Planned Giving Q & A with Jean Svoboda

Q: Are you from here originally or have you moved to the area and if so, when?
A: Bob and I moved from Honolulu to Santa Barbara in 1971.

Q: How did you first hear about the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission?
A: We were always active in our community, and first heard of the Rescue Mission at our church. We felt and knew the Holy Spirit was directing us here.

Q: What attracted you to the work of the Mission?
A: The Christian values and vision of the Mission plus the dedication of the staff attracted us both. I served for a brief term on the board and will always have concern for the homeless, yet my passion is in the recovery program.

Q: What motivated you to expand your support beyond regular giving to including the Mission in your Planned Giving?
A: Bob and I knew it was our Christian responsibility to set up a charitable trust. There was no question in our minds that the Mission would be one of our chief priorities in giving, and a large factor for us was knowing the Mission doesn't depend upon any government funding!

Q: Is there anything about your own Planned Giving strategy that you think is especially important?
A: Bob and I spent a considerable amount of time reviewing and making decisions together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Q: How would you encourage others to consider Planned Giving to support the Mission?
A: I speak of the Mission quite openly to friends and acquaintances and while Bob was living, we made a concerted effort to take other couples to the Bayou event each year so they could learn about the work of the Mission. Now that I'm alone, I take a guest for the same reason and hope they'll be touched and consider remembering the Mission in their own Planned Giving!