Ecumen partnered with CentraCare

CentraCare to Transition Ownership of St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell to Ecumen

By Angie Andresen | July 13, 2023

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.

Following a robust search for an organization that could continue supporting the needs of the community, and to provide the best future care options for residents, CentraCare chose Ecumen because of its outstanding reputation, and its commitment to the tradition of the St. Benedict’s Community.

“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.


About Ecumen

Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative technology and services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service is a reflection of a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include cooperative living, independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services, technology products and an online durable goods medical store. For more information, visit ecumen.org.


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