Leave a Legacy of Belonging

A Lasting Gift That Changes Lives

At the Garth Homer Society, we believe everyone deserves a life of purpose, dignity, and belonging. Since 1977, we’ve supported adults with developmental disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world.

A legacy gift in your will is a powerful way to express your values — ensuring that future generations have access to inclusive housing, lifelong learning, employment, and vibrant community connection.

Make an Impact

Why Legacy Gifts Matter

Legacy gifts are vital to our future. They allow us to:

Expand and sustain inclusive housing like Heron House and the Centre for Belonging
Deliver meaningful programming like ArtWorks, LifeStreams, and Pathways
Support aging adults with complex needs through specialized care
Ensure long-term financial strength through the Garth Homer Foundation

Your gift, no matter the size, helps create a community where everyone belongs.

How to Leave a Legacy Gift

You can make a bequest by naming either the Garth Homer Society or the Garth Homer Foundation in your will.

We recommend you speak with your lawyer or financial advisor to ensure your will reflects your wishes.

You can leave:

A residual gift (a percentage of your estate after other bequests)
A specific gift (a fixed dollar amount or asset)

Garth Homer Society

The Garth Homer Society provides daily programs, housing, employment supports, and social opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Your donation will be used right away to fund programs that help individuals live with greater independence, connection, and dignity.

Garth Homer Foundation

The Garth Homer Foundation invests in the long-term sustainability and future growth of the Society’s programs and services. Your donation will be carefully invested to generate ongoing support, ensuring Garth Homer can meet evolving needs and serve more individuals in the years to come.

Sample Bequest Language

If you would like to direct your gift to a specific area (e.g., inclusive housing, the Centre for Belonging, aging supports), please contact us to ensure your wishes can be fulfilled.

Residual Bequest

To the Garth Homer Society

I give to the Garth Homer Society, charitable registration number 107419830 RR0001, __% of the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of its Board of Directors.

To the Garth Homer Foundation

I give to the Garth Homer Foundation, charitable registration number 894269422RR0001, __% of the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of its Board of Directors.

Fixed Sum Bequest

To the Garth Homer Society

I give to the Garth Homer Society, charitable registration number 107419830 RR0001, the sum of $___ to be used at the discretion of its Board of Directors.

To the Garth Homer Foundation

I give to the Garth Homer Foundation, charitable registration number 894269422RR0001, __% of the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of its Board of Directors.

Designating Your Gift

If you would like your legacy gift to support a particular area of work, you can include a designation in your will. Below is sample language to share with your lawyer.

To Support a Specific Program (Garth Homer Society)

“I give to the Garth Homer Society, charitable registration number 107419830 RR0001, the sum of $[amount] (or __% of the residue of my estate), to be used to support [name of program, e.g., inclusive housing, ArtWorks, LifeStreams, services for aging adults, or the Centre for Belonging], or for a similar purpose as determined by the Society if the designated program is no longer in operation.”

This ensures the gift will be used for the intended purpose, but allows flexibility if programming changes in the future.

To Support Long-Term Impact (Garth Homer Foundation)

“I give to the Garth Homer Foundation, charitable registration number 894269422RR0001, the sum of $[amount] (or __% of the residue of my estate), to be held and used to support the long-term financial sustainability of the Garth Homer Society and its programs, in accordance with the Foundation’s purpose.”

You may also direct your gift to the Foundation’s endowment or to support a specific area of future need (e.g., inclusive housing, innovation, or capital projects). In that case:

“…to be used to establish or add to a fund in support of [designated area], or for a similar purpose as determined by the Foundation.”

Centre for Belonging

At the heart of the Nigel Valley redevelopment, the Garth Homer Centre for Belonging will be a vibrant, inclusive hub — combining accessible program spaces, adaptable housing, and shared community areas.

Find out more