The final step to affiliate Givens Communities, headquartered in Asheville, and Aldersgate United Methodist Retirement Community in Charlotte, is complete, it has been announced.

This makes way for a new collaborative chapter for the senior living organizations and unites their shared values and expertise. It reinforces a mission to foster vibrant and supportive environments for older adult residents and team members alike.

Givens assumes governance and management responsibilities for Aldersgate, home to nearly 600 residents and situated on a 200-acre, park-like campus. Givens Communities includes Givens Estates in Asheville with 730 residents, Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain with 475, Givens Great Laurels in Waynesville where 100 seniors reside, and 250-plus living at Givens Gerber Park in south Asheville, as well as Givens Home First and Givens Choice, which provide home care and community-based services.

“This affiliation strengthens our ability to serve current and future generations of older adults and to be an employer of choice in both Charlotte and Western North Carolina,” said Kevin Schwab, CEO of Givens Communities and the combined nonprofits. “Our residents, families, and team members remain at the heart of everything we do, and together with Aldersgate we are excited to build on our legacies, expand opportunities, and create an even brighter future.”

Highlights of the affiliation include:

• Expanded Resources: Residents and staff will benefit from a broader range of services, wellness programs, and innovative initiatives.
• Enhanced Stability: The partnership provides a stronger foundation for long-term growth, ensuring continued excellence and security for both communities.
• Shared Expertise: The affiliation enables the sharing of best practices in senior living, healthcare, and community engagement.

David Middleton, outgoing interim CEO of Aldersgate, stated that “Aldersgate leadership, residents, team members, and community partners have been extensively engaged throughout the process leading to affiliation with Givens Communities. This outcome reinforces Aldersgate’s value and prepares current and perspective Aldersgate residents for a secure and exciting future.”

Aldersgate has a rich 75-year history of service to older adults, and Givens Communities is celebrating 50 years of senior living innovations.

“As we embark on this new journey together, we look forward to building upon our collective legacies and fostering a future filled with promise, innovation and shared joy,” said Ken Kramer, executive director of Aldersgate. “Together, Givens Communities and Aldersgate Retirement Community are poised to create a powerful and lasting impact for generations to come.”