Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Today, we introduce My Possibilities (MP), a nonprofit organization in Plano, Texas, founded in 2008, and North Texas’ number one continuing education and job placement program for adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD). My Possibilities’ mission is the relentless pursuit of full, untapped possibilities for all Hugely Important People (HIPsters) and has seen rapid growth over the past 15 years. “In the past year, MP has matched the HIPsters we serve with major employers such as JPMC, Bank of America, REI, Toyota, Trader Joe’s, and a host of other inclusive employers,” says Rhys Wolf, marketing and communications manager for MP. My Possibilities has had substantial success rates. With the training services MP provides, both for the employee in job readiness and the corporate partner in accessibility, it has had over 70 job placements with a 100% success record lasting more than six months and over 90% for over a year. Regionally, MP is reframing how North Texas thinks about diversity, equity, inclusion and access for adults with IDD. MP has paved the way for inclusion and advocacy for adults with IDD. What started in a small storefront-turned-school supporting only 10 HIPsters quickly became a collegiate-style campus serving over 500 individuals weekly through high-quality continued education and vocational programming. “When three mothers first envisioned a life where their adult sons with IDD would thrive and find a meaningful place in the world, they dreamt of a program providing education, job training, and residential opportunities for their deserving children,” shared Wolf. This fall, the Employment Innovations School, powered by Bread Financial, will open and create space for...
Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper
Working for Clean Water
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we are back in Santa Barbara and introduce you to Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, founded in 1999. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper works to protect water quality, restore aquatic ecosystems, advocate for clean water, enforce environmental laws and educate and engage citizens in implementing solutions to water pollution and marine habitat degradation. With a new five-year plan, they are committed to core clean water work and will be adding new work areas to address the impacts of climate change in their region. Channelkeeper’s mission is to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its watershed through science-based education, advocacy, field work and enforcement. “In addition to actively monitoring pollution levels in waterways along the coast and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, we also represent the community’s interest in clean water through advocacy by presenting data and speaking before government agencies to advance policies that better protect the environment, local waterways, and habitats,” said Laura Sanchez, communications director for Channelkeeper. Channelkeeper offers on-the-water education programs that bring science to life for students and leave a lasting impression. “Our Sea and Shore Explorers program connects young people to their watershed and provides them with an opportunity to experience Santa Barbara from a kayak,” said Sanchez. Students learn to paddle a kayak and observe wildlife while navigating around the Santa Barbara Harbor. Students then discover more about coastal marine ecosystems during a visit to the Sea Center. “This year, we lead seven kayak trips, and for many of these students, it was their first kayaking experience,” shares Sanchez. Students also can go on Seafari Cruises aboard Channelkeeper’s boat, where they learn about the kelp forest, pollution and climate change. In addition to educating local students about the environment, Channelkeeper focuses on and prioritizes the following: Monitor local waterways to track down and eliminate pollution sources Working with the City of Santa Barbara to reassess and reduce the number of cruise ship arrivals to meet community environmental priorities Remove trash, marine debris and abandoned fishing gear from waterways and coastline Revive the Ventura River by working to secure a lasting agreement so that the river’s flow in its lower reaches supports fish, wildlife, and the community’s access to nature Secure more vital water quality rules to prevent agricultural pollution Lobster trap clean-ups This past spring, volunteers with the Watershed Brigade, Channelkeeper’s trash-fighting community program, removed more than 2,300 pounds of lobster traps and marine debris from two beaches: Pink Sand Beach on Santa Cruz Island and a stretch of coast between Leadbetter and Mesa Lane in Santa Barbara. When lobster traps accumulate on the beach, they pose a hazard to wildlife and beachgoers. During both cleanup events, volunteers dug out traps and loaded them onto a vessel, which hauled them away for proper disposal. “For the last three years, we have partnered with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara to organize lobster trap removals at local beaches identified as “hot spots” for lobster traps,” Sanchez shares. Yardi Volunteer Opportunities Channelkeeper welcomes Yardi employees to partner with them on clean-up events. They also offer opportunities to become MPA Watch volunteers to help them monitor human activity in and around the Channel’s coastal marine protected areas. In addition, join the Watershed Brigade to help keep the Channel’s watershed and the coastal regions clean. With Yardi’s support, Channelkeeper can do the work to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and be an inspiration to future environmental keepers. “Together, we’re making powerful, positive changes for the environment, wildlife, our community, and our future,” Sanchez shared. Find future non-profit profiles...
