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Everyone Leaves a Legacy

Planning for the future is a powerful way to care for the people and causes you love. We can help you designate JFS as a beneficiary in your estate planning.

Karyn and Joe Barer

Why Leaving a Legacy Matters

In Jewish tradition, we are taught to care for one another — not just in our lifetimes, but beyond. Legacy giving connects your values to the future of our shared community. Everyone can leave a legacy, regardless of income, age, or stage of life. By including Jewish Family Service in your estate plans, you offer a lifeline to our clients, providing critical support to individuals and families facing financial crises, food insecurity, domestic violence, homelessness risk, resettlement challenges, cognitive disabilities, isolation, and more. Your support helps our community achieve well-being, health, and stability.

Susie Eastern

Family Tree Legacy Circle

We're honored to recognize those who have chosen to leave a lasting impact through our Family Tree Legacy Circle. This special group of supporters has committed to including JFS in their wills or made significant gifts to our Endowment, ensuring that we can continue serving our community for generations to come. Consider making your mark by joining the Family Tree Legacy Circle. Your legacy can make a difference. “I care deeply about the community, the agency, and helping those who can’t help themselves. So I decided to make a commitment for a future gift to JFS. I am writing a legacy that’s a statement about what I value most. It’s a part of who I am and how I want to be remembered.” -Susan Eastern

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Bequests

Include JFS in your will or living trust. A bequest is simple, flexible, and helps reduce estate taxes.

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Endowment Giving

Give a gift that lasts forever. Jewish Family Service’s endowment generates long-term support for our essential services.

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Life Insurance

Make a big impact by naming JFS as a full or partial beneficiary of your policy, or transfer ownership of a policy you no longer need.

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Retirement Plans

Name JFS as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k). It’s a tax-efficient way to support our work.

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Real Estate

Making a gift of real estate—such as a home, vacation property, or land—can provide significant support to JFS while offering tax advantages and potentially eliminating ownership burdens.

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Bequests

The Jewish Family Service building

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Endowment Giving

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Ways to Leave a Legacy

Life Insurance

Father with two kids

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Retirement Plans

house

Ways to Leave a Legacy

Real Estate

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The Impact of Your Support

Every donation to JFS directly strengthens individuals and families across Seattle and 
Puget Sound. Here’s how your generosity makes a tangible difference in our community.

Read Impact Report
2,709

households received healthy food through the Polack Food Bank and home delivery in FY25

1,588

refugees and immigrants found safe housing, employment, and critical support services in FY25

728

older adults and family caregivers received essential care services and stay connected through
social programs

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Your Generosity Transforms Lives

Whether you give once, monthly, or through a legacy gift, every contribution helps individuals and families in our community thrive.