Dignity Matters Mar28

Dignity Matters

Dignity Matters, founded in 2016 in Framingham, MA, provides a reliable supply of free menstrual care and undergarments to homeless and impoverished females. Menstrual care is expensive, rarely donated and can’t be purchased with SNAP/Food Stamps, WIC, or any other federal benefit programs – so tens of thousands of women in Massachusetts are going without these essential items. Dignity Matters supports 15,000 women and girls monthly through a network of shelters, food pantries, public schools, community colleges and medical clinics. “Being able to manage their period safely each month makes it possible for them to attend school consistently, work to support their families, and live with dignity and confidence,” said Meryl Glassman, development director for Dignity Matters. Dignity Matters supports 15,000 women monthly, using a wholesale contract to buy menstrual care in bulk. Unfortunately, these costs have increased with inflation, but Dignity Matters hopes to grow to 1,000 more women this year. Funding from Yardi helps Dignity Matters plan for the year ahead and ensures they can consistently be there for every woman who counts on them. Every three dollars helps a woman manage her period with dignity. Yardi has made it possible for 14,000 women to manage their periods with dignity over the last five years! “Your consistent support helps us ensure we can be there for these women and girls every month,” expressed Glassman. She continued, “We appreciate the trust you put in us to use the funds where they will make the biggest difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your partnership!” Families in Need Many of the women who support Dignity Matters care for young children, and they put the needs of the children first, so there is often no money left to purchase menstrual care for themselves. Every month, Dignity Matters hears of women who are so grateful they do not have to choose between buying food and clothes for their children and buying menstrual care. This is not just for moms and daughters. The entire household benefits when menstrual care is accessible and when it can be discussed openly. One parent sent Dignity Matters a note to let them know how much the support means to them: “I am a single dad with teenage daughters. The most important thing we get is those pads. Thank you so much!” Volunteer Opportunities Dignity Matters started as a volunteer organization and still relies on hundreds of active volunteers to continue its efforts. They have opportunities to volunteer in the warehouse, help deliver products, and create menstrual care kits. They always look for runners for charity teams at the Falmouth Road Race and Boston 10K for Women. Anyone, anywhere, can help by making a donation on its website or sending products directly to the warehouse through its Amazon Wishlist.  “You and Yardi have made it possible for thousands of women to learn, work, and live with dignity,” said Glassman. She continued, “Your support is helping us put this issue front and center where it belongs – the more people become aware of period poverty, the more resources we’ll have to fight it. THANK YOU!” Find future non-profit profiles...

OneGoal Student Summit

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. 2024 Atlanta Student Summit Conference Hosted at Clayton State University, OneGoal brought 850 high school juniors and seniors from ten schools around the Atlanta metro area for a college and career exploration day. The event was full of energy and excitement as students began to envision what a path to higher education could look like for them—the day included planning for the future, using tools to define the path to higher education and personal connections with the OneGoal community. It allows students to explore various career paths, and postsecondary options and engage with colleges and technical schools at an Opportunity Fair. #TeamYardi of the Atlanta Relief Team contributed significantly to this event by assisting with setup/organization, welcoming committees, lunch support, cleanup, and even featuring entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and lessons learned. “We successfully fulfilled every request made to us, contributing to the nonprofit cause and investing in the future workforce and our communities,” exclaimed Amy Mojica, relief suite team Atlanta case supervisor. The entrepreneurs who shared their experiences: Scott Mclean, Senior Manager for Yardi Relief Suite Robyn Woods Green Jacket, Yardi consultant   Ternisa Kirk, Black Jacket, Case Auditor Janice Wells, pink Jacket, Case Auditor The Yardi Relief Team is a Yardi group that assists states, counties, and cities in managing federal and state funds to help communities in need. This assistance encompasses mortgage, rental, and utility aid as well as other forms of support to facilitate Treasury, Department of Energy, and other community service block grants. Yardi looks forward to more events with OneGoal and future community events! Find future nonprofit profiles...

