Mary Ann Froley – Estate Gift and IRA Contribution
CALM just keeps getting better and better. I first became acquainted with CALM 10 years ago while collecting hours as an MFT intern. Earning my master's in clinical psychology at Antioch-Santa Barbara in my 60s introduced me to a whole new life. It gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing clinicians at CALM. My initial assignment was to spend time with children while their parents attended parenting classes. As I progressed in this role, I realized I was so impacted by what I heard from the children that I would be more effective as a volunteer supporting CALM rather than pursuing a clinical license. Besides remaining an active member of the Auxiliary, I recently started volunteering to teach 6th graders about mental health issues. It makes me happy to augment the continuing work of CALM therapists in Santa Barbara grade schools.
I believe strongly in CALM's prevention work and training parents so they can be role models for others in raising healthy and happy children. I grew up in a modest middle-class immigrant family who, like many cultures, would never think to seek outside help for mental health issues. This past year, CALM specialists were relied upon more than ever by families not unlike my own who were vulnerable and disproportionately impacted by COVID. CALM, working side by side with community partners and pediatricians are in a unique position to assess risk and quickly intervene before serious trauma occurs.
My passion and support for CALM keeps me young and feeling vital. I make an annual contribution from my IRA (instead of paying taxes on my lifelong savings) to help them sustain quality programs. Each year, I request that my friends and family give to CALM in honor of my birthday. I know my investment in CALM is secure which is why I chose to include them in my estate plan. It is my hope that others will join me as a Children's Legacy Society member to make sure CALM's valuable impact continues.