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. The Los Padres Forest Association (LPFA) works in partnership with the Forest Service and the local community to help the forest. Another goal is to enable residents to use Los Padres land enjoyably and sustainably. Founded in 1979 in Goleta, Calif., the LPFA is known for its robust trail work efforts. LPFA’s mission is to care for the Los Padres Forest, ensuring it thrives and remains safe and open for all to use and enjoy. “We spend over 300 days a year in the forest maintaining and building trails using a combination of volunteers and our professional LPFA Trail Crew,” shares Bryan Conant, Executive Director for LPFA. Los Padres National Forest is the second largest federal forest in California. With elevations ranging from sea level to almost 9,000 feet with ten designated wilderness areas, it offers spectacular natural wildlife and scenery. In addition to trail work, LPFA manages two visitor centers in the forest (Big Sur and Ojai), providing face-to-face information for visitors. LPFA also works closely with local Scouts groups and other individuals in joint efforts to help the forest. Some include repairing historic forest structures, installing and repairing signs, and more. “In addition to our ‘boots on the ground’ work, we also invest much time helping the forest user by providing trail and forest updates through social media, our newsletters, and a website we manage called HikeLosPadres.com,” said Conant. Los Padres Forest Association plans to work on getting its website revamped and updated this upcoming year. Funds from Yardi will be directly funding HikeLosPadres.com. In addition to being in the forest as usual. “The money is important, of course, but it’s truly wonderful knowing that a company such as Yardi supports the LPFA and our mission,” shared Conant. “We’re looking forward to our website revamp and could not make it happen without the support of Yardi and their employees.” Red Reef Trail The popular Red Reef Trail within the Sespe Wilderness and connects the Topatopa Mountains with the Sespe River Trail. It was frequented by backpackers and equestrians but had become highly overgrown over the past decade due to a lack of maintenance. The trail had gotten so bad that hikers couldn’t get through the path without crawling through long tunnels of debris and brush. By 2020, the trial was nearly non-usable, and LPFA had regular complaints about the loss of trail. In late 2021, LPFA secured funding to restore the beloved trail. “Over 14 months, we invested over 2,500 hours in the restoration of the Red Reef Trail, and it is now open, in great shape, and is used frequently by hikers, trail runners, and backpackers,” said Conant. “It was not easy but gratifying having the opportunity to bring back one of the more spectacular wilderness trails in the Los Padres Forest.” Volunteer Opportunities The Los Padres Forest is a magic piece of the California Coastal Mountain connecting Los Angeles with Monterey Bay. There are many great spots for all user groups to explore and recreate within the Los Padres. Whether you like a mountain bike, trail run, hiking, backpacking, or just listening to the birds, the Los Padres have something for everyone. Yardi Santa Barbara team members have been past participants in local trail work projects. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to volunteer on trail work efforts. Find future non-profit profiles...
