Make hope your legacy
All the information you need to make a gift in your Will
Lighting the way with Hope and Care
Your support makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. For over 80 years, you and others like you have been a shining light to many people, providing lasting support and compassionate care.
In honour of your compassion and generosity, we named our legacy initiative “Lighting the way with Hope and Care”. This name reflects the hope and care that you bring to those in need, ensuring that your legacy continues to shine brightly.
Your faith. Their future.
A gift in your Will can empower women and children, support financial independence, and provide nourishing food to those in need. Your legacy lights the way, creating lasting change and renewing communities for generations to come.
History of BaptistCare and “HopeStreet”
Since 1944, our people-first and compassionate approach has been at the heart of our work. Our community services arm, known as BaptistCare HopeStreet (or simply HopeStreet), puts hope and care into action every day.
For over 80 years, BaptistCare has been dedicated to transforming lives through the love of Christ. With your support, we’ve grown from humble beginnings in community and counselling services to a trusted network of care. With your support, we’ve grown from humble beginnings in community and counselling services to a trusted network of care which continues to expand.
HopeStreet is built on strong foundations and a deep commitment to walking alongside people in need.
Thanks to generous supporters like you, we’re able to provide practical help, dignity, and hope to individuals and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Many of our donors once wondered how to leave a meaningful legacy.
That’s why we created the Legacy of Hope - to make it simple for you to create lasting change through a gift in your Will.
Your kindness and vision help us empower lives, nurture communities, and offer hope where it’s needed most.
Together, we continue to build a Legacy of Hope - one that will uplift future generations and provide practical support for those facing hardship.
Your legacy, their futureinspire hope
Evolution of trusted community services:
1944 The “NSW Baptist Homes Trust” was established with a vision for compassionate social work, laying the foundation for generations of care.
1953 First fundraiser led to the creation of the longest serving home being “Yallambi”, a ‘home of peace’ for elderly women, funded by the Trust and generosity of donors.
1956 Another successful fundraiser helped open “Karingal”, a children’s home providing safety and support for vulnerable young people, by donations given by church auxiliaries and individuals.
1972 Counselling services offered as “Baptist Counselling Services”, expanding in 1977 expanding to include “welfare and youth services”.
19801990s
“Baptist Inner City Ministries” founded ‘HopeStreet’ in Woolloomooloo, establishing our urban ministry efforts and evolving into ‘HopeStreet Urban Compassion”. In 1992 the Trust changes it’s name to “Baptist Community Services” and helps fund the HopeStreet partnership from 1996.
1983 Counselling services unified as ‘LifeCare Counselling and Family Services’, extending all forms of welfare, counselling, mediation and advisory services into the Trust.
2000 Introduction of No Interest Loans (NILS) loans and microfinance programs empowered community members to access essential items.
2006 “Darcy House” in Port Kembla began serving daily meals and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
2007 “Food4Life” initiative launched in Windale, ensuring affordable groceries reach families struggling with food insecurity.
2014 HopeStreet expands. BaptistCare’s Community Services team integrates these programs across multiple sites, reaching more communities and people in need.
2020 Expansion of NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) to all HopeStreet locations, offering financial relief and stability across communities.
Legacy of Hope: transforming lives through generosity
BaptistCare HopeStreet is the community services arm and a business name of BaptistCare (the legal entity).
As shown earlier, “HopeStreet” holds a warm place in the heart of Baptist history, as an initiative of the Churches and “Baptist Inner City Ministries”, dating back the early 1980’s.
By leaving a Legacy of Hope, your gift creates lasting change, offering relief today and empowering people to rebuild with dignity for a brighter tomorrow. Your kindness will create a lasting impact, touching countless lives and fostering stronger, safer communities.
You can be the change in the lives of others
By leaving a gift in your Will, you become part of a Legacy of Hope, lighting the way for future generations and creating lasting change in the lives of those who need it most.
Your legacy, their future, inspire hope
Create a Legacy of Hope: Your compassion and commitment will live on, providing ongoing support to those who need it most. A Legacy of Hope for those helped by HopeStreet.
Transform Lives: Your gift can help provide essential services to individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and disadvantage.
Support Vulnerable Communities: Ensure that vital services like affordable food support, no-interest loans, and counselling continue to support those in need.
Empower Individuals: Fund programs that offer job training, educational initiatives, and mental health support, helping individuals build better lives.
Honour Your Values: Leaving a gift in your Will is a powerful way to honour your values and commitment to helping others.
