Groundbreaking Held for Ecumen Services Hub Supported by Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and Otto Bremer Foundation

 Ecumen Detroit Lakes residents, families, staff and local community leaders gathered under sunny skies Thursday, September 12, 2013, for a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new short-stay rehabilitation and wellness center.

The project is a key component of what is envisioned as an innovative "one-stop aging services hub” that integrates technology, socialization, fitness, nutrition and health care to help keep seniors in rural Becker County healthier and independent. The project is possible through grants from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation and the Otto Bremer Foundation.

Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk welcomed the group and congratulated Ecumen on the project, which he said, “not only represents a quality of life improvement for the community but also a great economic boost for Detroit Lakes.”

The new addition will include a therapy center with a hydrotherapy pool, a wellness center with a bistro, a telehealth center and a yoga room. The project also includes updating other areas of Ecumen Detroit Lakes to better serve area residents.

Ecumen Detroit Lakes Executive Director Janet Green told the group that in 2014, when the new center opens, the campus will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. “This project is preparing us for the next 50 years,” she said. “We’re going to be able to serve people better and differently.”