VersiCarec Group was founded on a simple but powerful belief: helping people succeed. It’s a powerful guiding principle that shapes how VersiCare operates, from interactions with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and related issues and their caregivers to the people who serve them. Operating seven distinct brands in Midwest and Southeastern states, VersiCare serves thousands of children and adults through federal, state and local home-and community-based programs. As demand for high-quality, person-centered healthcare and services in this sector continues to grow, VersiCare actively seeks opportunities to expand access to care while staying true to its mission, values and commitment to dignity, trust, and joy. This case study highlights VersiCare Group’s acquisition of Marpé Therapy Services. Known for a person-centered approach that values the dignity and self-worth of the individuals who use their services, Marpé Therapy Services works closely with families to support individuals experiencing behavioral challenges that impact their independence, limit their vocational options and strain relationships. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Marpé Therapy Services serves individuals and families throughout the state.
Providing services in Kentucky for more than a decade, Marpé Therapy Services built its reputation on:
With a deep commitment to helping individuals experiencing behavioral challenges, Marpé Therapy Services has become a valued and respected partner and resource for families walking through these challenges.
While helping people is and always will be Marpé’s focus, founder Wes Wrather recognized he faced limitations as the sole owner, including back-office processes and administrative responsibilities as well as operational updates, that he didn’t have the time, capacity or infrastructure to handle.
An entrepreneur at heart, Wrather realized that for Marpé to succeed, he needed to make a change.
“Marpé had experienced a lot of growth since we began in 2014,” he said, “but for me, it got to the point where we either needed to invest in systems and human capital to scale the business, or I needed to consider bringing on a strategic partner that would allow the company to reach its full potential.”
That’s where VersiCare stepped in, recognizing an opportunity to protect and strengthen the qualities and focus that made Marpé Therapy Solutions a trusted partner for families throughout Kentucky.
With more than a decade of service to individuals and families in Kentucky, Marpé Therapy Services has built a trusted reputation in the community, rooted in its tailored therapeutic approach, focus on dignity and inclusion, clear communication and wide range of available support settings that make intervention more accessible to more people.
“From the very beginning, Marpé understood that building a positive reputation was a pillar for our success,” he said. “We very quickly became the largest behavioral health provider in the region, and a lot of that was built on our exceptional staff and our tailored approach to each individual we serve.”
When looking at potential companies to purchase Marpé, Wrather wanted one that understood these qualities were the very DNA of the company — and sought to perserve them. VersiCare Group fit the bill, willing to preserve Marpé’s identity and focus, while providing systems, investments and operational support that allowed the business to flourish.
“It truly was a partnership all the way through the acquisition process,” Wrather said. “Throughout the entire transition, it was a conversation of equals. VersiCare would bring things to the table and ask my thoughts and consider my feedback. They were humble, recognizing that owners really understand their market and business and treating me with respect.”
VersiCare Group sought to maintain the core qualities that characterized Marpé Therapy Services and set them apart as a trusted provider in Kentucky. To ensure continuity, trust and quality of care, VersiCare identified clear non-negotiables, things that could not and would not change:
This approach reinforced VersiCare Group’s desire to lean into and nurture Marpé Therapy Services deep roots and core qualities, further underlining that growth should never come at the expense of trust or person-centered care.
While protecting the values, practices and characteristics that set Marpé Therapy Solutions apart, VersiCare Group sought to provide support where it could make the greatest positive impact, including:
As a result, Wrather said, Marpé providers were able to seamlessly continue serving individuals and families without disruption during the transition process, with some of the updates helping increase efficiency and support.
VersiCare Group approached the acquisition as a partnership, seeking to come alongside Wrather and Marpé Therapy Services to discover the best way forward, together. Thanks to infrastructure and processes VersiCare already had in place and a willingness to invest further, Wrather said the difference was apparent almost immediately.
“As an owner, you’ll be surprised how much the load gets lightened within the first 30 days,” Wrather said.
Instead of pushing for a sweeping overhaul, VersiCare Group chose a collaborative path that included:
This intentional approach reflected VersiCare’s commitment to person-centered care, partnership and shared success.
Within the first year:
“VersiCare was able to implement some efficiency and process updates we’d been wanting to make but didn’t have the capacity to do,” Wrather said. “I stayed onboard nine to 10 months post-close and saw how these updates expanded our reach and capacity to serve more individuals and families in our region. Plus, the transition process was honest, collaborative and, most of all, easy.”
Most importantly, the individuals and families Marpé serves continued to live meaningful, independent lives supported by providers who know them well.
This acquisition demonstrated that VersiCare Group’s vision of expanding access to high-quality, person-centered services while empowering teams and creating long-term sustainability is achievable without compromising values.
By choosing partnership over control and preservation over standardization, VersiCare proved that mission-driven growth strengthens everyone involved.
At VersiCare Group, growth is not about scale alone — it’s about impact. By bringing the right partners together, honoring what already works and investing in people, VersiCare continues to help individuals, caregivers, and communities succeed — together.
