, and juvenile justice services. Comparable nonprofit service delivery model and similar reliance on Iowa Medicaid and county contracts, with overlapping client populations.
• REM Iowa: Iowa provider of residential, day, and employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operates group homes, supported employment, and community-based services across the state, directly overlapping with 43 North Iowa's transitional living and IPS offerings.
• Chimes International: Mid-Atlantic nonprofit providing disability and behavioral health services including employment, day services, and residential programs. Comparable Medicaid-funded IDD service mix and social-enterprise operating model to 43 North Iowa.
• Easterseals Iowa: Statewide nonprofit delivering disability services including employment support, day services, and community living programs across Iowa. Comparable mission and service mix to 43 North Iowa, with broader geographic reach but similar funding mix (Medicaid waivers, donations, contracts).
• The Arc of Iowa: Iowa chapter of The Arc, providing advocacy and direct services (employment, day programs, residential) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable IDD population, similar Medicaid-funded service portfolio, and similar Iowa footprint.
• Ability Beyond: Northeast US nonprofit providing residential, employment, day, and behavioral health services for individuals with disabilities. Similar multi-program nonprofit structure with both residential care facilities and supported employment programming funded by Medicaid.
• Prairie Ridge Integrated Behavioral Healthcare: North Iowa behavioral health provider and existing CCRT cross-agency partner of 43 North Iowa. Both serve adults in mental health crisis in the same region with overlapping crisis-response, residential, and outpatient offerings.
• Opportunity Partners: Minnesota-based nonprofit providing employment, day, and residential services for people with disabilities through a social-enterprise model (contract manufacturing, assembly, packaging). Closely matches 43 North Iowa's Business Centers structure and IPS-style employment programming.
• Mosaic (formerly Mosaic in Iowa): National nonprofit providing residential, day, and employment services for people with intellectual disabilities, including operating locations in Iowa. Highly comparable service lines (supported employment, group homes, day habilitation) and similar revenue mix.
• Goodwill Industries of North Central Iowa: Regional Goodwill affiliate operating in Mason City/North Iowa with a comparable social-enterprise model: thrift retail, contract manufacturing/assembly, janitorial, and employment services for people with disabilities. The closest direct overlap with 43 North Iowa's business centers and supported-employment programming in the same geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@43NorthIowa
• Facebookfacebook.com/43NorthIowa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/43northiowa
• Instagraminstagram.com/43northiowa
• TikToktiktok.com/@43northiowa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 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 43 North Iowa