It’s time for the annual Changemakers series, a collection of in-depth, insightful interviews published by Senior Housing News (SHN). Each year, the series celebrates a group of senior living leaders driving positive change in the industry. As sponsor for the sixth year in a row, Yardi is proud to join SHN in presenting the 2024 class of honorees. These honorees are trailblazers, innovators, visionaries and more — and their interviews detail how they got to where they are today. We’re delighted to introduce the first batch of Changemakers as the series begins, starting with a dedicated Yardi senior living client: Chris Guay, founder and CEO of Vitality Living. In his interview, Guay discusses how Vitality is evolving in the industry, the importance of staff diversity and how he creates a safe environment across his communities. Read on for a highlight of what he shares — then check out his full interview with SHN. Meet Changemaker Chris Guay SHN: We at SHN think of you as a Changemaker, but do you think of yourself as a Changemaker? Guay: I do see myself as a Changemaker. I believe it was always in me. I started out working with Emeritus, and I think I was a Changemaker there; always trying to push us to do things differently and work things through. Then when I got the chance to start my own company, I had to put a little of that on hold initially, because you’re trying to build an organization and build it forward. We’ve been fortunate that I’ve got a really great team of people. We’ve been able to build a really good company. The last couple of years, I’ve been able to shift back into that Changemaker role. I like to change things. I’m always innovating, always trying to change. That sometimes drives my team crazy. I have to find that delicate balance of pushing us forward, but also making sure we’re not pushing so fast that we’re changing just for the sake of changing. I ask myself, “Is this going to improve the experience for our residents?” I’ve really tried to hone in on if a change is going to improve the experience for our team members as well. If a change makes it harder for a line staff or caregiver, it’s probably not a change we should do. The third customer that sometimes gets forgotten in this business, “Is that change going to have a positive impact for our ownership partners?” I filter everything through those three pieces. Then based on how that comes through that filter, then I decide what we’re moving on. SHN: Do you think that the industry is changing fast enough to keep up with the times? Guay: I don’t. I find myself getting into the same conversations that we’ve had for the last 10 years. There’s opportunity in that because if you are a company that’s innovative, there’s opportunity to excel. However, it’s hard to innovate when you’ve got different weights dragging you down. It’s not an easy time. I don’t think people aren’t changing because they don’t want to. I just think there are some headwinds that keep dragging us back. You’ve got to keep fighting, you’ve got to keep pushing. SHN: The coming year is sure to be a year of growth and evolution for this year’s senior living industry. In what way is Vitality growing and evolving? Guay: One, we’re preparing and we’re building. We like to build a team around what we see, where we think we are. We don’t wait for it to come. We try to get ahead of it. We are really trying to be a world-class sales organization. We also look at the digital space. How we win there and how we get really innovative there is important. We decided to invest on the people side. We’re really shifting into how do we become a...

Yardi Canada recently hosted its inaugural Executive Commercial Briefing at the W Montréal Hotel, setting the stage for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. This event left attendees inspired and eager for more conversations with industry experts. Keep reading to learn what you can expect at our future executive briefing.  A platform for industry insights and collaboration The Executive Briefing series is an invitation-only event that delves deep into property and program management topics. It provides industry leaders and our executives with the opportunity to discuss the latest challenges and technology solutions shaping the real estate and housing markets. These briefings offer a platform for sharing insights, best practices and innovative strategies directly from top experts and decision-makers in the field. Through exclusive networking opportunities, interactive sessions and presentations from leading analysts, participants can forget important connections and gain valuable knowledge. With the rapid evolution of the real estate market and its supporting technology, these briefings are essential for staying ahead of the curve. Key highlights from the briefiing Jason Chacko, senior account executive of Yardi, shared compelling insights into the Yardi Investment Management Suite. He highlighted the efficiency brought by automation, stating, “The example I like to quote is with on of our major clients. On a quarterly close, they were taking 21 days to calculate their waterfalls. They reduced that to a half-day process with Yardi.” By integrating accounting, performance measurement and reporting into one platform, real estate businesses can streamline investment management. This tool provides real-time insights, boosts efficiency and supports data-driven decisions, helping clients like Timber Creek reduce manual work and improve accuracy in financial operations. The client panel also provided valuable perspectives on digital transformation. Olivier Rocheleau, corporate controller of Groupe Petra, emphasized the necessity of a fully integrated solution, saying, “We were looking for a best-in-class solution and a strong partner to establish ourselves with a solid foundation. Once we identified the modules we needed, Yardi’s implementation team guided us through the process seamlessly.” Groupe Petra is a leading real estate investment and management firm known for its extensive portfolio of commercial properties across Québec. They focus on acquiring, developing and managing high-quality real estate assets, ensuring sustainable growth and value creation. By partnering with Yardi, Groupe Petra aims to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain their reputation for excellence in the real estate market. Michael Sutherland, vice president of Canderel, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on Yardi’s impact on their operations. “We saw Yardi facilitate our strategic direction to streamline our service lines. The savings were compelling when we eliminated ancillary software and replaced it with a single Yardi stack. It was a no-brainer for us.” Canderel is a prominent real estate investment, development and management company with a diverse portfolio spanning office, retail, industrial and residential properties across Canada. Known for their innovative approach and commitment to excellence, focusing on creating value through strategic acquisitions, developments and property management. By adopting our solutions, Canderel aims to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency and support their long-term growth objectives. Exploring the future of AI in real estate David Franklin, industry principal at Yardi, captivated the audience with a discussion on our advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in lease abstraction. “This technology is exciting. We are going after the ability to abstract leases, cut time on accounts payable and give [clients] a built-in assistant using technology.” Virtuoso represents a significant leap forward in real estate technology. Virtuoso includes advanced features designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy, such as chatbots for improved customer interactions, smart AP for automating accounts payable processes, smart Lease for lease abstraction and an AI assistant for various operational tasks. By integrating these tools, Virtuoso provides seamless automation and intelligent assistance, helping Yardi clients streamline workflows, reduce manual errors and make more informed decisions. Looking ahead Yardi is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the real estate market in Québec. During the...

