Extending our services: Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community Affiliate

Russell Mast, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relationsrmast@dockwoods.comAsk anyone familiar with Mennonites, and they will generally tell you that “Mennonite” is synonymous with “excellent care” in the world of retirement communities.On June 25, Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community announced plans to formally affiliate, in order to strengthen each respective community and extend that excellent care further into Southeastern Pa.The Boards of Directors for both communities voted in June to bring the two communities together with a common parent company and Board of Directors.“Both Dock Woods and Souderton Mennonite Homes have long been known as communities that extend God’s healing and hope to older adults in our area,” explains K. Leon Moyer, Chairperson of the Board for Dock Woods. “By joining, we believe we can enhance the services provided to our residents, while also expanding the reach of Anabaptist senior care services in Southeastern Pennsylvania.”Since 1917 and 1942, respectively, Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community have been blessed to serve thousands of seniors as extensions of the mission of Franconia Mennonite Conference. Today, 500 dedicated employees and countless volunteers are working together to enhance the lives of more than 1,150 senior residents, as well as up to 100 families in Dock Woods’ affordable housing for families.By joining two strong retirement and family living communities, the Boards expect to experience benefits in the areas of employee, leadership and board development; professional expertise; fiscal management; and strategic planning.“Through the transition and beyond, both communities are committed to providing consistent, high quality services our residents have come to expect,” continues Moyer.Since the early 1970s, Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community have periodically explored the possibility of joining their efforts to best meet the needs of older adults and families in the Indian Valley and North Penn regions.“The Boards of both communities determined that the time was right to pursue affiliation,” notes James L. Rittenhouse, Board Chairperson for Souderton Mennonite Homes. “After a careful assessment to ensure that a strong fit was possible, both Boards enthusiastically endorsed the prospect of turning this enduring vision into reality.”The new parent company is expected to be formed by the end of 2008. The Board of Directors will be comprised of seven Board members from each community, plus one new Board member. K. Leon Moyer will chair the Board and James L. Rittenhouse will serve as vice chair. Edward D. Brubaker, President and CEO of Dock Woods Community, will serve as President and CEO of the parent company.“We are committed to enhancing the ministries of both communities,” explains Brubaker. “At the same time, with a growing aging population, we owe it to our region and our churches to expand the reach of Anabaptist senior care services in Southeastern Pennsylvania. We look forward to affirming the distinctives that give each community a unique identity, while being responsive to the increasing need that calls us to respond.”As Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community embark on this new journey of service together, the Board and staff appreciate the support and encouragement of members of Franconia Mennonite Conference churches. “Thanks in advance for your prayers and encouragement, as we work to extend God’s love to older adults and families across our region,” concludes Brubaker.