Recognizing the Love in Social Services

Sam and Jeanette Douglass

There has always been a strong connection between Sam and Jeanette Douglass and their passion for LSSI’s mission. It began when Sam was recruited to become a founding member of LSSI's Cornerstone Foundation many years ago, so leaving a portion of their estate to LSSI in their estate plan seemed like a natural extension of their love for LSSI.

In addition to their commitment to LSSI, Sam and Jeanette have spent many years volunteering as international missionaries, raising a family with the same dedication to service, and encouraging others to use their blessings to be a blessing to others. After being a charter member of and serving on the Cornerstone Foundation Board of Trustees for 25 years, Sam wanted to continue his support of LSSI. Conveniently, LSSI’s Prisoner and Family Ministry—a program that holds a special place in their hearts—was expanding its Storybook Project to a nearby correctional facility. The couple saw it as a perfect opportunity.

Before COVID-19, Sam and Jeanette had been visiting the Pontiac Correctional Center once a month for 12 years. “We saw how meaningful the Storybook Project was for the prisoners’ family and friends,” Jeanette said. “Once the prisoners got involved with the structure of the program, the better the program became.”

Among their many years of hands-on experience and passion for giving, the Douglasses’ planned gift to LSSI is meant to inspire others to “work in God’s spirit.” “LSSI is doing a good job, adding love back into the social services,'' Sam said. “Adding the ‘love dimension’ creates an entirely new perspective.”

Learn about LSSI’s new planned giving initiative, “There’s a Place in Your Heart for LSSI,” at LSSI.org/PGI.