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

The Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA) hosted its annual conference in May located in Toronto. This year’s theme, “Building Communities Together,” highlighted the urgent need for collaboration and innovation in the multifamily housing sector. As the industry grapples with longstanding status quo and historically low vacancy rates, stronger partnerships are essential to address Canada’s housing challenges. This event provided a crucial platform for fostering discussions on these pressing issues and exploring prospects for the multifamily housing industry. As a strategic partner and sponsor, Yardi played a pivotal role in the event, contributing to multiple sessions and sharing valuable expertise on various aspects of property management and technology integration. Day 1: Innovations in urban living & industry insights The conference kicked off with a series of building tours, including notable properties managed by Tricon Residential, Minto Apartments and Stackt Market. These tours highlighted new practices in real estate management and provided a practical understanding of how modern technology enhances building operations and resident satisfaction. One standout visit was to Stackt Market, a vibrant community space designed entirely using shipping containers. Stackt Market exemplifies how innovative design can create dynamic community spaces, fostering a sense of community while maximizing the use of urban space. Yardi’s own Parisa Vafaei, director of sales, led a session that delved into the findings of the latest Yardi Multifamily Report, highlighting the necessity for innovative ideas and new partnerships as more units are expected to come into the market to address Toronto’s low vacancy rates. “The vacancy rate in Toronto for Q1 2024 is 2.5 percent, indicating a tight rental market,” Vafaei noted. The report also revealed that Toronto has one of the lowest annual turnover percentages among Canadian census metropolitan areas (CMAs) at 11.6 percent and a lease-over-lease rent growth for new leases of 15.5 percent. These metrics show the critical need for strategic planning and collaboration to manage demand, improve housing availability and maintain affordability in the multifamily housing sector. Day 2: Thought leadership and technological innovations The second day featured key industry leaders, including the mayor of Toronto. Peter Altobelli, vice president of Yardi Canada, led a session on “Leading the Way: The Next Generation,” focusing on workforce management. This session reviewed aligning company values with new talent, fostering mentorship and offering structured career development. The panel discussion highlighted new expectations of the emerging workforce. “Today’s talent is entrepreneurial and ambitious,” one panelist noted. “They interview employers as much as we interview them. While they have technical skills, we seek soft skills. They want autonomy, decision-making roles and alignment with company values.” The discussion stressed the importance of providing broader perspectives, growth potential and dedicated time for succession and leadership planning. Innovative strategies to attract new Canadians were also highlighted, with Fritzrovia’s rotational program standing out for its unique approach. This program helps retain talent by moving individuals through various roles and departments over a set period of time. Emphasizing resident experience and partnering with firms that share ESG commitments were noted as crucial. “Transparency about these commitments is key to attracting talent,” added Courtney Chisholm, project manager at Fitzrovia. Structured onboarding and new technology were also highlighted as critical for maximizing talent contributions. Evolving property management One of the most anticipated sessions was “The Crystal Ball of AI: Leveraging Data & AI for Predictive Insights in Property Management,” moderated by Meherzad Bakht, senior sales manager for Yardi. This panel discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in the multifamily housing sector. Killam Apartment REIT covered the benefits of generative AI technologies, such as chatbots and automated crm systems, to streamline interactions with prospects and residents, enhancing efficiency and improving response times. QuadReal Property Group shared their use of biometrics to authenticate applicant identities before a tour as a new first step for fraud prevention. simplydbs’ survey of 20,000 Canadians revealed renters want their next unit to be...

