Many suffer the stigma and negative perceptions surrounding mental health. However, this association is breaking the barriers so individuals and families do not experience delays, leading to long-term consequences. The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) is committed to empowering and inspiring people of all communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives. Founded in 1990 in Ronkonkoma, New York, the association promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. “We advocate for prevention services for all, early identification and intervention for those at risk, integrated services, care and treatment for those who need them, and recovery as the goal,” said Colleen Merlo, chief executive officer for The Association for Mental Health and Wellness. The Association for Mental Health and Wellness is committed to closing the gap between need and access to care. Unfortunately, more than half of America is living with a mental illness that does not receive treatment. In addition, more than half of America’s youth living with major depression do not receive the proper care. MHAW is distressed by this data and continues to fight disparities faced by individuals living with mental health challenges in connection with timely and appropriate support. To achieve health services to individuals in a reasonable manner, The Association for Mental Health and Wellness aims to expand access to its services by ensuring they have skilled staff ready to accept referrals, build its continuum of services and create pathways for individuals to know about the services available across the system of mental health care and offering quick response and assessments for new clients. MHAW will prioritize:  ·       Program Growth  ·        Program Excellence  ·        Rebranding and consolidated messaging  ·        Bring Crisis Residence online  ·        Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging training and activities   ·        Establish and maintain leadership excellence  ·        Recruit and retain excellent staff  ·        Launch the Central Access department Funding from Yardi helps improve access to care by supporting enhanced public awareness of the signs and symptoms and available services and resources. The first step to accessing care is knowing that help is needed. Funding also helps support enhancements to MHAW’s website to improve and expand screenings for psychological distress. The struggle is real Last year, Jasmine, one of MHAW’s educators, was visiting a local high school when she noticed a young woman stayed behind and seemed to want to talk but was challenging to engage with. When the bell rang, she rushed out of the room. The next day, MHAW received a phone call through its Information and Referral line, and the caller explained she had heard Jasmine’s presentation about the signs and symptoms of emotional distress and was afraid to talk. After taking a screening on its website, she realized she needed help. “The screenings on MHAW’s website have the power to save lives, and with improved functionality, they can expand their ability to reach and connect people to care,” explained Merlo. Since that day, the caller has connected with MHAW several more times, and they came to learn that she had lost a friend to suicide and was struggling with feelings of guilt and shame. Due to the screening she took on MHAW’s website, she realized she was experiencing depression and needed help to navigate her complex emotions.  This screening is a huge step in this woman’s long journey toward healing. “Yardi’s donations help many more people take that first step,” said Merlo. Volunteer Opportunities The Association for Mental Health and Wellness has several volunteer opportunities in their two food pantries, a soup kitchen and an organic healing garden. Volunteer work includes stocking food along with greeting and serving diverse community members. Regarding the healing garden, MHAW welcomes volunteers on Saturdays from 10 am -12 pm to help with planting, watering, weeding and harvesting food for the upcoming week. In addition, MHAW’s Recovery and Wellness Center needs some remodeling. Volunteers can help paint and create enhancements for clients to have a...

