Young couple makes estate commitment to CARES Northwest

Jenny and Adam Burns started thinking about their estate plan after Jenny gave birth to a baby girl in 2018.

They made sure to do their homework, meeting with local nonprofits that serve vulnerable children. Ultimately, they made a commitment to CARES Northwest.

It was an easy decision. Making a charitable designation in a will, even for young people, is a way to support the causes you care about and ensure those causes are funded for years to come. It provides peace of mind, and the transfer of funds doesn't happen until the estate is settled.

"An estate gift is great, because we don't have to give the money now," Jenny says. "And it's a good way to hopefully inspire people who are younger to give."

Jenny and Adam moved to Portland from California two years ago. They wanted to have a family and found the pace here more agreeable than the daily grind of the Bay Area. Dylan's birth prompted discussions about their estate.

"It's a great time to think about your values," Jenny says.

As they conducted their research, they were especially impressed with CARES Northwest's approach to treating children who've suffered abuse and neglect and supporting them with trauma-informed care. Rather than working at arm's length from medical providers, social workers, local government and law enforcement, CARES works closely with partners on treatment, planning and training.

Jenny, who previously worked at a children's hospital, found that philosophy refreshing.

"It's a great example of what can be done when you bring everyone together and think holistically about how to address child abuse and trauma," Jenny says.

No matter your age or income, you can make a meaningful difference at Legacy Health without affecting your budget today with a future gift. Start planning yours today by contacting Joshua Goldstein, MBA (he/him) at 503-413-3501 or jigoldst@lhs.org.