GENEVA & ALICE’S LEGACY OF HOPE
February 24, 2025
“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”
― Maya Angelou
Creating a legacy through planned giving is a powerful way to ensure your values and passions continue to make a positive impact well beyond your lifetime. Through our Legacy of Hope Society, contributions from numerous individuals are already supporting future generations of mothers and children facing homelessness.
Here are the inspiring stories of two generous donors whose legacy gifts continue to make a profound impact on our mission. Their contributions reflect their deep commitment to supporting families in need and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
GENEVA K. MARTIN
Geneva K. Martin, born in Holmes County, Ohio, was the beloved wife of 64 years to the late Melvin J. Martin. Together, they lived their entire married life in a beautiful historic home, operating a dairy farm while Geneva tended to a vast garden and multiple flower beds.
Geneva’s deep faith was evident in her daily routine, starting each morning with a cup of coffee, her Bible, and a prayer journal. Both she and Melvin were passionate supporters of Bridge of Hope, believing that churches could follow in the footsteps of Jesus to help end family homelessness. Their legacy will continue to provide strength and stability for mothers and children facing homelessness in Lancaster, PA.
A dedication to women and children was clear through Geneva’s active involvement at Forest Hills Mennonite Church in Leola. She taught an adult women’s class for several years and contributed to Vacation Bible School when her children were young.
Above all, Geneva’s greatest passion was her family. She will always be remembered for her kind and conscientious care for her children and grandchildren, and her compassion extended to children beyond her family.
Geneva’s son, Sheldon, shared that both his mother and father “loved supporting the Bridge of Hope mission and believed in its work to end family homelessness.”
ALICE YODER RINI
Alice Yoder Rini, born in Hartville, Ohio, faced the loss of her father at just 16 years old. This profound event led Alice to become her mother’s primary caregiver and support for decades.
At age 47, Alice married Nick Marion Rini, and they cherished 25 wonderful years together, enjoying outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, birdwatching and traveling. They were active volunteers and members of numerous parks, wilderness centers, and hiking clubs. Beyond her love for nature, Alice had a deep compassion for children.
Alice earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kent State and dedicated her career to teaching fifth graders, primarily in the Field Local School District in Brimfield. She also taught briefly at Lake Center Christian Day School.
Alice was introduced to Bridge of Hope by her cousin, Ruth S. Weaver, a long-time board member. Ruth shared, “Alice was very touched by the needs of moms and children in Bridge of Hope because of the loss of her own father when she was a very young girl. Alice felt deeply for the families, especially the children, in Bridge of Hope.”
If you, like Geneva and Alice, would like to create a legacy, we invite you to consider your own generosity planning.
Your investment is an act of neighboring and faith. Please consider sharing your faith beyond your lifetime by including Bridge of Hope in your estate plans, which makes you a member of our Legacy of Hope Society. By saying “yes!” and including Bridge of Hope in your will, as a beneficiary for a percentage of retirement funds, with a charitable trust, or another legacy tool, you can bring hope and make all the difference for mothers and children facing homelessness.
Contact Lila Stoeckle (LilaS@bridgeofhopeinc.org) or Edith Yoder (EdithY@Bridgeofhopeinc.org) to learn more about how you can leave a legacy of hope.