United Church Homes and Plymouth Place Sign MOU to Explore Strategic Collaboration

March 19, 2026

MARION, Ohio, and LA GRANGE, Ill. — United Church Homes and Plymouth Place, two faith-based nonprofit senior living and services organizations, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaborative opportunities intended to advance their shared missions and strengthen their organizations.

The agreement follows more than a year of discussions 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 is a life plan community in La Grange, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. The organization focuses on independence, lifelong learning and wellness.

Founded in 1916, United Church Homes provides market-rate senior independent living, affordable housing, licensed health care, management and consulting services across 15 states and two Native American tribal lands.

Jay Biere, president and CEO of Plymouth Place, said the agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to thoughtful growth and mutual support.

“Both of our organizations are rooted in faith-based service and a commitment to excellence,” Biere said. “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 outlines the organizations’ intent to pursue collaborative opportunities that expand their missions and business objectives. Potential areas of collaboration include 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, human resources, IT and corporate compliance services; public relations, crisis communication and online reputation management; purchasing, procurement, billing, fundraising and board governance support; and affordable and market-rate housing compliance and operations.

United Church Homes said it serves nearly 7,000 residents across more than 90 communities in 15 states and two Native American nations.