Daily Bread Food Bank Feb02

Daily Bread Food Bank

Daily Bread Food Bank, a nonprofit suported by Yardi Canada, was founded in 1983 in Etobicoke, Ontario. Unlike other food banks, Daily Bread is a member organization and delivers food to 207 meal programs at 132 agencies across Toronto, Etobicoke and Scarborough. One in ten people in Toronto rely on food banks, twice as much as in 2022. Daily Bread distributed nearly 28 million pounds of food in 2022-2023, a 50% increase from the previous year. Clients have doubled over the years since the pandemic, and in December 2023, Daily Bread had over 284,000 clients, surpassing previous records. “Before COVID, we spent $1.5 million yearly on purchased food.  Now, we are spending that each month. This past year, we spent $22 million on food, 14 times more than pre-COVID,” said Carol Eby, senior manager for corporate partnerships. Daily Bread hopes the Canada Disability Benefit Law will be approved in the federal government’s March budget. Since many of Daily Bread’s clients rely on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), this will help them out of deep poverty and be less reliant on food banks over time. Daily Bread ensures they have enough food to provide for those in need. “Our food budget is presently $22 million, and we anticipate this will increase this year to $29 million based on economic factors remaining status quo and the impact these have on an increase in food bank clients,” Eby shares. Funding from Yardi helps Daily Bread purchase food needed to manage the consistent increase in food bank clients it is experiencing. It also helps with research and advocacy efforts to provide foundational research from clients as to why they need to use a food bank. For food bank clients to decrease, Daily Bread strives for systemic change. “This important research is used to inform and educate the various levels of government on policies that need to be created to manage the various economic issues that are impacting the citizens of Toronto,” explained Eby. As poverty rates soar and the hunger crisis worsens in Toronto, Daily Bread recognizes donors like Yardi Canada, “We are so appreciative of the very generous support from Yardi Canada. We do not receive any government funding; we rely solely on corporate donations and individual giving,” expressed Eby. Elena’s Story Many clients of Daily Bread have had compounding medical issues, leaving them unable to work. Elena, a Daily Bread Food Bank client, was in this challenging situation. Health complications forced her to shut down her sales agency, and today, Elena survives on the limited income she receives from the ODSP and support from her local food bank. She is thankful for the food bank’s having fruits, vegetables, and proteins like meats and lentils so she can keep a balanced diet to help aid her health issues. “I see more and more people using the food bank every time I go,” says Elena. “The volunteers and staff are working hard to keep up. I know it is tiring, but I want to remind everyone what a difference they are making in people’s lives, people who are struggling to have food in their cupboards.” At Daily Bread, they are committed to supporting Elena and thousands just like her today who are facing extreme challenges to meet their essential needs. Volunteer Opportunities The Daily Bread Food Bank offers shifts on Thursday and Friday mornings from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and afternoons from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. A maximum of 20 Yardi team members can join them for the morning or afternoon food sorting. Please get in touch with Carol Eby at [email protected] to organize volunteer shifts. Find future non-profit profiles...

Inclusive 4K

Yardi Dubai supports Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities as part of the company’s global program of philanthropic support for nonprofits and NGOs. Yardi Dubai is sponsoring education and training classes all year for Al Noor students, who include hundreds of children and young adults with physical and cognitive challenges. Yardi’s Dubai office participated in a 4K Run at a recent family charity-raising event. The theme was Superheroes for Inclusion. The team gathered to run or walk with Al Noor students and their families, with a focus on supporting the inclusion of “people of determination from all walks of life.” Established in 1981, the Al Noor Training Centre started with just 8 children. With a holistic approach to wellbeing and development, the centre has expanded and now provides high-quality professional training for people with disabilities in Dubai. The centre has specially designed programmes to suit each individuals’ needs, which includes children and young adults with various physical and cognitive challenges such as down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism. They also employ Trans-Disciplinary Assessment and Intervention methods to ensure each child gets the precise help they need. Today, the Al Noor Training Centre has over 180 students with more than 28 nationalities. The goal of Al Noor’s Vocational Training Unit is to make students of determination skilled and productive members of the community. Training is offered in wood design technology, printing technology, fashion technology and bakery units. The centre includes a well-equipped gym, a large multi-purpose auditorium, a swimming pool and a shaded outdoor playground. If you would like to find out more about the services Al Noor Training Centre provides to their students with disabilities or explore employee engagement initiatives, visit Al Noor Training Centre. Editor’s note: Team Yardi UK marketing associate Sophie Swords contributed to this...

