Longtime AWBW supporter and advocate, Gretchen, demonstrates that planned giving comes in a variety of forms. She recently named AWBW as a beneficiary of a savings account at her bank. Her plan is to invite friends and family to contribute to this account over the years in place of birthday and holiday gifts.

When a close friend first introduced me to AWBW in 2010, I was immediately inspired by the quality of the staff and their determination to make a difference. The most important thing about AWBW is that its programs succeed in improving the lives of those it touches.

At an Advocate Huddle years ago, I sat at a table with an AWBW leader who was a former participant in the program. She had made an amazing transformation from victim of abuse to a very successful, educated and confident young woman and mother.

There is as much need now, as ever, for the healing power of art and the restoration of harmony in the lives of those who have experienced trauma. This was an important factor in my decision to include AWBW in my planned giving.

I started planning my legacy because the founder of my Alma Mater, Mount Holyoke, shared that the college could not endure without an endowment. It became clear to me that it is crucial for each of us to ensure that organizations dear to our hearts have financial backing, now and in the future.

Unfortunately, violence and trauma do not appear to be waning in our society. There is as much need now, as ever, for the healing power of art and the restoration of harmony in the lives of those who have experienced trauma. This was an important factor in my decision to include AWBW in my planned giving.

On a daily basis, we show what we value through how we spend our time and money. Even though I may not be able to make a large gift, I have been geared to think of others since childhood and know that I can help in small ways which add up over the long term. So many parts of our everyday lives are short-lived. The most satisfying way to make a lasting difference is to give to organizations that are important, organizations like AWBW.