Family Service Agency
Mental Health for SB County
Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara is a Yardi-supported nonprofit that has been serving residents in times of need since 1899. FSA’s commitment to help has grown alongside the local community. “We pair basic needs assistance with family support and mental health counseling—helping at-risk children, families, and seniors meet immediate needs and tools for long-term wellbeing,” shares Paul Katan, Director of Development at FSA. FSA’s four areas of service are: Basic needs assistance: help with applications for health insurance, unemployment, Calfresh, utility assistance, case management, and even food supply distribution and delivery since the pandemic. “We are collaborating with other nonprofits to identify and assist isolated seniors so that their needs for food, prescriptions, supplies, and medical care are met (partnering with private funders)— currently continuing special efforts in Guadalupe and Carpinteria,” shared Katan. Parent support and leadership development: parenting and healthy relationship education including phone lines and social media to help families with the challenges of children in school, changing work environments, and employment reduction. Services for seniors: Certified Ombudsman Representatives monitor resident care in all the county’s long-term care facilities and advocate for resident quality of care. Mental health support: school-based mental health counseling for elementary and secondary school students. Added during the pandemic was support and education for teachers specifically for mental health counseling, education, and mental health first aid training for youth, adults, families, seniors, and their caregivers. FSA will continue to provide emotional and concrete support to community members’ needs to stabilize and move forward on the path of long-term well-being in the coming year, focusing on strategic priorities from the pandemic. Funds from Yardi provide the flexibility needed to help people navigate complex and often unsafe situations. This support is a crucial supplement to what public funding sources will cover, which typically limits which services can help those in need of assistance. “Everyone at FSA is thrilled for the steadfast support of Yardi and its employees, especially as we continue to respond to increased community needs resulting from the pandemic,” said Katan. “Yardi’s investment in the people we serve is widely known among our 240 employees, many of whom have a family or community connection to Yardi.” Carla’s story In 2021, FSA served over 28,000 community members, ranging from age 0 to 103. One of those people is Carla. Carla, a survivor of domestic violence and a single mother of two, lives in a RV and subsists on earnings from restaurant work. In 2020, school closures meant no educational time for her children and no counselors available to assess the special needs of her youngest child, Alma. Carla had no family support or readily available childcare services. FSA family support service and school-based counseling services provided the lifeline Carla needed for her children. “Our Family Advocate met with Carla and created a plan to meet the family’s immediate needs and provide for their long-term self-sufficiency,” shared Katan. FSA helped Carla with necessities including food and clothing, health care coverage, therapy for Alma’s behavioral needs, and a parenting class for better support. Since being at FSA, Carla’s oldest daughter Sophia has now developed self-confidence, strength and coping skills to handle her depression. FSA’s family advocate continues to work with the family and in a recent school meeting, Alma’s school staff could not believe how much she has improved, all attributed to the collaboration with FSA. “We are happy to report that the family recently moved from their vehicle into an apartment, None of this would be possible without the support of Yardi and other generous partners,” shared Katan. Volunteer opportunities “Yardi employees have been terrific to work with at past FSA events, including the Senior Expo. Our event schedule has changed since COVID-19, though we are seeking volunteers to support smaller events designed to foster social connections with families, seniors, and caregivers,” said Katan. For Santa Barbara community members interested in becoming ongoing...
Wilderness Youth Project
The Nurture of 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. In 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of 2022, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we introduce you to the Wilderness Youth Project (WYP), a Yardi-supported nonprofit that was founded in 1999 in Santa Barbara, Calif. WYP connects children to nature in small groups guided by inspired, skilled, and committed mentors and volunteers. WYP envisions teaching the next generation of children to be peaceful, respectful, and confident stewards of the world. “Nature connection makes life better for kids,” shares Chandler McLane, donor relations manager for WYP. “Time in nature makes kids happier, healthier, and smarter.” At WYP children play, learn, and grow in Santa Barbara’s natural beauty. They get to have adventures and explore the outdoors for more green time, not screen time. Children gain confidence, a heart for adventure, and care for others. Having these types of experiences will help children grow up healthy and happy. WYP is planning to expand its fully subsidized Bridge to Nature program to more schools and community centers during the school year. The Bridge to Nature program serves the community and meets participants where they already are so they do not need to find transportation to WYP. Going outdoors is one of the best ways to keep children excited about learning and to build their connection with the natural world. “Our Bridge to Nature program exists as a way to bring WYP to locations that have more limited nature access at no cost to participants,” said McLane. Yardi has been in support of WYP since 2005. Funding from Yardi has helped WYP with its Bridge to Nature program by allowing them to purchase a new van. “Because of this, we will be able to take more children out to nature-rich locations all over Goleta, Santa Barbara, and Carpinteria” shared McLane. WYP also plans to acquire two new vehicles in the year to come, that will help fulfill the vision of providing WYP programs to local youth across the demographic spectrum. Nico’s story Nico started WYP when he was four years old. His mother recalls calling the office and crying tears of joy at the possibility of a scholarship, which made his participation possible. As a child with developmental delays, Nico struggled with social interactions and the ability to balance input and stimulation. His early experience with Wilderness Youth Project, though, was the first time Nico was appreciated for who he was and not for all his deficiencies. WYP saw the bigger picture of who Nico was and respected his personality and the gifts he had to offer to the rest of the group. At age five, Nico was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. During that time, he was challenged with perseverating and getting stuck on concepts. With a one-on-one aide, he continued participating in a Wilderness Youth Project after-school program where WYP mentors channeled his challenges into productive energy. With time, Nico developed a connection to nature, as well as a connection with others. Through his regular time in nature with a WYP mentor, all of Nico’s deficiencies were built upon with intentional guiding and nurturing. Nico’s mom remembers one of the best phone calls she ever got from a WYP staff member. After Nico had been going to WYP with a one-on-one aide for years, a WYP mentor called to ask her if she would be open to having Nico come to the program without an aide. “She was in awe of the training and the heart our staff had to integrate all of what Nico was into our programs without additional support,” shared McLane. “WYP has a way of honoring the sense of...
