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The transition of St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell from CentraCare to Ecumen is now complete. The two organizations finalized the sale of the senior living communities on Friday, Dec. 15.

“It’s an honor to now be a part of these communities and to build on St. Benedict’s Community’s legacy of care and service,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “This is an important milestone in our more than 160-year history.”

The transition stemmed from CentraCare’s vision for its long-term care and senior housing services in the greater St. Cloud region. As it searched for an organization that could provide the best future care options for residents, CentraCare chose Ecumen because of its outstanding reputation, and Ecumen’s commitment to the tradition of the St. Benedict’s Community.

“This change in strategy transfers ownership to an exceptional organization specializing in senior services and it opens the door for even more services and support for residents, families and staff,” Ken Holmen, MD president and CEO of CentraCare said. “This also allows CentraCare to maintain a focus on the primary and specialty care we deliver as a health care organization.”

Ecumen — a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of living spaces and innovative services for older adults — owns 31 senior living communities throughout Minnesota and serves more than 20,000 people annually. “We’re pleased that our expertise and commitment to compassionate care will help ensure the long-term success of senior living services in the region today and into the future,” Kendrick said.

The sale includes St. Cloud St. Benedict’s Community, Monticello St Benedict’s Community, Chateau Waters in Sartell, Minn., and Sartell Therapy Suites. More than 300 team members have now joined Ecumen.

Two of Twin Cities’ newest affordable housing communities for older adults — The Theodore at Wirth on the Woods, and Forty-Forty Flats — have begun welcoming their first residents . Interest continues to grow in both the Bryn Mawr neighborhood and Edina senior communities.

“We continue to be very busy giving tours and educating the community on what we have to offer every day,” said Alex Stolis, The Theodore’s Housing Manager. “It’s clear there’s a real need for high-quality affordable housing for older adults in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood, and it’s exciting to see residents moving in and truly making this community feel like home.”

“Edina is a city that will offer so much activity and vibrancy for the new residents who will call Forty-Forty Flats home,” said Jen Massa, Forty-Forty Flats Housing Manager. “We have been very busy with inquiries and tours; we know that this community will be a wonderful addition to the growing city!”

The Theodore, an Ecumen-managed living space, developed and owned by Lupe Development Partners, and Forty-Forty Flats, developed and owned by Lupe Development Partners and Ecumen, offer many amenities such as a fitness studio, club and community room and underground parking. Both communities are managed by Ecumen, one of the leading senior care and service providers in the country.

The Theodore and Forty-Forty Flats have designed apartments in 15 different floor plans that are available to qualifying seniors, 55 and older. The Theodore welcomes individuals earning 30-50 percent of the Hennepin County Area Median Income (AMI), and Forty-Forty Flats welcomes those earning 30-80 percent of Hennepin County AMI.

“Creating affordable living spaces for older adults is a growing need throughout Minnesota,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “As a nonprofit that’s been serving communities for more than 160 years, we take action when we see those needs. It’s a pleasure to welcome the first residents to these beautiful communities.”

Those interested in scheduling a visit or learning more about The Theodore at Wirth on the Woods, can visit thetheodoreapts.com or call 612-255-9705. For information about Forty-Forty Flats, visit ecumen.org/forty-forty-flats or call 952-232-0001.

CentraCare and Ecumen today announced the transition of the CentraCare — St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell to Ecumen, a nonprofit leader of senior housing and care services. Last fall, CentraCare shared a new vision for long-term care and senior housing services in the greater St. Cloud region.

“As we sought a new owner to ensure a strong future for St. Benedict’s long-term care and senior housing, we looked for an organization that shared our values for delivering compassionate and exceptional care to seniors,” said Ken Holmen, MD, CentraCare president and CEO. “Not only did we find that in Ecumen, but we also found a faith-based nonprofit that has a profound respect for St. Benedict’s Catholic identity and dedication to preserving and upholding its high standards and faith-based traditions. We’re so grateful for all the stakeholders involved in this process, including the St. Benedict’s Advisory Board, the office of the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Cloud, The Prioress of the Saint Benedict’s Monastery, the Corporate Members, as well as the St. Cloud Hospital Advisory Board and the CentraCare Board.”

Ecumen — a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of living spaces and innovative services for older adults — owns 31 senior living communities throughout Minnesota and serves more than 27,000 people annually.

“Since our founding in 1862, our faith-based mission has guided our service to individuals and their families,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “We couldn’t be happier that we are bringing that mission of providing compassionate health care and innovative services to the greater St. Cloud area. We are eager to get to know the team members and residents here, and to be part of this already vibrant community.”