Haven Family Connections...
Haven Kids' House
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. We are pleased to bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we travel north to Saskatoon, Canada and introduce Haven Family Connections (Haven Kids’ House), founded in 1976. This non-profit focuses on helping at-risk families be successful through proactive breaks and interventions to prevent issues. “We know that kids do best when their families are healthy, and we work towards that goal,” says Dionne Miazdyck-Shield, executive director for Haven Family Connections. Haven Family Connections fundraises for Haven Kids’ House, an emergency home for kids aged 0-12, opened 24-7, 365 days a year, with a 24-hour crisis line for families to call when they need respite or support. Sometimes, parents are in a very dark place involved with violence, no food or homelessness, and they need time to make decisions and find resources. “When families call us, we know they are out of options. Haven Kids’ House is a place of caring and safety for kids in Saskatoon so that kids can be kids, and parents can be successful,” said Miazdyck-Shield. In their work with Haven Kids’ House, they help families access internal resources and other supports they need to do the best for their kids. Many families are overcoming a history of disadvantages, poverty, trauma and violence. “We honour their experience and voice as we work and walk beside them. We see how hard they work for their kids, and we feel lucky to be compassionate allies with them,” Miazdyck-Shield shares. Other programs include the Indigenous Family...
Boys and Girls Club
Of Northeast Ohio
Let’s journey to the Midwest and introduce you to the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio (BGCNEO), founded in 2019, creating the nation’s largest Boys and Girls Club. The club provides a safe and fun place for kids ages six-18 to go after school, focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles and leadership. There is no charge to join. Kids can come after school when parents are typically still at work, giving them peace of mind knowing their children are in good hands. A typical day at BGCNEO starts with “power hour,” which includes getting help with homework followed up with recreation, arts, music and a free meal. BGCNEO plans to double the number of kids by 2025 and hopes to deepen the impact of programs and strengthen connections to club neighborhoods. Funding from Yardi helps provide world-class programs for kids and expands its reach across Northeast Ohio. The support allows kids to experience various opportunities, from music performances to career-readiness programming. “We are extremely grateful for this support. Yardi has been supporting our Clubs for a decade now. We couldn’t do our work if it weren’t for our amazing partners and corporate supporters like Yardi,” says Ken Wood, director of communications for BGCNEO. On behalf of the Yardi Cleveland charity committee, Suzy Scherer, senior technology manager for revenue IQ, speaks about BGCNEO, “Knowing these kids get a place to be kids and have an activity/learning-based center that promotes positive change is so amazing!” Boys & Girls Clubs are suitable investments. A University of Michigan study found that for every dollar invested in a Club, $9.60 in benefits are returned to the community. “In a Harris alumni survey, 54% of the respondents said the club ‘saved my life,’” Wood said. Richard Starr’s Story Richard...
OneGoal
Serving Metro Atlanta
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Introducing OneGoal Metro Atlanta, a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 with its headquarters in Chicago, founded in 2007. OneGoal transforms post-secondary advising and support so that every student can define their future. Alongside OneGoal’s partners, they are building a movement to close the opportunity gap. OneGoal Metro Atlanta works with regional partner schools to develop their knowledge and capacity resulting in more equitable and practical support for all students. Over the years, OneGoal has delivered real student impact. An independent study by the University of Chicago found that OneGoal students are about 40 percent more likely to earn their postsecondary degrees than students of similar backgrounds. In 2021, new data from the National Student Clearinghouse found that the national six-year college completion rate reached 62 percent. “Compared to their white peers, students identifying as Black or LatinX experienced an 18-25 percentage point college completion gap. This is not for lack of ambition or talent but for lack of opportunity and support,” said Tiffany Scott, senior director of development at OneGoal Metro Atlanta. These declines come just as postsecondary degrees or credentials are increasingly necessary for improving economic mobility. Unfortunately, Metro Atlanta youth are not immune to this national crisis and require an intervention that makes postsecondary degree attainment accessible for all. “Over the few years of our strategic plan, OneGoal-Metro Atlanta will focus on closing the gaps in degree attainment by delivering a solution that meets the diverse needs of Metro Atlanta students,” says Scott. She continues, “Our goal is to improve degree attainment for 2,000 OneGoal students by 2025. Our work over the next year...