CALM
Supporting SB Families
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. Today we introduce you to CALM, a Yardi-supported nonprofit founded in 1970 in Santa Barbara, Calif. In 1969, Claire Miles, a local nurse, learned that an overworked and emotionally stressed father had shaken his infant son to death in a moment of desperation. Claire took immediate action, put a phone in her living room, then took out classified ads in the local paper urging parents in need to call for help. The phone rang almost 40 times that first month. She and her friends took turns answering the calls, with the hope of helping stressed parents before a catastrophe occurred. From there, the organization grew quickly and has led the nonprofit community to adopt evidence-based treatment and prevention practices, using assessment and data to evaluate the effectiveness and continually improve its work. A positive family atmosphere is crucial for children to grow up in. CALM’s mission is to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County. CALM’s services are divided into four departments: Early Childhood Prevention and Intervention Childhood Trauma Treatment Intensive Family Services Community Strengthening Collaborations Services include individual therapy, home visitation, parenting classes, postpartum support, group therapy support and mental health consultation in school-based settings. “Some common issues we treat are domestic violence, neglect, anxiety, and depression often a combination of these,” said Ashlyn McCague, Director of Development for CALM. “Every client is unique, and each situation involves a custom treatment plan to address goals related to behavior, mental health, and building positive relationships.” Funding from Yardi...
CASA of SB County ...
Advocating for Kids
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, meet the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County. Founded in 1993, 2023 will mark a significant milestone for CASA as they begin their 30th year of advocacy for children in the foster care system. The CASA program recruits, screens, and trains community volunteers sworn in by the country to advocate for a child who has experienced abuse and neglect. “Once assigned to a child’s case, our professional team of Advocate Supervisors engages, empowers, and guides our CASA volunteers with training, case management, supervision, technical assistance, and support as they advocate for our community’s most vulnerable children,” shares Crystal Sullins, donor relations and grants manager for CASA. CASA is the only nonprofit organization that exclusively advocates for children while in the protective care of the court. When a child enters the court system due to abuse or neglect, a judge appoints a CASA volunteer to advocate on the child’s behalf. “No child should have to navigate the foster care system alone, so having a highly trained CASA volunteer by their side empowers children and gives them a voice in court,” said Sullins. Donations from Yardi help ensure that CASA can continue recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting the volunteers needed to maintain CASA operations and help build program capacity to serve every child. The CASA program is nationally recognized as a powerful tool for improving positive outcomes for children in...
