August is Make-A-Will month, the perfect time to create or update your will for peace of mind.
August is Make-A-Will Month, a time to focus on the impact and benefits of having a written will as you consider how to leave your legacy and distribute your property and assets after you are gone. A will guarantees your loved ones will be able to carry out your wishes with peace of mind, not having to guess at what you would have wanted. Everyone — no matter their economic status — should have a written will in their possession.
A Chance to Promote Charitable Work
Including a gift to a cause you care about in your will is one of the most meaningful ways to leave a lasting impact. Supporting mental health may be deeply personal for you — an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by someone you love, or a reflection of your own journey. By naming a nonprofit like New Narrative that is committed to walking alongside people tackling mental health in your estate plans, you can help ensure that people living with mental health challenges continue to get compassionate and comprehensive services long into the future.
Will Planning: Where to Begin
Getting started is easier than you might think. Whether you’re writing your first will or updating an existing one, simple bequest language can be added with the help of an attorney or an online will-making service.
When you’re ready to include New Narrative in your will, you can use this suggested language: “I give [specific amount, percentage, or residue] to New Narrative, a nonprofit organization located in Portland, Oregon, EIN 93-0685734, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
You don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference—legacy gifts of any size help create sustainable funding for services like clinical care, peer support, and supportive housing. It’s a powerful way to extend your own values beyond your lifetime.
Your Legacy Shapes the Future of Mental Healthcare
Your legacy is much more than the assets you pass on—it’s the stories you shape, the values you champion, and the lives you touch. Including New Narrative in your will ensures that your commitment to mental health lives on, offering hope, dignity, and healing to future generations. It’s a beautiful and powerful way to make your mark and help build a community where no one faces mental health challenges alone.
If you have specific goals for your gift or want to discuss your options, New Narrative’s Development team is happy to help you explore the legacy you want to leave. Call 503-501-5312 or email Development@NewNarrativePDX.org.
