Seeds for Success blooming as new initiative Led by Matthew Tannehill, director of mission development and strategic initiatives, Seeds for Success helps clients with educational growth opportunities, job training, financial literacy, and funding for required paperwork and work-related materials.
Seeds for Gift Continued
That is why news of the nearly $1 million estate gift came as a complete surprise to Wendy Glick, executive director, when she received a letter after Norman’s death. “Once I got over the initial shock, I knew that we had been blessed with a transformational gift like none that we had received before,” Wendy says. “Norman’s wishes to address poverty at its very root – through job skills development and employment opportunities – aligns with the work we do to help families move from homelessness to sustainable housing through St. Anthony Family Shelter.” “It is important to go to an organization to learn what their needs are and see if those needs match up with your desires; you have to make sure their needs and your desires align,” Jerry advises. With needs and desires aligned and blessed by Norman’s generosity, Seeds for Success grew and is helping clients live flourishing, dignified and successful lives.
Partnerships are being formed with local employers and like-minded community agencies and grantors to help clients find sustainable employment at a livable wage, allowing them to become self-sufficient and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families.
”Alicia’s success shows me that we can do what we have set out to accomplish: help plant and cultivate the seeds of employment for families to have a dignified, flourishing life full of joy, security and success,” Matthew says. “I thank God every day for bringing this opportunity to Catholic Charities, and thank Norman for his incredible generosity and foresight.”
One of the program’s early success stories is Alicia. While Alicia and her four children stayed in shelter, she received assistance to become employment ready by building a professional resume to share with prospective employers and coaching to prepare her for the hiring process. She also received help securing transportation so she could get to her new job. The right mix of quality case management, removing weed-like barriers and the determination of a hard-working client resulted in Alicia finding stable employment and housing, putting her family on the path to financial stability.
LEARN MORE To learn more about the Seeds for Success initiative and partnership opportunities, contact Matthew Tannehill via email (mtannehill@ CatholicCharitiesWichita.org) or call him at (316) 264-8344, ext. 1266.
What is planned giving? Planned giving encompasses several types of giving, all with the same result: by planning ahead, a donor can leave a legacy to sustain Catholic Charities for years to come. In addition, when done thoughtfully and with the assistance of a tax professional, planned giving can have positive tax benefits during a donor’s lifetime and after. Planned giving includes: Leaving a bequest in your will or revocable trust. A life-income contribution naming Catholic Charities as a beneficiary, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.
Establishing a charitable lead trust to assist both your beneficiaries and Catholic Charities. Designating Catholic Charities as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy or in your IRA, 401(k) or 403(b).
LEARN MORE To learn more about how you can leave a lasting legacy by including Catholic Charities in your planned giving, contact LeAnne Miller by email (lmiller@CatholicCharitiesWichita. org) or call her at (316) 264-8344, etc. 1221.
