Affiliation of Souderton Mennonite Homes
and Dock Woods Community

Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions - General

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What are the benefits of an affiliation?
Both communities have enjoyed great reputations due to our deep conviction that the residents are at the center of our mission. While each is strong independently, we can do more together. Specifically, we will be able to enhance our focus on employee, leadership and board development; expand our professional expertise; strengthen our fiscal management; and broaden our strategic planning. Together we can enhance the ministries of both communities, while expanding the reach of Anabaptist senior care services in Southeastern PA.
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If the vision has been discussed for nearly 40 years, why is now the right time to affiliate?
Since the early 1970s, a vision of cooperation has been discussed primarily at the conference level. More recently, the leadership of both communities fully embraced the idea. The Boards of Directors of both Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community are excited and energized about the doors that will be opened as we turn this 40-year vision into reality.
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When will the affiliation be completed?
We anticipate the affiliation being completed by the end of 2008.
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What will the new entity be called?
A joint Integration Task Force is working at developing a name for the new entity.
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Will the names of the respective communities change?
No.
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Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community each have a unique feel. Will you preserve the individual identities after the affiliation?
The goal is to retain and strengthen the characteristics that make each community special, while gaining the benefits in the areas of employee, leadership and board development; professional expertise; fiscal management; and strategic planning.

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Will there be an impact on residents and staff?
We anticipate that the affiliation will have a positive impact as, together, our organizations will be able to offer more services and development opportunities.
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Is it possible that the overall organization will take on more communities in the future?
At this point, we are focused on the successful integration of our two strong communities. Over time, it is possible that additional communities could be added to the parent company, provided the communities are a strong fit.
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Will there be new campus administrators of the respective communities?
Yes, we anticipate naming campus administrators for each campus at some point in the future. In the near term (6 to 12 months), the present leadership structures will continue on each campus, and the Integration Task Force will continue to discern and guide affiliation efforts. Edward Brubaker, President and CEO of the new parent company, will lead the community-specific teams, as well as the Integration Task Force.
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Are both communities financially stable?
Both communities are well managed and financially sound.
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Will the benevolent care funds remain separate?
At this time, we intend to keep the Foundations and benevolent care funds separate.
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Were outside resources used in planning for this affiliation?
Yes. The Boards engaged multiple outside resources in a consulting capacity throughout the affiliation process, and will continue to do so.
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Will the new parent company be affiliated with Franconia Mennonite Conference?
Yes, the new parent company will be a conference-related ministry of Franconia Mennonite Conference, just as both Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community are today.
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Will there be a separate administrative building?
This will be worked out after the leadership structure of the new parent company is in place. In the near term, we don’t anticipate adding a separate administrative building.
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