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Resulting Organization Could Be Michigan’s 3rd-Largest Nonprofit and Rank Among Top 75 Nationally

United Methodist Retirement Communities (UMRC) and Porter Hills (PH) today announced their plans to consider coming together under shared board governance and leadership, possibly creating a $150 million organization that would serve older Michigan adults in 22 counties across the lower peninsula.

Both PH and UMRC maintain strong quality ratings, with multiple five-star facilities among them. It is currently anticipated the two organizations’ ability to share their widely-recognized best practices, knowledge and financial resources will achieve superior results for older adults and create an even more exciting dynamic in Michigan’s senior living marketplace.

“Both our organizations have agreed to move forward with this process as a means of sharing our knowledge, skills and resources for the bettermentof senior services across Michigan,” said Mary Wagner, chair of the Porter Hills governing board. “With one American turning 65 every seven seconds, communities like ours need to be smart about preparing for future growth. Put simply, we think we can deliver better results through mutual collaboration.”

Together, UMRC, PH, and their respective affiliates employ 1,300 staff serving over 4,600 Michigan older adults. They share a combined 24 service lines and locations and 170 years of service.

“Part of the beauty of this relationship, we think, is that we can easily agree on what matters most: the well-being and independence of Michigan’s older adults,” said John Thorhauer, UMRC president and CEO.

“At the same time, we are determined to remain among the top places to work in our respective communities, and collaborate to live out our faith-based traditions of care and giving.”

According to the 2017 Ziegler LeadingAge 150 (a listing of the top 150 senior living organizations in the U.S.), PH and UMRC together would be among the 75 largest nonprofit senior living and service providers nationally and among the top five in Michigan. In addition, the new organization’s commitment to affordable housing would place it among the country’s top 25 nonprofit affordable housing organizations.

“While these numbers are impressive—and potentially transformative to Michigan’s landscape of senior living and services—size is not the goal for either UMRC or PH,” said Kim Hoppe, Porter Hills’ senior vice president of financial and corporate services. “We are focused on ensuring that any future collaboration increases the number and quality of care opportunities available to older adults in our respective communities. It has to be the right fit not just for us, not just for UMRC, but for the individuals and families we serve.”

The due diligence process is expected to last through the rest of 2018, at minimum. Additional information is attached to this release, or can be found at either www.porterhills.org or www.umrc.com.

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About UMRC – Building on a foundation of 112 years of service, United Methodist Retirement Communities serves older adults of all faiths at nine locations throughout Southeast Michigan. UMRC services include independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. UMRC affiliates include three Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), affordable assisted living and affordable housing.

About Porter Hills – For nearly 50 years, Porter Hills has provided communities and services for older adults of all faiths in nine different communities throughout West Michigan, as well as through its in-home service agencies and partnerships. PH services include independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Some of Porter Hills’ affiliates include two Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), hospice, care management and affordable housing.