Nonprofit behavioral health provider Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health has recently announced the acquisition of Strawberry Fields, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health, autism, and intellectual disability care. This acquisition marks a significant step for both organizations as they work towards enhancing and expanding their services in central Pennsylvania.
Strawberry Fields, despite being acquired by Devereux, will continue to operate as an independent legal entity. However, as an affiliate of Devereux, they will have access to the larger organization’s systems and clinical model, enabling them to benefit from Devereux’s resources and expertise. This collaboration will allow Devereux to further execute its plan for growth in the region.
The acquisition officially took effect on Tuesday, and Cindy Pasquinelli, CEO of Strawberry Fields, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. She emphasized the importance of combining Devereux’s national resources and clinical expertise with Strawberry Fields’ deep community roots. Pasquinelli believes that this partnership will enable them to expand and enhance their programs while continuing to provide critical services to individuals and families in need in Centre County.
Devereux, headquartered in Villanova, Pennsylvania, specializes in providing interventions and support for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and mental health care needs. Their services range from community-based living arrangements to specialized educational programs and outpatient and residential mental health interventions. Devereux’s approach to autism and IDD services is centered around positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).
According to ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer, Devereux reported revenue totaling $509 million in 2023. The acquisition of Strawberry Fields aligns with Devereux’s goal of expanding community-based supports, specialty mental health care, and education services. Strawberry Fields, based in State College, Pennsylvania, operates 17 residential and community-based programs for adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mental illness, with revenue totaling $9.97 million in 2023.
Despite the acquisition, Strawberry Fields will continue to offer its existing programs and services under the leadership of Cindy Pasquinelli as CEO. The organization will retain its name, full employee roster, and community partnerships. Devereux’s executives are particularly excited about acquiring the ASCEND Career Accelerator Program from Strawberry Fields, which provides behavioral health care employees with career advancement opportunities, financial support for education costs, career coaching, and mentorship.
Moving forward, Devereux and Strawberry Fields plan to explore opportunities to further expand educational services in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The deal was advised by Consulting For Human Services, signaling a strategic move towards strengthening the impact and reach of both organizations in the behavioral health care sector.