The Fishing Foundation, established in 2010 in Berea, Ohio, is enriching lives through the sport of fishing. The program structure includes classroom-style instruction and training in four areas: aquatic education, casting, water safety, and identifying local fish species, as well as fishing from shore in a safe and secure environment. Moreover, The Fishing Foundation is making a significant impact in promoting environmental conservation, a cause that we can all be proud of and take responsibility for. Since its establishment in 2010 and the introduction of free fishing events in 2012, The Fishing Foundation has been a catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. It has touched the lives of over two thousand teens, youth, and adults, giving them a unique opportunity to connect with others, commune with nature, and expand their environmental experience. The day is filled with learning casting techniques, rigging, knot-tying, fish species, the importance of sustaining the environment, and fishing from shore, all of which contribute to their personal development and empowerment, inspiring them to reach new heights. At each fishing event, participants receive a rod and reel, bait, tackle, and hands-on training by certified fishing instructors, The Fishing Foundation Souvenir T-shirt, refreshments, and lunch. All organizational staff and essential volunteers are “certified” fishing instructors under the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’s “Passport to Fishing” program. The Fishing Foundation’s popular book published in 2022, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” co-written by The Fishing Foundation co-founders Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, is a 100+ page instructional resource and is given complimentary at all the free fishing events. Content from the book will be distributed across multiple platforms, including in-person programming, online, web, and social media, to introduce youth and teens to fishing, expand their knowledge of sport and encourage them to enjoy the great outdoors while learning how to fish. “We are continuously innovating and evolving our programs to address the evolving needs and challenges facing our environment and communities. Whether it is through conservation initiatives, educational workshops, or community outreach events, we are committed to making a lasting and positive impact on both people and the planet,” said Dennis James Knowles, president of The Fishing Foundation.  In the Media The Fishing Foundation partnered with Signal Cleveland, an online newsroom in northeast Ohio, to introduce a syndicated-style comic strip titled Hooked. The strip features characters from the book who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland, Ohio. Together, through humorous adventures, they explore ways of becoming better anglers, the environment and conservation and the joy of being outside. “The comic strip premiered in September 2023, and it continues to appear monthly in Signal Cleveland, which has a reach of nearly 10,000 subscribers,” said Knowles.   The Fishing Foundation plans to partner with more community newspapers and online newsrooms throughout the area. In addition, The Fishing Foundation hopes to provide more venues to connect content to the end-user and complete a new coloring book with fish species and their habitat designed for children ages two to eight. Funding from Yardi provides underserved children and families an opportunity for environmental education they usually couldn’t access. “When children are exposed to educational programs and activities like fishing, they will realize the importance of protecting the natural environment and essentially act as ‘ambassadors of nature’ in their communities,” explained Knowles. By teaching young people a new skill or offering a peaceful activity, funds help the foundation spread the love of fishing and the benefits it brings. “The Fishing Foundation is incredibly grateful for the generous donation received from Yardi. Your contribution is instrumental in helping us further our mission at The Fishing Foundation. Your financial support means a great deal to us, and we are excited about the opportunities funding provides to expand our programming reach and make a positive difference in marginalized communities,” expressed Knowles. King W. The Fishing Foundation is there...

Serving 32 counties in Colorado and the entire state of Wyoming, Food Bank of the Rockies ignites the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. Since its establishment in 1978 in Denver, the Food Bank of the Rockies has been a steadfast pillar in the fight against hunger. As the largest hunger relief organization in the Rocky Mountain region, it is a testament to its commitment and ability to address the enormous hunger challenge. Distributing upwards of 196,000 meals daily, the Food Bank of the Rockies puts the power of the community to work for its neighbors. Providing more than just a meal, this organization gives hope and opens a future for its clients. “Because when you can’t provide for your family today, it’s hard to even think about tomorrow,” said Charlene Moser, corporate partnerships manager at Food Bank for the Rockies. Ninety-six cents of every dollar go directly to distribution. Food Bank of the Rockies has four distribution centers and coordinates with more than 800 Hunger Relief Partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, acting as a distribution hub for food, essentials and logistical resources. It also operates its direct programs, providing for those in need through its Mobile Pantries, Food for Kids programs and home-delivery services for older adults. The Food Bank of the Rockies is focused on fresh fruits and vegetables, cultural prevalences and