How do I Become a Member of the Society?

What is the Laura Wallerstein Stairways to Hope Society? 

The Stairways Behavioral Health Laura Wallerstein Stairways to Hope Society is
named in honor of one of Stairways’ founding volunteers, Laura Wallerstein and is
comprised of individuals and families who have pledged their support to Stairways
through endowed or planned giving. Society members are recognized publicly
at least once per year and enjoy the many immediate and long-term benefits of
ensuring the fiscal health of Stairways for generations to come.

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What is an Endowment Fund? What is Planned Giving?

An endowment is a collection of diverse gifts that are first deposited into a fund
and then invested in traditional ways that may include stocks or government or
corporate bonds. A portion of the earnings from these
investments is taken from the fund annually and used to further the mission of
Stairways Behavioral Health. The original gifts - called the “principal” or
the “corpus” – remain intact and continue to grow, generating income that helps
Stairways and clients forever.

Like endowed giving, planned giving requires forethought and provides a means
of answering the basic question, “What did I do to make the world a better place
than I found it?” Planned giving opportunities are
deferred (for example, bequests, real estate or life insurance) thus making an
impact on the mental health community and the region in perpetuity.

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Why are Endowed and Planned Funds Needed?

The importance of endowed and planned giving cannot be overemphasized.
Whereas general, non-designated gifts to Stairways Behavioral Health are
used to meet organizational needs today, planned gifts and endowed gift
earnings ensure the fiscal health of the organization tomorrow and provide
assurance in ever-changing times that Stairways will continue to fulfill its
mission for years to come.

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What are the Benefits of Membership to the Society?

When you name Stairways Behavioral Health in your will or estate or give
to a Stairways Behavioral Health endowment fund, you foster and continue
values important to you and your family beyond your lifetime. By making
a large or modest contribution, you may reap extraordinary tax benefits
now and help sustain the quality of life that makes Erie a great place to
live, work and raise a family for generations to come. Additionally, Society
members receive:

• An invitation to an intimate spring gathering open only to Society
  members and Stairways clients and staff

• A newsletter featuring timely planned and endowed giving information

• Recognition in Stairways publications as well as an inscription on the
  Society’s commemorative plaque

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How do I Become a Member of the Society?

Become a member of the Laura Wallerstein Stairways to Hope Society today
by making tax-deductible gifts to Stairways Behavioral Health. For your convenience,
Stairways offers two opportunities for endowed giving through the Stairways
Behavioral Health Endowment Fund and The Stairways Behavioral Health Fund of
The Erie Community Foundation. Ample opportunities exist for planned givers as well.
Please denote your gift as “unrestricted use” or “restricted use” to ensure your
contributions are distributed according to your wishes. A trusted professional – lawyer,
CPA, trust officer, financial planner and/or insurance agent – can guide you in choosing
the best way to make a gift that aligns with your values, provides maximum tax benefits
and does the most good for Stairways. To become a member of the Society or for more information, please contact Mary Ellen Dahlkemper at 814-878-2267 or mdahlkemper@stairwaysbh.org.

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Questions About Giving

To make a charitable contribution or learn more about the many opportunities for giving available at Stairways Behavioral Health, click here or contact Mary Ellen Dahlkemper
at 814-878-2167 or mdahlkemper@stairwaysbh.org.

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