Opportunity Equity May03

Opportunity Equity

Investing in the wellbeing of girls and women is among the best choices that a country can make. According to the United States Agency for International Development, when 10 percent more girls go to school, a country’s GDP increases on average by 3 percent. Additionally, countries where women hold at least 30 percent of political seats are demonstrably more inclusive, egalitarian and democratic. The benefits of female-centered investments are also tactile. The United Nation’s Food and Agricultural Organization found that when equipping female farmers with the same access to land, tech, and capital as men, crop yields increased by as much as 30 percent. That 30 percent boost can reduce the number of hungry people by 150 million. Women’s advocacy has social and economic benefits. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) department of Yardi Pune participates in many partner projects in socio-economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Women and girls are the target beneficiaries of most projects. The initiatives reflect gender advocacy in the context of health, sanitation, education and income generation. BSSK + Yardi support higher education for girls Selecting a college and completing courses can be a tough choice. For many low-income families in Pune, financial struggles are exacerbated by social pressure. The Yardi Pune CSR and Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK) collaboration results in scholarships for 40 girls who dare to pursue a college education. What sets BSSK apart from other scholarship programs is that it is structured to help girls overcome social pressures that would dissuade them from self-advocacy and education. The project implements programs to counter the family and community pressures girls often face. Their parents also sign an agreement that they will not hinder their daughter’s education. Once the agreement is in place and prior to college admission, the selected student receives an aptitude test and career counselling to help her select suitable courses. Scholarships then address admission fees and tuition so that she can focus on her education. “Most of these girls are first generation college graduates in their family and are challenging the regressive social norms in family and community through their hard work,” says Dipanwita Sengupta, senior executive, CSR at Yardi Pune. MASUM + Yardi demonstrate that supported girls support other girls The Yardi Pune and Mahila Sarvangeen Utkarsh Mandal (MASUM) collaboration explores the intersection of education, physical wellbeing and leadership. The program supports 35 girls and young women from 25 villages around Pune. “These villages have limited access to schools and colleges, and often regressive views on girls’ education and career development which are addressed through this fellowship program,” says Sengupta. Through the fellowship, participants receive guidance on their higher education plans. They are also given support and access to extracurricular activities such as outdoor sports. Since such practices are uncommon in their communities, the program counsels girls’ families on the benefits of education, physical fitness and team sports if required. During the program, participants are encouraged to develop their leadership skills. Recently, the 35 original participants learned volleyball. They then gathered about 150 girls from their respective villages for a volleyball competition. The event showcased the cascade effect of the program: supported girls support other girls. It was a fun and empowering event for all. Yardi empowers intermediaries for health and safety Yardi Pune CSR worked with local health officials to identify approximately 2,000 women from 226 slum pockets. Each woman demonstrated leadership potential, which was further developed as she stepped into intermediary roles between community and government. The women received education on how to help improve sanitation conditions of their locality. They then monitored the community toilets in their locality, met regularly to build community consensus for common decisions, and contacted elected representatives and officials for information and services. Through this process, many of them are developing their potential as community leaders. FPAI Pune + Yardi help to build healthier families Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) Pune and Yardi Pune CSR are working together to build...

Burnalong

Online fitness classes can be a lot of fun. As a yoga teacher, I can personally attest that online classes have helped people stay active through the ups and downs of recent months. One thing that students miss during online classes, though, is the ability to work out with friends. Burnalong solves this problem, and Yardi employees in North America can enroll for free! What is Burnalong? Burnalong is an online wellness platform with an array of health and fitness classes. There are 45 categories including popular favorites such as yoga, boxing, Pilates, self-defense and barre. There are also general categories like financial wellbeing, stress management and life coaching to help you feel your best. Explore thousands of videos by hundreds of unique instructors. I really appreciate the inclusive class formatting in Burnalong. Users can filter class by special considerations such as diabetes, Fit Over 50, arthritis and adaptive workouts. The model students represent the spectrum of the population, which is rare among fitness platforms. (Some classes don’t have model students at all which is also great option.) Get fit together even when you’re miles apart Another thing that makes Burnalong unique is that it encourages participants to invite others to join in. Together, you can stream the class in sync and see one another. Exercise together and cheer for one another–or more realistically, you can build camaraderie by trash talking and encouraging healthy competition. Yardi employees in North America can also add up to four family members at not cost. A family that shreds together, smiles together! Getting started Yardi employees in North American can register for a lunch and learn to get more information. When you’re ready to dive in, simply register online using your Yardi email (but not your Yardi...

