United Church Homes and Plymouth Place Announce Memorandum of Understanding to Explore Strategic Collaboration 

United Church Homes (UCH), based in Marion, Ohio, and Plymouth Place of La Grange Park, Ill.—both faith-inspired nonprofit, mission driven, older adult living and services CHHSM organizations—have entered a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The goal is 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 2026, 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 Park 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 a 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.

“As faith-based leaders, we understand the importance of working together to create greater synergy and use of the resources we have to make the biggest difference possible with the customers we serve,” Biere added. “We are honored to work alongside of UCH, based on their commitment to faith, integrity, array of service and the depth of their organization and experience. We can complement their ministry services and business objectives, helping one another succeed in the senior living sector, especially as this market changes dramatically. Together is better in a day of challenges and the need to make the biggest difference possible.”