The Hope Center
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Today we introduce you to The Hope Center at Pullen (HCP), of Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2009. It empowers current and former foster youth with comprehensive programs to help them achieve self-sufficiency. Most people understand that foster youth are traumatized by experiences before foster care, but many do not realize that entering foster care is also traumatizing. Children are taken from the only family they’ve ever known to live with strangers, creating new fear and uncertainty as they navigate a completely foreign environment. Many are also re-traumatized by neglect, poverty, abrupt changes in caregivers and schools, lost relationships and unrealized academic potential while in foster care. “Our youth’s traumatic histories combined with lack of family support, savings, and affordable housing make it very difficult to find and maintain housing,” said Brittney Sherley, director of development and communications for HCP. The Hope Center’s statistics underline the risk for foster youth: Within 18 months of leaving foster care, 40-50 percent of foster youth become homeless. 65 percent of youth leaving foster care need immediate housing. “We focus on housing, education, and employment, as well as mental and physical health, personal growth, and overall well-being,” said Sherley. HCP’s primary programs are Teen Programs and the Transition Program. Any teen in foster care over 13 living in Wake County or foster care through Wake County is eligible to participate in the HCP’s Teen Programs. “We incorporate trauma-informed practices in teaching life skills, so teens are ready for a successful transition to adulthood,” Sherley says. The Hope Center collaborates with Wake County Human Services to offer life-building services with: LINKS...
MOVE Santa Barbara
Cycling for All
Last year, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. We continue to bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. It’s time to get physically fit, Santa Barbara! Today we introduce MOVE, established in 1995, with a mission to promote walking, bicycling and public transit county-wide to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. MOVE runs two community bike shops, advocates for safe streets for all users, and coordinates Safe Routes to School programs, including teaching first-time youth bicycle riders how to ride a bicycle and bicycle skills. “The impacts of climate change and the pandemic have provided us with a unique opportunity to create significantly more safe and enjoyable places for people to walk, bicycle and demand for a connected transit system,” says Heather Deutsch, executive director for MOVE. Funding from Yardi has helped support MOVE’s community bicycle shops. It also helps the staff at MOVE teach more kids to ride for the first time and helps to grow its advocacy program so everyone can safely and enjoyably travel by foot, bicycle or transit. “Thank you, Thank you! Your support helps us fund our programs and demonstrates that our community is committed to our work,” exclaimed Deutsch. Bicycle Skills and Joyful Adventures During the 2022-2023 school year, MOVE taught over 3,000 students bicycling skills, with over 1,000 children learning to ride a bike for the first time. One of its second-grade children told them, “Yesterday, I finally learned how to ride a bike. I went home and asked my dad to take off my training wheels. Today we rode to school together!” This is just one example of how MOVE’s programs lead to children having freedom and enjoying the happiness of riding their bicycles. “We wish...
Don’t Forget to Feed Me
Pet Food Bank
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we introduce you to, Don’t Forget To Feed Me (DF2FM) Pet Food Bank, founded 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. DF2FM aims to supply pet food to local agencies to support pet owners. By providing pet food for those in need during challenging financial times, DF2FM offers an alternative to surrendering or abandoning their family pet. They provide free pet food to 35 distribution partners in greater Fort Worth. “Don’t Forget To Feed Me helps to ensure that no pet owner ever has to choose between stay or go…,” says Debbie Sharpe, community outreach coordinator for DF2FM. Don’t Forget To Feed Me strives to provide enough dog and cat food for its partner’s needs for distribution to deserving pet owners. Each partner has a pre-determined monthly amount, and DF2FM keeps a running waitlist of organizations wishing to partner with them. “We review all potential partner requests during the last quarter of each year to determine if we can add new partners the next year,” Sharpe said. Funding from Yardi enables DF2FM to purchase thousands of pounds of pet food that is then distributed. They currently distribute over 30,000 pounds of pet food to its partners monthly. In addition to the donated food DF2FM receives, they must purchase additional food from local feed stores at a discounted price regularly to meet the community’s needs. “We are beyond grateful for the continued support of Yardi and the enthusiasm of Yardi employees towards DF2FM,” shared Sharpe. Ruff times DF2FM recently received a call from a pet owner at the shelter getting ready to surrender their pet due to unforeseen financial hard times. The shelter staff informed the pet owner that Don’t Forget to Feed Me provides free pet food to several local food pantries. They decided against surrendering and contacted one of DF2FM’s partners to receive much-needed pet food, enabling them to keep their beloved pet. Volunteer Oppawuntities Volunteering options include small group dog and cat food bagging at DF2FM’s Fort Worth warehouse. In addition, DF2FM is always looking for volunteers to work its table at community events to help spread the word about DF2FM. Another need is for volunteers to pick up donated food from 70+ donation locations across the metroplex and deliver it to the warehouse. Many organizations will also hold internal pet food drives and either donate the collected food directly to DF2FM or hold an offsite bagging event at their workplace and return the pet food bagged and ready to go. Those interested should contact [email protected] for more information. DF2FM’s pet food distribution numbers in 2023 are already 31 percent more than last year. The need continues to grow as people are struggling to overcome financial challenges. “We truly appreciate the support of all who value the well-being of beloved pets,” shares Sharpe. Find future non-profit profiles...
