Rooted in history, growing together

The second half of 2025 marked a particularly defining chapter for Bluestem Communities – one of bold strides, transformative growth and milestones that signal a dynamic new era. 

On June 11, it was announced that The Cedars Retirement Community in McPherson would become the fifth location and third life plan community in the Bluestem Communities network. That affiliation became legal just a few weeks later, on July 1, and the preceding months have been full of getting to know the newest Bluestem campus. 

“Getting to know The Cedars these last few months has been wonderful,” said Tonya Keim, Bluestem Communities Chief of Staff. “They have an incredibly gifted staff who are committed and loyal. I admire how lighthearted they are while they do this good, difficult work. The residents, like all our Bluestem Communities residents, are active and live life fully. They have embraced this change wholeheartedly, and with their experiences and ideas, they bring such a richness to Bluestem.” 

Founded in 1893 by members of the Brethren Churches in Kansas, the organization that would become The Cedars was initially known as the Old Folks Infirm and Orphans Home Association of the German Baptist Brethren, and was located in Darlow, Kansas, a small town southwest of Hutchinson. Boasting 134 years since its founding, this history makes The Cedars the oldest senior care organization in the state of Kansas. 

“When I think back to the beginning of The Cedars, I’m humbled to think of the people and denomination who recognized the need among them, as well as the challenge to provide that kind of care and stepped up to make it happen,” said LaMonte Rothrock, Director of Transitions and Stakeholder Relations and former CEO of The Cedars. 

The modern era of the organization dates to 1948 when a tornado forced the closure of the Darlow campus. A home and land was purchased in McPherson for a new location, and by 1953 the home had relocated with 10 residents. A decade later, the organization began its venture into independent living, and rebranded itself as “The Cedars,” inspired by the abundance of cedar trees on the land. The last 60 years has been marked by periods of growth that have built The Cedars into what it is today. 

The Cedars that is now part of Bluestem Communities is a modern life plan community, offering independent living, assisted living, and both full long-term and short-term rehabilitative health care services. The congruence of services with what Bluestem Communities offers made The Cedars a logical fit within the network, but more importantly, an alignment of values, culture and commitment to a non-profit mission of service has driven a smooth and energizing affiliation process in the first few months. 

“As we looked to the future of senior living and The Cedars in particular, it was clear we were going to need to do an affiliation,” said Rothrock. “I’m so pleased that we were able to find an organization in Bluestem Communities that fit who The Cedars was so well, and that we were able to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to make sense for both organizations.” 

“The heart of any great senior living network is its people, and the residents, employees and families of The Cedars are surely the life blood of the campus,” said James Krehbiel, Bluestem Communities President and CEO. “They bring energy, passion and dedication to the community and the mission of serving seniors.” 

The atmosphere of The Cedars is vibrant and full of life. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood next to McPherson High School, the campus includes plenty of green space, walking paths, a pond and a putting green. An event center and wellness center offer opportunities for the wider community to also enjoy the campus. The assisted living complex features a newly remodeled lobby, restaurant-style dining and outdoor courtyard spaces. Health care spaces – The Cedars Houses – are inspired by family home living with a small cohort of resident homes circling shared a shared common space that includes a kitchen, dining area and a living area for sitting and social interaction. 

“The Cedars was the only choice for us because of all the amenities it offers,” said assisted living resident Meg van Asselt. “We had health issues, a too big house and a too big yard. My husband needed physical therapy, and there was a pool and physical therapy here that attended to his needs. When he moved to memory care, it was such an easy transition, and so convenient that we stayed under the same roof.” 

After three years of living at The Cedars, van Asselt is grateful every day that she chose The Cedars. 

“I’m glad we moved when we could make the decision to do so and not have to rely on our children to do it for us,” van Asselt said. “I can continue to do the things I love, and I like the camaraderie. I have become close with other residents and with staff. This is home now.” 

Staff also point to connections with colleagues and residents as some of the greatest benefits to working at The Cedars. 

“I love spending time with the residents and working at their pace,” said Iliana Carrillo, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator. “After 14 years as an activities aide in health care, they wanted to put me in charge of activities in assisted living. I was scared and didn’t think I could do it, but leadership encouraged me and worked with me to be successful. I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to grow and that I can continue learning every day.” 

This fall, Bluestem Communities made significant progress in integrating The Cedars as the newest campus. Staff at The Cedars were officially brought under the Bluestem Communities umbrella, and those who are considered shared staff for the whole organization have been spending time getting to know their team members across all campuses, learning from and sharing with one another to develop processes that best serve residents, participants and Bluestem Communities. 

“It’s been incredible at how supportive leadership has been through all of this,” said Rothrock. “Often, when a new leader steps into an organization, others within the organization step away. That hasn’t happened here. Everyone has been retained, and now we get to look at how we thrive rather than how we survive.” 

“There are so many exciting opportunities ahead because of this affiliation,” said Keim. “We look forward to strengthening collaboration between campuses and expanding our collective knowledge and capability through shared expertise. This partnership also opens possibilities such as PACE gaining access to rooms at The Cedars for respite stays. At The Cedars, we’ve already seen a fresh approach to sales take hold, resulting in an increase in new residents moving to campus. We’re taking steps to fulfill a wider community need by expanding health care, and we anticipate that independent living will soon be full, further enhancing the vibrancy and sense of community on campus.” 

These developments represent more than growth. They reflect a shared vision for the future. Through the uniting of two successful and storied organizations, we’re building a stronger future rooted in care, connection and community.