The Relatives Family Update
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My name is Redia Baxter. I am The Relatives’ Volunteer Engagement Officer, and I am a breast cancer survivor.
For most of my life, October had always been one of my favorite months. Not only did I look forward to the milder days and cooler nights, but I also loved everything October symbolized. The beauty of the changing leaves seemed to represent a change in direction, less planting and more harvesting.
In October of 2022, though, I faced a radical change in direction when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. From the moment I received this life-altering news, October ceased to represent change and became a month of SURVIVORSHIP. Survivorship means different things to different people, but to me, it symbolizes the will to push, the will to fight, and the will to WIN.
I look at the young people served by The Relatives, and I recognize these same traits. While I am a Breast Cancer survivor, I view our youth and young adults as survivors, too. While they face challenges most of us couldn’t imagine, they greet each day with the will to push, fight, and win.
#FAITHFIGHTFAVOR
Redia Baxter
Volunteer Engagement Officer
Light The Darkness Surrounding Youth In Crisis
You have a special opportunity to be a Beacon of Hope for the most vulnerable members of our community this holiday season.
Join us in lighting the darkness this holiday season by clicking below. There are so many ways you, your family, and your friends can be a Relative this holiday season.
Easy as 1, 2, 3
Being a Relative to youth in crisis truly can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Create your own volunteer profile so you can stay up to date with upcoming needs and opportunities.
2. Easy, impactful ways to make a difference include dropping off a meal at the Youth Crisis Center or On Ramp Resource Center, and helping keep our clothing donation closet organized.
3. Want to learn more? Register for a Volunteer Orientation on November 13th, or come Meet The Relatives on October 30th.
Here for Today and Tomorrow
Your support removes the barriers preventing a young person in crisis from finding safety and achieving stability.
Accessing healthcare is just one of many barriers our young people face. The Relatives often provides transportation to medical appointments, helps cover costs, and assists young people navigate health insurance and Medicaid. Our caring staff will also accompany a young person to the doctor, providing them with much-needed comfort and encouragement.
Ensuring our youth have access to medical, dental and vision care, as well as other critical incidental expenses, can cost an average of $64 a day.
Are you over 70½?
If so, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to The Relatives directly from a taxable IRA instead of taking their required minimum distribution. When you make a QCD to The Relatives, the donated amount is excluded from your taxable income Contact your financial advisor or IRA’s custodian and let them know you would like to make a tax-free distribution directly to The Relatives.
Have questions or are interested in making a QCD to The Relatives? Contact Director of Philanthropy, Caitlin Donley at cdonley@therelatives.org or click here to tell us more about your QCD.
For a list of additional non-cash giving options, such as Donor Advised Funds and gifts of stock, please visit our website.
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