What was once a hopeful vision is now a vibrant gathering place for connection, creativity, and community. The Brookside Hub at Givens Highland Farms—long imagined as a center for life enrichment—has officially become a reality.
That dream took a major step forward in October 2025, when the Givens Foundation announced that the Brookside Life Enrichment Center Hub was fully funded. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and residents, the ambitious $800,000 fundraising goal was reached, making it possible to bring this much-anticipated space to life. The story of how the Brookside Life Enrichment Center came about is a powerful testament to shared vision and community support, and it can be read in full here.
In April, residents finally had the chance to experience the space firsthand during the Brookside Hub’s grand opening open house. On April 24, 2026, conversations and laughter filled the building as residents gathered to explore the new Hub while enjoying light refreshments. The energy of the afternoon reflected the excitement surrounding a space designed to foster engagement, learning, and togetherness.
The thoughtful naming of the Hub’s many rooms reflects the collaborative spirit behind the project. The name Brookside Hub itself was recommended by the Residents’ Council, as was the name of the inviting living room area, now known as the Swannanoa Room. The Creative Arts Group opted for the straightforward and welcoming Creative Arts Studio for their space.
Several areas were named in honor of donors whose generosity helped make the Hub possible. The 60-seat classroom is known as the Lynne Community Room, while the kitchen area is the Herb and Jane Johnson Kitchen. Outdoor spaces include the Mary Anne Art Patio beside the arts studio and the Marco Patio, which leads toward the greenhouses currently under construction. The first greenhouse will be known as the Linnea Greenhouse.
Adding a meaningful historical connection, the Highland Farms crest—created in 1974 by co-founder C. H. “Chet” Prentice—now hangs proudly in the Swannanoa Room. Soon, it will be flanked by plaques currently being crafted by the GHF Woodshop crew, honoring the names of Brookside Hub donors.
As residents continue to settle into these new spaces, the Brookside Hub stands as a lasting symbol of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with generosity, purpose, and heart.
If you feel inspired to support your neighbors and the Givens community, please consider making a gift today at https://givensphilanthropy.org/giving/.