I feel very confident that Ecumen will provide the best possible service to residents in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell, and that they will work to ensure that our Catholic identity and Benedictine heritage are maintained,” said Sister Karen Rose, Prioress, Saint Benedict’s Monastery. “I am happy to have the opportunity to partner with a faith-based organization, which has such high standards of care.”

Both organizations recognize the important role that health care plays in keeping rural communities vibrant. This shared understanding and collaboration will help ensure the long-term success of senior living services in the region today and into the future.

“We believe this change in strategy that transfers ownership to an exceptional organization that specializes in senior services will open the door for even more services and support for residents, families and staff,” Holmen said. “This also allows CentraCare to maintain a focus on the primary and specialty care we deliver as a health care organization.”

As part of the transfer of ownership process, a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been signed and formal purchase agreement is almost final, with a goal that CentraCare — St. Benedict’s Community will join Ecumen by late 2023. Upon finalization of the sale, current CentraCare — St. Benedict’s positions will transition to new Ecumen ownership.

About CentraCare 

CentraCare is an integrated, not-for-profit health care organization, working to improve the lives and wellbeing of those living in Central, Southwest and West Central Minnesota. CentraCare provides care through hospitals located in St. Cloud, Benson, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Redwood Falls, Sauk Centre and Willmar and provides both primary and specialty care throughout the region. With a focus on rural health care, CentraCare is one of the largest health systems in Minnesota and is proud to provide expert health care locally. Learn more at centracare.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (March 31, 2023) — Nestled in the Longfellow neighborhood, one of Minneapolis’ newest affordable housing communities for older adults — The Hillock — began welcoming its first residents in late 2022. Interest continues to grow in the community, which has convenient access to Minnehaha Park, trails, stores and light rail. Driving excitement is a current move-in special offering one month free for those moving in by April 30.

Developed by Ecumen, the community sits on a three-acre parcel that formerly housed the City of Minneapolis Public Works maintenance yard. It is managed by Ecumen, one of the leading senior care and service providers in the country.

Eleven of the apartments are designated for Veterans in need of housing.

“The Hillock is the type of project that is so central to our mission and vision that every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “It’s exciting to see this community take shape and to witness our mission in action.”

Beautifully designed apartments in 14 different floor plans are available to qualifying seniors age 55 and older earning 50-60 percent of the Hennepin County Area Median Income. Other amenities include a fitness center, community room and community garden.

Unique to The Hillock is an on-site clinic space that will open later this spring. Staffed by Southside Clinic, practitioners will be determined based on the needs and desires of the residents.

“The clinic is a feature that our residents are really excited about, and particularly because it’s being designed to suit their needs,” Vesperman said. “We’re excited to have expertise and care — from everything from nutrition needs to blood pressure checks and dental visits – right here in our community.”

The Hillock is the first phase in creating a 100 percent affordable, intergenerational campus at the location. Phase two will be a 90-unit affordable family housing building.

To schedule a visit or for more information about The Hillock, visit ecumen.org/theHillock or call 612-424-8983.

SHOREVIEW, MN (March 20, 2023) — Ecumen’s Director of Operations, Katie Lundmark, has been reappointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board (GWDB) for a three-year term, where she will continue to advocate for increasing the pipeline and eliminating barriers for people to enter Minnesota’s long-term care workforce. Lundmark, who lives in Detroit Lakes, began serving on the GWDB in 2019.

“Katie is a true advocate for our team members and those we serve across the state,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “She is an important voice at the table and we’re proud to have her represent Ecumen and Minnesota’s older adults on this Board.”

SHOREVIEW, MN (December 16, 2022) — Keeping people safe and connected has long been a goal at Ecumen

“We decided to do this project because we realized how important it was to stay connected to our mission of serving our older adults – including many who may not have family or friends visiting,” said Mel Sullivan, Ecumen’s Chief People Officer. “It’s a testament to how deeply all of our team members – no matter their role – care about those we serve.”

Team members from every department participated. Some team members created handmade cards, while others included their kids or grandchildren in the card making. Ecumen’s Finance Team got together for “Cards and Cupcakes” and wrote out 200 of the 2,400 total cards distributed to residents.

“This was a great opportunity for our team to meet in person and spread cheer to Ecumen residents,” said Susie Schuh, Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. “We know that these cards mean so much to the residents and it’s also an opportunity for us to thank them for choosing Ecumen.”