Key KPI in LA Aug17

Key KPI in LA

Yardi is proud to support the community outreach of clients like the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). Their non-profit Kids Progress, Inc. (KPI), supports social service programs that enhance quality of life and ensure long-term academic and economic success for residents in HACLA’s public housing developments. Founded in 2002, five core components of KPI’s work include the promotion of workforce development and lifelong learning, education and youth development, health and wellness, safety and security, and civic engagement. The KPI Scholarship program is designed to support the youth living in HACLA’s public housing developments who are heading to college. “We recognize that college is an important tool for financial and social mobility, not only for the youth themselves but for their families as well,” said Jennifer Thomas Arthurs, vice president of KPI and deputy assistant director of strategic initiatives for HACLA. “Yardi has been a long-time partner and supporter of HACLA with its software services as well as through the Section 3 program.” The scholarship program supports and celebrates graduating seniors from HACLA’s Section 8 program and public housing sites who are transitioning to college. This is the first year that Yardi funded scholarships for the program, providing scholarships for three rising college freshmen. The selected scholars, who all live in public housing, will be attending UC Merced, UC Irvine, and Cal Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  Students selected for awards must have a minimum of 2.5 GPA, be active in community service and enrichment activities and submit letters of recommendation as well as essays. The program provides a one-time scholarship to high school seniors who are going to attend either trade/vocational school, 2-year colleges and 4-year colleges. Since 2013, the program has awarded a total of $172,000 in scholarship...

Meeting the Need

Yardi Vasti Vikas Prakalp (YVVP), Yardi’s dedicated corporate social responsibility project in Pune, India, supports NGOs and implements direct interventions in urban communities (vastis) of Pune city. As the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted India severely, YVVP has pivoted to help. Normal field visits to the vastis halted when a lockdown to prevent COVID-19 spread began in late March. The CSR team switched to using virtual platforms to stay connected with beneficiaries and stakeholders, to understand the situation on the ground and address unprecedented issues. This has presented various challenges. Many vasti residents do not have smart phones, internet access or resources to recharge phones. “Lockdown restrictions in congested spaces combined with loss of jobs have created high levels of fear, anxiety and frustrations among family members, in addition to hunger,” said Bharati Kotwal, head of CSR at Yardi Pune. “Our stakeholders in vastis, such as community mobilizers, sanitation committee members and youth leaders have helped us to identify the neediest families and do what we could to relieve some of the distress.” Aiding with sanitation and sustenance needs YVVP has provided relief to vasti residents in two significant ways during lockdown: Provided dry ration kits (food and grocery items) to families identified through the YVVP field team and NGO partners. Supplied masks, sanitizer and sanitary pads to those isolated in shelters located in municipal schools. “We provided dry ration kits to over 2800 households in three months through NGOs or by procuring items directly and distributing them ourselves,” Kotwal said. “Though NGOs, foundations, individuals and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) were providing similar help, we could reach those who were left out because of our connections in the vastis.” Keeping community toilets clean and functional is one of the largest efforts of YVVP. The...

Leading with Action May17

Leading with Action

“Adversity does not build character. It reveals it.” Those words from James Lane Allen have resonated with readers for years. As we face challenges, our true nature is exposed. Yardi is proud to share the stories of several clients that have supported residents, built community and exercised leadership during this difficult time. Employee and resident support The Bridge Employee Emergency Support Initiative to Aid Employees Amidst COVID-19 details support services for team members. Bridge has offered to pay employees’ regular salary or hourly pay during their absence from work due to COVID-19 illness, self-quarantine, or to care for COVID-19-infected family members. The aid supports employees who can work remotely as well as those who cannot. This Initiative exceeds the requirements stated in The Families First Coronavirus Response Act for companies with less than 500 employees. It supplements current Bridge protocols regarding teleworking and enhances the organization’s protective measures for employees and residents. Bridge Investment Group multifamily residents are eligible for the COVID-19 Financial Hardship Assistance Program. Residents can contact property staff to negotiate a rent payment plan suitable for their financial condition. The plans may include deferrals, lease extensions, and renewal opportunities. Bridge will not pursue any evictions for the non-payment of rent during the crisis. “We do not want any resident to be concerned that they will be without a home during this pandemic,” states a recent Bridge press release. Hope through health and fitness To help residents cope with shelter in place practices, Bozzuto has introduced #BozzutoStaysHome, a virtual event series committed to bringing a sense of sanctuary to residents. “Sanctuary means many different things, but at the heart of it is a place where you feel at peace, where you can be yourself,” says Nicole J. Wells, content marketing manager, digital marketing and strategy with Bozzuto. “Prior to scheduling any activities, we first surveyed our residents to learn what topics were of true interest. Wellness and fitness were among the top areas. It’s natural that the place where you are at peace, where you can be your full self, would incorporate movement. Whether through dance, fitness or yoga, you are free to express and be,” says Wells. The #BozzutoStaysHome series emphasizes the importance of physical movement and fitness as a tool to release stress and maintain health. Sessions include yoga, functional movement, and dance resources. The multifamily housing provider also created the Flamingo 21-Day Virtual Wellness Challenge. Residents are encouraged to participate in home workouts. They can then post photos and encourage their fellow renters. Participants earn points that will be used to calculate rewards which include a party thrown by Flamingo—once shelter in place mandates are lifted– and year of free housekeeping services or personal training. In May, Bozzuto encourages residents to join A Wider Circle’s Virtual Race to End Poverty on May 16. Residents can sign up to exercise at a specific time to raise funds and awareness for A Wider Circle. The nonprofit focuses on emergency and long-term solutions for housing and food insecurity. Finding normalcy while sheltering in place Lincoln Property Company (LPC) has kept the atmosphere light by providing ways that residents can make sheltering in place feel more natural. Via social media, LPC shares content from their blog and sites such as Apartment Therapy to give residents tips on sheltering in place. Such resources include a guide to working from home, a list of the most versatile workout apps, bonding activities to do over teleconferencing apps, and quick meals for days when residents feel overloaded. The housing provider is also hosting the #LPCHomeTogether contest. Residents can submit pictures of how they’re making the most of their extended time at home. Submission ideas include pictures of DIY projects, workouts, and family games. Each week, LPC choses a winner who will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. LPC resident relief efforts include options for payment plans and other policies to lessen financial...

