The Arc of San Diego

What The Arc of San Diego does

The Arc of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit human services organization founded in 1951 that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across San Diego County. The agency operates more than 20 program locations delivering a continuum of services including early intervention, tailored day services, community inclusion, supported employment, residential care, independent living support, respite, recreation, and behavioral health programming. It serves more than 2,000 clients annually through contracts with referral partners including the San Diego Regional Center, the California Department of Rehabilitation, the San Diego County Office of Education, and the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, among others.

The agency's underlying "technology" is its integrated service delivery platform — a coordinated network of program sites, employment partnerships with 100+ regional employers, and credentialed direct-care staff operating under CARF-accredited clinical protocols. Differentiated technical capabilities include long-established individualized program plans (IPP/IPP-like frameworks), supported employment pipelines with vetted employer partners, and a residential-services infrastructure spanning group homes and independent-living arrangements. There is no proprietary software, AI, or digital product layer disclosed; operations appear to be delivered via conventional non-profit case-management and human-services tooling.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid funding model: the majority via government contracts and Medicaid-style reimbursements tied to client service hours (with senior executives overseeing approximately $60M in contract value), supplemented by private pay, membership dues, workplace giving campaigns, corporate sponsorships, private foundation grants, and signature fundraising events (annual gala, Winter Wonderland Fashion Show). The combination of stable contract revenue, diversified community funding, and growing ancillary fee-based programming (e.g., Our Place Social Recreation Club) defines its go-to-market posture for both client acquisition and donor stewardship.

Name

The Arc of San Diego

Legal name

The Arc of San Diego

Website

https://arc-sd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Arc of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1951 operating 20+ program sites in San Diego County to deliver early intervention, employment, residential, and recreation services to more than 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities annually, funded primarily through government contracts and private fundraising.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Human Services for Individuals with Disabilities

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Employment & Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs (EDAAAOAI), Adaptive & Special Needs Personal Training (HSADAAAL)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Developmental disability programs
• Supported employment services
• Residential disability care
• Early intervention services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: The Arc receives government funding from San Diego Regional Center and the State of California Department of Rehabilitation for many of its programs. This funding covers essential services but is noted as not being enough to cover all costs of services provided.
2. Private Donations: Private donations are vital to filling the gap between government funding and actual service costs. The organization accepts one-time gifts, monthly pledges, and planned giving arrangements. Donations can be designated to specific programs or left unrestricted.
3. Membership Fees: Annual membership contributions at various tiers (Circle of Friendship $25-$99, Circle of Hope $100-$499, Circle of Love $500-$999, Circle of Light $1000+). Membership includes benefits such as recognition on the Honor Roll, newsletter subscription, event invitations, and voting rights.
4. Private Pay Program: Families who wish to purchase extra respite hours beyond those awarded by San Diego Regional Center can pay privately. Also available to families not receiving Respite through SDRC, those caring for seniors, and military families.
5. Workplace Giving: The Arc is a certified United Way agency (code 96090). Many companies have matching gift programs that double employee contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Arc of San Diego provides direct human services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including early intervention (birth to age 3), adult day training, community inclusion, supported employment, residential housing in 9-10 staffed homes, independent living support, respite, recreation, and a wellness center. Services are funded primarily through the San Diego Regional Center and California Department of Rehabilitation, supplemented by private donations, membership fees, and private-pay arrangements, and delivered across more than 20 San Diego County locations.