expanding its Food for Health program to focus on community members living with chronic diseases such as pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Those suffering from diseases will receive a box of food and produce delivered to their homes weekly for an entire year to help them maintain or restore their health. Every donation makes a difference! The community’s need for food is still higher than pre-COVID levels. The food bank spends more than three times as much monthly to purchase food than before. Thanks to its robust purchasing power, Food Rescue Program, government allotments, donations, and lower bulk pricing, one dollar helps distribute enough food for three meals. Yardi’s funding and volunteer work have made a tremendous difference for the Food Bank of the Rockies. “Since 2020, Yardi has donated more than $110,000 to Food Bank of the Rockies, enabling us to provide more than 330,000 meals throughout Colorado and Wyoming. Your impact is meaningful, and we are grateful! We could not do what we do without amazing partners like Yardi,” explained Moser. Happy Clients The following stories are from some neighbors of the Food Bank of the Rockies who receive food assistance through its mobile pantry or Food for Health program. Sam: Sam is a patient at Denver Indian Health and Family Services receiving treatment for his diabetes. Sam shared that food expenses have been challenging for a daughter to care for, even with SNAP benefits. His medical provider connected him with the Food for Health Program to help with both his diabetes and lessen the burden of food insecurity. “We’ve been living just off the bare necessities lately, and this really helps to prepare meals and stuff on a weekly basis. Sometimes, I have leftovers, use my food stamps, and make a meal out of all that.” Dasja and her mother, Sabrina. Dasja and her mother, Sabrina, live near one another and do everything together. That includes getting food at their local food pantry, a Hunger Relief Partner of Food Bank of the Rockies. Dasja has Chron’s disease, is on disability, and is a stay-at-home mom for her seven-year-old daughter. She shared that the food they get to choose from the food pantry helps, especially when it comes to managing her Chron’s disease with a specific diet. “I’m always trying to cook different meals, so this really helps out,” said Dasja. “The meat is good because you can read the [recipes and instructions they include], portion it, and freeze it. They have fish, which is good because that’s what I...

Restoration and reconciliation for people experiencing homelessness are what happens at this Yardi-supported nonprofit. Orange County Rescue Mission is a faith-based life transformation program that provides on-campus housing, basic needs, and comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Founded in 1963 in Trustin, Calif, this organization is 100 percent privately funded and has nine campuses, including: Tustin Veterans Outpost Alumni Housing Hope Harbor Village of Hope- providing transitional and long-term housing and care for teens at risk of homelessness. Double R Ranch In 2023, Orange County Rescue Mission introduced the Double R Ranch program, a unique initiative combining nature’s and animals’ healing effects with hands-on skill training. This horse and livestock ranch provides a unique experience for men, women, and children and serves as a weekend retreat for Village of Hope families. “In 2024, we are looking forward to expanding our reach to more families by bringing more men to this program and running more family camps and programs for teens,” said Jeana Baltierra, donor relations manager for Orange County Rescue Mission. Thanks to the generous funding from Yardi, the Double R Ranch program can operate and directly serve the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Watch how impactful 2023 was for Orange County Rescue Mission. “We are so moved by the generosity of Yardi and their partnership to help people experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Baltierra. Joey and Sierra’s Journey Joey and Sierra were living in a downward spiral with a life of drugs and experiencing homelessness while sleeping in a church parking lot. Trying to work as hard as they could for their children, ten years of heavy drug use affected this ability. When a drunk driver struck Joey and his oldest daughter, Joey ended up in the hospital in a coma for two weeks, and his daughter was killed instantly. “We should have noticed that as a gift from God,” Sierra explains. “But we didn’t know how to grieve, so we fell into addiction. After losing our daughter, we lost ourselves.” Unfortunately, Joey and Sierra soon hit rock bottom. They turned to drugs, spending all their money on drugs, and they couldn’t provide a stable home for their other two children. Joey and Sierra decided to rebuild their lives. They arrived at the Orange County Rescue Mission, where they found security, allowing them to take steps toward long-term stability. “Joey and Sierra are finding healing via therapy, rehabilitation programs, a loving community, and a deep relationship with Jesus Christ that drugs cannot provide,” said Baltierra. Now, they are at the final stage of their program—working seniors who are both employed and saving money and will soon move to the alumni housing program. Learn more about Joey and Sierra’s journey.   Volunteer Opportunities Orange County Rescue Mission has volunteer opportunities from Monday through Sunday to help with daily operations. Visit its website for more information or contact its volunteer team at [email protected] or (714) 441-8089. Find future non-profit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving. Yardi is Energized for Good! Visit www.yardi.org for more about our philanthropic...

