Pictured: Joan with Heather Wachter, Donor Relations Manager
Joan has supported DRM for five years as a faithful donor and Goodheart Society member.
What initially made you decide to start supporting the Mission?
There was a time in my life when I benefited greatly from other people’s gifts. You don’t forget things like that, and they set an example for how I want to be there for somebody else. Now I’m to a point in my life where it’s like, “Thank you, God, now it’s my turn.” What I see and hear Denver Rescue Mission doing—helping people help themselves—I would like to see it continue.
What is a moment at the Mission that has impacted you?
The day I took a tour through the shelter downtown and saw the size of the room and realized how many people every night need clean linens—that impressed me as much as anything. Realizing again how fortunate I am and how many people need help.
As a part of our Goodheart Society, what inspired you to include the Mission in your Will?
It was a matter of evaluating priorities. My family is my top priority, but I always want others less fortunate to know they, too, are important and cared about. I like the sense of being a part of something I respect, something positive. I don’t think of my donation as anything special or unusual; I think it’s what we all should endeavor to do if we can. If my contributions can help it keep going, that’s great. I have a towel that has the phrase, “Let love guide your life,” and I think that’s a pretty good formula for making decisions.
We ask for guidance and the courage to carry it out, but we are expected to do what we can do, and I believe God works through all of us.
This post is part of August’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing Kat’s story highlighting the difficult reality that having a full-time job doesn’t automatically mean being able to afford a home in: The Hidden Reality of Working Families
