Overview
YAI, formally known as the Young Adult Institute, is a renowned nonprofit organization committed to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Established in 1957 by founders Bert MacLeech and Pearl Maze, YAI has consistently provided opportunities for individuals to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. The organization operates a network of agencies delivering comprehensive services across New York, New Jersey, and California.
Key Information
- Industry: Nonprofit & NGO
- Company Size: 5,001 to 10,000 employees
- Revenue: Estimated $100 million to $500 million USD
- Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
- Mission: To empower people with I/DD, promoting inclusivity and independence by seeing beyond disability.
Services Offered
YAI provides a vast array of services designed to support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities while emphasizing inclusivity and individual capabilities. The core services include:
- Education: Through affiliate schools like the Manhattan Star Academy and iHOPE, tailored educational services cater to ages 3-21, focusing on communication, technology, and independent living skills.
- Clinical Services: Including medical and dental care, as well as rehabilitation and therapy through Premier HealthCare and the Center for Specialty Therapy.
- Crisis and Behavior Support: Applying positive psychology, YAI offers respite and essential interventions for families in crisis.
- Employment Services: Advocating for employability, YAI emphasizes impressive employee retention rates, averaging 7.9 years on the job for individuals with I/DD.
Leadership Team
- Kevin Carey - Chief Executive Officer
Bringing a crucial healthcare and human services background, Carey has driven YAI's strategic growth since becoming CFO in 2016.
- Vanda Angelillo - Acting Chief Financial Officer
Angelillo manages YAI’s financial services, including audits, tax filings, and compliance.
- Shani Chill - Executive Director of iHOPE
Chill leads educational initiatives for youth with brain-based injuries, enhancing YAI's educational outreach.
- Ravi Dahiya - Chief Strategy Officer
Overseeing strategic growth, Dahiya leads home and community-based services and is recognized for public policy excellence.
- Kristen Elkins - Chief Quality, Compliance, and Ethics Officer
Elkins, with 20 years in the I/DD sector, promotes quality, integrity, and ethical service delivery.
- Jessica Shearer - Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
With over 20 years in marketing and communications, Shearer spearheads branding efforts to promote YAI's mission.
Recent Initiatives
YAI leads several key initiatives in advocacy and policy:
- Advocacy for Funding: Collaborating with national associations to secure funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) amidst economic pressures.
- Workforce Initiatives: The implementation of DailyPay for direct-care employees enhances YAI's competitive advantage in workforce management.
Competitor Profile and Strategic Insights
Key Competitors
1. My Possibilities: Located in Plano, Texas, this nonprofit offers continued education for adults with IDD, emphasizing a university-mirrored experience in vocational training and health services.
2. Family Outreach: Active in Montana since 1977, they provide early intervention, family support, vocational training, and applied behavior analysis with a personal approach to service.
3. The Help Group: Founded in 1975, offering services for autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, it focuses on emotional development and vocational training.
4. Autism Speaks: Known for advocacy and research related to autism spectrum disorder, they host fundraising and offer support initiatives to create inclusive environments.
5. Easterseals: A long-standing nonprofit across the U.S., providing education, health, and employment services to individuals with disabilities, veterans, and older adults.
Strategic Insights
- Service Differentiation: YAI stands out by integrating advocacy and direct services, backed by a long history and established networks in the disability support sector.
- Market Positioning: Despite competition from My Possibilities and Family Outreach, YAI's strategic edge lies in its expansive history and comprehensive service offerings for individuals with disabilities throughout their lifespan.
- Community Engagement: Like The Help Group and Autism Speaks, YAI actively participates in community initiatives, strengthening community ties and raising awareness on the challenges and potentials of individuals with disabilities.
YAI's substantial understanding of the competitive landscape signifies its unique positioning and strategic approaches, primed to amplify its mission and broaden its influence in the sphere of disability advocacy and support.
