Givens Foundation

06/11/2026

Givens Communities was proud to sponsor the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce first-ever Black Business Alliance Award, honoring the incredible impact of Black-owned businesses across Western North Carolina.

Congratulations to M.S. Lean, this year’s Black-Owned Business of the Year! Founded by Stephen Smith, the company has grown into a thriving landscaping business rooted in mentorship, opportunity, and community impact! MSLean Landscaping, LLC

On stage, CEO Kevin Schwab and Asheville Chamber Board Member Ava Smith highlighted the importance of breaking down barriers and creating pathways for inclusive economic growth. As Ava shared, building relationships is key to helping Black-owned businesses grow and thrive.

We’re honored to stand alongside leaders and organizations committed to empowering lives, strengthening community, and expanding opportunity for all.

Read the full story and learn more about our community impact: https://givensphilanthropy.org/givens-communities-presents-first-black-business-alliance-award/

06/10/2026

A major step forward for the arts in Western North Carolina. Partnerships like this make it possible for the Asheville Symphony to continue delivering world-class performances to thousands each year! We are thrilled!

The Asheville Symphony is proud to announce Givens Communities as the first-ever title sponsor of its Masterworks concert series.

06/09/2026

At Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville, 92-year-old Ruth—known lovingly as “Granny”—is making a difference where it matters most!

Through the Foster Grandparent Program at Jonathan Valley Elementary, she spends her days helping young students build confidence in reading and learning. “It has made me a kinder person and a better person,” Ruth shares. “Seeing what the children are going through—and helping them—keeps me from worrying about myself.”

After 16 years of service, Granny is still greeted with hugs every day—and even inspires her neighbors to volunteer alongside her. Her advice? “Get up and get out. You can do something to help someone else.”

Inspired by Granny? Get involved with a cause you’re passionate about or support affordable communities like Givens Great Laurels so more residents can live, serve, and inspire: https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/

Read the full story on the Givens Foundation News website: https://givensphilanthropy.org/givens-great-laurels-resident-inspires-through-foster-grandparent-program/

06/06/2026

Givens Communities celebrates Pride Month with a loving embrace of understanding, acceptance and equality, and recognition of our LGBTQ+ elders.

06/05/2026

Givens Communities is thrilled to sponsor the Buncombe County Age Friendly Summit!

This inspiring, full-day event brought together leaders, providers, and organizations from across WNC—all united around one goal: advancing healthy aging and vibrant living.

Our Givens leadership team took the stage to share powerful insights on wellness, brain health, and building connected, thriving communities that support people at every stage of life.

Together, we’re sparking momentum and making a difference—helping older adults live fully, independently, and with purpose every day!

Discover more and read the full story about the event on the Givens Foundation website by clicking here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/givens-communities-sponsors-buncombe-county-age-friendly-summit/

06/01/2026

Givens Communities is proud to sponsor the Serve to Lead Poverty Awareness Walk-A-Thon!

Serve to LEAD is a local nonprofit that empowers people, especially young people, to grow as leaders while addressing poverty through service, education, and community development.

Join us in making a real impact, as 100 percent of proceeds support residential rebuilding efforts in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village!

Grab a friend, bring your walking shoes, and come out for a meaningful morning at Lake Tomahawk on Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.

This event is free and open to everyone.

Register today by scanning the QR code or emailing [email protected].

Let’s show up for our community and take steps toward something bigger together.

05/29/2026

Givens is proud to celebrate an extraordinary achievement by two outstanding team members whose dedication sets the standard for excellence across our communities!

Mark Massar, Maintenance Technician at Givens Estates, and Carol Watson, Financial Operations Coordinator at Givens Highland Farms, have been named recipients of the LeadingAge 2026 Service Excellence Award, presented by LeadingAge President and CEO Tom Akins.

At Givens, we know that when we support our team members, they are better able to support those who depend on them. That is why Givens Cares: Team Member Assistance plays such a vital role by offering financial assistance, scholarships, and a ministry of care during times of need.

You can be part of this impact. By making a gift to Givens Cares: Team Member Assistance, you help care for those who care for others.

Together, we can continue to uplift and support the remarkable people who make Givens such a special place.

Make your gift today: https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/

Read the full story about these extraordinary team members on the Givens Foundation News website here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/celebrating-team-member-excellence-at-givens/

05/29/2026

Brain Health Studio Grand Opening at Givens Highland Farms!

Residents recently came together to celebrate the debut of the new Brain Health Studio—an innovative space designed to support cognitive fitness, physical coordination, and overall well-being!

Led by Taryn Tindall, Longevity & Brain Health Director at Givens Communities, this exciting pilot program empowers residents to stay active, engaged, and independent.

Residents experienced live demonstrations, explored the equipment, and signed up for orientations to begin their own brain health journeys.

Beyond the technology, the studio is already becoming a vibrant hub of connection—where neighbors encourage one another, celebrate progress, and try something new together.

A heartfelt thank you to the Givens Foundation and its generous donors for making this vision a reality.

Read the full story and learn more about the brain health studio on the Givens Foundation News website by clicking here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/brain-health-studio-grand-opening-at-givens-highland-farms/

Interested in supporting the Brain Health & Longevity Program? Make a gift today! https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/

05/25/2026

Givens Community Impact proudly supports BEAR Closets across Western North Carolina. Joey Abel, Director of Community Impact, values the strong relationships built with these organizations that serve families in need.

B.E.A.R. Closets, which stands for Babies’ Equipment and Resources, are local volunteer run nonprofit organizations often located in churches or community centers. Their mission is to provide free essential items for babies and toddlers such as diapers, clothing, formula, car seats, and strollers to families and primary caregivers in need.

The Weaverville BEAR Closet is currently seeking community support through donations of strollers, cribs, crib mattresses, bassinets, high chairs, and baby formula. Your contributions can make a meaningful difference for local families.

Donations of gently used baby items can be dropped off at the Weaverville BEAR Closet, located at 90 N Main Street, Weaverville, NC 28787.

Hours of operation:
1st and 3rd Mondays from 5 pm to 7 pm
2nd, 4th, and 5th Mondays from 10 am to 12 noon

For more information, please visit: https://www.weavervilleumc.org/bearcloset/

Givens Communities is proud to stand with our neighbors in supporting our community.

05/22/2026

Over 100 community members, including Givens Estates residents and the Givens Foundation team, gathered on May 21 at A-B Tech to celebrate what would have been Wilma Dykeman’s 106th birthday, honoring her enduring legacy as a writer, environmentalist, and advocate for social justice.

A proud former Givens Estates resident, Dykeman’s connection to Givens Communities was felt throughout the evening, as her son Jim Stokely reflected on the care and spirit she experienced there.

The Givens Foundation is honored to support the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and help carry forward her vision of storytelling, environmental stewardship, and equity for generations to come.

Read the full story on the Givens Foundation News website here: https://givensphilanthropy.org/a-living-legacy-honoring-wilma-dykeman/