In December 2020, the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio Board of Directors issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore affiliation with other organizations in order to assure the secure and vibrant future of MHCO. We are pleased to announce that this week, the Board accepted a proposal and approved a contract for a full Management Agreement with Brethren Retirement Communities in Greenville, Ohio. This management agreement continues a business relationship that began in 2019 with an executive consulting partnership.

Brethren Retirement Community's primary role in this management agreement will take place at the corporate level, related to increasing financial stability and the long-term security of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. This work will be done in areas such as finance, operations, human resources, risk management, and other business office and administrative functions.

In the announcement, Elizabeth Kelly, MHCO Board Chair, stated, "You may recall that in November 2019 we entered a consultation agreement with BRC. This relationship continued through the pandemic and deepened. On August 1 we will conclude the consultation agreement and enter into a 3-year Management Agreement. Under a Management Agreement we allow BRC to manage specific corporate functions and services for 3 years. We do this in a cooperative way to the advantage of both organizations. We've set goals and metrics for maintaining financial security and we work together to meet these. We are very confident that Brethren Retirement Community is the best fit with our mission, values, and commitment to elder care."

Under this agreement, there are no changes in the ownership of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. The mission and ministry of MHCO will continue unchanged, although we look forward to positive operational changes as a result of this agreement.

Fred Bernhard, Board Chair of the Brethren Retirement Community, shared that "Menno Simons and Alexander Mack had something in common. They both believed in what we call today, the 'Anabaptist Theology' – a theology of caring for people. And that is our mutual mission."

MHCO is the leading provider of senior housing and healthcare for more than 65 years in the Bluffton and Pandora areas. As a non-profit, locally-owned organization, MHCO provides Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-Term Care, Short-Term Rehab, Childcare Services, and Home Health & Senior Services through four area campuses.

Brethren Retirement Community's 119-year history is rooted in respect and community. The Brethren Retirement Community story is one of caring for the most vulnerable and those who want to enjoy retirement living amongst good friends and great neighbors in a Christian atmosphere and environment. Brethren Retirement Community has responded to the ever-changing challenge of providing retirement and healthcare services for our senior residents. Our solid, Christ-centered foundation of experience, coupled with an unrivaled commitment to excellence has earned us both trust and confidence from our residents, families, care partners and community. We believe the Founders would be proud of the complete continuum of services offered today and our strong reputation of excellence. Brethren Retirement Community has grown to serve approximately 500 residents and over 300 care partners.

With a combined 180 years of experience, both organizations offer faith-based, mission focused expertise in senior housing and healthcare services in their respective communities.