Committed to Compassion

Phil and Caroline Payne, of Covenant Living of Turlock, share a lifetime commitment to philanthropy. Lessons learned while young engrained compassion and generosity that would guide Caroline and Phil throughout their lives. Their adult experience of God's provision during subsequent adversity now anchors a resilient faith that is free to joyfully share financial resources with others.

Caroline grew up as an only child of parents who were called to faith-based ministry. She learned the virtues of simplicity and generosity. Her family lived frugally on unsteady income, yet they always reserved funds to give students training for the ministry.

Phil also learned thrift growing up in a home where income was modest. Then when his family situation became unsafe for a teen, his life was transformed as friends of his grandmother paid his expenses for an out-of-state boarding school. These experiences imprinted Phil with deep compassion for those marginalized by economic struggles or health challenges.

Early in their marriage the Paynes faced the possibility of financial ruin as Phil's job on the University of Hawaii faculty became unstable. Lacking funds for relocation, they chose to trust God for next steps and donated $1000, a third of their savings, to Christian missions. Soon thereafter Phil had opportunity to retrain for biotechnology research in California. After acquiring new skills, he was hired by a Silicon Valley startup that pioneered the medical antibody field.

Phil's shares of startup stock ultimately brought both wealth and a need for wise stewardship. Their contributions include strategic church initiatives, funding scholarships, supporting the homeless, caring for ailing parents, and joining Covenant Living's Legacy Circle.

As they age without children or relatives to support them, the Paynes' prioritize aging gracefully and securely. Caroline finds joy in the Christian community and creative camaraderie at Covenant Living. Phil appreciates living in a retirement community that remains affordable for residents from diverse social and economic backgrounds

With gratitude for their security and envisioning blessings for future generations, Phil and Caroline have assigned a percentage of their estate to Benevolent Care at Covenant Living of Turlock. Their decision, now supported by amendments to their trusts, will ensure a lasting legacy of support for the well-being of Covenant Living residents. By specifying their gift now, Phil and Caroline are helping Covenant Living to plan for the future funding of Benevolent Care.