Why I Chose to Leave a Legacy to New Reach

For more than four decades, Christine dedicated her career to caring for others as a nurse at Yale–New Haven Hospital. When she retired four years ago, she found herself reflecting deeply on the values that mattered most to her—and how she wanted those values to live on.

“I began thinking about what was truly important in my life,” Christine says. “I knew I wanted to leave a legacy that supported humanitarian work, especially efforts that help families, women, and children.”

Discovering New Reach—and Becoming an Advocate

Christine first learned about New Reach roughly 20 years ago, and our mission immediately resonated with her. The organization’s commitment to addressing homelessness in New Haven, especially for families and single women with children, felt like a natural extension of the compassion that defined her nursing career.

Inspired, she began hosting backyard fundraisers—complete with raffles, live music, and a gathering of more than 50 friends and neighbors. But more importantly, those gatherings created a sense of community around a cause she deeply believed in.

“I just felt proud,” she recalls, “to be doing something meaningful for people who needed support.”

A Legacy Made With Intention

As Christine continued to follow New Reach’s impact through newsletters and updates, she decided to take a bigger step: naming New Reach in her will.

“For 14 or 15 years now, New Reach has been listed as a beneficiary in my estate planning,” she explains. “I knew this was the organization I trusted most to continue doing good work long after I’m gone.”

Through the guidance of her financial planner, Christine designated New Reach as a beneficiary of her IRA. She notes that this was a simple process—and a strategic one. Because IRA assets left to nonprofit organizations are not taxed, they can have even greater impact.

“It was actually very easy to do,” she says. “Your financial planner should be able to guide you through listing your beneficiaries. Giving through an IRA is one of the most powerful opportunities we have to support nonprofits we care about.”

Using Her Voice to Inspire Others

Legacy giving has become so meaningful to Christine that she is now encouraging others to consider it as well. She has even begun partnering with her financial planner, who speaks with fellow retirees about required minimum distributions (RMDs) and how these can be directed to create lasting community impact.

“I’m hoping this spreads the goodness,” she says with a smile. “It feels good to know there are pathways that can amplify the work New Reach is doing.”

Today, Christine continues to follow New Reach’s growing impact on the wider community. Her legacy gift ensures that this work will carry on far into the future—providing safe shelter, stability, and opportunity for countless families.

And for Christine, that knowledge brings deep fulfillment.

“Including New Reach in my will was one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made. I know my legacy will continue supporting families, women, and children long after I'm gone. There is no organization I trust more to carry forward the compassion and care that guided my own life’s work.”