Kendal at Oberlin

History of Kendal at Oberlin

The mission of Kendal at Oberlin, a not-for-profit corporation, is to operate a continuing care retirement community which provides the comprehensive services required by older people living independently or with healthcare assistance. The community operates in accordance with Quaker principles and Values and Standards developed by the Kendal Corporation. Programs and activities designed and initiated by residents enrich the life of the community.
(Excerpt from Statement of Mission for Kendal at Oberlin)

1987

A group of Oberlin citizens decide to investigate the possibility of building a retirement community in Oberlin. In October, the group incorporated as the Oberlin Retirement Community, Inc. A group of 17 local people pledged up to $5,000 apiece to help the ORC with anticipated expenses.
In November, an agreement with the Kendal Corporation (Kenneff Square, PA) was signed which provided for Kendal to "develop, market, arrange for financing and construction, and to own and manage Kendal at Oberlin."

1989

Oberlin College trustees vote to acquire land with the understanding Kendal would pay for the land when ready to build.
The ORC is granted 501(c) (3) status as an Ohio not-for-profit organization.

1990

The Oberlin Retirement Community becomes Kendal at Oberlin. Amended Articles of Incorporation state, "The corporation is incorporated under the Ohio Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1955 or any successor act (as amended) exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 particularly to build, own, operate and maintain residential, medical and protective care facilities specifically designed, planned and equipped to meet the physical, emotional, recreational, social and religious needs of elderly persons; to provide lifetime medical and nursing care for such persons; and to furnish, to the limits of its ability to do so, financial security of persons who have been admitted to such facilities by maintaining, at less than regular charges, any resident who becomes unable to pay such charges and by operating such facilities at the lowest feasible cost."
First administrator is appointed.
Venture capital is arranged.
Architectural firm chosen.
Kendal at Oberlin Community Board "reaffirmed its intention that there should be a financial assistance fund for residents of Kendal at Oberlin." $500,000 in bonds for this purpose to be added to bonds to be issued to build Kendal.
Land is acquired from Oberlin College.
Annexation of land to City of Oberlin approved by City Council.

1991

Admissions interviews begin.

1992

Barbara Thomas appointed administrator (now referred to as Executive Director).
Ground breaking for Kendal at Oberlin!

1993

In October, the first of Kendal's founding residents move into Kendal at Oberlin.

1994

Kendal Corporation representatives explain proposed new governance of Kendal and its community subsidiaries.
Medicare certification is assured.
Resident-funded tennis courts open.
Kendal at Oberlin Residents Association (KORA) organizes.
Swimming pool project and fundraising approved.

1995

The Kendal Corporation adopts new governance, and responsibility for Kendal at Oberlin moves to a locally appointed Board of Trustees.
Committee on Long Range Planning surveys residents for comments and suggestions.
Work on a new Mission Statement to reflect planning by the Kendal at Oberlin Board, staff and residents is begun.
Board Committee on Charitability begins a study of responsibilities of Kendal as a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization. Charitability Plan is developed.

1996

Charitability Handbook is developed and approved by the Board to guide the staff and Board.
New Mission Statement is adopted for Kendal at Oberlin.
Construction completed on the Fitness Center with pools and exercise space.
Kendal at Oberlin is approved to join the HealthRays Alliance as a means to deal with changes brought on by managed care.
Kendal's Resident Association (KORA) is approved by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) organization.
Kendal at Oberlin is named one of the "20 Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities" in the nation by New Choices Magazine, a Reader's Digest publication.

1997

Kendal at Oberlin is accredited by the Continuing Care Accreditation Committee (CCAC), a service of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).
Kendal's Care for Kids (child day care) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.