[Updated: February 13, 2026 | Published: December 24, 2025]
The Nonprofit Difference at Friendship Village of Dublin
“What is the difference between nonprofit and for-profit senior living communities?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear from prospective Residents and their families. A related question is:
“How will a nonprofit community better secure my future, or that of my loved ones?”
The answers come down to priorities.
A nonprofit senior living community invests every dollar earned or donated to support the people who live and work there. The goal is to fulfill a mission, not to generate returns for shareholders.
For-profit senior living communities answer to owners or corporate investors and may be part of national chains with hundreds of properties. Executives in distant offices can shape local decisions, sometimes without consulting Residents.
This fundamental difference—mission versus margin—shapes everything from staffing levels and dining options to care quality and community investments.
Friendship Village of Dublin has been a nonprofit LifeCare community serving older adults in Central Ohio for 45 years. Our charitable programs and strong finances allow us to keep investing in improving our campus, services, and care standards. We keep Residents informed about all aspects of our community and involve them in decision-making.
Mission First, Always
“At Friendship Village of Dublin, our mission is our bottom line,” says CEO Rita Doherty.
We started in 1981 with a clear purpose: to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Our evolved mission is, “To care for, engage and inspire our community to reimagine and maximize the quality of life at every age.”
Our local, all-volunteer Board of Directors and on-site leadership team, led by CEO Rita Doherty, work in the best interests of Residents and associates. Every decision reflects our core values:
- Respect: We treat every individual with dignity and care.
- Integrity: We build trust through transparency and honesty.
- Innovation: We look for better ways to meet changing needs.
- Stewardship: We manage resources responsibly for today and tomorrow.
- Excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards in care and service.
“As a nonprofit senior living community, every decision we make supports our mission and vision for the benefit of Residents,” Rita says. “We are always thinking of new ways to improve the Resident experience. We push ourselves to be better daily.”
Investments That Enrich Everyday Life
As a nonprofit, we reinvest earnings into the community. In the past decade, we’ve invested over $100 million in improvements for Residents.
Recent upgrades include:
- Two new independent living buildings, thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience.
- A newly built Waterford Place Assisted Living community.
- Extensively renovated skilled nursing and memory care communities: Alderwood Health & Rehab and Rowan House Memory Care.
- Four updated, restaurant-style dining venues offering chef-prepared meals.
- Expanded green spaces, landscaping, and more parking for Residents and guests.
These upgrades show our commitment to quality care, lasting community, and the people who call Friendship Village home.
Financial Strength That Builds Confidence
Our community’s strong finances let us plan confidently for the future. Highlights include:
- A BBB+ rating from Fitch Ratings
- More than $50 million in financial reserves
You can trust we will be here to serve our Residents. Our strength enables us to pursue big ideas, weather challenges, and keep our promises for future care.
LifeCare: Stability for the Future
Our Type A LifeCare agreement ensures that Residents start with independent living and have access to higher levels of on-site care—such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing—if their needs change.
LifeCare includes flexible services, abundant amenities, and future health care at a predictable cost, helping you enjoy your lifestyle with confidence.
LifeCare helps protect you from rising long-term health care costs. It also gives Residents and families peace of mind. When needs change, Residents stay in the same community—no sudden moves or surprise costs.
And when financial challenges arise, our Residents’ Benevolence Fund helps long-time Residents continue to receive care and services.
Madelyn Rupp lived to 95 at Friendship Village. When her funds ran out, she remained a Resident thanks to our Benevolence Fund.
“I cannot fathom the scenario, had we been forced to move her,” wrote her daughter, Kevan Lunney. “Thank goodness for LifeCare and the support of the Residents’ Benevolence Fund!”
Wellness that Supports the Whole Person
Wellness at Friendship Village of Dublin is more than fitness and healthy meals. It’s a way of life called The Village Way that supports nine dimensions of wellness.
The Village Way comes alive through programs and services that include:
- Group fitness classes and massage therapy
- Nutritional wellness and dietitian support
- Creative and performing arts studios
- Lifelong learning, lectures, and discussions
- Raised-bed gardens for flowers and vegetables
- Multifaith Spiritual Care
- Volunteer programs and social events
- On-site Springwater Salon and Spa
- Over 100 monthly events on and off campus
Every opportunity fosters purpose, connection, and zest for life.
Our staff and Residents frequently discuss the programs and services that help us build a warm, engaged, and connected community. This ongoing collaboration ensures everyone feels supported and valued.
A Culture of Giving and Gratitude
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we welcome tax-deductible donations that directly benefit Residents and staff.
Last year, donors contributed over $250,000 to support:
- Scholarships from our Dublin Scholarship Fund for associates, their families, and local high school students to help them attain the highest level of education and motivate them to do more, both personally and professionally.
- Emergency aid for staff facing personal hardships
- Support through the Residents’ Benevolence Fund
Residents, families, and team members all give back—creating a culture of care and generosity.
Extending Our Mission Beyond Campus
Our 29-acre main campus community along the Scioto River in Dublin provides a strong foundation for fulfilling our mission. Still, we recognize that the needs of older adults in central Ohio exceed what our current space can support. That’s why we’re committed to investing in programs that support our senior population across Central Ohio through other Friendship Village of Dublin initiatives, including:
- Friendship at Home, a lifelong membership program to support aging in place.
- The Bailey at Bridge Park, an active, 55+ luxury apartment community in Bridge Park, developed by Crawford Hoying and managed by Friendship Village of Dublin.
- Philanthropy that supports care, scholarships, and community programs.
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Collaboration on activities and offerings with other local senior living communities and service providers.
- Ongoing training and certification with SAGECare to deliver inclusive and affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community.
Come Experience the Nonprofit Difference at Friendship Village of Dublin
Choosing a nonprofit senior living community means choosing transparency, trust, and a mission-driven focus on your well-being.
At Friendship Village of Dublin, we empower Residents to lead vibrant lives, filled with purpose, connection, and opportunities to thrive. We ensure our staff are well supported in their work and beyond, challenged to grow, and committed to providing an excellent Resident experience.
Don’t wait to experience the nonprofit difference. Discover how we can help you or your loved one thrive at every age.
Call 614-734-2105 or click below to schedule your personal tour today.
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