Friday, July 01, 2011

Covenant Methodist Senior Services Announces Name Change

CHICAGO, IL January 7, 2011.

United Methodist Homes & Services (UMH&S) and Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC) announced today that the two organizations have completed their agreement to amicably dissolve the Covenant Methodist Senior Services joint venture. This agreement allows each organization to focus on its existing businesses and to pursue growth in its respective core industry of expertise.

At the same time of the dissolution, both organizations are pleased to announce the formation of Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services, owned and operated by UMH&S. Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services (CMSS) will provide an array of services on the north side of Chicago.

"Today begins the next phase in CMSS's role as the most extensive network of senior care services on Chicago's north side. We believe there is a need for the continued unification of senior service and an opportunity to expand existing services at the same time," said Bill Lowe, UMH&S and CMSS President. "Further, we are pleased that the initial joint venture with CRC set the stage to bring together a continuum of services which allows CMSS to expand and to be successful." CMSS will provide an array of services, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation, housing, assisted and supportive living, home care and home maintenance.

Covenant Methodist Senior Services was initially formed as a partnership with equal ownership by UMH&S and CRC. The primary purpose for the formation of the partnership was to present a unified approach to serving seniors on the north side of Chicago. UMH&S intends to expand rehab services at The Methodist Home. CRC chose not to participate in this expansion and the partnership was dissolved.

Covenant Home of Chicago remains under ownership of CRC. CMSS will continue to provide management of Covenant Home, providing assisted and supportive living services. This continued affiliation between CRC and CMSS ensures that a continuum of services is readily available to seniors on the north side.

CRC's President, Rick Fisk said, "Our joint venture has achieved great success in bringing together the ministry of two organizations who have served Chicago seniors for more than a century. The new Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services is an excellent example of a quality initiative to meet the needs of seniors in the community at large."

For more information about Chicagoland Methodist Senior Services, contact Bill Lowe at 773-596-2300.