FellowshipLIFE & CentraState Announce Agreement to Transfer Applewood Senior Community to FellowshipLIFE

January 15, 2024

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, AND FREEHOLD NJ — FellowshipLIFE, a nonprofit aging services provider in New Jersey, and CentraState Healthcare System, a fully accredited, nonprofit, community-based health system serving the central New Jersey region, have announced an agreement to transition CentraState’s Applewood senior community into FellowshipLIFE’s network of senior living communities, services, and programs.

According to a press release, the agreement to transfer Applewood to FellowshipLIFE is expected to be complete by mid-2024.

Under this agreement, FellowshipLIFE will fully own and operate Applewood, renaming the community as Applewood Village. The community will maintain strong ties to CentraState as the preferred provider of comprehensive medical services for all Applewood residents. CentraState will have an on-site primary care practice and medical director. Applewood will continue to be able to coordinate access to CentraState Healthcare System’s primary and specialty healthcare providers, acute-care hospital, and other facilities located less than two miles from the Applewood campus in Freehold. CentraState will also hold seats on Applewood’s board.

“As a premier aging services provider, we are always looking for opportunities to better position FellowshipLIFE and its communities, services, and programs in NJ’s competitive marketplace,” said President/CEO Brian Lawrence in a letter to the FellowshipLIFE stakeholders. “Applewood’s prime location in Monmouth County expands the reach and collaboration of our organization across New Jersey. We believe strongly this agreement with Applewood — a like-minded community with a strong track record of quality services — presents an exceptional opportunity to further FellowshipLIFE’s vision and mission.”

“We care deeply about the quality of care and services we provide, and we were pleased to help Applewood find a partner like FellowshipLIFE that shares this commitment and our values,” said CentraState Healthcare System President/CEO Thomas Scott. “Importantly, this agreement will not only help Applewood’s continued path of growth, but also allow us to further enhance the depth and quality of CentraState’s core clinical services. We look forward to preserving the strong ties we have with Applewood and its residents, while advancing forward as a trusted provider in the region.”

“We are excited to be a part of FellowshipLIFE and to share the FellowshipLIFE vision with our residents and the greater Freehold community,” said Applewood Executive Director Keith Grady. “The added value of being part of FellowshipLIFE will foster new opportunities for our residents and beyond.”

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Applewood has 300 independent-living residences, 40 assisted-living apartments, 60 skilled-nursing apartments, and 11 specialized memory-care apartments set on 44 acres in Monmouth County, New Jersey. As a part of FellowshipLIFE, Applewood will gain access to specialized guidance, knowledge, and resources within the organization, allowing CentraState to focus on advancing its acute-care services.

FellowshipLIFE is a nonprofit organization with four life-plan communities in New Jersey offering services that focus on personalized wellness, an active lifestyle, and establishing new and lasting friendships. The company spans multiple aspects of senior living services, including independent living, supported living, home care, medical services, and wellness programs for those who live in its active older adult communities or reside in surrounding areas throughout New Jersey.