Sharing their Why

As “Make A Will Month” comes to a close, Julie Rainer Cummings and Jim Cummings, members of Northeast Arc’s 2054 Society, share their reasons for including the organization in their estate planning.

“At one point, Jim, my brother Rob and I were all working in my dad’s law firm and my mother came into the office and said ‘Oh, you’ve all followed in your dad’s footsteps,’ sounding left out. I said: Look again, Board President, Board President, and volunteer.

We’ve all followed in your footsteps at the Arc,” Julie recalled during a recent visit to Breaking Grounds Café.

Julie’s parents, Ron and Carol Rainer, began a legacy of support for the organization following the birth of their daughter Lisa in 1958. Carol served as Board President and a key fundraiser during a period of great growth, with the development of residential and employment services for deaf people, including Lisa, and more.

“She was our best friend and our inspiration throughout our adult lives,” Jim said of Lisa, who passed away last year. The Lisa Rainer Enrichment Fund, named in her honor, supports continuing education for direct support staff and enrichment activities for residents. Ensuring that staff was well-trained in best practices was important to Carol and continued to be a family-focus during Rob and Julie’s tenures chairing the Board. Julie continues to hold a leadership role, serving as Nominating Committee Chair to help ensure a bright future for NeArc.

Julie and Jim raised their daughter to join them as a third-generation Northeast Arc champion. “It really is a family affair. We think about it every day,” Julie shared.

For sample bequest language and more information on the 2054 Society, please contact Susan Ring Brown, Director of Foundation & Legacy Engagement, at 978-924-5211 or [email protected]. For additional resources, visit https://ne-arc.giftlegacy.com/