Who Says You Can't Go Back Home Again?

donor-don-koperski.jpg

Only the most determined of people were out and about in Denver on March 24, 2010. Count Don Koperski as one of them.

"The schools are closed; the highways are closed. We've got two feet of snow coming down and here comes Don—nothing can stop him from moving back!" recalls administrator Linda Hilton, who welcomed Don back home that day to the Residences at Franklin Park.

Actually, Don arrived home weeks sooner than expected.

Don first moved into the Residences at Franklin Park about three years earlier, after staff worked as a team to develop a plan that helped him transition from the Franklin Park Health Center (where he had lived for four years) to living independently in his own studio apartment.

On March 24, Don again returned home after quickly recuperating from a health crisis that had sent him back to the health center for treatment and rehabilitation.

Don says he couldn't wait to get back home to his own place and friends. "Living here is fantastic!" Don explains. "I wouldn't trade this place for any other place. It's my home."

Don's outstanding spirit and can-do attitude to return home really drove his recovery, adds Linda. "That's right," Don agrees, adding: "I like the Residences at Franklin Park, and I choose to live here because I like the kind of people living here and the staff who really help me."

Don, 69, gets around with the help of a walker and scooter. He volunteers weekly at Fellowship Baptist Church to help feed the city's hungry, raises funds for disabled children, organizes holiday parties at Franklin Park and has even saved up to donate a barbecue grill for all the residents to use.

"It makes me feel good if I can find ways to help other people," Don explains.

Franklin Park staff members have a commitment to help nursing home residents return to independent living in a caring and supportive community, Linda adds. "Don, with his vision and can-do attitude, is just one example of that success."
You Can Be a Part of Our Future

Thanks to gifts from supporters like you, Franklin Park can continue to offer programs and services that make such a big difference to residents like Don. To learn about the different ways you can support our future, request our free eBrochure.

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.
Personal Estate Planning Kit Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the materials for planning your estate.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address

eBrochure Request Form

Please provide the following information to view the brochure.

First name is required
Last Name is required
Please include an '@' in the email address