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

Siloed software systems often pose major challenges for senior living operators. Since they require navigating various platforms and manually transferring data, these systems waste valuable time, increase the risk of errors and place a burden on your staff. The Yardi Senior Living Suite, on the other hand, is an all-in-one, interconnected solution that unites financials, care, business intelligence and more on a single platform. With one integrated software solution, you unlock everything you need — all in one place. Why make the switch to a single connected solution? If you’ve used disconnected software tools, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of data-entry errors, time wasted digging for answers and the hassle of transferring information from one system to the next. That’s because disparate tools seldom speak to each other as efficiently as single-stack solutions do (or often, they don’t speak to each other at all). Not to mention, siloed systems aren’t necessarily as cost-effective as one fully integrated platform. They usually require varying licensing fees, plus you face the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading each individual system. With a single connected solution like the Yardi Senior Living Suite, you alleviate these challenges, risks and frustrations by accessing every tool needed in one secure place. You empower your teams with an intuitive, easy-to-access platform — all while improving care and enhancing efficiency. What makes the Yardi Senior Living Suite an unmatched solution? The Yardi Senior Living Suite offers more than your average solution. Uniquely designed to meet the needs of senior living operators, the suite of integrated tools is hosted on a cloud-based, HIPAA and SOX-compliant platform. These tools support the full spectrum of senior living — from assisted living to CCRCs to value-based care. We also place a strong emphasis on taking care of our clients and driving growth year-round, which results in a platform that’s ever-evolving, cutting-edge and built to help you succeed for the long term. We’re proud to be a Forbes Cloud 100 software provider supporting our clients for 40+ years. You can explore our full product suite to learn more, but some of the highlights include:    Voyager Senior Housing, our community management powerhouse that combines property management, financials and complete business oversight. Yardi Senior IQ, the only business intelligence solution built for senior living — a system that helps you make smarter, faster decisions with actionable information for your entire portfolio. Yardi EHR, our full-service, interoperable electronic health record solution that helps mitigate errors, limits liability and empowers staff to deliver the best resident care. Senior CRM IQ, our collection of mobile-friendly sales and marketing tools that help you attract new residents, nurture your leads and maximize occupancy.   RentCafe Senior Living Portal, our secure online platform that keeps residents, families and staff connected around the clock. Watch a webinar Integrated software offers advantages that siloed systems can’t match. If you’re ready to see the Yardi Senior Living Suite in action, explore our library of on-demand...

Attending any senior living events this summer — and throughout the fall season? Team Yardi looks forward to meeting you, discussing the latest industry challenges and sharing what’s new with our single connected solution. See below for a list of events we’ll be attending, plus book time to meet us at each! ASHA 2024 Mid-Year Meeting Meet us at the ASHA 2024 Mid-Year Meeting in Dana Point, California. Our team is excited to share how the Yardi Senior Living Suite works to empower staff, automate workflows and enhance resident care. Contact us to schedule time to meet at the event. Event details: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach June 17-18, 2024 FSLA Annual Conference Attend the FSLA Annual Conference — Engage 2024 — in Orlando, Florida. Stop by booth 29 to see how our single connected solution helps providers drive success. Book time to connect with our team during the conference. Event details: The Ritz Carlton Orlando July 10-12, 2024 OHCA Annual Convention 2024 Find us at booth 708 at the OHCA Annual Convention 2024 in Portland, Oregon. We’ll show you how our single connected solution helps providers streamline operations and deliver better care. We are pleased to be an Awards Program co-sponsor. Get in touch to schedule time to meet. Event details: Oregon Convention Center September 17-18, 2024 2024 NIC Fall Conference Visit us at the Woodley Park meeting room at the 2024 NIC Fall Conference in Washington, D.C. You’ll learn how our fully integrated technology helps providers unify operations and deliver quality care. We are pleased to be an official NIC Conference partner. Reach out to book a meeting. Event details: Marriott Marquis Washington D.C. September 23-25, 2024 AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo Connect with us at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo in Orlando, Florida to explore how the Yardi Senior Living Suite creates a foundation for success. You’ll find team Yardi at booth 2119. Contact us to get a meeting on the books. Event details: Orange County Convention Center October 6-9, 2024 SMASH 2024 Let’s network at SMASH 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Come meet with us to discover how our single connected solution helps providers raise the bar. We are pleased to be a Premier Platinum sponsor. Connect with team Yardi to book a meeting at the show. Event details: JW Marriott Las Vegas October 14-16, 2024 LeadingAge Annual Meeting Meet with us at booth 2239 at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. Our team can’t wait to show you around the Yardi Senior Living Suite. Arrange a meeting with us. Event details: Music City Center October 27-30, 2024 CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show Connect with team Yardi at booth 510 at the CALA Fall Conference & Trade Show in Palm Springs, California. You’ll discover how our single connected solution offers every tool you need, all centralized in one place. We are pleased to be an Awards Luncheon sponsor. Schedule time with our team. Event details: Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel & Palm Springs Convention Center November 4-6, 2024 We look forward to meeting you! Looking to explore the Yardi Senior Living Suite prior to these events? Visit our product suite or watch a quick, on-demand...

