It was this time 49 years ago that something new, exciting and with tremendous potential for the future happened in Asheville.

August 1975 and Givens Estates was established as a nonprofit senior living organization, becoming the foundation and predecessor of Givens Communities – and the culmination of an expressed desire by Marion J. Givens.

For many years Mrs. Givens and her husband, Dr. Maurice H. Givens, of Daytona Beach, Florida, enjoyed a pristine spot off Sweeten Creek Road as their summer home.

Following Dr. Givens passing in 1970 and in the final years of her life, Mrs. Givens became determined for the property to be developed into a retirement community. Diligent efforts by regional civic and community leaders, the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Marion J. Givens Trust and others, brought that determination into reality.

Givens Estates is now one of four senior living communities in Western North Carolina that comprise Givens Communities, along with Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville and Givens Gerber Park in south Asheville. Home care and community based services have been added with Givens Home First and Givens Choice, while Givens Life Ministries addresses health disparities of underserved and vulnerable populations throughout the region.

Mrs. Givens passed away in 1973, but the legacy she and her husband created lives on, continuing to inspire and support charitable endeavors to this day. Their cherished summer home, The Manor at Far Horizon Lane, located at Givens Estates, has recently been restored and transformed into a vibrant hub for Givens Communities, now serving as offices and meeting spaces. This transformation was made possible through a dedicated campaign led by the Givens Philanthropy Department.

The Manor, a historically significant house embodying the Colonial Revival and Rustic Revival styles, holds a special place in our history. It was here, in 1975, that the Givens Board of Directors first convened, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving community.

Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our donors and their deep commitment to Givens, the campaign to preserve this iconic home was an overwhelming success. Through their contributions, totaling $559,000, we not only revitalized a cherished part of our history but also turned a potential liability into a lasting asset. The Manor now stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Givens family and will continue to inspire future generations. To support Givens philanthropic endeavors, click here.