About the Helen & Betty Alyea Legacy Society
When you include AbleLight in your will, trust, or other planned gift, you become a member of the Helen & Betty Alyea Legacy Society. This special community of donors is committed to building a brighter future for people with developmental disabilities.
Joining is simple. Let us know when you have included AbleLight in your estate plans, either through FreeWill, your attorney, or by submitting a legacy commitment form.

About Helen and Betty Alyea
Helen Alyea’s devotion to her daughter Betty, who had developmental disabilities, inspired a legacy of love and generosity. Determined to provide the best care, Helen moved closer to AbleLight, formerly known as Bethesda, so Betty could receive loving care. For nearly 30 years, Helen remained deeply involved, visiting Betty daily and volunteering to support the mission that meant so much to her family. Inspired by Helen’s love and dedication, her son Jack, and his wife, Laurel, chose to give back in a way that would help others receive the same compassionate care and opportunities that Betty did.
In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, AbleLight proudly names its planned giving society the Helen & Betty Alyea Legacy Society, ensuring their legacy of compassion and care will help people with developmental disabilities flourish for generations.
As a member of the Helen and Betty Alyea Legacy Society, you will receive:
- Recognition in our Annual Report
- Updates through our donor newsletter, The Spark
- Invitations to our Annual Donor Town Hall with AbleLight’s Executive Leadership Team
Start your legacy today by visiting our Planned Giving page or contacting your AbleLight representative.
John Nickels
Senior Advancement & Planned Giving Officer
920-206-4420
john.nickels@ablelight.org
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Name: John Nickels
Title :Senior Advancement & Planned Giving Officer
Phone: 920-206-4420
Email: john.nickels@ablelight.org
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular tax-smart gifts
Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.