Leaving a legacy of forgiveness

Joseph, who worked as a laboratory technician, is delighted to continue his long-term giving to Jesuit Social Services through a gift in his Will.

Joseph’s first donation to Jesuit Social Services was in 1977.

“It started with the Father Brosnan appeal – there was no accommodation for men who left jail,” he recalls.

Joseph admired the prison chaplain’s advocacy for men who have left prison and had nowhere to go. They had finished serving their time and needed a new start. “I gave my first $10 because of that.”

“The crux of the matter was they had nowhere to go. No halfway home. They would even have to put up a bond on a low-level boarding house – they could never afford a little flat or something like that. Estate agents didn’t want them.”

Almost 50 years later, 83-year-old Joseph is leaving a gift in his Will he hopes will continue supporting the reintegration of young people who have offended and keep growing initiatives aimed at keeping them out of prison.

When talking to our Fundraising & Philanthropy Coordinator Emily about his gift, he reflected on his long-standing support of Jesuit Social Services and how important the values of social justice and forgiveness are to him personally.

“I’m a good forgiver,” he admitted with a smile. That’s why he’d always admired Jesuit Social Services’ nonjudgemental approach when people need a second chance, and has been a Community Partner, giving monthly for over a decade.

“It all comes back again to the Christian message of forgiveness. Jesuit Social Services goes into the difficult areas that others don’t go into. That’s important to me.”

Joseph

Jesuit Social Services supporter

Joseph says he decided to include Jesuit Social Services as one of two charities in his Will because he believes that it is important that this work continues into the future.

“It comes back to sticking to the difficult job”, he says.

If you’d like to talk to someone about joining Joseph in leaving a legacy that can bring love to hard places, Emily would be happy to hear from you on 0477 605 933 (Mon-Thurs).