Supporting the Community Nov30

Supporting the Community

To jumpstart the giving season, Yardi Atlanta Charity Committee recently released an overview of the year’s philanthropic efforts. The grants demonstrate Yardi’s mission to “take care of our communities” in action! The following 15 nonprofits received support from Yardi Atlanta in 2018. March of Dimes March of Dimes programs educate medical professionals to ensure that moms and babies get the best care available. The organization also helps families with newborns who are facing medical challenges. Several Yardi Atlanta team members participated in the annual March for Babies walk, hosted by March of Dimes. Yardi corporate also matched donations made to the organization. Mimosa Elementary School Mimosa Elementary is a Title 1 school of about 800 students. Located within an Economic Opportunity Zone, nearly 95 percent of parents’ incomes fall below the poverty line. Despite its difficulties, the dedicated school staff and Yardi team members work together to help students succeed. Recent initiatives included a backpack drive and courtyard cleanup. This year’s donation focused on improving the reading levels of third graders. Studies suggest that third grade literacy increases high school graduation rates. Camp Twin Lakes Camp Twin Lakes is a nonprofit with locations in Rutledge, Winder, and Warm Springs, GA. Camp excursions and activities provide fun developmental opportunities for children facing serious illnesses and disabilities. Kids can also experience the fun through the Campers to Go program, which takes interactive experiences to children’s hospitals throughout the state. Camp Twin Lakes continues its strong relationship with Yardi Atlanta. Through the Camper Scholarship Program, Yardi empowered 27 kids to attend camp. Make-A-Wish Georgia Never underestimate the power of a dream fulfilled! The national Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Granting a wish brings hope! And a positive attitude can help to battle illness and improve quality of life. Yardi’s donation enabled 406 critically ill children to watch their dreams come true. Atlanta Humane Society The Atlanta Humane Society, a no-kill shelter, serves about 30,000 animals each year. Animals receive medical assistance as well as the opportunity to find a forever home with local families. Yardi’s contribution paid for 5,000 surgeries for rescued animals. Atlanta Community Food Bank In northwest Georgia, 1 in 5 children face food insecurity. Atlanta Community Food Bank aims to end food insecurity for families in need. Yardi’s donation supported mobile units that meet immediate demand for nutritious food in homes and at schools. While on site, staff members help residents complete screenings for longer-term assistance programs. Marcus and Sharon Gunter Foundation (MSG Foundation) Hunger adversely affects health outcomes as well as a person’s quality of life. The MSG Foundation serves families, children and seniors facing hunger in Cumming, Ga. With Yardi’s support, recipients receive aid through a monthly grocery supplementation program. School-aged children are eligible for Bags of Love, which provides sack lunches to kids during school breaks. Atlanta Children’s Shelter Atlanta Children’s Shelter aims to end family homelessness in Georgia. The organization also offers therapeutic programming to facilitate recovery from trauma. Yardi Atlanta’s donation was allotted to the STEAM program, which helps homeless children reach developmental and academic milestones. Foster Care Support Foundation More than 8,000 children rely on foster services in Georgia.  Children can escape abuse and neglect through Foster Care Support Foundation. The organization supplies essential items for foster parents and their families. Yardi’s donation provided 90 children with necessities such as clothing, books and basic care items. The contribution minimizes financial strain for foster families. Yardi’s donation also supports the mentorship program that helps teens in foster care navigate their journey towards adulthood. Lost-n-Found Sexual minority youth compose more than 40 percent of homeless youth in Atlanta. Lost-n-Found Youth strives to end homelessness for young members of the LGBTQ community. The nonprofit offers housing and counseling services to those in need. In addition to financial donations such as Yardi’s, Lost-n-Found Youth provides services through thrift shop revenues. The Drake House...

A Helping Hand Nov11

A Helping Hand

It’s that time of year again! Every November since 2009, Yardi has proudly participated in the Santa Barbara Foodbank’s annual Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge. By promoting friendly competition among local business, the corporate challenge is a chance to give back and support those in need during this holiday season and beyond. Every day, thousands of people turn to the Santa Barbara Foodbank for assistance. With a commitment to supplying nutritious foods that promote a healthy lifestyle, the Santa Barbara food bank helps one in four local residents keep their larders full and their tables set not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Though the Foodbank receives a steady flow of donations year-round, events like the Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge guarantees the organization receives sufficient funds and resources to operate regardless of the season. Yardi has participated in the Corporate Food & Funds Drive Challenge from the beginning, and being part of this annual competition aligns with the company’s overall philosophy of giving back to the community. As part of the competition, over the next two months Yardi employees will work hard donating food, funds and volunteer hours in a bid to earn points that will be tallied against the efforts of the other challenge participants. Once the contest is completed, the Foodbank will use an employee-to-point ratio to crown the winner. Last year, the challenge collectively brought in over 24,000 pounds of food (including 266 turkeys), over 400 hours of service, and more than $47,000 in donations! Though Brown and Brown Insurance may have nabbed the title in the past, this time around, the Yardi team is ready to snag that top spot. “The competitive spirit is alive and well,” says event organizer Kelly Johnson, “and I think...