Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. I truly appreciate the outpouring of well wishes and the many offers to help. Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation, displacing families, damaging homes, and disrupting essential services.

Thankfully, we at Givens Communities are holding up, though we face weeks without water, and have seen significant damage. Many of our own Givens’ team and families in the region have lost possessions, homes, and, tragically for some, even loved ones. The road to recovery will be long, but when we face challenges together, we build strength and inspire others to do the same.

Over the last 10 days, many of our team members have been on the front lines of recovery—helping families access basic necessities, clearing mud from homes, grieving with people they’ve never met, and even assisting in the search for lost loved ones. It has been an incredibly difficult and emotional journey.

In light of these experiences, I want to share two important reflections:

• Resilience: The people of Western North Carolina, along with our Givens team, have shown incredible resilience. We know that setbacks aren’t the end, but rather stepping stones on our path forward. Whether as a community recovering from a disaster like Helene or as individuals overcoming personal challenges, this resilience is driven by hope, determination, and an unwavering spirit. The staff and residents of Givens, along with this incredible region, have reminded me that while life may present obstacles, it’s our response that truly defines us. And because of this, we are #GivensStrong.
• Community: More than ever, this experience has highlighted the vital importance of community. It’s the foundation of our shared human experience, offering belonging and support, especially in times of crisis. A strong community nurtures relationships, fosters resilience, and inspires collective action. At Givens, and across Western North Carolina, we are witnessing this strength firsthand, as people come together to uplift one another, share resources, and ensure that no one faces these challenges alone.

We are profoundly grateful for the support we’ve received as we work through this long recovery process. Words cannot express how much each act of kindness—whether it’s a donation, a thoughtful gesture, or a kind word—has meant to our residents and team members.

For those asking how you can help Givens during this time, we are requesting monetary donations. You can direct your support to the Area of Greatest Need, the Hurricane Helene Fund, or our Team Member Assistance Fund, which will help cover needs not addressed by FEMA or insurance.

Please consider supporting us during this critical time by making a gift for Hurricane Helene Relief by clicking here. For questions or additional information, please contact Jennifer Soster, Philanthropy Director, at 828-771-2216.

Thank you, once again, for your generosity and for your kind words of support. Your contributions make a world of difference to our community as we rebuild and recover.

With gratitude,
Kevin Schwab, CEO of Givens Communities