Reno Rodeo Foundation...
Supporting scholars and children
In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. Grab your lasso and boots, and let’s travel to Reno, Nevada and introduce you to Reno Rodeo Foundation (RRF), founded in 1986. The foundation builds and leverages community partnerships to fund scholarships and support children with extraordinary needs in 14 Nevada counties by strategically allocating financial resources for the greatest impact possible. The Foundation annually assists students with educational scholarships at colleges and universities in Nevada or out-of-state if the degree is not offered in Nevada, as well as trade schools licensed by the State Commission on Postsecondary Education. The organization selects children nominated by a local hospital to receive a special “Rodeo Wish” with funding to help enhance the quality of their life. “One of the most recognizable programs we have is our annual Denim Drive six-week campaign that runs from November through December to clothe neglected, abused and abandoned children rescued from unsafe homes,” says Samantha Tabarez, outreach and development director for Reno Rodeo Foundation. The Denim Drive raises money to clothe children in need. With the funds, social workers also purchase exactly what is needed for the child(ren) beyond just clothing, such as hygiene items. In addition, the foundation provides funding to purchase new books and new teddy bears for children that have to attend family court proceedings. “The Reno Rodeo Foundation is committed to leveraging community partnerships, putting financial resources to the highest impact use possible and establishing an identity as a major supporter for local children’s services in Northern Nevada,” said Tabarez. Funding from Yardi directly supports this program, giving social workers more access to swift support that meets the immediate needs of foster children. Denim Drive and other RRF programs are 100 percent financially funded, and as the...
Texas Conservation Alliance
Saving Texas Wildlife
In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Let’s travel to Dallas, Texas and introduce you to the Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA), founded in 1972. Since they were founded, TCA has had a remarkable record of protecting Texas state forests, prairies and rivers. “Through grassroots advocacy and community coalitions, TCA protects and preserves wildlife habitats for the future benefit for all Texans,” said John DeFillipo, executive director of TCA. TCA incorporates community engagement and advocacy, conservation education and outdoor recreation elements to help inform people and protect Texas wildlife habitats. The community engagements include: habitat restoration with native plants river and stream clean-ups encouraging decreased light pollution in major Texas cities invasive species removal wildlife habitat surveys Forest and prairie hikes Funding from Yardi has supported various programs for the Texas Conservation Alliance. Such programs include supplying resources for native plants and sustaining its Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT). TCA plans to increase staff members and diversify its community volunteer base, interns and anybody interested in the restoration, conservation and preservation of Texas wildlife habitat. TCA plans to conduct several environmental education activities in outdoor settings for over 900 participants in North Texas this year. And hopes to plant 250 trees, 2,500 native plants and restore 100 acres of wildlife habitat. “Thank you, Yardi, for being a solid and committed supporter of TCA for the past several years. Your company’s commitment to the environment and conservation is a great example to other colleagues in the DFW area,” shared DeFillipo. An Ally for Wildlife Skyler, a student at Texas A&M University, reflects on an incredible internship experience at Texas Conservation Alliance. This was Skyler’s second semester interning with TCA, and he was offered an opportunity to frame and pilot the campus Lights Out, College Station (LOCS) collision survey program. “Looking back, I’m amazed by how much experience and knowledge I’ve gained in such a short time and the opportunity I’ve had to contribute to wildlife-saving efforts in my city,” shared Skyler. TCA’s internship program offers many potential projects— aspiring conservationists in Texas are encouraged to apply for the upcoming fall semester internships. The remote-style program allows for a better balance between academics and other responsibilities. “All in all, I have found myself an ally for all wildlife- to be an unexpected bird enthusiast and, more than all, a leader in my community,” Skyler shares. Volunteer Opportunities “Conservation of wildlife habitat can be done within your home or business. Plant native species to create habitat, conserve water this summer, turn off lights when leaving your office or home and engage with a community conservation group,” shares DeFillipo. TCA currently does not have any summer events, but in August, they will have events posted for the Fall. Private conservation events for Yardi employees or community groups can be directed to Mei Ling, community conservation director, at [email protected]. Find future non-profit profiles...
