Ecumen Receives $1 Million Grant from Fred C. and Kathrine B. Andersen Foundation to Develop New Senior Housing in Chisago City.

By Corrine McCallum | July 13, 2022

Ecumen's Philanthropy team and Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights Housing Director accepting a donation check

Shoreview, Minn., July 13, 2022 – In partnership with the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Ecumen, one of Minnesota’s largest nonprofit senior care providers, will build 20 townhomes in Chisago City, Minn. The project was made possible this year due to a generous $1 million gift from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation.

The new construction comes in response to a 2020 market study that demonstrated a large and increasing need for housing in the primary and secondary market areas for adults 55 years and older. Ecumen Point Pleasant Heights, an Ecumen-owned independent senior living community in Chisago City is in high demand with a growing waiting list.

The leadership team, with input from team members and residents, identified the need to perform updates to the existing 109 units on 25 acres in conjunction with the new construction while also supporting Ecumen’s cornerstone programming. Funding from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation will not only support new construction and existing home renovations, but also will fully fund transportation for community residents, as well as Point Pleasant Heights’ annual Veteran’s Day celebration and Lutefisk dinner..

“We are so grateful for the support of the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen president and CEO. “Our vision to ensure every older adult has a home with innovative services to live the life they choose becomes a reality with partnerships like this.”

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.

For more information, visit ecumen.org.