Debbi Johnstone: Planning Ahead to Leave a Legacy

Debbi Johnstone will complete more than two decades of service with the DePelchin Children's Center Board of Directors this year. But thanks to some simple planning, she will be able to continue to impact the lives of children and families long into the future.

Debbi had her will rewritten over a decade ago. Beyond her immediate family, she considered which charitable organizations she would like to support with a legacy gift. She decided to designate funds to DePelchin.

"Giving to an organization you care about in your will is an opportunity to give back," Debbi says. One area of DePelchin's services that is especially close to Debbi's heart is mental health care. As a health care lawyer in Houston, she says the role has given her a greater appreciation for DePelchin's supportive care services for children, especially in mental health care.

"I think the general need for children to have a safe home and the ability to access health care and mental health care is extremely important," she says. Debbi explains that there's always been a need for DePelchin's services and that this need hasn't diminished over the years. That's why she encourages readers like you to consider your own gift through a gift in your estate plans.

"You can't take it with you, so give it to a good cause." It's truly inspiring to hear from generous people like Debbi about what motivates them to support children and families—and to see how their work improves the lives of others.

Our sincere thanks to Debbi for over two decades of service on the Board of Directors. Thank you for leaving a legacy of hope for generations to come.