Joan has helped underserved families afford Catholic education through her Arizona Tax Credit for years. Joan has taken the next step in her philanthropic journey by donating to the Changing Lives with Legacy division. Joan’s contributions to Catholic Education Arizona are deeply rooted in her educational experiences and commitment to lifelong learning.
A Love for Learning
When Joan was a student, she traveled an hour and a half to Catholic school each day to receive her education. Joan believes her Catholic education was a blessing. As a way of paying it forward, she chooses to help others have the opportunity to attend Catholic school by redirecting her Arizona Individual Tax Liability to Catholic Education Arizona.
Joan’s educational journey did not stop at her graduation. She raised a family of four children while attending the University of Bridgeport Law School, juggling full-time work during the day and law classes at night. Joan’s tenacity paid off when, at the age of 55, she proudly graduated with a law degree. This milestone was a personal triumph and a testament to her unwavering resolve and perseverance.
Going Beyond Her Tax Credit
Joan’s recent contribution to the Changing Lives with Legacy division is a significant step in her philanthropic journey. This initiative, which aims to create lasting impacts by ensuring that the benefits of Catholic education reach all families who desire it, is a cause she believes in deeply. Her non-tax credit donation is a powerful testament to her belief in the enduring value of education and the importance of giving back to the community, a belief that can inspire us all to consider the impact of our potential contributions.
For Joan, this is more than just a donation; it’s a way to honor the support she received as a young student and extend similar opportunities to the next generation. Catholic schools have a 99.8% graduation rate and a 96% matriculate to higher education, trade school or military service.
Joan Baird’s journey from a determined law student to a passionate advocate for Catholic education demonstrates the profound impact that one individual can have on countless lives. Through her generosity, Joan continues to change lives through her Arizona Individual Tax Credit and Changing Lives with Legacy Donation.
Are you an Arizona Corporate or Individual Tax Credit Contributor or a Changing Lives with Legacy Donor? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542.
