Men in Philanthropy: Mike Shmerling

Ask anyone who has cared for a parent or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, and they’ll tell you that navigating support networks can be daunting. Entrepreneur and fourth-generation Nashvillian Mike Shmerling knows that all too well. When his father, Abe Shmerling, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, care options were limited. But Mike drew inspiration from his father — not only to help him, but also to follow his example and serve the neediest in society. No stranger to giving back to the community in myriad ways, he and his sister, Judy Given, founded Abe’s Garden Community, whose mission is to “establish a replicable model for senior life that is focused on brain health, wellness and purposeful living.”

For 16 years, Mike and his sister have been actively involved with Abe’s Garden Community. As board chair, Mike has led the organization’s strategy and governance and worked hard to develop best practices for fundraising and construction. In addition to providing residential memory support, Abe’s Garden Community offers independent and senior living options, as well as educational, advisory and support services for caregivers. 

“Abe’s Garden is special, because it addresses a critical need for quality Alzheimer’s care, setting a new standard in the industry,” Mike says. “Our dedication to best practices and collaboration with institutions like Vanderbilt University makes it an invaluable asset to Nashville and beyond.”

The future is bright for Abe’s Garden Community. Mike sees opportunities to expand both its services and its influence, “sharing our model globally to improve care standards,” he says. The facility is currently in the middle of a $20 million capital campaign that will allow it to increase residential capacity and offer more services. So far, the organization has raised $17 million toward that goal. 

“My favorite aspect is the sense of community we’ve fostered,” Mike says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact on residents and their families, knowing that we’ve created a supportive environment that prioritizes their well-being.”