Our Mission

Kendal at Oberlin is a mission-driven, nonprofit community for older adults. At the heart of our mission is our commitment to provide high quality services to our residents. This includes both a vibrant resident-led lifestyle and a range of supportive health care services when needed. This commitment also includes a promise to provide services for a resident’s life, even if they outlive their financial resources.

The first residents of Kendal at Oberlin moved in during October of 1993. But plans to bring a retirement community to Oberlin began many years before that. In 1987, a group of Oberlin citizens decided to investigate the possibility of building a retirement community in Oberlin. After exploring a number of communities across the country, the group persuaded The Kendal Corporation (Kennett Square, PA) to “develop, market, arrange for financing and construction, and to own and manage Kendal at Oberlin.” Kendal at Oberlin now has its own independent Board of Directors, with The Kendal Corporation as a supporting partner. This relationship offers flexibility to meet the needs of our local community, as well as all the benefits of a multi-unit operation.

Today, Kendal at Oberlin is a life plan community serving approximately 350 residents on campus. And it’s a hub of activity for older adults throughout the community of Oberlin. Residents have moved here from 37 states and the District of Columbia. Kendal strives to serve the greater community as well, with fitness center classes open to community members, the Kendal Early Learning Center, and a certified arboretum.

Kendal at Oberlin Mission Statement

Founded as a nonprofit organization based on Quaker values, we are a vibrant, diverse, inclusive, caring community focused on healthy aging. We support individual lifestyles by promoting independence, continuous learning, engagement in and service to the wider community, social and intergenerational relationships and excellent health care.

Quaker Values Frame Life and Work for the Kendal at Oberlin Community

The Values and Practices established by The Kendal Corporation are based on Quaker values. These are the foundation of Kendal at Oberlin’s approach to serving older adults in northeast Ohio. The community emphasizes resident governance, community engagement, an inclusive culture, a commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in health care. All making Kendal at Oberlin a dynamic and exciting community in which to live and work.

If you’d like to learn more about our Quaker Connection, check out this video series produced by Kendal and the Friends Services Alliance.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Kendal at Oberlin residents and staff have the right to feel accepted and included regardless of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other unique characteristic of one’s person

Stay Connected


Stay connected with Kendal at Oberlin by signing up for our weekly e-newsletter, or by using the form below to request a brochure. To review Kendal at Oberlin’s financial information, download our Disclosure Statement. To learn more about The Kendal organization, here is the link to The Kendal Corporation’s Annual Report.