Caring in Bristol
Combating Homelessness in England
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. Let’s travel across the Atlantic Ocean to Bristol, England and introduce you to the Yardi-supported nonprofit, Caring in Bristol, founded in 1987. This organization finds gaps in Bristol’s provision for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, working in creative and imaginative ways to create innovative projects to fill. Caring in Bristol takes its services where needed, working in community venues where people feel most comfortable. “Whether this is one of our pop-up food projects, housing-themed workshops, or a housing advice session, we can build relationships with people and identify and find effective ways to support them when their risk of homelessness increases,” said Luke Mitchell, corporate and community partnerships coordinator for Caring in Bristol. Caring in Bristol also distributes thousands of handbooks across the city, which help individuals, organizations and professionals instantly connect with support and information about homelessness, rough sleeping, debt and housing issues. Due to the pressure of cost-of-living issues, homelessness continues to build. Caring in Bristol has several projects and programs to combat homelessness. Bristol Goods diverts food that would otherwise go to waste but constantly needs to source new supplies, which is challenging. Early Doors works with people experiencing housing issues by providing information and advice that stops homelessness and reduces the costs to individual well-being and the city. Project Z is a youth program that assists and supports young people through and beyond periods of homelessness, intending to empower them to live out their fullest potential. “Project Z is Bristol’s only emergency youth shelter for those forced out onto...
Angela’s House
Everyday Wishes come true
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we travel to the east coast and introduce you to Angela’s House. This Yardi-supported nonprofit, founded in 1992 in Long Island, NY, assists families caring for children with special health care needs who are medically fragile, chronically ill or suffering from a life-threatening illness. The Policastro family founded the agency 31 years ago following the tragic crisis they experienced with their daughter Angela. This parent-based origin has affected the approach and philosophy Angela’s House applies to each family they assist. “We assist families caring for their children at home, and for those children that can no longer live at home, we have Angela’s Houses,” said Bob Policastro, executive director and founder of Angela’s House. Home Care helps to coordinate the complex array of home care services needed to support children living at home with their parents. This may include services such as: Medical equipment Nursing support Therapies and medications Handicapped accessible homes Angela’s House currently works with over 700 fragile children in the community. The children who live in the homes are cared for in a warm, loving environment suited to accommodate their complex physical and medical needs. These homes have 24-hour nursing care. “We currently have three homes in East Moriches, Smithtown and Stoney Brook. They are the first of their kind in New York State,” said Policastro. He continued, “The Stony Brook home can care for children that need a...
Veterans Sportsman Alliance...
Supporting Vet Health and Well-being
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. Today we introduce you to the national Veterans Sportsman Alliance (VSA), founded in 2013. This Yardi Boise-supported nonprofit assists returning combat veterans as they develop a post-service, purpose-driven lifestyle. VSA also works with family members to help them better understand veterans’ challenges and how better to conquer these situations on a path to success. “Our focus is the veterans’ and their families’ health and well-being. My phone is on 24/7/365,” said Brett Johnson, Co-founder and CEO of Veterans Sportsman Alliance. Veterans Sportsman Alliance will continue to fine-tune its existing programs and explore new ways to help veterans and their families in the coming years. “We will work to expand community awareness of the needs and challenges our Heroes face,” said Johnson. Funding from Yardi has helped drive VSA to success. “Your donations change and save lives! There is no greater cause,” exclaimed Johnson. Saving Veteran Lives Veterans Sportsman Alliance’s most tremendous success has been veterans explaining how they “saved their life” during periods of depression and turmoil. “There is nothing greater than a veteran looking you in the eye and thanking you for ‘talking them off the cliff,’” shared Johnson. For anyone interested in opportunities to volunteer, it is best to talk to the local representatives of VSA for direction. Find future non-profit profiles...
