FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ashley Bills, Executive Director of Communications & Public Affairs
United Church Homes
740.525.5703 or [email protected]
United Church Homes and Plymouth Place Announce Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Strategic Collaboration
Marion, OH & La Grange, IL (Mar. 19, 2026) United Church Homes and Plymouth Place, both faith-inspired nonprofit, mission driven senior living and services organizations have entered a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore collaborative opportunities that advance their shared missions and strengthen their respective organizations.
The agreement follows more than a year of discussion between the two organizations about ways to work more closely together. Signed in February, the MOU establishes a formal framework for continued collaboration.
“This agreement reflects our shared desire to work collectively and collaboratively to create mutually beneficial opportunities while respecting one another’s missions and business objectives,” said Kenneth Young, President and CEO of United Church Homes. “We believe there is strength in partnership, particularly among mission-driven organizations committed to serving older adults with excellence.”
Founded in 1944, Plymouth Place has long been a cornerstone in the La Grange, Illinois community, a suburb of Chicago. An elegant entrance-fee, life plan community, Plymouth Place is known for its commitment to independence, lifelong learning, and wellness. Its mission centers on creating a center of excellence that is welcoming and inclusive environment inspiring individuals to grow, connect, and live their best lives.
Founded in 1916, United Church Homes provides market-rate senior independent living, affordable housing, licensed healthcare, management, and consulting services across 15 states and two Native American tribal lands.
Jay Biere, President and CEO of Plymouth Place, noted that the agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to thoughtful growth and mutual support.
“We are excited to formalize a relationship with United Church Homes,” Biere said. “Both of our organizations are rooted in faith-based service and a commitment to excellence. This Memorandum of Understanding provides a pathway to continue learning from one another, supporting one another, and exploring opportunities that strengthen the communities we serve.”
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines the organizations’ intent to diligently pursue collaborative opportunities that expand their missions and business objectives. Areas of potential collaboration include:
- Development of shared services and proprietary service models
- Management and consulting services for third-party providers
- Clinical services, quality assurance, and reimbursement guidance
- Marketing, sales, and customer experience strategy
- Accounting, HR, IT, and corporate compliance services
- Public relations, crisis communication, and online reputation management
- Purchasing, procurement, billing, fundraising, and board governance support
- Affordable and market-rate housing compliance and operations
Together, United Church Homes and Plymouth Place affirm their shared commitment to innovation, stewardship, and service.
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For more than a century, United Church Homes has been dedicated to transforming the lives of older adults with quality housing and compassionate care. Now recognized as the 19th largest multisite nonprofit senior living organization in the U.S., according to the 2025 LeadingAge Ziegler 200 ranking, UCH proudly serves nearly 7,000 residents across more than 90 vibrant communities in 15 states and two Native American nations. Driven by a mission to redefine aging, UCH creates a culture of community, wholeness and peace for those it has the honor to serve. As a founding member of Radiant Alliance, United Church Homes continues to lead the way in shaping the future of senior living.
About the Author: Ashley Bills
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