Legacy of Community Builders: Meet the Givers

 

ROGER GADWAY

Roger Gadway first joined the board of Washington Gorge Action Programs when he was the director of Senior Services in Klicktat County. His organization and WAGAP had many overlapping interests. When he retired, he stayed on the board. Here’s his story:

I served and continue to serve on the WAGAP board because I am interested in the good things WAGAP does.

As I’m getting older, it makes sense to return something to the community I’ve loved. This community has been good to me.

Over the years, Washington Gorge Action Programs has become more and more important to our communities. They’ve become more connected to our communities, more connected to what people need, and more able to respond to issues in a way that helps people become independent.

WAGAP is often the only local organization in a position to do things that need to be done.

Every organization is limited by the funding they can get. In my will, I am going to give an unrestricted grant, and trust that WAGAP will apply it in the best way.

I know the agency is very careful with unrestricted funds, using them for serious needs that are difficult to meet through regular funding.

Often an individual or a family has one key barrier that keeps them from becoming independent. And too often, that one key barrier is not covered by any current funding.

I am leaving a gift in my will to WAGAP, a percentage of my estate. And it was surprisingly easy! I brought it up with my attorney when reviewing my will, decided on what percentage to give, and they took care of the rest.

I like to think about all the ways the gift in my will might be used, and all the families I can still impact in positive ways, even after I’m gone.

It feels good to leave something behind for my community.

 
 

 JOHANNA ROE

Johanna Roe’s life is all about making things better for her community. She has worked to put a spotlight on poverty in Klickitat County, to prevent drug abuse, to bring together coalitions to address community needs, and so much more. A former board member of WAGAP, Johanna recently made a decision to include WAGAP in her will. Here’s her story:

If you want to connect with the most effective and efficient nonprofits in Klickitat and Skamania Counties, start with WAGAP! 

I have seen with my own eyes the good work WAGAP has done over the years. I’ve been privileged to work closely with the organization on many issues related to community needs. I’ve watched WAGAP rise to meet events I could not have imagined—like the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Underwood Fruit Fire.

Within hours of the Underwood Fruit Fire in October 2017, WAGAP swung into action, knowing that many people who were already working in seasonal jobs would be left without income. WAGAP set up a fund to pay for utilities, rent, and other needs, helping a lot of local people get through a very hard time.

I want to make sure this work continues after I’m gone.

Neighbors helping neighbors.

I'm not well-off, but I believe in the importance of being able to give where and when I can. Remembering WAGAP in my will is my way of helping to provide support for others in our rural communities.