International Council on Active Aging Welcomes Givens Communities to Its Ranks
Givens Communities has successfully applied for and been granted membership in the International Council on Active Aging, an association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports organizations and professionals that develop wellness environments and services for adults over 50. Among the services provided is an industry-leading publication, the Journal on Active Aging. The Council […]
UNC Asheville to bestow honorary degree to Givens Estates resident Oscar Wong
The University of North Carolina Asheville will present an honorary degree to Oscar Wong, a Givens Estates resident and founder of Highland Brewing Company, during the 2024 Commencement event to be held May 11. The son of Chinese immigrants, born and raised on the island of Jamaica, Wong came to the U.S. in 1959 to […]
Former Givens Gerber Park Pickup Finds New Home, Thanks to Working Wheels Nonprofit
Working Wheels, a locally based non-profit that provides affordable, reliable transportation for Western North Carolina families in need, is celebrating its 300th program sale. Joanna Bragg purchased her refurbished Ford F-150 for a subsidized price on March 27. When asked about the potential impact of this vehicle, she stated, “They changed our lives in one […]
Givens Welcomes New Director of Philanthropy
Dear Residents and Team Members, I am thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Givens Philanthropy Department. Please join me in welcoming Jennifer Clarkson Soster as our new Philanthropy Director. Jennifer is a non-profit professional with more than 25 years of progressive development and leadership experience in all facets of advancement, including campaign planning […]
Careers in Aging Offer Numerous Roles and Opportunities
March is Careers in Aging Month, dedicated to bringing greater visibility and awareness to careers in long term care and aging services. Positions typically available at Givens Communities range from dining services, healthcare, nursing, environmental services and maintenance, as well as accounting and administrative roles. Givens Communities recently signed the AARP Employer Pledge, committing to […]
Givens Estates Again Rates Among the Best in the Nation

Givens Estates is pleased to announce it has been honored by Assisted Living Magazine as being “Best in Senior Living” and “Best in Skilled Nursing.” The 215-acre campus in Asheville successfully completed a 4-step vetting process conducted by the online resource. The selection reflects an outstanding standard of care and service, evaluated through online reviews, […]
Givens Communities Sign AARP Pledge for Age Diverse Workplace
Givens Communities recently signed the AARP Employer Pledge, further demonstrating a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. “We celebrate differences and believe that together we are a stronger, more united organization because of it,” said Christian Grunder, Human Resources Vice President. “We recognize the value of experienced team members and a commitment to […]
Mark Bailey Retires Following 35 Years of Determination and Success
Mark Bailey gracefully concluded his role as Director of Philanthropy and specialist in fundraising efforts on Feb. 29, marking an impressive 35 years of dedicated service to Givens Communities. Throughout Mark’s outstanding tenure, his passion for our mission has been the catalyst for numerous successful campaigns and initiatives. His commitment to raising funds for Givens […]
Outstanding Achievements Gain Further Recognition

LeadingAge North Carolina is thrilled to announce that members of our association were prominently featured in McKnight’s Senior Living 2024 Women of Distinction! Please join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of the following individuals: Jennifer Bartscht, VP of Sales and Marketing at ThriveMore has been recognized as one of only 24 women nationwide to […]
Senior Housing Trends Will Require Innovation
Most modest and low-income seniors struggle to find affordable housing and supportive services. In fact, very few have the assets to pay for care in their homes. Many are living in homes that are not designed or equipped to meet their needs as they age. Compounding the problem, the health system can be complex and […]