Pappas Kids
Schoolhouse Foundation Benefits Kids
Let’s head west and introduce you to the Pappas Kids Schoolhouse Foundation of Coolidge, Arizona, founded in 2005. Pappas Kids believes that education is the only way to break down the barriers that poverty and homelessness create. Pappas Kids strives to open the doors of educational opportunities to homeless, underprivileged, at-risk youth and families under the poverty threshold. The organization offers educational enhancing assistance programs to underserved children throughout Arizona, all of which are intended to alleviate obstacles that prevent children from completing their education. “One of our most notable types of support is our private school tuition scholarship program. This gives children an opportunity to decide what type of educational environment would best help them succeed,” said Dayna Sandoval, executive director of Pappas Kids. In addition to scholarships, Pappas Kids ensures children are adequately equipped and prepared for school by distributing more than 9,500 backpacks filled with school supplies throughout schools and communities across ten counties statewide. Pappas Kids partner with military members, public safety officers and school district officials to help distribute this assistance successfully. “It is our mission to alleviate obstacles that prevent these children from being successful and confident academically, and we believe that lessening their worries in the classroom, at home and during the holidays helps them not only have a more enjoyable educational experience but increases the likelihood of continuing their journey academically,” shares Sandoval. Pappas Kids distribute gifts that promote family togetherness, literacy and healthy problem-solving, creating a memorable tradition for children and families to cherish for years. These gifts include: A book for them to read together (promoting literacy) Board game (promoting healthy problem-solving) Soft blanket and stuffed animal Hot cocoa Popcorn Cookie Tin Gift card (to help establish traditions) These gifts provide an opportunity to...
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Connecting People with Nature
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Let’s introduce the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) from Roswell, Georgia, founded in 1976. 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. “Environmental education is at the heart of everything we do at CNC. We engage, educate, and inspire visitors, particularly children, in the wonders of nature. As Atlanta’s nature destination, we welcome nearly 140,000 visitors annually and provide transformative experiences that inspire an environmentally empowered community,” said Kristen Felty, director of development for CNC. No other venue in the Atlanta area provides direct access to the Chattahoochee River and offers a wide range of education and conservation programming– guided hikes and canoeing to horticulture and wildlife rehabilitation. With its 50th anniversary approaching, CNC recognizes the need to update infrastructure to sustain its organization for another half-decade. CNC has started to upgrade its IT systems, plan for improvements to the physical buildings, and diversify its workforce, volunteer corps, membership, and visitor base. “We aim to increase opportunities to interpret the Chattahoochee River and its ecosystems by convening experts, continuing to promote CNC as a strategic resource for the southeast, and expanding recreational opportunities on the river through community partnerships,” Felty said. In addition, CNC plans to expand its adult education offerings and continue to deliver best-in-class environmental education programming for visitors of all ages and abilities. Funding from Yardi is critical to the operations of CNC since 30 percent of its operating budget originates as contributed income from individuals and organizations. These funds support its efforts to preserve 127 acres along the Chattahoochee River while providing environmental education programs to K-12 students and adults in a safe and welcoming space for wellness and recreation for visitors. Funds also support CNC’s work on rehabilitating nearly 700 native Georgia wildlife creatures, conversing native Georgia plants and growing produce for local food banks. “At CNC, we recognize that our work to preserve and protect the natural environment for future generations is only possible with generous financial support and volunteer assistance from companies like Yardi Atlanta,” said Felty. “We are grateful that our organizations and employees share a passion and commitment to the environment and look forward to working together to grow today’s and tomorrow’s nature enthusiasts. Educating the minds CNC’s educational programming continues to expand post-pandemic. These programs are proliferating, particularly as further studies illustrate the benefits of children and adults being outdoors. The mounting evidence of climate change has also inspired people to become more environmentally conscious. Felty shares, “One of our biggest success stories lies in our educational programming, where we maintain partnerships with two of our local school systems, Fulton County Schools Cultural Kaleidoscope Program that serves each of the district’s 7,000 second-grade students, and Atlanta Public Schools’ Cultural Experience Project (CEP) which provides environmental education field trips to the district’s first-grade students.” #TeamYardi Volunteers In a recent outing, #TeamYardi of the Atlanta office went to Chattahoochee Nature Center and worked in the Unity Garden, where fresh fruits and vegetables are grown from seed, harvested and donated to the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry. Nearly 5,000 clients are served by the food pantry annually, and CNC is the largest supplier of fresh produce, donating an average of four tons per year. An extensive network of volunteers and part-time staff members maintains CNC’s Unity Garden. CNC welcomes new corporate or individual volunteers to pitch around the 127-acre campus. Some group volunteer projects include invasive plant removal, habitat restoration and general campus cleanup. Individual volunteers are routinely needed to help at community events, serve as docents or support CNC’s horticulture team....
