November 16, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lancaster, PA — Willow Valley Communities and Fort Washington, PA-based Acts Retirement Services (Acts), two of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior living organizations, announced today that the boards of directors of both organizations have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which the companies will enter into a Strategic Alliance. This relationship brings two of the nation’s most respected organizations together in a mutually beneficial relationship and enhances the ability of both organizations to serve seniors and advance their shared missions.
“We are excited to join forces with Acts. Having two highly respected and successful organizations enter this strategic alliance speaks to our shared values, dedication to the persons we serve, and commitment to the future.” said Willow Valley Communities Board Chair Jill Gilbert. “As this alliance was contemplated and designed, maintaining the unique identity and operating autonomy of Willow Valley Communities was of paramount importance to our organization; with this alliance, we’ve achieved that goal. Bringing Acts in to support our existing management and operations leverages the scale and shared expertise important to both organizations.”
“Aligning with Willow Valley Communities is a proud moment for Acts. Willow Valley Communities is clearly one of the finest senior living providers in the nation,” said Acts Board Chair Dr. John Esterhai. “Our organizations coming together in this strategic alliance provides a platform for future success and our ability to serve seniors. With so much already in common, this alliance simply makes both organizations stronger.”
The strategic alliance will provide for mutual representation on each organization’s board of directors, with Acts serving as sole corporate member and manager for Willow Valley Communities. John G. Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of Willow Valley Living, the management company for Willow Valley Communities, will step aside from management oversight to focus entirely on future development of Willow Valley Communities’ properties. Dennis W. Griest will continue in his role as president of Willow Valley Living, and all other current Willow Valley leadership will remain in place and have access to additional resources and scale through the alliance with Acts.
Willow Valley Communities and Acts will work together to continue the exciting upward trajectory of both organizations, including expansion underway at Willow Valley Communities’ existing campus, as well as previously-announced initiatives in Lancaster City, namely construction of Mosaic, a mixed use high-rise, and revitalization of Southern Market, opening in January of 2022.
About Willow Valley Communities
Located in Lancaster, PA, Willow Valley Communities is one of the nation’s top retirement living developers and operators, and its campuses are home to more than 2,500 residents from 40 states. Now in its 38th year of operation, Willow Valley Communities is one of only five communities of its type in the U.S. to score an “A” or better from Fitch Ratings. For more information, please visit: WillowValleyCommunities.org
About Acts Retirement-Life Communities
Headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, Acts Retirement Services is the sole corporate member of Acts Retirement-Life Communities, Inc. and has been serving seniors since 1972. Its network of 26 campuses in 9 states serves more than 10,000 residents. For more information, please visit: ActsRetirement.org.
