Creating a Legacy
by: Angel Barbosa, YWCA Intern
Have you considered your legacy and how you want to be remembered? Will it be for your values and what you stand for? What contributions will you have made to your community? Thinking about your legacy can be overwhelming, but it should not be left until later in your life. The actions we take now are important and affect our latter years more than we realize. The month of August is Make a Will month and provides us with the perfect opportunity to think about not just our own future, but also our community. August not only reminds us to make our wills, but to support nonprofit organizations as well. By taking your time to outline your wishes, you can create a lasting ripple effect right in your own community by supporting organizations like the YWCA Mahoning Valley.
There are several ways to support YWCA’s work. One of the most beneficial ways is through planned giving. You might be asking, “What is planned giving?” Planned giving or legacy gifts are gifts arranged for nonprofits that are realized in the future. It is a way for donors to create a long-lasting legacy while supporting the cause that matters most to them. Contrary to what most assume, planned gifts do not only consist of actual physical gifts or money, but others also often prefer to donate gifts drawn from their accumulated assets such as stocks, real estate, or retirement accounts.
Since 1904, YWCA Mahoning Valley has evolved and adapted throughout the years and has continuously committed to our mission: Eliminating racism and empowering women, to promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
YWCA Mahoning Valley delivers programs that fulfill our goals and support the community:
Housing with Supportive Services – YWCA offer a variety of housing opportunities in various locations for no-, low-, or moderate-income families throughout Trumbull and Mahoning County.
Youth Development – With a childcare program beginning at 6 weeks, YWCA Mahoning Valley provides quality care and offers an exceptional curriculum for preschool and kindergarten readiness. YWCA also offers Youth for Peace, a program focused on teaching kids about conflict resolution, leadership, and social justice.
Women’s Empowerment – YWCA Mahoning Valley offers various programs developing leadership and economic advancement such as Young Women with Bright Futures, our annual Women’s Art Show and Y’s Women: Power of the Purse.
Advocacy & Racial Justice – YWCA has been on the forefront since its establishment, fighting issues from voting rights to civil rights, affordable housing, pay equity, violence prevention, and health care reform.
Before August ends, take a moment and think of the future. Consider the impact you make to your community: your connection to YWCA Mahoning Valley. Your generous gifts have helped keep our doors open today, sustaining a legacy that will allow more people to walk through those doors in the future. Support this work and help maintain our programs, not just for the current moment, but for generations to come.