Planned Giving

Andy and Dot Leatherman are part of the Legacy of Hope Society at Bridge of Hope.  And here’s why:

            “We saw the beginning of Bridge of Hope. The date?  August 10, 1986. The place?  Sandy Hill Mennonite Church.  After a challenging spirit-led sermon exhorting us to face the ruins that life can bring to many of us head on, a vision of meeting the needs of homeless women and children was born.  From that date on, the vision grew, and grew, and grew.  We are utterly astounded at God’s ability to take a small seed and grow it to a big tree of blessing.  It is this work of God where we wish to leave a portion of our money after we die.  It is a worthy place for others to join in this legacy.  We say, and continue to say . . . Yes!” 

We invite you, along with Andy and Dot, to ensure that this “big tree of blessing” stays healthy and strong, and continues to grow – so that those whose lives have felt like “ruins” are transformed for generations to come.

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, 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.”