My Furniture Bank Canada Mar03

My Furniture Bank Canada...

S.W. was happy to move her family into a new Ontario apartment. Within a few nights, however, she noticed red sores on her children followed by sickness. “The new building had bed bugs,” she sighed. “We all got sick. The landlord fumigated, but we had to throw out all of our furniture. It took me years to collect all that furniture and it was gone in one shot.” Fortunately,  My Furniture Bank had beds available. My Furniture Bank, formerly known as Mississauga Furniture Bank, provides emergency and transitional relief furniture for families. The nonprofit recycles new and gently used home furnishes and distributes them to people in need. Recipients include those transitioning from homelessness, emancipated youth, refugees, impoverished families, seniors, individuals escaping domestic violence, the medically disabled, as well as people who have lost their possessions due to natural disaster and personal tragedy. “Because of My Furniture Bank, I was lucky to get beds for my family quickly!” S.W. says. Family, furniture + history This year marks the 10th anniversary of My Furniture Bank. Kathryn Palangio, executive director, has been with the nonprofit for nine of its ten-year history. She is excited to guide the organization into a future of expanded services for happier, healthier communities. She says, “I was personally inspired by my Dad who has spent the better part of his life repairing and refurbishing home furniture for those who could not.  He would never let a good piece of furniture be sent to the landfill if it could be revitalized.  Once he had it looking great, he would then find it a home working through the St. Vincent de Paul Society and his church.” Palangio continues, “Years ago, when I was looking for a volunteer opportunity, I found myself drawn to...

Ray of Hope Jan27

Ray of Hope

Rick M. was starting to lose his eyesight. His optometrist missed the glaring signs of glaucoma. As a result, Rick was completely blind in one eye within two months of his appointment. The visual acuity in his other eye measures 20/60. The quick onset of the condition radically transformed his life. Rick, a university-educated and independent young man, was forced to quit his job at a major greeting card company. For several years, he was transferred between assisted care centers. He found The Lighthouse Supported Living 16 years ago. He has called it home ever since. No two clients at The Lighthouse are the same. Each person has a unique set of circumstances that have led to homelessness or poverty. To meet their singular needs, The Lighthouse offers a range of services to help clients obtain self-sufficiency whenever possible. About The Lighthouse The Lighthouse is more than an emergency shelter. It has evolved into a supported living and affordable housing provider that offers wellness services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Programming at The Lighthouse helps pursue achieve self-sufficiency, mental and physical health. Anna Pacik, fundraising and communications manager, was drawn to The Lighthouse because of its mission. “The mission of The Lighthouse is to take care of people holistically and help them to find a healthier, more positive path in life. I love this mission,” she explains. “The Lighthouse cares for people who are the hardest to keep safely housed.” These marginalized people may have mental health issues, intellectual and development disabilities, or “unseen disabilities” like FASD and head injuries. Clients also include trauma survivors who try to manage their pain with drugs and alcohol. Though each case is different, all are welcomed and treated with dignity. The non-profit organization aims to end...