Product overview

The Arc of San Diego is a nonprofit human services organization (not a technology company) offering a comprehensive suite of disability services at more than 20 locations throughout San Diego County. The organization operates as a unified service delivery model rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its service portfolio includes Early Intervention Services (for children birth to three), Day Training Services, Community Inclusion Services, Employment Services, Residential Services, Independent Living Services, Respite Services, Recreation (PALS), Tailored Day Services, and Our Place Wellness Center. These programs work collaboratively to support children and adults with disabilities in achieving independence and fulfilling lives through community integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Intervention Services Family-centered early educational services for children from birth to three years old with developmental delays or at risk for delay, delivered through home-based and center-based support.
• Day Training Services Combines classroom instruction with community integration and vocational development to support adults with disabilities in developing essential life skills, communication, money management, computer literacy, and job preparation.
• Community Inclusion Services Provides volunteer activities, vocational training, paid work experiences, mobility training, and post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities in integrated community settings throughout San Diego County.
• Employment Services Job placement, on-the-job coaching, vocational training, and group employment opportunities for people with disabilities across industries including food service, landscaping, janitorial, and warehouse work.
• Residential Services Staffed residential homes throughout San Diego County (including specialized homes for Prader-Willi Syndrome and non-ambulatory residents) providing housing with person-centered 24-hour supports to promote independence.
• Independent Living Services One-on-one coaching on household management, money management, health and safety, accessing community resources, and recreational activities for individuals with disabilities living independently.
• Respite Services Short-term relief for families caring for loved ones with disabilities through traditional in-home respite, weekend overnight care at the Respite House, community outings, and private-pay supplemental hours.
• Recreation (Personal and Leisure Services) Local recreational activities and excursions for teens and adults with disabilities, including community outings, sports events, arts & crafts, dances, and social events to promote independence, health, and social skills.
• Tailored Day Services 100% community-based vocational, educational, and recreational goal support for adults with disabilities, customized to each client's needs via San Diego Regional Center funding or private pay.
• Our Place Wellness Center Health and wellness enrichment opportunities including adaptive yoga, fitness and nutrition classes, art and music therapies, and social recreation activities supporting mental, emotional, and physical health.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,000 children and adults with disabilities served annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Stay SocialminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2026Partnership to offer Our Place - Social Recreation Club, running September through November on five Saturdays. Programs designed to help individuals expand social networks, explore personal interests, and engage in meaningful community experiences.
• Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Nation & Sycuan Casino ResortminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Awarded Community Partnership Award at The Arc's 75th Anniversary Celebration for their support of the organization's mission.
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 202620+ year partnership providing bus detailing services at Downtown and Kearny Mesa facilities. Contract extended through 2031. Provides employment for 12 individuals with disabilities supported by four Job Coaches. Crews have demonstrated dedication throughout the COVID-19 pandemic maintaining essential sanitation services.
• San Diego SealsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 February 2026Partnership to champion inclusion and expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The Arc clients offered free tickets to San Diego Seals games, promoting community engagement and entertainment access.
• Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of San Diego provides food services at MCRD 7 days a week/365 days a year. Food service attendants serve food, wash dishes, and clean the galley and kitchen. Also provides landscaping services. Offers 2 full-time and 4 part-time shifts.
• San Diego Regional CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary referral partner for disability services. Regional Center service coordinators work with Arc staff to develop goals and objectives for clients. Funding source for many Arc programs including Respite Services.
• State of California Department of RehabilitationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for employment services. Operates Direct Placement program in partnership with the California Department of Rehabilitation. Student Services program funded by Department of Rehabilitation within Individual Placement Program.
• United WayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Arc of San Diego is a certified United Way agency. Agency code number is 96090. Many companies have matching gift programs through United Way workplace giving campaigns.
• AlbertsonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment partner where Arc client David Leese has worked full-time as a Courtesy Clerk/Bagger for over 17 years. The partnership demonstrates successful supported employment model.
• Employment Partners (100+ employers)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 100 employers as employment partners across various industries including Ace Parking, Air National Guard, Albertsons, BAE Systems, CVS, Home Depot, Marriott, Target, Walmart, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and many more. Partners benefit from motivated employees with disabilities and access to financial incentives including tax credits.
• The Arc of the United StatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization providing resources, advocacy support, and network connections for local Arc chapters.
• The Arc of CaliforniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level parent organization providing resources, advocacy support, and network connections for California Arc chapters.
• CARF InternationalminorOthersInternational accrediting body for disability services organizations. Arc of San Diego maintains CARF accreditation demonstrating commitment to quality standards.
• Special Needs Trust Foundation - San DiegominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation providing special needs trust services. President & CEO Anthony J. DeSalis serves as Chair/President of the Special Needs Trust Foundation Board.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• LifeStream Services (formerly known as LifeStream): Southern California disability services provider focused on community-based programs, employment supports, and independent living services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Others

• California Department of Rehabilitation: State agency funding The Arc's employment services through vocational rehabilitation programs. Functions as a key referral and contract partner rather than direct competitor, but shapes the operating environment.
• San Diego Regional Center: The primary referral and funding partner for The Arc's services. A quasi-governmental agency that assesses eligibility and coordinates services for people with developmental disabilities—a key ecosystem participant though not a direct competitor.

Direct peers

• Easterseals Southern California: One of the largest disability services nonprofits in Southern California, providing early intervention, employment, adult day services, and residential programs across multiple counties. Highly comparable as a multi-service IDD provider with similar funding mix and population focus.
• Momentum WORK, Inc. Southern California-based nonprofit providing employment, training, and residential services to people with developmental disabilities. Closely comparable service portfolio and geographic market.
• The Arc of Los Angeles County: A fellow Arc chapter providing a comparable suite of disability services (employment, residential, day programs, early intervention) in a neighboring Southern California market. Shares the same national Arc brand and advocacy platform.
• St. Madeleine Sophie's Center: San Diego-area nonprofit providing adult day programs, employment training, and community integration for adults with developmental disabilities. Direct geographic and service-line competitor.
• ServiceSource: Nonprofit providing employment, training, and community living services for people with disabilities across multiple states. Overlaps directly with The Arc's employment services and residential offerings.
• UCP (Cerebral Palsy Foundation / United Cerebral Palsy affiliates): National network of disability service affiliates providing housing, employment, early intervention, and community living supports. Directly comparable service model and IDD population focus.

Broad incumbents

• Arc of California: State-level parent organization to The Arc of San Diego and other local chapters. Provides advocacy, training, and network coordination across California's IDD service ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/arcsandiego/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheArcofSanDiego
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-arc-of-san-diego
• Instagraminstagram.com/thearcsandiego

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 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 Arc of San Diego