Domestic Violence Solutions
For Santa Barbara
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. In today’s spotlight, Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS), a Yardi-supported nonprofit, was founded in 1977. The organization provides safety, shelter, and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and collaborate with community partners to raise awareness regarding the cause, prevalence, and impact. DVS is the only service provider for those affected by domestic violence in Santa Barbara County, which would not be possible without the support of the community. “As a society, we all have a role in changing the narrative about what domestic violence is, to whom it happens, and how we can support those who are experiencing it, and, ultimately, prevent it entirely,” says Tina Ballue, Director of Development for DVS. “To be able to support survivors, and to prevent domestic violence in the future, we all need to normalize talking about it openly and candidly.” DVS’s goals for the year to come include expanding reach through more multicultural and multi-lingual service provisions, seeking out new transitional and permanent housing opportunities throughout the county, and maximizing federal and state resources to assist clients. Funding from Yardi is helping DVS to build the capacity to be able to help more clients. In addition, building a volunteer program that will allow DVS to be more present in the community to increase awareness and provide preventative education to end domestic violence. “Our ultimate goal is to have a future free from domestic violence, this can only happen with the support from community leaders such as Yardi,” shared Ballue. 24-hour assistance available DVS has a 24-hour support hotline which has been an asset to many of its clients. One mother was especially grateful for it and Domestic Violence Solutions. “DVS gave me the tools to fight and be a survivor to stand strong and confront the situation with authority and confidence. They helped me with my self-esteem. I got to meet new friends that supported each other through the transition,” the survivor stated. “Thanks to DVS, I now have an apartment I can afford and feel safe with my children, our car, and a great job. My son will graduate in June, and he is safe now. My daughter sees a strong mother who will do everything she can for her children.” She spoke about how the support she received has changed her outlook on herself and on the need for resources like DVS. “I’m not ashamed anymore. I feel worthy and willing to receive help. Not only do they help in what they can, but they also place their lives in danger for us. I’m very grateful and blessed to have been a client. I thank God for generous the support of people like you to help and support DVS, allowing them to continue their mission of saving lives and keeping them safe.” Volunteer Opportunities “We need to change the conversation around domestic violence – and we need your help to do it,” shared Ballue. Domestic Violence Solutions is working to rebuild its volunteer program post-COVID-19 pandemic and begin training help to expand services. There are many unique opportunities available at DVS. From volunteering with clients to organizational committees such as events and outreach. For more information, please visit their website here. Find future non-profit profiles at...
BGC Saskatoon
Mental Health for Youth
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we journey north. BGC Saskatoon is a Canadian nonprofit, established in 1974 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. BGC’s primary focus is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life. BGC wants children and youth who might have a disadvantage, whether it is a lack of resources or family support, to have the chance to participate in traditional community programs. “Having a safe place to be where the kids are exposed to new opportunities and positive adult role models is very important in the development of children and youth,” shares Heidi Carl, Director of Operation at BGC. “We support children, youth, and parents through a parenting program and a mental health initiative that serves the entire organization.” BGC Saskatoon is focusing on the needs of children and their families for the year ahead. The pandemic increased demand for programs and services helping families to meet basic needs and professional mental health support. “As our communities are making efforts to return to a post-pandemic normal, needs have changed and become more critical, the cost of living has increased and the added stressors and pressures have increased mental health concerns,” says Carl. Funding from Yardi has helped BGC meet the needs of children and families in support of professional mental health. Funding helps BGC offer early interventions...
Open Hand Atlanta
Bringing Meals Home
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, let’s gain insight into Open Hand Atlanta, whose mission statement is: “We cook. We teach. We deliver. We care.” That statement is in action when the organization and its volunteers deliver love, dignity and nutrition to neighbors in need in metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. “For more than 30 years, we have provided delicious, nourishing meals and nutrition education to thousands of people who are home-bound or too sick to cook for themselves. We’re honored to serve our community of seniors, children and families, and neighbors who are at-risk, have a disability, or medical condition,” said Sam Ford, Communications Manager, and Tarai Kemp Brown, Health & Wellness Grants Manager. Open Hand Atlanta is one of the largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition services in the U.S. “We provide all of our services free to clients as more than 90 percent of Open Hand clients are from under-resourced communities, and 75 percent of those live at or below the federal poverty line. One-third of our clients recently reported that, if not for Open Hand, they would have no idea from where their next meal would be coming,” Ford and Brown shared. Last year, Open Hand delivered nearly 1.5 million meals to neighbors in need throughout the state of Georgia. Funds from Yardi are used to purchase capital needs for the organization. Yardi’s support helps Open Hand Atlanta keep productivity aligned...
