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Happy June!
Welcome to June's Smart-Giving enewsletter from Union Rescue Mission the Office of Planned Giving. This month, I’ve been thinking about the importance of building up those in our community through restoring hope and dignity and creating real, palpable change in everyday life. Sharing Ray's journey at Union Rescue Mission is an honor, as his full-circle journey brings him back to serve at the very place that helped his recovery. We also explore how a simple beneficiary designation can provide clarity and peace of mind, ensuring your assets reflect your current wishes while creating a lasting impact for future generations by supporting Union Rescue Mission.
Ray - Restored Life, Love, and Fatherhood
Ray Perez’s journey comes full circle in the most meaningful way—through service. Once a participant at Union Rescue Mission, he now serves at Angeles House Family Center, supporting men in early recovery with structure, empathy, and the kind of understanding that can only come from lived experience.
His work turns recovery into momentum. Each day becomes a series of small human acts—helping men stabilize, reconnect with care, and begin rebuilding their lives—while also showing that restoration can extend beyond the individual to families, relationships, and future generations. Click here to read more.
One Simple Form Can Make a Huge Difference
Sitting at the kitchen table with a stack of financial statements in front of them, Ron looked over at Patti with a smile and remarked, "It looks like we're going to be okay for another month."
"Think so, huh?" Patti quips playfully. "Maybe I'll keep you around."
Smiling, Ron continues to thumb through the statements from his retirement accounts, stock portfolios, and a life insurance policy. He has seen these documents a hundred times, as they have followed them through decades of work.
A thought traces across Patti's face. "Do you think we'll have any left over?"
Ron looks up. "It seems that way."
"Well, that's good. Who gets it when we finish using it?" Patti wonders aloud. "When was the last time we updated our list of beneficiaries? Our lives have changed... a lot."
They noticed something important. These accounts would move directly to the people listed on the forms. No delay, no court involvement.
Patti circled one name who was still considered a beneficiary and looked up: "Ummm, Ron, we need to update this list."
Ron looks over at the name and nods. "Yes, there have been some major changes. And, the kids are doing well now. Honestly, I would like us to consider making a bigger Kingdom impact now that things have smoothed out a bit.
After making several updates, they quickly established a clear direction for what they had built.
A simple beneficiary designation form can often determine how the largest portion of your assets will be transferred. Could that be an opportunity for your greatest impact? Consider Union Rescue Mission as one of your beneficiaries for your retirement plan or insurance policy. Your gift can help us fulfill our promise to support men, women, and children experiencing homelessness by providing compassionate care, emergency services, transformational programs, education and job training, life-building skills, and the support needed to achieve lasting stability and thrive in the community. Your support can strengthen the future of Union Rescue Mission and our mission to help end the cycle of homelessness.
To learn more about beneficiary designations, please visit our website.
Tax Refunds $43 Billion Higher This Year
2026 Tax Updates from Washington News
On April 17, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that it had issued approximately $296 billion in tax refunds. This is an increase of about 17% compared to the prior year. For the 2025 tax year, the average refund amount to date was $3,275. This amount is about $300 higher compared to last year.
On April 22, 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke before the U.S. Senate Committee of Appropriations and discussed the new tax provisions. Secretary Bessent pointed out that there were three substantial tax benefits for individuals that resulted in higher refunds.
The senior citizen deduction of $6,000 ($12,000 for a married couple filing jointly) was claimed by 31 million taxpayers. This deduction is in addition to the standard deduction and is available for years 2025 through 2028. With the additional senior deduction, an estimated 88% of Social Security benefit recipients did not pay tax on that retirement payment. Read More Here.
Complete Your Will Here
Request Your Estate Planning Guide
If you are thinking about including Union Rescue Mission in an estate gift from your will or trust, please contact us or learn more on our website.
If you want a free estate planning guide, please click here.
We are grateful for your partnership throughout the year and are here to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your commitment to Union Rescue Mission and for your steadfast support of our mission and vision: to embrace people with the compassion of Christ and the relentless pursuit of ending homelessness in Los Angeles.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Blessings,
Tim Peters
Director of Planned Giving
Union Rescue Mission
[email protected] ~ 213-316-2742
"But above all, pursue his kingdom and righteousness,
and all these things will be given you as well." Matt 6:33
Below you will find a few articles on gift planning and related news. By clicking on the links you will be directed to our URM Planned Giving Website with more information.
The information contained in this email is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult with your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.
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