Eight Ecumen Communities Earn 2025 AHCA/NCAL Bronze National Quality Award
National award signifies a formal commitment to continuous improvement in quality care.
By Corrine McCallum | June 4, 2025
Eight Ecumen communities — Ecumen Litchfield, Ecumen Detroit Lakes, Ecumen Brooks & CountrySide, Ecumen Prairie Hill & Sand Prairie, Ecumen Evergreens of Fargo, and Ecumen Evergreens of Moorhead — have been named 2025 recipients of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). This national distinction reflects a foundational commitment to enhancing quality of care and service for older adults.
The Bronze Award is the first of three progressive levels in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes long-term and post-acute care providers for their dedication to excellence and performance improvement.
“We are honored to see eight of our communities recognized with this meaningful award,” said Shelley Kendrick, Ecumen President and CEO. “At Ecumen, we’re committed to walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate the aging journey — ensuring it’s one filled with purpose, dignity, and trusted support. This award reflects the dedication of our teams who live out that commitment every day.”
Tami Haley, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing & Operations Officer at Ecumen, added, “These awards underscore the continuous improvement mindset our communities embrace. Congratulations to each team for earning this recognition and for their unwavering commitment to those we serve.”
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a comprehensive, three-tiered process that evaluates applicants against the criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. Bronze-level recipients demonstrate a clear understanding of their organization’s purpose, key strengths, and challenges, along with the development of a sustainable performance improvement system.
Each application is thoroughly reviewed by trained examiners who assess whether the organization has met the Bronze level’s rigorous standards. Communities receiving the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award are now eligible to advance to the Silver – Achievement in Quality level.
“We commend this year’s recipients for taking this important first step on their quality journey,” said Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Their commitment to continuous improvement and resident-centered care reflects the heart of our mission and lays a strong foundation for future excellence.”
Award recipients will be formally honored during Delivering Solutions 25, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, taking place October 19-22, 2025, in Las Vegas.
About Ecumen
Ecumen is a nonprofit provider, developer and operator of award-winning living spaces and innovative services for older adults. Mission-driven since its founding in 1862, Ecumen’s legacy of service reflects a commitment to honoring those it serves. Ecumen is based in Shoreview, Minn., and operates properties and services in multiple states, and provides new development, management and consulting services. Housing options include independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care communities. Its diverse in-home and community-based services include home care, hospice, physical and occupational therapy, adult day services and an online durable goods medical store. For more information, visit ecumen.org.
About AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers, and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, visit ahcancal.org.