Walk for Hope
Focus on Mental Health
Team Yardi Raleigh is a longtime supporter of the Foundation of Hope in Raleigh, founded in 1984. The nonprofit works to conquer mental illness by investing in groundbreaking scientific research and mental health initiatives. The Foundation of Hope strives to eliminate suffering from mental illness in the community. On Oct. 9, the Foundation of Hope held the 34th Annual Walk for Hope to fund mental health research at the University of North Carolina’s Department of Psychiatry. This year a total of over $790,000 was raised. Team Yardi TKO, a title sponsor of the event, raised $6,000 this year. TKO stands for Timothy K Owens. He was a manager with Yardi for many years and lost his life by suicide about 11 years ago. In his memory, the Yardi Raleigh office started the Walk for Hope team and has been walking and raising money ever since. “Tim will never leave our hearts,” shared Kimberly Wood, Captain of the Walk for Hope Foundation. 33 Yardi team members joined the walk this year including Kimberly Wood of the PayScan Implementation Team; Greg Smith, Vice President; Pam Davison, Senior Project Manager; David Fabian, Senior Director; Vera Morris, Consultant; Maggie Corgan, Technical Account Manager; and Sheila Johnson, Technical Account Manager. “Mental health research is so very important,” said Wood. “I can’t imagine there are very many people who are not touched by mental health issues for family or friends,” she continues, “Personally, I volunteer throughout the year at the Foundation of Hope office.” “It feels SO good to give back.” The 5K walk was followed by a family-friendly festival including lunch, music, informational booths from mental health care companies, a small petting zoo and so much more. The weather was beautiful and over 3,200 registered and raised money...
Transition House
Supporting Stability
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we introduce you to Transition House of Santa Barbara, Calif. founded in 1984. Transition House provides innovative and proven solutions to the cycle of poverty-based family houselessness. Each year they help about 150 families with children to acquire the tools necessary for self-sufficiency. Of those families, 70 percent or more are successful in transitioning into stable rental housing. “Under the guidance of Transition House case managers, parents are empowered to find work that pays a living wage, learns to write monthly budgets and save their money, develop life skills that lead to family stabilization, and secure permanent housing,” shares Kathleen Baushke, Executive Director of Transition House. Transition House focuses on three programs: Three-Stage Family Housing Program Transition House provides a housing continuum designed to provide the time and support families need to address the root cause of their houselessness. The first stage begins with a 60-120 day stay at Transition House’s 70-bed emergency shelter. Families stabilize at the shelter and begin working on short- and long-term goals. The second stage offers six months of transitional housing for up to six families at a time for working families. A portion of their income is paid in rent. Eligible families may then continue to its third-stage program, HOMES, where they can live for up to two years in one of 36 Transition House-owned affordable apartments while continuing to receive supportive services. Anti-Poverty/Family Support...
The Idaho Foodbank
Helping with Healthy Choices
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. In today’s spotlight, learn about The Idaho Foodbank founded in 1984 which serves the entire state of Idaho. The Idaho Foodbank’s mission is to help feed, educate and advocate for Idaho’s hungry through collaborative partnerships to develop efficient solutions that strengthen communities. They distribute food to 465 partners across the state including food pantries, schools, senior centers, and mobile food distributions. “Through the partner network and our other programs, The Idaho Foodbank distributed enough food for over 22 million meals in our last fiscal year,” shares Sydney Reid, Community Engagement Coordinator of The Idaho Foodbank. “The latest Feeding America Map the Meal Gap report found that nearly 9% of Idahoans experience food insecurity so we served an average of 184,000 people per month.” Reid continues, “We know we cannot address food insecurity alone, so we appreciate everyone who supports and collaborates with The Idaho Foodbank to improve the lives of our neighbors in need.” Yardi’s contributed funds have made a real impact on general operations. These funds enable The Idaho Foodbank to utilize its greatest needs such as transportation costs and purchasing food. The Idaho Foodbank’s goals are to continue to provide nutrition and education for healthy communities under their Hunger to Health Strategy. “Our goal is to make the healthy choice the easy choice,” said Reid. “In our last fiscal year, 85% of the food distributed by The Idaho Foodbank was...