Yardi strives to illuminate the efforts and results of philanthropic organizations that drive positive change in communities worldwide. Each of our offices selects several non-profits or NGOs to receive financial contributions each year. Yuppi Camping Motion Association is a local organization dedicated to offering effective recreational therapy to children with chronic illnesses in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, since 2011. This Yardi-supported nonprofit offers free-of-charge camps that are aimed at children and teenagers with cancer, diabetes or other autoimmune diseases and their families. “We are the first camp in Romania to use the revolutionary method of therapeutic recreation, which has a positive impact on many aspects, including children’s self-confidence and independence,” said Horváth Enikő, coordinator of the corporate fundraising department for Yuppi Camping Motion Association. The success of therapeutic recreation lies in the beneficiaries participating in activities where they can discover their skills and talents (rather than their limitations) to improve their self-confidence. Thus far, 1,722 children and parents from all over the country have participated in Yuppi Camps. Yuppi Camp offers three summer camps: Family Camp, Sibilings’ Camp, and Teenager Camp. In addition, Yuppi Camp offers a Family Weekend, which is provided for children with rarer chronic diseases. Yuppi Camp will also aim to increase the number of its inter-year events yearly to reach chronically ill children who cannot make the camps mainly due to the severity of their disease or because they are hospitalized. Yuppi Camp is there for those families to provide unforgettable memories filled with days without worrying about the illness so they can enjoy life and their childhood. Funding from Yardi helps the families of Yuppi Camp enjoy the camps freely since 50% of the children it hosts come from underserved communities. Every contribution is significant to Yuppi Camp so that its hosting, food and therapeutic services can be of the highest quality, brought together and coordinated by professionally trained volunteers and medical staff. “As we have learned during the years of our partnership, Yardi promises to take care of three major components: customers, colleagues and their community. These elements certainly form a great motto, but the support Yardi has given us—and continues to give us—backs up the promises with concrete actions, too,” said Enikő. He continued, “In 2023, before the camps, they not only answered our call for help with openness, but they have also become one of the main sponsors of our camp for teenagers with diabetes held in Șăulia between 28 August- 2 September 2023. As a result, together, we have managed to offer days without the worry of disease to over 50 young people with diabetes. On this occasion, we want to thank Yardi for all the support for making it possible!” Răzvan’s Story Răzvan had cancer for a long time, and he could not talk about it with anyone except his family. Recently, he shared very openly and honestly in a video what that period meant to him and how he had gained the courage to accept and talk about his illness. “Before, only my parents knew about my illness. But after my first camp, I started being more open about what has happened to me, as at Yuppi I met other children like me, whom I could talk to,” shared Răzvan. “And that is what happens at Yuppi Camps. For a week, you feel like you are capable of anything!” Now, Răzvan is a very proud member of the Yuppi family, returning year after year to the camps as a volunteer. As he claims, “Having an illness is not a shame, and if you have a community that encourages you, everything becomes easier!” Volunteer Opportunities “We warmly invite everyone to gather their colleagues, friends and family members and sign up for Yuppi summer camps as volunteers to experience the magic and healing aspect of our camps first-handily,” shared Enikő. Camp volunteers, AKA “Elves,” undergo professional training before the camps to be...

#TeamYardi of the Atlanta Relief Team hit the grounds at Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, GA, last week and did some good for the environment. CNC believes the natural environment should be preserved and protected for future generations by connecting people with nature. CNC provides a safe and welcoming space for community members to connect with nature through education, interpretation, recreation, volunteerism and community events. CNC Horticultural manager Jacqueline McRae leads volunteers in multiple greenhouse projects, including clean-up, plant potting, seedling stepping, and propagation of plants native to Georgia and the Southeast. CNC prides itself on being a leader in Georgia for plant conservation, especially for native pollinator plants. #TeamYardi worked in the Unity Garden, a quarter-acre area developed in 2010. Here, fresh fruits and vegetables are grown from seed, harvested and donated to the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry. Way to go, Yardi! Find future non-profit profiles...

