In case you didn’t know, August is National Make-A-Will Month. What better time is there to check that item off your to-do list and provide security for your family and hope for people in need through an estate gift to Denver Rescue Mission?

We’ve all heard the excuses for not creating a Will:

  • “Only wealthy people need Wills.”
  • “I don’t have kids so I don’t need a Will.”
  • “I’m young and healthy. I have plenty of time to make my Will.”

The truth is, even if you plan to live to 150, you still need a Will. Not having a will leaves your estate susceptible to being tied up in the courts for lengthy periods of time and eats away at what was intended to be passed on to loved ones or left as a legacy to impact causes you hold dear.

Today, you can secure your legacy by creating a will for free through Denver Rescue Mission. Through our partnership with GiftWise, you now have access to an online platform where you can quickly, easily and affordably make a legally binding will. In less than 20 minutes, you can:

  • Create a will
  • Leave a gift of any size to Denver Rescue Mission
  • Assure a meaningful legacy for your family

Meet Cindy Hendricks, the Mission’s Legacy Giving Officer

Cindy Hendricks portrait

Cindy Hendricks is the Mission’s Legacy Giving Officer, working with donors who have included a charitable gift to Denver Rescue Mission in their Will or estate plan. She has been at the Mission since August 2016, and has been the Legacy Giving Officer since June 2018.

Why do you feel called to work at DRM?

I had previously worked in international ministry and relocated to Denver to be closer to my daughter and her family.   I am grateful to continue in mission outreach ministry as I serve the faithful and compassionate friends who financially equip us to meet the physical and spiritual needs of men, women, and family who struggle with stability and housing.

Why is having a Will so important?

I have heard it said if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.   I personally have witnessed folks putting off important decisions, thinking they would have time later to figure it all out.   Creating a Will ranks up there with buying home or car insurance as you would never leave your property exposed to such a risk.   Have a legacy plan that can change or flex as you reach different stages of life is important, so starting with a simple Will to even just provide health and financial directives is a basic start.  

What tools does the Mission offer to donors to help in their legacy decision-making process?

Denver Rescue Mission offers a free Will guide to assist you in thinking through the important questions and decisions.   We also have free planned giving brochures on different topics like tax wise giving and legacy planning.

We are currently partnering to offer a free will offer with Giftwise that allows you to create or update your Will online.  

Why did DRM partner with Giftwise and what does the platform offer?

Within about 25 minutes, you can get started with your Will through Giftwise and have a great peace of mind that your family will be cared for by making these decisions and implementing them.  This online platform allows you to create medical and financial directives and create or update an existing Will.   You will maintain your online access to modify your legacy giving plans, as your life changes.   Just save your log in information!

What have you been hearing from other Mission donors about Giftwise?

It’s so easy!  You may have procrastinating on making a Will but you don’t need to anymore.  

If a donor chooses to include the Mission in his/her Will, do you like to know about it?

Yes, one of the best parts of my work at the Mission is getting to know the nearly 400 donors who have made the decision to benefit the Mission through their estate plan. Each is truly a blessing to me and to the Mission! If a donor does choose to inform me of their decision, they become members of our Goodheart Society. While it is not our practice to publish a list of members anywhere, we do invite them to exclusive special events and volunteer opportunities. In addition, having knowledge of future estate gifts allows the Mission to plan well for our financial future as a ministry. 

To learn more about the Goodheart Society and other Legacy Giving tools click HERE.

Learn More About Giving from Your Will

Legacy Giving 5

Writing an Ethical Will

An Ethical Will is a personal document you write in order to help you pass on your beliefs, values and more to your loved ones.

Learn More
Legacy Giving 1

Important Documents

Help your loved ones to find the information they’ll need when the time comes by gathering these important documents.

Learn More
Legacy Giving 2

Free Christian Will Guide

This free workbook will guide you through collecting important information for getting started updating or creating your Will.

Get Your Guide
Download Your Guide

Need to create a Will?
Check out this great offer from our partners at GiftWise below!

Create a Free Will Today, In Just 20 Minutes!

Through our partnership with GiftWise, you have access to an online platform where you can easily make a legally binding Will in less than 20 minutes and even leave a gift of any size to Denver Rescue Mission—at no cost.

Thank you for your ongoing support and compassion for others in need.

Create a Free Will Today, In Just 20 Minutes!

Through our partnership with GiftWise, you have access to an online platform where you can easily make a legally binding Will in less than 20 minutes and even leave a gift of any size to Denver Rescue Mission—at no cost.

Thank you for your ongoing support and compassion for others in need.