Girls Inc.
Of Greater Santa Barbara
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we bring you the Goleta chapter of Girls Inc., founded in 1864. At Girls Inc., its mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With partnerships with schools and 79 local affiliate organizations, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl which has the same core values today as it did when it was founded. “A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty and become role models in their community,” shares Jen Faust, CEO of Girls Inc. The executive board approved a new two-year strategic direction to strengthen the organization to serve powerful girls in an equitable society. The strategy encompasses six key elements: Increase access to programmingDevelop workforce and retain staffIncrease partnerships and community engagementAdvocate on important platformsEnhance brand identityShore up infrastructure “We will be sharing updates with the community as we begin implementing and making investments to ensure Girls Inc.’s organizational and program foundation is stable, strong, and poised to serve our mission to meet the urgency of the moment,” said Faust. Funding from Yardi has provided comprehensive programming to address all aspects of a girl’s life and help her develop personal strengths and leadership skills. It is because of support from Yardi and others that the youth receive programming to grow up healthy, educated, and...
Giving Kitchen
Serving workers in crisis
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, let’s meet Atlanta’s Giving Kitchen, which provides emergency assistance to foodservice workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Since 2013, Giving Kitchen has stepped up to help financially when foodservice workers face unanticipated crisis due to illness (including COVID-19), accident, injury, housing disaster from fire or flood or death of an immediate family member. “Giving Kitchen is a crisis mitigation resource for food service workers. We focus on homelessness prevention, mental and physical health support, and disaster aid,” said Amy Crowell, Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager for the nonprofit. In 2022, Giving Kitchen expects to serve 2,700 food service workers in crisis and provide a minimum of $2.1 million in financial assistance to food service workers. “Funding from Yardi will go directly to providing financial assistance to food service workers facing an unanticipated crisis,” said Crowell. “These clients and their families will be given the gift of not having to worry about keeping their home (76 percent of clients are concerned with potential eviction) and instead, can focus on getting through their crisis. Clients facing illness or injury can focus on getting well and not returning to work too soon. The children in these homes will get to stay home with their parents coping with a crisis – not forced to move, not forced to live out of a hotel, not forced to change school districts.” The food...
TROSA
Substance Abuse Recovery
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we highlight Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc. (TROSA), a Durham-based nonprofit that rebuilds lives, reconnects families, and strengthens communities. Founded in 1994, TROSA is an innovative, licensed, multi-year residential program that empowers men and women with substance use disorders to be productive, recovering individuals by providing comprehensive treatment, experiential vocational training, education, and continuing care. “We are unique in providing our services for up to two years. We provide free housing, meals, clothing, health services, counseling, vocational and life skills training, peer mentorship, education, and professional advancement, and more to a daily average of 400 men and women in our care,” said Kristin Pearson, Communications Director. As TROSA residents approach their two-year program graduation date, they have the opportunity to take advantage of graduate program services. These services include transitional housing, support groups, and transportation to places of employment. “We help prepare individuals for a life in recovery by providing a network of support services and mentorship, with an emphasis on behavior change strategies and life skills development. By providing our services at no cost, individuals can focus on recovery and the changes they want to make in their lives,” Pearson explained. Susan’s story of recovery At age 12, Susan started using drugs and alcohol, and she dropped out of school in the eighth grade. For decades, addiction was at the center of Susan’s life. She was using heroin,...
