Thank You for Helping My Brother Mike

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Dear Crest Services,

I have found peace of mind in Crest Services because I know they have Mike's best interest at heart. I especially appreciate the close bond that Mike has been able to build with the staff assigned to his home—something that occurs when a company takes the time to recruit, train and motivate staff members who care.

I feel that Mike benefits greatly when there is a familiar face for him to talk to, as it's hard for Mike to share all his concerns. With the consistency that comes from having caring people around him, Mike continues to grow as a wonderful human being.

It's not always an easy path for Mike, but he and I get through the difficult curves life throws our way with the teamwork that comes through our close relationship with each other and caring people like Jackie Livengood and other wonderful team members—people who have shown me they care by their daily positive interactions with and for my brother Mike.

Communication between Mike and the Crest team has allowed Mike and me to find solutions to situations and problems in a manner that leads to Mike being able to live his life as an independent person. I appreciate how they listen and act on my concerns for Mike's well-being as well.

Mike has been a blessing for me and my life that I continue to thank God for daily, and my relationship with the people of Crest Services allows me to enjoy this blessing.

My wish for Mike is that he be as happy and fulfilled as he can possibly be as a human being. That he be treated with dignity and respect, and that he live in a safe and caring environment. With the help of the great people in Mike's life from Crest Services, I feel that's just what is going to continue happening.

Sincerely,
Jeff Way

Mike's Story
Mike moved into one of our homes in 2008 after living in another provider's home where the services did not meet his expectations or those of his brother and guardian, Jeff. In the past, Mike's frustrations with his living environments had resulted in some behavioral incidents. Mike and the staff had to work on building a relationship to gain his trust. In most cases, Mike now feels supported, and because of the time staff spent developing a relationship with him, he is able to talk about his feelings before they escalate. Today, Mike lives a full life in the community and has a new job. He takes pride in mowing his lawn, shoveling the walk, cooking his own meals and keeping his house looking nice. We are so proud of his accomplishments in the short time he has been part of our team.

A charitable bequest is one or two sentences in your will or living trust that leave to American Baptist Homes of the Midwest a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate.

an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

The official bequest language for American Baptist Homes of Midwest to share with your attorney is: "I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to American Baptist Homes of Midwest [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."

able to be changed or cancelled

A revocable living trust is set up during your lifetime and can be revoked at any time before death. They allow assets held in the trust to pass directly to beneficiaries without probate court proceedings and can also reduce federal estate taxes.

cannot be changed or cancelled

tax on gifts generally paid by the person making the gift rather than the recipient

the original value of an asset, such as stock, before its appreciation or depreciation

the growth in value of an asset like stock or real estate since the original purchase

the price a willing buyer and willing seller can agree on

The person receiving the gift annuity payments.

the part of an estate left after debts, taxes and specific bequests have been paid

a written and properly witnessed legal change to a will

the person named in a will to manage the estate, collect the property, pay any debt, and distribute property according to the will

A donor advised fund is an account that you set up but which is managed by a nonprofit organization. You contribute to the account, which grows tax-free. You can recommend how much (and how often) you want to distribute money from that fund to ABHM or other charities. You cannot direct the gifts.

An endowed gift can create a new endowment or add to an existing endowment. The principal of the endowment is invested and a portion of the principal’s earnings are used each year to support our mission.

Tax on the growth in value of an asset—such as real estate or stock—since its original purchase.

Securities, real estate or any other property having a fair market value greater than its original purchase price.

Real estate can be a personal residence, vacation home, timeshare property, farm, commercial property or undeveloped land.

A charitable remainder trust provides you or other named individuals income each year for life or a period not exceeding 20 years from assets you give to the trust you create.

You give assets to a trust that pays our organization set payments for a number of years, which you choose. The longer the length of time, the better the potential tax savings to you. When the term is up, the remaining trust assets go to you, your family or other beneficiaries you select. This is an excellent way to transfer property to family members at a minimal cost.

You fund this type of trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. You can also make additional gifts; each one also qualifies for a tax deduction. The trust pays you, each year, a variable amount based on a fixed percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to ABHM as a lump sum.

You fund this trust with cash or appreciated assets—and may qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction when you itemize. Each year the trust pays you or another named individual the same dollar amount you choose at the start. When the trust terminates, the remaining principal goes to ABHM as a lump sum.

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and ABHM where you agree to make a gift to ABHM and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

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