Where Values Become Legacy

After more than two decades shaping Harvesters’ long-term vision and planning for “what comes next,” Joanna Sebelien is learning to live more in the moment.

“My objective was to see the seasons, to make Christmas cookies at Christmas, without planning ahead a whole lot,” she says of retirement after 23 years with Harvesters. “It’s kind of nice not having to flash forward.”

Her role as Chief Resource Officer required constant forward-thinking. Strategic planning involved staff, volunteers, donors and board members, helping Harvesters adapt to changing needs while staying focused on its mission.

“The community believes in Harvesters, and Harvesters believes in the community,” she says.

Today, Joanna appreciates that some planning only needs to happen once. A simple provision in a will can support Harvesters’ vision for years to come.

“It can be very simple. It can be a bequest,” she says. “Anybody can be a philanthropist in that regard.”

Small gifts over time — or a percentage of an estate — can create a lasting impact without changing how someone lives today. For Joanna, legacy giving is about relationships and the continuation of values rather than a single moment in time.

“When people leave something to an organization, it’s like you’re part of their family. It’s about carrying on the things that were important to you.”

Ultimately, she sees planned giving as one way to extend that impact forward — supporting Harvesters’ ability to plan and adapt for whatever comes next.