May 8, 2019 – West Bend, WI – Cedar Community and United Church Camps, Inc. (UCCI) announce a ministry partnership to enhance programming and bring additional outdoor ministry opportunities to Cedar Community’s Cedar Valley Retreat Center located on Hwy D in West Bend. Cedar Valley Retreat Center has offered spiritual retreat opportunities for individuals and groups, artist workshops and a variety of classes since 1986.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with UCCI. Many of our residents have been active participants and volunteers in UCCI ministry programs over the years. Having a UCCI campus close to West Bend will benefit not only our residents, but the people of the greater Milwaukee area as well,” said Lynn Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Community.
United Church Camps, Inc. is an outdoor ministry program of the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ, its member congregations and ecumenical partners. The camps are open to everyone and provide a place where campers can relax and rejuvenate, and express faith. UCCI will bring its mission, “We will love God, one another, and the Earth by providing sanctuary, practicing hospitality, and performing ministry,” to the 100-acre Cedar Valley campus.
“If ever a win, win, win, win situation existed, this is it!” says Glenn Svetnicka, Executive Director, UCCI. “Cedar Valley continues to serve its community into the foreseeable future, UCCI gets another retreat facility to serve the Wisconsin Conference Churches and our ecumenical partners, Cedar Community gains a willing partner to spread the good news of their healthcare and retirement programs, and the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ gets another Outdoor Ministry Retreat Center to complement the indoor ministry of its churches. I look forward to a bright future together with Cedar Community.”
UCCI will manage the day-to-day operations of Cedar Valley under a 30-year lease agreement with Cedar Community, who will continue to own the property. Current Cedar Valley team members will join the UCCI staff on January 1, 2020, when the lease agreement begins with Cedar Community. “I am very excited about this partnership, which we have been working toward for several years, and am looking forward to great things to come. We are beginning a new relationship which we will build into a long-term, successful partnership with a shared vision, merged cultures and technologies, and happy guests. It is a win-win for all involved,” said Rebecca Conde, Director, Cedar Valley.
UCCI will provide capital improvements and technology upgrades to the Cedar Valley campus. They will also continue and enhance the animal ministry program, art workshops and retreat opportunities at Cedar Valley. This partnership allows Cedar Community to focus its time and resources on its mission of providing residents an opportunity to enjoy, explore and embrace their best life.
Madelynn Miezio, a Cedar Community independent living resident, has been actively involved with UCCI, attending eight camps over eight years. “I am greatly delighted that Cedar Community and United Church Camps, Inc. are forming a partnership. The combination of compassionate caring and environmental experiences brings about strong relationships and wholesome living,” said Miezio.
About Cedar Community Enjoy, explore and embrace your best life! Live more at Cedar Community, where their natural settings, faith-based mission and high-quality services afford seniors the opportunity to live a more purposeful, fulfilled life among family and friends. From beautiful homes and apartments for active and independent retirees, to assisted living, short-term care and rehabilitation, skilled nursing and memory loss services, Cedar Community is the only community in Washington County where people age 55 and better have the peace of mind, knowing the services they may need are right there, provided by a team of professionals they know and trust.