Yardi is energized for good! Our corporate motto is to take care of our clients, take care of our employees, take care of our communities, stay focused and grow. In honor of Earth Month, we would like to showcase a few Yardi-supported nonprofits that focus on keeping the planet green and healthy and teaching younger generations to care for it, its animals and its community. Along with ongoing projects, Yardi has significantly contributed to making the world a better place.   Environmental Stewards: These grassroots nonprofits aim to create a more sustainable environment through advocacy and community engagement. Each has a unique, discerning way of focusing on the planet. Community Environmental Council: Santa Barbara, Calif.: For over 50 years, CEC has strategically catalyzed change on the Central Coast of California, specializing in real-life solutions for environmental problems. Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful: Reno, Nevada, founded in 1989, works to reduce waste and hosts several community clean-up events, overseeing hundreds of volunteers. With thousands of volunteers contributing to clean-ups, KTMB has gathered over 100K pounds of trash and green waste. Chattahoochee Nature Center: Roswell, Georgia, founded in 1976, preserves and protects the Chattahoochee Forest and river and offers various educational and conservation opportunities, such as guided hikes and canoeing. This is the only organization providing direct access to the Chattahoochee River in the Atlanta metroplex.   Texas Conservation Alliance: Dallas, Texas, founded in 1972, works to protect wildlife, state forests, prairies and rivers. Along with various trash pick-ups, TCA performs annual tagging of Monarch butterflies. During bird migration, Dallas turns off the lights downtown to decrease light pollution so the birds have a safe route. Explore Ecology: Santa Barbara, Calif., founded in 1990, promotes environmental education and artistic expression. With its unique approach to turning beach scrap into art, Explore Ecology offers outdoor classrooms on school campuses and provides a “Makerspace” for community creative collaborations. The Los Padres Forest Association: Goleta, Calif., founded in 1979—ensures that the second largest forest in California, Los Padres Forest, thrives and remains safe for all to enjoy. Thanks to this organization’s efforts, the popular Red Reef Trail, nearly non-useable in 2020, is restored and in great shape for everyone. Animals and the Environment: The following nonprofits work to rehabilitate, conserve and preserve amazing creatures, both in the wild and in captivity. NY Marine Rescue Center: Riverhead, New York, founded in 1996, is the only permitted organization in the state of New York to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles. The Wild Animal Sanctuary: Keensburge, Colo., founded in 1980, rescues captive-bred carnivores from abuse and neglect. With their large acreage habitats, this organization travels worldwide to rescue animals suffering with state-of-the-art medical care and top-quality food. Cleveland Zoological Society: Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1957, partners with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to create compelling experiences for people to connect with wildlife through conservation efforts, education, and program opportunities. Kids and the Environment: Though adults and corporations are there to fund many of these nonprofits, children are the real champions for change. When children learn the responsibility of sustainable efforts from a young age, future generations will make the magic happen. The following nonprofit organizations work with younger people through education, advocacy and events. Candlelight Ranch: Marble, Falls, Texas, founded in 1999, provides nature-based camps for children with special needs. Activities include several outdoor excursions such as ziplining, hiking, and suspended ropes courses. Wilderness Youth Project: Santa Barbara, Calif., founded in 1999, connects children to nature with guided, inspired, skilled mentors and volunteers for more green time than screen time. Children gain confidence, a heart for adventure and care for others. Instead of just taking notes, they are out exploring, climbing trees, looking at animal tracks and watching the waves on the West Coast as the sun sets. Major Scale Environmental Projects: Protecting and preserving land and reducing the carbon footprint are essential to changing the...