United Church Homes, Metta Health, CareSource Form New Nonprofit Partnership

United Church Homes, based in Marion, Ohio, announced June 22 the signing of a definitive agreement between CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan, and Radiant Alliance — which includes Metta Health (the parent company of Ohio’s Hospice and Pure Healthcare) and United Church Homes — to form a groundbreaking partnership. Metta Health and United Church Homes formed Radiant Alliance in March to create a platform for innovation and excellence.

Additionally, UCH announced June 26 a leadership restructure to better serve the new Radiant Alliance partnership. Beginning July 1, current President and CEO the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Daniel assumes the role of CEO of both UCH and Radiant Alliance. In addition to overseeing advancement, engagement and corporate communications, Daniel will continue to guide the strategic direction and performance, propelling the organization toward a future of innovation and excellence.

Kenneth Young, UCH’s former senior executive vice president and chief development and legal officer, takes on the position of president of UCH. Tasked with leading and managing the day-to-day operations, Young will play a vital role in finance, human resources, senior living operations, asset stewardship, and senior care and housing. Reporting to Daniel, Young’s expertise will ensure the smooth functioning of the organization, as well as continue to execute its strategic growth initiatives.

As part of this leadership restructure, Terry Spitznagel, UCH senior executive vice president and chief growth officer, and Michael Hughes, senior executive vice president of digital innovation and transformation, will assume expanded responsibilities to support the successful execution of the initial phase of Radiant Alliance projects.

“This is an exciting time for United Church Homes. We are poised to achieve remarkable milestones that will shape the future of our organization and create a lasting positive impact on the lives we touch,” said Daniel. “We are certain these leadership changes will streamline our reporting structure and ultimately make us nimbler for what is to come with Radiant Alliance and United Church Homes.”

Upon receiving regulatory approval, Radiant Alliance, and subsequently United Church Homes, will become an affiliate of CareSource. CareSource is a nationally recognized nonprofit health plan with a history of trailblazing and making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

This new partnership will not affect UCH employees, said Daniel. The focus will be on leveraging the resources and expertise of all of the partners to enhance UCH’s capabilities and expand its reach, without changes to roles and positions. 

Several innovative pilot programs were part of an early collaboration of the partner organizations. These programs already have already produced remarkable results, especially for individuals with complex needs, Daniel added.

It is important to note, said Daniel, that United Church Homes will sustain all of its existing industry, denominational, church, and other affiliations, including the UCC, CHHSM, LeadingAge, ACHA, and others.

“This is an innovative nonprofit combination that allows UCH to continue operating independently and as a member of the CareSource family of companies,” said Daniel. “This partnership is rooted in its commitment to improving the overall well-being of older adults, because by joining forces we can make an even greater impact on individuals and communities in need.”

“This new form of nonprofit partnership enables United Church Homes to continue its evolution in the fast-changing senior living sector,” Daniel added. “All CHHSM members recognize that change is the one constant, and is not new to us by any means. Our relationship to CareSource through a new corporate parent in which CareSource will eventually become the Sole Member allows us to become part of a network with resources, opportunities, and innovation.

“But United Church Homes retains a large measure of autonomy, self-governance, brand identity, and connection to the United Church of Christ. For these reasons, we believe this to be a transformative strategic step to enable UCH to expand its mission far beyond what we could do solely on our own.”