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Two of Ohio’s leading intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) service providers, I Am Boundless and Koinonia, have announced plans to merge, forming the largest IDD provider in Ohio. The newly combined organization will operate under the Boundless brand and is projected to surpass $135 million in revenue next year. This strategic merger is expected to enhance care quality, increase operational efficiency, and expand services for individuals with IDD throughout the state.
Both organizations share a mission of supporting individuals with IDD across their lifetimes, providing comprehensive services that integrate healthcare, behavioral support, and community-based care. This merger represents a shift toward whole-person, long-term care, ensuring that individuals with IDD receive the resources they need to thrive.
A Strategic Union to Strengthen IDD Services
I Am Boundless and Koinonia have built strong reputations as trusted nonprofit providers serving individuals with IDD and their families. The decision to merge comes as the need for high-quality, integrated services continues to grow, and as industry trends push more organizations toward consolidation to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We are so glad that we can come together with Koinonia because our organizations are very like-minded in serving the whole person across their lifetime,” said Dr. Patrick Maynard, Boundless president and CEO. “Joining forces is a win-win that allows us to operate more effectively and pool our resources. We think this opportunity will benefit both the staff and those we serve.”
By merging under the Boundless brand, the new organization will leverage shared expertise, resources, and best practices to improve care outcomes for those with IDD. The combined efforts will allow for better integration of services, reduce administrative overhead, and provide more opportunities for innovation in IDD care. This consolidation secures Boundless’ position as the largest IDD provider in Ohio, ensuring that more individuals receive the support they need.
Expanded Services and Increased Impact
Both I Am Boundless and Koinonia have long histories of providing specialized services for individuals with IDD, focusing on residential support, employment services, healthcare, and behavioral therapy. The merger will allow the newly combined Boundless organization to enhance and expand these offerings across the state.
- Koinonia, founded in 1974, is a nonprofit that provides residential services, adult day care, career development, and behavioral and mental health care. It employs approximately 300 staff members, serving more than 350 individuals with IDD.
- I Am Boundless, which has been operating for over 40 years, offers a range of autism services, primary and dental care, job training, counseling, and residential support. It is recognized for its comprehensive, wraparound approach to IDD care, ensuring individuals receive medical, behavioral, and vocational support in a single system.
“Koinonia has a rich history of leading innovation, care, and community integration among this population,” said Diane Beastrom, Koinonia president and CEO. “This step builds on that history in an important move toward best-in-class, whole-person care. I am confident this new organization will serve as a national model for years to come.”
As the largest IDD provider in Ohio, Boundless will now have the ability to expand access to services, create new programs, and offer more comprehensive support to individuals with IDD and their families. The merger will also help address workforce challenges by providing additional opportunities for staff development and career growth.
A Growing Trend in Nonprofit Behavioral Health Mergers
The merger, which is expected to be finalized on October 1, was facilitated by Consulting for Human Services (CFHS), a firm specializing in behavioral health and human services transactions.
“The best part of my job is helping to make these kinds of matches,” said Stacy DiStefano, CEO of CFHS. “With all national trends pointing toward a continued acceleration of provider consolidation, everyone made the wise choice to negotiate from positions of strength. CFHS is thrilled to be a part of helping these two great organizations come together. I congratulate the teams and look forward to the continued growth and success of this new combined organization.”
While mergers and acquisitions have been increasing across the behavioral health industry, IDD-specific transactions have been less frequent. In the first half of 2023, there were only seven IDD provider mergers nationwide, according to The Braff Group, an M&A advisory firm.
However, the broader nonprofit behavioral health sector is experiencing a significant increase in mergers and acquisitions, as organizations look for ways to enhance financial sustainability and improve care delivery. In 2023, Matrix Capital Markets Group recorded:
- 39 transactions involving nonprofit behavioral health targets,
- 42 deals where nonprofits were the acquirers, and
- 27 nonprofit-to-nonprofit mergers.
These trends indicate a shift in how nonprofit organizations operate, moving toward collaboration and consolidation to remain competitive and ensure the long-term success of their missions. The creation of the largest IDD provider in Ohio highlights this growing movement toward strategic mergers that prioritize sustainability and service expansion.
The Future of Boundless: Strengthening IDD Care in Ohio
By merging, I Am Boundless and Koinonia are creating an organization that will be better equipped to address the evolving needs of individuals with IDD. The new Boundless entity will focus on:
- Expanding access to services for individuals with IDD across Ohio, particularly in underserved areas.
- Enhancing service quality by integrating healthcare, behavioral therapy, and vocational training into a single, coordinated system.
- Strengthening workforce development by creating more opportunities for staff growth, training, and career advancement.
- Ensuring financial sustainability to protect and expand resources for individuals with IDD and their families.
This merger represents more than just a business decision—it is a commitment to improving the lives of people with IDD by providing comprehensive, lifelong support. The newly combined Boundless organization will be in a stronger position to advocate for policy changes, expand community partnerships, and innovate new care models to serve the IDD population.
As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this will set the standard for nonprofit organizations nationwide. By combining expertise, resources, and a shared vision for the future, Boundless is poised to lead the way in IDD services and support for years to come as the largest IDD provider in Ohio.