StartUp Stirling
Yardi Scotland Volunteers
Let’s travel to Stirling, Scotland and meet StartUp Stirling. This Yardi-supported nonprofit was founded 29 years ago that help vulnerable people escape violence, such as those coming out of prison or becoming homeless, to set up a home in an empty room or house given by the council. StartUp Stirling provides the essentials for living, such as a mattress, sheets, kettle and food basics. Today, they provide help, such as bed frames, cots, duvets, sheet sets, toasters, dishes, cutlery and nutritious food. StartUp Stirling has just one full-time member and six part-time members but over 100 volunteers, and they get in-need referrals from over 41 agencies. Referrals are required to be allowed at StartUp Stirling, so they know the person is really in need and keep their dignity. For each referral they receive, they have a pre-screening call with the person or family and get the actual requirements for their individual needs—pets, number of family members living in the accommodation and dietary restrictions. Doing this ensures that StartUp Stirling does not provide anything the individuals or families wouldn’t use and ultimately go to waste. This helps support the person’s actual needs. The ground floor is stacked with food, in trays, according to food type and best-before date. StartUp Stirling uses a strict stock rotation scheme so that no food is wasted. Yardi Volunteer Day #TeamYardi of the Stirling office had a volunteer day and were each given a sheet with the requirements for a family of two or four to fill a box. They located the location of each item and chose the correct thing being mindful of the date and family’s needs. They also provided a perishable bag of fruits and vegetables, chilled foods, pet food, toiletries, and a sweet treat or two....
We Are Blood
Saving Lives in Texas
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we take you to the deep heart of Texas and introduce We Are Blood, a Yardi-supported nonprofit founded in Austin, Texas, in 1951. We Are Blood provides and protects the blood supply of Central Texas. Over 50 medical facilities, including every hospital in its 10-county service area, partner with and rely on We Are Blood for platelets and blood products. As our population increases, so do the needs of the communities We Are Blood serves. Central Texas has grown over the past five years, and health services have expanded. With this, We Are Blood has seen extraordinary growth in transfusion needs and its organization’s priorities continue to shift to meet these needs. All donors welcome We Are Blood invites you to become a donor today! On an average day, We Are Blood needs to receive at least 200 blood donations to maintain an adequate supply. When you donate with them, your donation is prioritized based on local conditions. Which means it stays in the community to help save the life of a fellow Texan. During June, We Are Blood partners with the Austin Humane Society and Central Texas Food Bank (another Yardi-supported nonprofit) for the “Giving Double” drive. Every blood and platelet donor can choose either the Central Texas Food Bank or Austin Humane Society as a recipient of a $5 donation fromWe Are Blood, allowing Central Texans to provide much-needed blood...
Housing Support
For Nova Scotia Wildfires
The massive wildfires spreading across Canada this year have ravaged 3.3 million hectares of land and displaced over 120,000 people. With many Nova Scotians recently forced out of their homes, Yardi added a new feature to its rental listings portal, Point2, to help displaced residents find shelter. To locate these properties, evacuees can use the filter “NS Wildfire Relief Rentals” and find all the homes that were made available as temporary shelters. Posting a listing on Point2homes.com is free and housing providers are encouraged to add as many of these emergency properties as possible. With this addition, Yardi aims to connect evacuees with those who can offer a safe and secure place during challenging times. “As a company that is committed to using technology to positively impact our communities, Yardi is proud to collaborate with the Province of Nova Scotia to aid those affected by the wildfires,” said Peter Altobelli, vice president and general manager of Yardi Canada Ltd. To learn more about how you can offer or seek shelter visit...