Neuroscience in the Park Jan15

Neuroscience in the Park

The importance of childhood play has had anecdotal value for ages. In the 1960s, however, studies on rodents and brain development encouraged neuroscientists to formally explore the importance of play in childhood development. Their efforts have paved the way for programs like Start2Finish that improve childhood academic performance through physical activity. Acknowledging multi-dimensional complexity When it comes to academic success, literacy takes center stage. The ability to read improves academic performance in mathematics and other areas of study. But the benefits of education do not stop in the classroom. Multiple studies note the correlation between a nation’s literacy skills and the well-being of its inhabitants. Improving literacy depends on consistent exposure to literature. For Canada’s 1 million children living in poverty, exposure is inconsistent at best: limited access to libraries, few books at home, and single-parent households with tight resources are just a few contributing factors to childhood illiteracy. In public schools, governments fail to adequately and equally equip all school with resources. Teachers spend $143 million of their own money to buy reading materials for their students yet the gap remains. As a result, children living in poverty are about 4.5 times behind their peers in vocabulary development. The lack of literacy development then creates a snowball effect in other areas of study. A sedentary lifestyle adds to the complexity of children’s developmental hurdles. Children in low-income homes are twice as likely as children from middle class homes to live in a neighborhood where violence and drug-trafficking are everyday occurrences. Impoverished areas also have fewer parks. Neighborhood dangers and a lack of access to green spaces minimize youths’ exposure to natural environments and safe places to play. Low literacy and physical activity contribute to an under-stimulated hippocampus in children’s brains. Executive function, learning, and concentration are all adversely affected. Overcoming invisibility to promote change When playing for the Canadian Football League, Brian Warren would often participate in meet-and-greets with kids from area of complexity. The kids would watch a game, hear a few words of inspiration, receive an autographed ball, and then return home. Mr. Warren felt like it was not enough. He soon founded Start2Finish, a nonprofit organization that uses neuroscience techniques favored by athletic and business professionals to help children excel in school. Karen Pessoa-Warren, director of operations, explains the inspiration behind the organization. “Athletes get exclusive training in the connection between mind and body. Why couldn’t this work with the kid struggling in school and at home?” proposes Pessoa-Warren. “We find the kids are most vulnerable in the areas of executive control and focus, things athletes are trained in. We’ve married these very unlikely concepts, to stimulate the hippocampus with books and physical activity. A snowball effect then happens. Not only are they reading better, which even helps with math, but they’re better able to multi-task, stay focused, and manipulate thought.” Though the research was in place, it would take a change of perspective for the organization to succeed throughout the country. The Warrens first endeavoured to shine light on local childhood poverty, a topic that went largely unrecognized. “In Canada, people don’t think we have childhood poverty,” reflects Pessoa-Warren. “We don’t have an index for poverty, but one out of five kids live at or below the poverty line. We needed to let people know that poverty exists.” Secondly, they found themselves battling the notion that poverty and poor academic performance were character flaws rather than systemic problems. She adds, “We have a strong social net here, but kids still fall through. Without understanding of the data or the complexity surrounding their lives, people thought those who struggled in school weren’t bright or that it was a family issue.” Public education continues to be a part of the work at Start2Finish. Read, play, excel Children living in areas of complexity are facing an uphill battle. The team at Start2Finish has developed a creative plan...

Making History

Dorothy Day Place, owned and operated by Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, has made history. With 370 permanent supportive homes and 356 emergency and medical respite beds, it’s one of the largest affordable housing projects in the state. The project is also the largest public-private partnership involving housing in Minnesota history. Dorothy Day Place was made possible in part by a philanthropic collaboration between Catholic Charities and Yardi client, Dominium. New Phase, New Chapter in History Dorothy Day Place wasn’t planned as a record-breaking collaboration. With the first phase complete, Catholic Charities turned its attention to phase two in 2017. Leadership recognized that the ambitious second phase would benefit from the insight and expertise of an experienced developer. Catholic Charities contacted Dominium, one of the country’s largest affordable housing developers and a fellow Minnesota-based organization. The response of Paul Sween, managing partner of Dominium, took Catholic Charities by surprise. Sween offered to develop the second phase of Dorothy Day Place free of charge. Perhaps to Sween’s surprise, the initial request came from the bank. “We instinctively said ‘yes’ to helping with the project when our partner U.S. Bank asked us to do so simply because we knew how important it was to them,” Sween explained in an interview with Housing Finance. “We know the great work of Catholic Charities and how critical the transformation of the property would be to their mission.” Dorothy Day Place broadens the scope of Dominium’s work. Historically, the firm develops and manages affordable housing for people who earn at or below 60 percent of the area median income. The Dorothy Day Place project serves residents with incomes below 30 percent of the area median income. Jeff Huggett, vice president and project partner at Dominium explains, “Every unit...

