UMC - Abundant Life for Seniors

04/02/2026

Memory changes can raise important questions for older adults and the people who care about them. At UMC, we're committed to helping families understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to take action, with clear guidance grounded in experience and compassion.

Read our latest blog to learn more: https://umcommunities.org/resources/blog/understanding-memory-changes-whats-normal-what-s-not-and-when-to-act/

04/01/2026

UMC was proud to participate in the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s ReNew Jersey Summit & Expo in Atlantic City, March 31-April 1 — joining business, nonprofit, and government leaders focused on shaping New Jersey’s economic future.

UMC President and CEO Mark Lenhard joined an impressive panel to highlight the essential role nonprofit senior living providers play in supporting New Jersey’s older adults, and how UMC is working with nontraditional partners across the community, business, and public sectors to enhance continuum‑of‑care living options that make aging in place possible.

We thank the Chamber for convening such an impactful event that creates meaningful connections among the state’s most innovative organizations and provides the opportunity to hear directly from New Jersey’s leaders, including Governor Mikie Sherrill, about the direction of the state and its priorities.

03/30/2026

At UMC, everything begins with the teammates who serve our residents each day.

That’s why our Food For Thought series is so meaningful. During our latest visit to Bristol Glen, a UMC Community, we took time to celebrate, connect, and hear directly from the incredible team members who care for our seniors.

With a cheerful Flower Power theme to welcome spring, Bob Peterson, Chief Financial Officer; David Glenn, Senior Vice President of People & Culture; Jennifer Tedora, Assistant Vice President of People & Culture; Dave Rayha, Vice President of Operations; and UMC Board Member Vasanth Victor put on their chef “visors” and served a delicious breakfast as a simple, heartfelt thank‑you. 🌸

03/26/2026

At UMC, we’re committed to creating communities that feel warm, engaging, and full of possibility — places where our residents are proud to call home.

In that spirit, we’re excited to announce an upcoming transformation at The Shores, a UMC Community, our Ocean City, NJ full‑service senior living community. This vision introduces thoughtfully designed indoor‑outdoor spaces created to foster connection, comfort, and wellness. https://umcommunities.org/the-shores/blog/resort-style-living-the-shores-announces-transformative-project/

03/25/2026

UMC is pleased to announce the promotion of Jennifer Tedora to Assistant Vice President of People & Culture.

A part of UMC since 2023, Jennifer will provide strategic leadership and oversight for HR operations, advancing our people-centered approach and supporting the teams who make our mission possible every day.

Read more: https://umcommunities.org/resources/blog/umc-promotes-jennifer-tedora-assistant-vice-president-of-people-culture/

03/23/2026

A century of life, a lifetime of love, and a powerful reminder that connection matters at every age. 🩵

Richard Shoemaker, a resident of The Shores, a UMC Community — our full service senior living community in Ocean City, NJ — was honored with a Key to the City by Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian just days before celebrating his 100th birthday, recognizing not only an extraordinary milestone but a life shaped by service, family, and meaningful relationships.

After 75 years of marriage to his late wife, Betty, Richard found renewed companionship through a close friendship with fellow resident Sylvia — illustrating something we believe deeply at UMC: human connection makes all the difference.

We are grateful to 6abc Action News for covering this special presentation and helping share Richard’s remarkable story with a wider audience.

🎥 Watch the segment here, at the 39:50 mark: https://6abc.com/videoClip/18742767/

📖 Read Richard and Sylvia’s full story here: https://umcommunities.org/the-shores/blog/a-century-of-love-friendship-and-gratitude/

03/19/2026

At UMC, building independence, confidence, and quality of life is the foundation of how we serve our residents. One way we bring that commitment to life is through innovative senior wellness technology that helps them stay active and safe.

Across our full‑service senior living communities, we’re leveraging AI‑powered tools to gain deeper insight into residents’ balance, gait, and functional movement. Tools like VSTBalance from VirtuSense Technologies equip our teams with actionable information, enabling proactive, personalized decisions that support mobility and long‑term independence.

👉 Learn more: https://umcommunities.org/resources/blog/innovative-care-in-action-how-umc-is-using-ai-to-promote-independence/

03/16/2026

Teammates across UMC gathered for another session of UMC University last week — our ongoing learning series focused on strengthening how we serve residents, support loved ones, and partner with our communities.

From honoring UMC’s mission to conversations around best practices, cybersecurity awareness, and effective communication, the day was packed with meaningful dialogue and shared learning.

Investing in our people is how we continue to show up stronger — today and for the future.

03/11/2026

UMC is proud to be chosen as the senior living partner for the proposed Rowan University Wellness Village in Harrison Township, NJ – which includes plans to offer a variety of continuum-of-care living options and an extensive selection of programming to promote healthy living, lifelong learning, and community connection.

Learn more: https://umcommunities.org/resources/blog/umc-selected-as-senior-living-partner-for-rowan-university-s-proposed-wellness-village/

The project is still in the early planning stages and hinges on approvals from local governments. Questions can be shared here: https://umcommunities.org/rowan-wellness-village/

03/09/2026

We're excited to share that Rowan University and Fairmount Properties have selected UMC as the senior living partner for the Rowan Wellness Village concept – a first-of-its-kind walkable, intergenerational community proposed to be located on the southern end of Rowan’s West Campus in Harrison Township, NJ.

The project is still in the initial planning and development stages. Learn more: https://today.rowan.edu/news/2026/03/west-campus-development-project-preliminary-plan.html

Have questions for UMC? Email us at RowanWellnessVillage@umcommunities.org.

03/03/2026

Such a wonderful showcase of one of our residents at Collingswood Manor, a UMC Community, and the meaningful relationship she shares with her trusted HomeWorks, a UMC Service caregiver, Doreen.

Sometimes the bond between our residents and teammates becomes something far greater than anyone expects. What begins as support can grow into trust, laughter, and a connection that feels like family.

Check out Irene and Doreen's story and learn about their special connection: https://umcommunities.org/collingswood-manor/blog/when-support-becomes-family/

02/25/2026

At UMC, our approach always begins with one question: What matters most?

It’s how we listen, how we plan, and how we support every person who trusts us with their health.

That’s why we’re proud to announce our participation in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, a growing movement designed to better support older adults by honoring their priorities.

Read more: https://umcommunities.org/resources/blog/umc-joins-national-age-friendly-health-systems-initiative/