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
Fueling Food Security
Let’s travel to Raleigh, North Carolina and introduce you to the Yardi-supported Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (IFFS). Founded in 1989, the IFFS mission is to feed neighbors, teach self-sufficiency, grow healthy foods and cultivate innovative approaches to end hunger. IFFS empowers its neighbors on their path to food security through food distributions, access to retail-quality produce from its farm and community gardens and nutrition and agriculture education. “We collaborate with over 200 community partners across our seven-county service area with the shared vision of a hunger-free community in central North Carolina,” shared Leigh Blancato, Corporate partnerships manager of IFFS. Last year, IFFS distributed 9 million pounds of food (37% was fresh produce) or 8 million meals across its partner agencies and programs network, including BackPack Buddies, School pantries, Mobile Markets and Grocery Bags for Seniors. They harvested over 70,000 pounds of retail-quality organic produce from its 14-acre farm for distribution to families experiencing hunger. IFFS engaged 758 children, families and seniors in 1,910 hours of nutrition education and built 30 Gardens for Everyone– raised bed gardens for neighbors of the community. To end hunger, IFFS learns the barriers that create the need for its service. Ending hunger means dismantling and replacing those barriers with an equitable food system framework. This calls for understanding the barriers to food access from those impacted, developing strategic community partnerships and collaborating to grow its programs to better support and serve the community. “Our goal is to provide 10 million pounds of nutritious food to chronically food insecure neighbors across our seven-county service area by increasing equitable food access in under-resourced communities as we address the barriers that create the need for our services,” said Blancato. Funding from Yardi is directed to the greatest need, providing food access and transformative education programs to chronically food-insecure neighbors in the counties they serve. The power and importance of unrestricted funds cannot be overstated, as it allows IFFS the flexibility to respond immediately to needs as they arise. Strong community partnerships with organizations committed to addressing the root causes of hunger and working together to advance hunger solutions are crucial to IFFS’s work. “We are immensely thankful for the continued generous support we have received from Yardi. Your support has had a transformational impact on the communities we serve. We are grateful to consider Yardi a partner as we work together to Feed, Teach, Grow and Cultivate approaches to end hunger,” enthused Blancato. Sharing is Caring Gladys is a mother and grandmother who attends a Mobile Market in Durham, NC, every month to pick up free groceries and fresh produce. She uses the food she receives to supplement her family’s budget as she cares for the nine family members. She began visiting the Mobile Market after her local grocery store closed, leaving her and her neighbors in a food desert. She especially loves the fresh produce she receives, as it reminds her of the fresh fruits and vegetables she had in Honduras growing up. In addition to feeding her family with the food received at the Mobile Market distribution, she also prepares nightly meals for neighbors experiencing homelessness, saying, “The things God gives to us, we’re supposed to share with others.” Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are integral to the Food Shuttle’s mission and welcome the opportunity to have Yardi employees volunteer with them. They offer various options for individuals and groups, including Community Gardens in Raleigh and Durham, Food Packing in the warehouses and Gardens for Everyone to assist with building raised garden beds. Learn more about the different volunteer opportunities IFFS offers. Interested volunteers can contact the volunteer services team directly at [email protected] or 919-390-1974. “We’re thankful for the dedication and commitment from Yardi to create a hunger-free community in central North Carolina,” Blancato shared. Find future non-profit profiles...
Scholarship Program Expands
$10M Commitment to Education
Building on a history of supporting the pursuit of higher education, leading real estate technology provider Yardi is partnering with 20 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada to provide college scholarships to students with financial needs. The Yardi Foundation has committed over $10 million in scholarships and student support over the next four years. “Yardi recognizes that a college degree can be life-changing, especially for first-generation scholars, and we are excited to join these colleges and universities and help students achieve their goals,” said Jay Shobe, a Yardi senior vice president. Previously, Yardi had committed to scholarship support at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Southeast, as well as the University of California, Santa Barbara. The newly announced scholarships will be available at: Arizona State University California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Fullerton University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Farmingdale State College Georgia State University Morehouse College North Carolina Central University North Carolina State Shaw University Spelman College Stony Brook University Toronto Metropolitan University University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine University of California, Santa Barbara University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of North Texas University of Texas, Arlington University of Texas, Austin Yardi Scholarships are designed for recipients with need, many of whom will be their family’s first immediate member to attend a four-year college. Selected students will have majors related to business or computer science. Students can contact their institutions’ financial aid departments for more information. Among the institutions offering Yardi Scholarships is Farmingdale State College in New York. “This is an incredibly generous gift that we are enormously grateful to receive on behalf of our students,” said Matthew Colson, vice president of development and communications. “Yardi is taking a leadership role in improving the futures of our distinctive and diverse community here at FSC. This investment will redefine the scope of opportunity for our students and is sure to pay dividends far into the...
