Founded in 1980, the DeKalb Area Retirement Center was begun by an ecumenical Board of Trustees. Because a fair number of these persons were United Methodists, and because of the years of experience by the United Methodist Church in gerontology, the Board of Trustees affiliated with the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The relationship with the Northern Illinois Annual Conference is one encouraging and advancing religious and humanitarian services and upholding an atmosphere of spiritual commonality, not one of ownership, operation, control or financial underwriting or sponsorship. The organization operates independently as a community service under the sole discretion of its Board of Trustees. Accordingly, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference has no responsibility, either legal or moral, for the financial obligations of the organization.

A Look To The Future
Perhaps more than any other, this time may be the most exciting to date, as we look to the future. The mission of the organization and the values, are the building blocks that support a foundation of service and care. Over forty years ago, Oak Crest began as a dream and has grown to what we now recognize today as an outstanding leader in the field of long-term care and services. Truly successful organizations like Oak Crest are not a product of nature, nor do they simply materialize out of thin air. They are the result of hard work, determination and vision.

Based on the organization’s ongoing success and as demand for services and accommodations increase, we continually look to the future. The Board of Trustees remains focused on our purpose and committed to the concept that growth and development are essential to the future of the Oak Crest community.

Someone once said, “Isn’t it more important to know what we are building with our growth, and why? Measuring more is easy; measuring better is hard. Measuring better requires a clear mission, an exciting vision, and shared values.”

Organizational planning and anticipating future resident wants and needs can be a monumental undertaking, but one that we feel will directly benefit both the Oak Crest community and the community at large. As an organization, the vision is in place, the mission is clear, and the future is promising.