SHOREVIEW, MINN., (August 2, 2004) – Board of Social Ministry, Minnesota’s largest and oldest non-profit provider of housing and services for older adults, announced today that it has changed its name to Ecumen. The Ecumen name is accompanied by the tagline – Living fully after 50. The new name illustrates Ecumen’s focus on providing a range of housing and services along the continuum of life.

"Our region is undergoing an unprecedented change as baby boomers age and communities determine how to deal with that change," said Kathryn Roberts, president and CEO of Ecumen. "Our new name is integral to our strategy of becoming the provider of choice as communities across the region work to provide innovative senior housing options and services that allow for independence and enriching, rewarding life experiences."

The name Ecumen comes from the word Ecumenical, which in turn is derived from the root Greek word for house or home: "oikos." The name ties directly to Ecumen’s promise to "create home for older adults wherever they choose to live."

Roberts and her team seek to provide a continuum of housing options ranging from independent living residences to assisted living to care centers that provide more intensive care when one’s life stage requires it. Ecumen also will expand its community services to provide greater independence for residents.

One example of operating along that continuum is a new construction project at Ecumen’s Lakeshore residence in Duluth. The project, expected to conclude by 2007, will include building 100 one- and two-bedroom independent living residences, all of which will have views of Lake Superior; 60 assisted living residences and 60 private rooms that provide a place for short-term stays while one recovers from an illness or surgery.

Roberts, who took the helm at Ecumen last year, also is working to create new business opportunities that fully leverage the skill and expertise that Ecumen staff possess. For example, a for-profit division – Ecumen Consulting Services – was formed last year to provide consulting services in all areas of senior housing and services. The national consulting arm is projected to add at least $1 million in revenue in 2004.

Ecumen provides a variety of housing choices and services along the continuum of life for people 50-years of age and above. Based in Shoreview, Minn., Ecumen has more than 4,000 team members who provide housing options and services in more than 100 communities in the Upper Midwest. Its for-profit consulting division, Ecumen Consulting Services, provides consulting services nationwide. Ecumen is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).