Bluestem Communities expands impact through local affiliation
Bluestem Communities has entered into a strategic affiliation with The Cedars in McPherson, Kansas, a respected local life plan community, marking a significant step in its mission of providing innovative, non-profit, faith-based senior living and care in south central Kansas.
With more than 300 residents across all levels of care and more than 200 employees, The Cedars has become the fifth location in the Bluestem Communities network of senior living and care campuses, while retaining its non-profit corporate identity and affiliation with the Church of the Brethren.
“We are delighted to affiliate with The Cedars, which is a vibrant community and an asset to the greater McPherson community,” said James Krehbiel, Bluestem Communities president and CEO. “They are a well-respected organization with a rich 130-year history of serving seniors. Together we can create efficiencies and foster long-term sustainability, enhancing our commitment as a non-profit.”
As a life plan community, The Cedars offers living and care opportunities in independent living, assisted living and long-term health care with specialized units for memory care, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. It is one of the oldest retirement communities in Kansas, first started in the 1890’s by the Church of the Brethren. In 1953, the organization relocated to McPherson.
With ever changing climates in the senior living sector, conversations around affiliation began among the two organizations’ board of directors more than a year ago.
“When you consider the future of retirement communities, affiliating strong organizations with shared values, goals and a commitment to serving residents will allow The Cedars and the entire Bluestem Communities network to thrive for years to come,” said Denise O’Connor-Munsey, Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Cedars.
Since the legal closing on July 1, the arrangement is in the earliest stages of integration. Some of the early focus will be understanding how operations have been done in the past and blending systems to align with each other.
“We are grateful to The Cedars’ leadership team who have navigated the transition smoothly,” said Krehbiel. “Their expertise and professionalism is invaluable in the work we do together.”
Bluestem Communities operates in a shared services model for top level executives and departments such as Human Resources, Marketing and Sales, Accounting, Independent Living, Information Technology, and Fund Advancement. The organizational model has expanded to include The Cedars campus within these roles and departments. Departments such as Nursing Services, Dining Services, Housekeeping, Risk Management, and Maintenance and Grounds are campus-specific and will benefit through the affiliation by learning from counterparts on other campuses and sharing processes and best-practice for efficiency.
Likewise, residents living at each Bluestem Communities campus enjoy the benefit of expanding their options by having access to amenities and activities at the other locations within the network rather than just at the campus on which they live.
“The mission and culture of The Cedars aligns well with the mission and core values of Bluestem Communities, creating a stronger organization together and reinforcing the commitment to non-profit values,” said Krehbiel. “I am energized by the road ahead and inspired by the opportunities this partnership creates to better serve seniors together.”