LAFAYETTE HILL, PA — Merakey USA and Ohio-based Boundless have agreed to a strategic affiliation that creates a nonprofit human services network generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue and serving more than 50,000 individuals and families across 12 states, as providers seek greater scale to address rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing demand for care.
The organizations said the affiliation combines their operations while allowing Boundless to retain its name, leadership team and local governance structure in Ohio.
The transaction links Boundless to Merakey’s broader operational platform and expands the combined organization’s footprint in services for people with autism, mental health conditions, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities and other complex needs.
The organizations collectively employ more than 11,000 workers and provide services that include behavioral healthcare, residential services, education, employment supports, primary care, dentistry and community-based programs.
The affiliation comes as nonprofit healthcare and human services providers face mounting financial and regulatory pressures, prompting organizations to pursue partnerships that can provide greater scale and shared resources while preserving local operations.
“We are not joining forces because something is broken,” Patrick Maynard, president and chief executive officer of Boundless, said in a statement. “We are doing it because we believe strong organizations can accomplish more together than they can alone.”
Joe Martz, chief executive officer of Merakey, said the transaction is intended to demonstrate that providers can maintain local identities while gaining access to larger organizational resources and expertise.
“For too long, human services providers have been forced to choose between staying local and building the scale needed to navigate increasing complexity,” Martz said.
The organizations said the affiliation will create opportunities for collaboration in workforce development, technology, quality improvement, data analytics and advocacy efforts.
Consulting for Human Services, a consulting firm led by Chief Executive Officer Stacy DiStefano, advised both organizations on the transaction and supported the strategic planning process.
Financial terms of the affiliation were not disclosed.
Merakey is headquartered in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, while Boundless is based in Columbus, Ohio. Together, the organizations said they aim to develop a model that combines local leadership with shared infrastructure to address growing demand for human services nationwide.
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