For Jill Reid, giving back has always been a way of life. A retired teacher, she spent her career nurturing young minds. But the most important lessons she’s learned have come from her son, Nick — and from the organizations that have helped him thrive.
For many years, Nick has benefited from the compassionate care and support of Residential Opportunities, Inc. (ROI) and AACORN, two nonprofits deeply committed to serving individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in Kalamazoo County. Their work has not only supported Nick but also brought Jill peace of mind and a profound sense of community.
As Jill began to reflect on her estate planning, she knew she wanted to honor that experience and give back to the organizations that had given so much to her family. In conversation with Mary Pickett, executive director of AACORN, Jill expressed her hope to make a gift that would live on — and Mary encouraged her to reach out to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF).
At first, Jill wasn’t sure how everything would work. What options were available? Would her gift be large enough to make a difference? Could she ensure both immediate support and long-term sustainability for the organizations she cared about?
The answer, as she learned through her work with KZCF, was yes.
Through thoughtful conversation with KZCF’s Estate and Planned Gift Advisor, Jill developed a legacy plan that aligned beautifully with her values and goals. When the time comes, three designated funds will be created through her IRA: two for AACORN and one for ROI.
The AACORN gifts reflect Jill’s desire to meet both present and future needs. One fund will be non-endowed, providing a more immediate infusion of support for AACORN’s current priorities. The second will be permanently endowed, offering a dependable stream of funding year after year. The third fund, also endowed, will provide ongoing support for ROI.
While Jill humbly describes her estate as “modest,” the impact of her planned gift is anything but. Her generosity ensures that these vital organizations will continue their work well into the future, supporting families just like hers.
But perhaps the most touching part of Jill’s story is what happened next: she learned that each of these funds could carry her son’s name.
That moment, she says, was magical.
By naming the funds after Nick, Jill isn’t just supporting services—she’s telling a story. A story of love, of gratitude, and of a community that lifted up her family when they needed it most.
Through KZCF, Jill Reid found a way to turn that story into a legacy. One that will carry her son’s name forward, while helping others flourish — just as Nick has.
