Two long-term care providers in Pennsylvania, Moravian Manor Communities and Morningstar Living, are looking to combine their resources under one umbrella in response to funding cuts and other challenges, the companies announced Monday.
Moravian Manor Communities operates two continuing care retirement communities in Lititz, PA, and MorningStar Living operates two CCRCs in the Nazareth, PA, area. The communities already are sister organizations.
After due diligence, if the boards approve the affiliation, J. David Swartley, president and CEO of Moravian Manor Communities would assume the leadership role for both communities. Morningstar Living’s president and CEO, Susan Cooper Drabic, is retiring within the next few months, and the companies anticipate that Swartley would begin his new role at that time.
“One of the fundamental benefits of exploring an affiliation with Moravian Manor Communities is that our two entities are sister organizations and are very culturally aligned,” Drabic said in a statement. “Both communities were founded by the Eastern District of the Moravian Church. As such, we have always maintained a very collegial relationship. This feels like a very natural progression so we can continue to be successful 30 years from now.”
Citing federal funding cuts and other market challenges, Rick Jackson, chairperson of the Moravian Manor Communities Board of Trustees, said that it is important for faith-based, not-for-profit organizations to work collaboratively.
“This redefined relationship could give us a stronger voice while creating efficiencies with operations such as IT and back-of-office expenses to stand the test of time,” he said.
Christian Brown, chairperson of the Morningstar Living Board of Trustees, added that the proposed affiliation would “ensure continuity of leadership” for Morningstar as Drabic eyes retirement.“Over the years, both communities have created a culture that is admired in the market. And their boards have sought to identify strategic alliances to strengthen and secure a positive future for residents and team members,” said Rev. Melissa Johnson, president of the Eastern District Synod of the Moravian Church. “Both communities are of similar size and strength, with a mission, vision and values that align naturally.”
