New Owner for The Groves
March 23, 2010
by Steve
Jones, Presiding Bishop
Providing healthcare services in the rapidly changing
environment of the 21st century places great demands on
organizations. Community of Christ has been the long-time owner of The Groves
senior living community in Independence, Missouri. Over the last several years,
the church has experienced a growing burden, missionally and financially, as it
has sought to live up to its vision for community and care for The Groves’
residents and staff.
With a single desire to maintain The Groves’ ministry and
quality services, Community of Christ leadership has been carefully reviewing
its options for owning and operating this organization. This has been
challenging, but necessary. Based on this review, Community of Christ
leadership, with unanimous support from The Groves Board, decided to seek a new
owner to operate The Groves.
Community of Christ and The Groves executed an Asset
Purchase Agreement with Elstar Enterprises LLC, a respected organization in
senior services. Elstar was selected because of their quality and alignment with
The Groves’ mission. Elstar has the depth and breadth of skills and resources to
provide this level of care and to retain and recruit dedicated, caring staff
needed to carry out this vision of quality senior services for the future. The
sale closed on March 23.
Community of Christ will continue its ministry to The
Groves by financially supporting The Groves’ Spirituality and Aging Ministry and
Chaplain Services. The Groves Congregation will also continue to serve
residents. Gary White, current CEO, will continue to manage The Groves and all
staff will be retained.
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