Paint the Town Pink

The AVE motto is live better, and the team there is truly committed to delivering the best living experience possible for their residents. Apartment floor plans are designed for comfort, amenities and services are programmed for convenience and wellness, and events and initiatives are offered for community engagement. Their latest campaign “AVE Goes Pink” partners up with Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® to support its mission to reduce the number of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses in the Philadelphia Area while continuing to provide education, resources, and access to services to those who are battling the disease. AVE Goes Pink “AVE Goes Pink” (link to www.aveliving.com/pink) launched October 1st to support Susan G. Komen Philadelphia®, a respected voice in breast cancer education. “We turned all our logos on our social media channels pink to raise awareness for the cause and to let those who are currently fighting breast cancer know our thoughts are with them,” says Lea Anne Welsh, COO of Korman Communities and president of its AVE brand. “Our teams at the properties will also be wearing pink throughout the month.” “Typically, we wear black or dark grey. When a resident sees me in pink, they ask and it starts up a conversation about breast cancer awareness,” says Lauren Brauer, Leasing Manager, AVE King of Prussia. She continues, “Breast cancer awareness really hits home for me. Having had family members and friends go through the struggles of breast cancer, I want to do all I can to support them, as well as all others who have gone through it and are currently battling it.” Lights for the Fight Much of the Philadelphia skyline is getting involved. Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® and CBS 3 manage “Lights for the Fight.” The duo coordinates with city landmarks to...

CSR Aids Retention Sep18

CSR Aids Retention

If you haven’t heard of corporate social responsibility, it’s time to start listening. What is it, and why should you care? Corporate social responsibility, CSR for short, is not just another buzz phrase in multifamily housing: it might be the key to employee retention. We met with Jen Piccotti, Chief Operating Officer at ManagInc, the industry leader in resident and employee satisfaction, retention and education to learn more. What is CSR? Jen Piccotti: Corporate social responsibility is a focus on corporate culture to improve retention, reputation, recruitment and performance. But it’s more than just volunteerism and green initiatives. CSR is rooted by three pillars: The Workplace This is a focus on providing the support and resources to employees so they can do their best work—as well as to suppliers. And that part is important because residents don’t always see a distinction between in-house maintenance staff, for instance, and the landscaping crew who’s contracted out. So it’s important to work with suppliers who are paying attention to their culture and their impact, because who you choose to work with is a representation of your brand. The Living Environment Here, we ask ourselves questions about the communities we build and manage. Are we providing everything residents want and need? How is our customer service? What do our policies and procedures look like? The Greater Good This is what most people think of when they think of CSR: it has to do with volunteerism, philanthropy, utilizing resources responsibly, and maintaining a code of ethics. What does CSR have to do with staff retention? JP: More and more prospective employees, especially Millennials who make up the largest segment of the work force, are asking questions. What kind of company is this? How do you run your business? They...