Did you know?
Even a small gift, just 1-10% in your Will, can provide critical support for people facing homelessness, hunger, and domestic and family violence.
By leaving a gift in your Will to BaptistCare, you create a lasting source of light and healing, offering hope for years to come.
Why Support BaptistCare and HopeStreet?
By supporting HopeStreet (through its legal entity “BaptistCare”), you can help ensure these vital services continue to be available to those who need them most.
We offer:
1. Comprehensive Services for All Ages: BaptistCare and BaptistCare HopeStreet offer a wide range of services for everyone, from the elderly, to young people, and those in need.
2. Impactful and Sustainable Giving: You can take comfort in knowing that your legacy will help create a better future for individuals and families living with disadvantage.
3. Recognition of your Generosity: At your request, we can honour your giving through recognition at our BaptistCare and/or HopeStreet sites.
4. A Personal Connection: Your support for BaptistCare and HopeStreet is a meaningful expression of your values and beliefs.
Your gift can leave a lasting legacy of compassion and care in the lives of many others.
Our legacy promise to You
• Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to using your gift wisely, ensuring that every dollar makes a meaningful difference.
• Sustainable Impact: Your legacy will support sustainable programs that continue to provide hope and care for generations to come.
• People-first approach: We value your personal connection to our mission and will keep you informed about the impact of your gift.
• Community Transformation: Your generosity will help us create stronger, more resilient communities, empowering individuals to overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
• Faith-Based Commitment: Rooted in our faith-based mission, we are dedicated to social justice and compassionate care for all.
Your legacy can create an impact, just like David
Inspiring Stories of Hope
David is making a difference
As a long-time regular giver and someone who has committed themselves to charity, David, understands the importance of helping others.
“I was always raised by my parents to give back to others. It’s the career I’ve chosen by working in the not-for-profit space in the community, and hopefully the lesson I continue to instil in my children,” David said.
It’s this attitude of giving back that prompted David to leave a gift in his Will to BaptistCare for use in HopeStreet’s programs.
“I have seen the tangible work that HopeStreet provide to our community. The impact they make on so many, and how they help transform those lives is incredible. Adding BaptistCare to my Will is just another small part in which I can make a difference.” David, 48
Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow. Start your Legacy of Hope today. Call Rebecca 0439 565 277.
“Leaving a gift in my Will to BaptistCare was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve ever made. Knowing that my contribution will help provide HopeStreet with compassionate care and support to those in need gives me immense peace of mind. I am proud to be part of a legacy that will continue to make a difference for generations to come.” Mary, 74
“I chose to leave a gift in my Will to BaptistCare because I believe in their mission and the incredible work they do. It’s heartwarming to know that my legacy will help protect vulnerable communities helped by HopeStreet services. I know it will bring real hope to those facing significant challenges. I encourage others to consider this meaningful way of giving back.” Peter, 59
“Supporting BaptistCare through a gift in my Will left to help with HopeStreet programs, was a natural choice for me. Their dedication to providing highquality care and support to those in need aligns perfectly with my values. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause and leave a lasting impact.” Lena, 67
How to leave a gift in your Will
Simple steps to make a difference
1. Decide on Your Gift: Choose the type of gift you want to leave, such as a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or a particular asset.
2. Consult a Professional: Speak with a legal advisor/ Solicitor or estate planner to ensure your wishes are properly recorded in your Will.
3. Include HopeStreet: Specify our legal entity “BaptistCare” to nominate HopeStreet programs, as the beneficiary in your Will. Our legal name: BaptistCare (ABN 90 000 049 525). Address: Level 2, 22 Brookhollow Ave, Norwest NSW 2153.
4. Tell us about your gift: Please call Rebecca on 0439 565 277 or email us at wills@baptistcare.org.au so we can thank you properly.
While you live your life to the fullest, you are comforted to know that your kindness brings hope and healing, lighting up the darkest days for those in need
Plan with the heart on how you want to help (think family/ charities and causes you hold dear) 1
Review your wishes with Professionals for the best advice to suit your needs (legal/ accountant/ estate planner/ super deed)
Shine your light on others share the great news with us, your friends and family. 4 2
Get your Will in writing SIGN it before 2 independent witnesses and keep it in a SAFE place. 3
Be our friend so we can tell you how your impact will live on
Join Us in Creating a Legacy of Hope
By supporting HopeStreet, you are contributing to a unified effort to address homelessness and support vulnerable communities.
