Flashback Friday: Stepping up to planned giving
Journey House supports former foster and probation youth in living fully independent, successful lives. Many people don’t realize that children who remain in foster care until aging out at 18 (optionally 21) are expected to be able to provide their own food, shelter, clothing, transportation, medical care, and college expenses with little assistance from Day One of their “emancipation.”
When Journey House Founder and Executive Director Brother Timothy Mayworm began serving as a Catholic Chaplain for the Los Angeles County Probation Department in 1977, he saw these struggles firsthand. In 1983, he opened a six-bed group home for boys on probation and in foster care. Since then, Journey House has helped some 400 former foster youth transition to society via emotional support and guidance on housing, education, employment, and independent living, plus financial aid to help pay for college and vocational school.
With existing loyal supporters and growing awareness, it was time to invite Journey House fans to make contributions on a regular basis. Retired banker, fundraiser and financial advisor Tom Petersmeyer helped the organization create a planned giving program, met and shared his experience with its Board of Directors, and aided in the design and content of a planned giving brochure. “Tom was very generous about sharing his experience and knowledge,” says Brother Mayworm. “There are challenges and more work is needed, but we got a great start toward long-term financial stability.” Tom predicts that the program will deliver a big impact over time as planned giving donors include Journey House in their end-of-life plans.
Thanks to volunteer Linda Taubenreuther for writing JRP social media posts!