A Legacy to Remember
When you think about legacy, what comes to your mind? Maybe you think of your ancestors, your favorite sports team, or a family recipe. Over time, something was passed down, a record was kept, or a relic was left behind. You don’t control what you inherit. However, there is a peace of mind that comes with knowing that someone who came before you protected you. At some point, you start to think about what will happen after you. How will you live, work and plan for your future, your family’s future and the future of your community? Will the generation behind you be better off because of what you’ve given? That, you can control.
It can be difficult to think about the future when the present demands so much from us. It is even more of a burden if there is no advantage of financial stability. At YWCA, we are always looking for ways to educate, empower and assist our community in accessible ways. That is why we’ve partnered with FreeWill, a free, online estate planning tool that allows you to make a will at no cost. August is Make-a-Will month, and we are encouraging you to take advantage of this free platform to create a will that protects the people and causes you care about. Learn more at freewill.com/ywcamahoningvalley to get started.
When we think of legacy, we think of our 120-year milestone. We are celebrating that mark this year because our predecessors planned for the future. We recall the foresight and generosity of women like Mary B. Smith, who included YWCA Mahoning Valley in her will. She was a YWCA Board member and president. In 1997, Smith was nominated as one of YWCA’s Women of the Year. She was the president of Youngstown Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. She served in several capacities at Youngstown State University for more than 40 years. Her interests and concerns aligned with YWCA’s work – work that she wanted to continue.
Take a moment to think about yourself, your interests, and concerns. Consider your connection to YWCA Mahoning Valley. How do you plan to sustain a future for generations to come? Your gift to YWCA can reach several areas of service including assisting the unhoused, providing early learning for children, helping a young woman reach her potential, and advocating for civil rights. Consider leaving a legacy for the causes you care about. If you want to discuss planned giving at YWCA, email us at info@mvywca.org. To include YWCA Mahoning Valley in your will, visit YWCA’s FreeWill site.