Your legacy gift can ensure that BaptistCare continues to provide essential services and create a brighter future for those in need.
Contact us to discuss your impact and legacy
We are here to help you understand how your gift can make a lasting difference.
Reach out to our team led by Rebecca today, if you would like to discuss your impact and legacy or just to find out some more information.
Rebecca is always open to a chat or an insightful conversation and is a wealth of knowledge on how your gift can make an impact to others.
Contact Information:
Website: donate.baptistcare.org.au/giftsinwills
Rebecca
Stalenberg,
Philanthropy Manager
Telephone: 0439 565 277 or on (02) 9023 2500
Email: rstalenberg@baptistcare.org.au
About Rebecca - I am a Solicitor with over 20 years experience, with the last 10 years spent helping causes close to my heart. I know it can be hard to think about the future, but by leaving a gift in my Will - I know I am making a future not just for my kids but the community I love.
Together, we can create a Legacy of Hope that continues to uplift and empower those in need. Thank you for considering leaving a gift in your Will to support our unified mission.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need to be wealthy to leave a gift?
Not at all. Contact Rebecca to find out more.
2. How will my gift be used?
Your legacy will help fund trusted, impactful programs supporting vulnerable communities through HopeStreet. You can explore our social impact at baptistcare.info/socialimpact
3. Can I choose how my gift is used?
Yes. We honour specific wishes, though general-purpose gifts allow us to respond to future needs. We can provide wording guidance to your Solicitor.
4. Can I include both family and BaptistCare in my Will?
Absolutely, and we encourage you to do so! You can provide for loved ones and include BaptistCare as part of your legacy, ensuring your impact lives on.
5. Can I update or change my Will later?
Yes. You can revisit your Will anytime, especially after life milestones. You might also consider an “alternative gift” in case your beneficiaries change.
6. What types of gifts can I leave?
Your advisor can help choose what’s best for you. Even just 1% of your Estate can help so many after your family and loved ones are taken care of.
Residual gift: The balance of your estate can be left, after all other gifts have been made. This can be a great way that an alternative gift can help others, if your loved one was to pass first.
Specific gift: A particular piece of property or a fixed sum of money can be chosen to benefit those helped at HopeStreet.
Share transfers: If you have a parcel of shares or investments, you can leave those shares to BaptistCare which presents a great tax advantage.
7. Why leave a gift in my Will?
By leaving a gift in your Will, you will help transform lives through HopeStreet: A legacy gift can help HopeStreet continue to provide vital services, such as food assistance, counselling, community support, or can be used for larger capital projects – all that help transforming lives for the better.
Here are 5 reasons to leave a “Legacy of Hope” with a gift in Will to HopeStreet
Empower Future Generations
Your Legacy of Hope can provide the resources and support needed to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. By including BaptistCare HopeStreet in your Will, you can empower future generations to overcome adversity and build better lives.
Support Holistic Care
This includes mental health support, addiction recovery programs, and community-building initiatives. Your gift can help HopeStreet offer holistic care that addresses not just immediate needs but also long-term wellbeing.
Champion Social Justice
Your Legacy of Hope can help create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Leaving a gift in your Will to HopeStreet allows you to champion social justice and advocate for those who are marginalised.
Foster Community Resilience
Your Legacy of Hope can strengthen the fabric of society and ensure that no one is left behind. Your contribution can help build resilient communities by providing essential services such as affordable food, housing support, and employment pathways.
Building Strong, Supportive Communities
Your compassion and commitment through a Legacy of Hope can create strong, supportive communities to help build and maintain communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they need to live fulfilling lives.
Your legacy can be the saviour, Lighting the way with Hope and Care, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.
Join us in creating a future filled with compassion and care.
Leave a gift in your Will today and let your kindness be remembered as a Legacy of Hope. 1 2 3 4 5
Your Legacy of Hope Starts Now
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16
You have read stories of transformation, compassion, and faith. You have seen how a simple act of generosity can change lives.
Now, take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Reflect on these questions:
What does hope mean to you?
Who inspired you to live generously?
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Your legacy does not begin with paperwork - it begins with purpose.
Whether you are ready to take the next step or simply want to learn more, we are here to walk with you.
Visit donate.baptistcare.org.au/giftsinwills to explore how your legacy can light the way for others. Or contact Rebecca at rstalenberg@baptistcare.org.au or 0439 565 277.
“A Legacy of Hope is the most powerful story you’ll ever tell.”
