Enhancing the lives of others through work, service, and giving
A gift through their will to AFSC culminates decades of dedication to our mission
Elizabeth Andrews, left, and Karen Sturnick count support of immigrants and youth as their top priorities. Through their estate plan, they’ve targeted a gift specifically for the benefit of AFSC.
As an adolescent, Elizabeth Andrews listened in fascination as her older brother shared stories of an American Friends Service Committee trip to Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in 1963.
“The organization’s principles of peace and social justice stuck with me,” she says.
Karen Sturnick as a youth was influenced by her older sister’s participation in Quaker meetings. Later in life, Karen and Elizabeth’s Quaker friendships and meeting attendance continued to reinforce the values of AFSC in their lives.
“I’ve always been impressed with how the AFSC gives voice to those who are marginalized and oppressed,” Karen asserts.
With backgrounds in anthropology, Elizabeth and Karen are particularly attuned to the needs of individuals around the world. Their careers working with Native American communities and Habitat for Humanity International, respectively, reflect a commitment to giving back.
“It’s part of a life well lived to make life less difficult for others,” Karen says.
This philosophy inspired the couple to make a gift in an estate plan to AFSC.
“If you feel ownership of the mission and can make a financial contribution, you should do so,” Karen urges.
As the granddaughter of an Albanian immigrant who fled persecution, Elizabeth feels especially connected to AFSC’s immigration initiatives.
“We believe that the AFSC will be good stewards of our gift,” Karen says. “We feel very confident in that because we know it's a values-driven organization. It brings us joy to be able to contribute.”