Sissy Taran — IRA Bequest

When it came to deciding what organizations to include as a beneficiary in her will, Sissy Taran wanted to make sure children beyond her own family were also taken care of - and, by an organization with a mission she trusted. After more than 20 years volunteering for the CALM Auxiliary, Sissy knows firsthand how effective her legacy gift will be in addressing childhood trauma far into the future. "I am a doer and so is CALM. They get things done and I find great satisfaction collaborating and supporting them in making the community a better place in which to live for us all."

During her time with CALM, Sissy feels that life has become so much more complicated and less personal due to technology. She has made lifelong friends through the Auxiliary and remains active as an informed ambassador to help others stay connected to CALM and aware of the extraordinary challenges faced by children and families today.

Sissy wants others to know that "we are truly not all that different. Everyone suffers in various ways and has experienced some trauma in their lives. Collectively we have gone through an exceptionally difficult time. Resiliency is key and some of us have way more in terms of time and resources to make sure CALM is there to build on strengths that are inherent in young children. Every person is born into this world as a bright light and has their own journey. It is a privilege to help CALM keep the light going and to have it shine as brightly as possible across families and generations as a member of the Children's Legacy Society."