CitySquare of Dallas
Fighting poverty with advocacy
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we bring you the story of CitySquare, a nonprofit that fights the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship in Dallas, Texas. In 2021, CitySquare provided service to over 59,000 Dallas residents. They own over 700 affordable housing units and operate one of the largest food pantries in Dallas. CitySquare also collaborates with the city’s largest hospitals to provide primary care services to residents of their housing units. “Our innovative and neighbor-centered approach wholly addresses an individual’s or family’s complicated situation, as opposed to providing one single, disconnected service at a time,” says Sarah Cantu, Chief Development Officer of CitySquare. CitySquare offers a comprehensive array of social services that address four key areas related to the persistence of poverty: hunger, health, housing, and hope. CitySquare is prioritizing these six areas in the year to come: homeless and housing solutions, food access, financial empowerment, health equity, legal services, and foster youth services. Funds from Yardi have helped to support CitySquare’s work in each of these areas, allowing them to touch thousands of lives. “CitySquare is focused on connecting neighbors to affordable housing opportunities and legal services are working with our housed neighbors who are struggling with the threat of eviction,” shares Cantu. “Within food access, we are prioritizing a client choice model for shopping for food from our pantry and offering a mobile food pantry for those who are...
STESA Stands Up ...
To End Sexual Assault
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, learn about Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA), a nonprofit and social change organization established in 1974. STESA is working toward eliminating oppression and sexual violence in Santa Barbara, Calif. STESA transforms lives and empowers people through healing and social change to eliminate all forms of sexual assault. “We work within a model of empowerment to facilitate the healing process of survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Staff and volunteers create social change by educating the community about the incidence and impact of sexual assault in our lives,” shares Elsa Granados, Executive Director of STESA. STESA’s core programming has developed strategic goals and objectives in service to its mission for the future. Its goals include: Ensuring a strong financial position and exploring how the board and finance committee can become more involved in fundraising.Stabilize staffing within its three vacancies. Filling positions such as training coordinator, office manager, and program director.Purchasing a new facility since their current lease is up in 2025. STESA wants to offer a safe space for their clients since most do not have privacy at home for telehealth. Due to the pandemic, STESA is not qualified for many support programs so funding from Yardi has been essential to keeping the doors open and services functioning. “Yardi’s support has helped STESA gain leverage from others since Yardi is known and well respected in the community,” said...
Supporting Families
Teddy Bear Cancer Fdtn
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we are hearing from the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, Calif., a nonprofit that assists with finances, emotional support, and educational advocacy for families that are helping their child battle cancer. “TBCF is a unique cancer support organization, not just because we give the most amount of direct financial assistance than any other pediatric cancer support organization, but because we truly invest time in getting to know our families and being a source of support for them from the point of diagnosis, to after treatment ends,” says Brittany Avila Wazny, senior development director at TBCF. Last year TBFC started a program called “Dream Big” in which they help families to go from surviving to thriving. Wazny shares, “We are creating a new strategic plan that will lay out how we will bring dreams to life. We are already making dreams for couples and individual counseling happen, beginning with a pilot program in partnership with Family Services Agency, which will start this fall.” Wazny continues, “We want our families to know that they are not alone in a journey that can feel very isolating. Pediatric cancer comes with so many challenges beyond fighting for your child’s life, and we want our families to be supported with meaningful support through each challenge; we are grateful that Yardi understands the importance of these needs and continues to support our mission!” Funds from...