The recent Yardi PHA Forum hosted over 600 guests from around the country in National Harbor, Maryland to discuss innovative solutions for subsidized housing. The event offered 64 interactive courses, covering almost every PHA-specific product in the Yardi suite. This event had a great attendee turnout and featured numerous courses, networking opportunities and presentations from industry leaders. And it’s all thanks to you! Here are some key takeaways from this year’s Forum: Popular PHA classes this year The PHA Forum offered dozens of courses, catering to diverse interests and needs. Among the most popular were ones focusing on financial management, compliance and advanced reporting techniques. Here are the top classes from this year: Maximize Funding with VMS Reporting Online Briefing, RFTA & HAP Contracts HOTMA: All About Interims Correcting Ledgers and Subledgers: Best Practices PHA Rent & HAP Posting: Best Practices If you missed out on these classes this year, many will be offered in August at YASC San Diego. Be sure to register today. Innovative product demos at knowledge central We loved delving into the software during our one-on-one training sessions. Sometimes, we underestimate the value of in person sessions, especially when learning about a brand-new product or service. Having an expert show you features in real time is truly a benefit and a reason the forum is so popular. Networking events and socials It’s not just about taking notes and learning! We hosted several networking events following the classes for attendees to debrief and socialize — including a rooftop cocktail event which overlooked the scenic and historic Potomac River. And we can’t forget our very own Yardi Party. After a long day of classes, we hosted staff and attendees for a night of networking and dancing. The evening was filled with lively conversations, a photo booth, delicious food, and a vibrant dance floor — creating the perfect atmosphere for socializing and unwinding after a productive day. Sharing in the Yardi Ambassador Program Guests enjoyed chatting with Yardi’s Sean Geraghty at the ambassador booth to learn more about how they can get involved with The Ambassador Program. This year’s Forum saw over 100 ambassador sign ups. Geraghty explained: “The program is designed for clients who aspire to be industry leaders, celebrate their successes and give credit to their teams.”  This program is designed to be mutually beneficial: we gain valuable insights from their stories and clients have a platform for them to establish themselves as thought leaders. Feedback from our clients Our team was lucky enough to sit down with clients and learn about their experience with Yardi. We had some great conversations about why our clients love attending The Forum each year. We’re always striving to learn how we can help you innovate and grow. Here are a few of our favorite comments: “My favorite thing about Yardi is the ability to manage all our daily business in one software. It just makes life that much easier.” – Weneisha Brand, Ann Arbor Housing Commission “I am also excited to go to the class today on the Asset IQ Executive Dashboard. I have a manual dashboard that I have been keeping but if I can have that automated and put it into the system and pull the data from there. I am excited about that capability” – Carol Jones-Gilbert, Palm Beach County Housing Authority “And so, as we became a Yardi, customer a few years ago, we have been really looking at the different platforms that you offer to make sure that we are working smarter, not harder.”” – Denita Bearden, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District Summing it all up What makes The Forum so special is the opportunity to build relationships. Meeting face-to-face with people who have supported you over the phone fosters even deeper connections. As Jeanette Porter, a senior manager at Yardi, explained: “For me, The Forum is all about connecting with our clients...

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