Pangea Cares

When Pangea Properties first formed in 2008, the Chicago-based company established a mission to implement “service, value, and care–one resident at a time.” Since then, the REIT has transformed communities throughout Chicago, Indianapolis, and Baltimore with quality affordable housing and service programs. Chanelle Cromwell, Head of Pangea Cares, has witnessed the difference that the Pangea Cares foundation makes in communities. “We don’t just invest in buildings, we invest in the success of our communities,” says Cromwell. “Pangea is very data-centric and we use data as the engine in our decision-making process.” Data has encouraged the firm to pursue success for its communities in three sectors. Education + Technology “We provide access to education and technology to youth that helps bridge the divide that exists for many kids living in the neighborhoods that Pangea serves,” explains Cromwell. One such program is the annual Backpack Giveaway, a partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA). Pangea Cares raises the funds to buy school supplies. The organization then coordinates with CHA to purchase and assemble more than 400 backpacks. Kids ages 5-12 received backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies to help them start the year with confidence and the proper tools. This year will mark the sixth year of the Backpack Giveaway program. A newer addition to the Education and Technology program is B’more, Read More. Baltimore Walbrook Junction neighborhood, home to more than 150 kids, hosts a free library for the public. The tiny library was in need new literature for its shelves. “Pangea donated 30 books to the library, providing a fresh wealth of informative and imaginative literature for local kids,” says Cromwell. Health + Wellness Pangea Cares focuses on the health and wellness of residents by making fresh food and recreational activities available to their communities. The team has gotten quite creative in finding ways to serve members of the community. Pangea Cares collaborated with Julie Hightower of a Better Day with Julie, The Daisie Foundation and many other organizations to give moms in Chicago a free makeover. “More than 150 mothers were invited to the event, which boosted their confidence, provided much-needed networking opportunities, and provided a respite from their daily routines,” Cromwell says. For youth, the company’s Indianapolis properties hosted an ongoing summer event that provided nutritious lunches daily for children of low-income families. The kids had lunch and a movie matinee, meeting their need for nutritious nourishment and activities over the summer months. “Overall, the teams were able to provide lunches for hundreds of children!” Cromwell said. Pangea Cares partnered again with CHA and Operation Warm to ensure CHA youth were warm, healthy and ready to learn during the cooler months. The organizations distributed more than 10,000 winter coats to local youth in need. Dignity + Beautification Pangea Cares believes that a beautiful and safe neighborhood brings communities together. “We are committed to community beautification and striving to make areas we serve ones that residents and communities can be proud of,” says Cromwell. Such efforts include frequent Habitat for Humanity builds in Chicago and Indianapolis. Pangea Cares has also taken on a Play More B’more playground build project. The local non-profit works with other organizations to construct fun and accessible playgrounds in marginalized communities. “They put in some serious manpower to build a brand new playground for the children of the community,” says Cromwell. Show love for your local Pangea community by contacting the organization to volunteer or make a donation. To learn more about how other Yardi clients are Energized for Good, check out our Giving...

Growing Goodwill

Many multifamily firms are turning to corporate social responsibility (CSR) to meet the needs of their communities beyond the walls of the homes that they develop, manage and support. CSR initiatives encompass a company’s efforts to promote positive societal, economic or environmental change. The initiatives are self-regulated, and the scope and scale of CSR programs can vary widely. The results, however, share common benefits. Four real estate firms shared their successful approaches to local and international CSR projects. Spreading local goodwill MC Residential of Arizona founded the Sharing the Good Life Foundation, the company’s non-profit, to make a positive difference in the communities where employees live, work, learn and play. Lesley Brice, President, has been involved since the nascent stages of the program. “We’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past several years, most of which have been through payroll deductions and time off deductions or donations, as well as vendor matching activities,” Brice said. The Foundation has collected 715 volunteer hours, 42,036 employee PTO hours, and $55,617 in payroll contributions. The funds raised are directed towards local nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits are nominated by employees and selected by a peer grant committee. In recent years, MC Residential focused resources on two national organizations: Autism Speaks and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC). “We found our niche in raising money for autism when we brought autism awareness to the Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA). We raised over $100,000, mostly through PTO donations. We created a program, hours4autism.com. That way, rather than reaching in their pocket, team members can donate hours of PTO time toward whatever charity we were getting behind at the time. Everyone got to participate in a little way that added up,” Brice said. MC Residential also encouraged vendor...

CSR, Part Two

Part two of a two-part feature. Read the first article. In 2014, real estate technology provider Yardi established The Yardi Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations that are located near the company’s offices around the world. Yardi opted for a two-tier CSR model, dividing a seven-figure donation between them: one tier supports several small-scale projects. Yardi designates a sum for every office of more than 50 employees. The grants are allotted to local organizations that are nominated by employees and approved by peer committees. The second tier takes on an international challenge. Yardi launched Yardi Vasti Vikas Prakalp (YVVP) in Pune, India in 2006. It is one of Yardi’s largest CSR programs to date, providing financial support to 17 local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs). All partnering entities serve some of India’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. Gordon Morrell, Executive Vice President, Yardi, works closely with The Yardi Foundation. “Our work there is focused within the urban poor communities that are just a short distance from the office. These projects include cleaning shared toilet blocks to improve sanitation, working in local schools and preschools, providing vocational training for young people, and funding a mobile medical unit specifically for women’s health issues. Some of the work is conducted by NGOs; in addition, Yardi has hired social workers to provide direct services in many of the areas,” Morrell said. Yardi uses multiple measures of success including impact surveys and reports directly from the NGOs and CBOs. As of 2016, YVVP provided health care services for 120,000 women and children; 500 sanitation units for poor urban communities; and career services for 1,480 teens and young adults. “We got involved in CSR because we simply wanted to give back to the communities that have supported our business and our...