Midtown Assistance Center
Serving the community
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we introduce you to the Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) of Atlanta. MAC is a non-profit that provides emergency assistance to low-income working people and helps avert homelessness and hunger. MAC is a small but mighty organization that specializes in preventing hunger and homelessness in 10 of the highest poverty zip codes in Atlanta. “MAC works fast, often making payments within days of request which is crucial to preventing evictions,” says Chris Ferguson, director of development for the organization. “We also prevent hunger through our food assistance program which includes our food pantry and grocery gift cards. We are excited to have a new partnership with DoorDash to provide free delivery of groceries to those we serve.” “We are excited to be able to expand our food assistance program and hope to continue to grow it. We want to do a better job of keeping in stock high-need (and often expensive) items in our food pantry like beef, deli meat, vegetable oil, and laundry detergent,” says Ferguson. “MAC also supports people who have new jobs or are returning to work. Providing MARTA (transit) passes helps them get to interviews and when hired, to work each day. The nonprofit also provides gift cards to stores for uniform items. The idea is to knock down any barriers that prevent someone from starting a new job.” Jonathan’s story “Given our longstanding status and reputation in the community, word of mouth is how a lot of people new to Atlanta hear about us,” says Ferguson. That is how Jonathan, who had been homeless, heard about MAC. He had recently moved from Philadelphia, thinking he would have a place to stay. It turned out that place was not a good environment for him as he worked to continue nine months of sobriety. Jonathan, reached out to MAC for help with MARTA (transit) passes, nonslip work shoes, black pants, and some hygiene products for a new job. “He filled out our paperwork and we turned around and provided him with three weeks of MARTA to get him to his first paycheck and a gift card to Walmart for his uniform. We also gave him deodorant, detergent, socks, underwear, and a bit of food to support his effort to keep the new job,” Ferguson said. “A week later, he was accepted to a housing program since he is now working full time. We will provide him with some cleaning supplies and food to stock up his pantry and fridge.” Thanks to MAC, Jonathan is on his way to a more stable, healthier life. Support from Yardi helps MAC’s mission “Yardi’s generosity is much appreciated,” says Ferguson. “MAC was able to respond to the surge in need at the end of 2021 thanks to Yardi’s donation. MAC continues to respond to the increased need in Atlanta caused by rising rents, inflation, and the lingering effect of the COVID-19.” “We are so appreciative of Stacy Sinatra and the whole nonprofit Committee for supporting our application.” How you can get involved “Lots of your neighbors are having a tough time right now and some might be at risk of eviction which does not typically fit into a stereotypical box. If you have the capacity to give, volunteer, etc. please do. If you need help, please reach out to wherever you feel comfortable. The generosity of the community is heartwarming,” shares Ferguson. MAC relies on dozens of volunteers to accomplish its work in the community. “We need volunteers in the office during the week, which we know can...
Educalise Association...
Aiding Romania's Youth
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we bring you across the world and introduce you to Educalise Association, founded in 2019 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Educalise is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on the education and health of children and social projects for special needs patients, including: Education: training and workshops, equipping schools and after-school facilities with IT equipment, furniture, and other goods such as painting, restoration, and re-decoration of school facilities and yards.Health: equipment for children’s hospitals with medical devices, restoration, and re-decoration of children’s hospital facilities and yards, various play-and-learn activities that improve the relationship between child and doctor, and educating children on what to expect when they receive medical care.Social: support to children with special needs and holiday campaigns. “Education is however key to all our activities; therefore, we include an educational component even in health and social projects,” shared Cristina Sălăgean, founder of Educalise. Funds from Yardi have been used to finalize The Fairy Stories Garden and a new blood-test room. Check out the video of the day the Cluj Yardi office had here. “What we are planning for the blood-test room is to bring from the U.S. a special chair, where the child and the parent sit on the same chair when blood samples are being taken.” Sălăgean continues, “The chair is the main piece of the room, but it will be accompanied by VR (virtual reality glasses) and other kids-friendly equipment that will...
CASA of Travis County...
Advocating For Children
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. In today’s nonprofit spotlight, CASA of Travis County takes center stage. Travis County’s largest city is Austin, Texas. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County believes every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in the community. To accomplish this, CASA educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety because the people responsible for protecting them have not, a judge appoints a trained volunteer advocate to make independent and informed recommendations and help the judge decide what’s best for the child. Amari and Sharon’s story Amari had already been through 12 different schools when CASA was assigned to his case. Each time he moved to a new school; he fell even further behind. He dreamt about going to college to study sound engineering so he could one day open his own recording studio, but that seemed out of reach until his CASA Volunteer Sharon came into his life. Sharon knew that Amari needed a lot of help to stay on track. She worked with the school to develop a specialized plan that would accommodate his learning challenges and would FaceTime him each morning to make sure he got up for class. Over time,...
