Givens Life Ministries, the outreach division of Asheville-based Givens Communities, garners deserved recognition for touching the lives of some 66,000 people across Western North Carolina every year, as the region’s vulnerable and at-risk populations benefit from its health and wellness programs, receive free nutritious meals, medical attention and basic childhood necessities.

Cheryl Wallen, the program’s director, deserves a lion’s share of the credit. She retires this month following a 19-year tenure.

“What a joy and privilege to be in service to our residents and neighbors in the greater community,” said Wallen. “I have absolutely loved my work, cultivating relationships, friendships and having the opportunity to represent the mission and core values of the Givens organization. I have been abundantly blessed in my work by our wonderful residents, volunteers, families, churches, the friendships cultivated over the years and my amazing work family that I love dearly. What treasures I’ve been gifted.”

Wallen is a registered nurse and said she took this position because she felt she was being called to build on her passion for faith community nursing and developing health and wellness outreach partnerships that address the wellness needs of underserved and marginalized populations and aging adults in their communities.

Organizing and implementing community partnerships with healthcare providers, faith communities, universities, social and aging services organizations, Givens Life Ministries is able to provide a variety of programs, such as Welcome Tables, which offer free hot nutritious meals to address those suffering food insecurity. Other collaborations provide safe environments for social engagement, wellness education, health screenings and opportunities for spiritual care.

For single parents, expectant mothers and grandparents raising grandchildren who are struggling to care for babies and small children, there’s free clothing, diapers, cribs, car seats, strollers, bottles, baby food and all manners of equipment needed. For those who are aging, there are two medical equipment closets that provide walkers, hospital beds, shower benches, incontinence supplies, wound care bandages and lift chairs to uninsured and underinsured individuals as they journey through recovery or as they navigate a chronic illness.

“We want participants to build relationships that support ‘whole person’ wellness and strengthen their community,” Wallen said.

Wallen also has led the Givens Affordable Communities Housing with Supportive Services Team, which includes three professional social workers and a full-time community nurse. The team collaborates and walks alongside residents at Givens Gerber Park in south Asheville and Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville to address needs and ensure they are empowered to age well while aging in place. She has conducted diabetes lifestyle coaching, and cooking and nutrition classes at many affordable senior housing communities in the region.

While quick to praise others and reticent to take credit, Wallen has been continually honored for her work, receiving LeadingAge North Carolina’s “Excellence in Community Service Award,” which recognizes who demonstrate extraordinary talent, expertise and dedication in provision of exceptional service to senior living community residents. She also received McKnight’s Senior Living 2024 Women of Distinction Award and was one of just 16 women nationwide selected as a 2024 Veteran VIP for having an outstanding impact on the senior living, skilled nursing and home care fields.

She recently said she feels that she has fulfilled her calling – and now is being called to focus on her family and spending time with her husband, Randy.