No family expects to face a crisis, but when they do, having a safe place to turn can mean everything. Haven Family Connections ensures that support is never out of reach. For parents facing unimaginable challenges, whether it’s homelessness, illness, mental health struggles or the unexpected loss of a loved one, having a trusted support system can make all the difference. That’s exactly what Haven Family Connections does: provide safety for families. This isn’t even the first time we’ve highlighted their incredible work. A lifeline for families in crisis Based in Saskatoon, Haven Family Connections (formerly Crisis Nursery) has been a pillar of support for families in need for over four decades. At the heart of their mission is Haven Kids’ House, a 24/7 emergency home that provides a safe space for children while parents work through difficult circumstances. Last year alone, they supported nearly 950 children, offering not just shelter, but stability, care and hope. When a family is in crisis, the Haven team steps in immediately, ensuring children feel secure and cared for while their parents receive the support they need. From de-escalating stress to providing emotional and physical care, their work is about more than temporary relief — it’s about setting families on a path to long-term stability. The power of community support Organizations like Haven Family Connections don’t just happen — they exist because of the community that believes in their mission. Yardi Canada is proud to stand with Haven, providing financial support to ensure their services remain free and accessible to families in need. “Haven Kids’ House has offered safety and support for kids during a family crisis for over 42 years. We are a critical service that needs to stay open, and we’re proud that part of the...

Combatting food insecurity on a large scale requires dedication and innovation. A leading nonprofit in Australia, with Yardi’s help, is rising to the challenge. Our Big Kitchen is a large-scale facility in Sydney that cooks and distributes meals (about 250,000 every year) to disadvantaged Australians. OBK was founded in 2005 by Rabbi Dovid Slavin and his wife Laya as a modest communal cooking experience. The couple soon acted on a larger vision, turning the basement of a Yeshiva center into an industrial kitchen with help from labor donated by builders, excavators, painters, electricians and others. Yardi Australia has been a corporate contributor to OBK for several years. In March, more than 40 employees from the Sydney office spent a day at the kitchen, helping prepare several hundred meals that were immediately shipped to needy community members directly or through a network of more than 40 charities. Making 700 meals a day Turning out up to 700 meals every day takes a lot of work and more than a little creativity. OBK is powered by its legion of volunteers and contributors. The organization also works with other food relief organizations to obtain surplus food from markets and restaurants that would otherwise be wasted. OBK emphasizes outreach to school programs, believing that supporting its mission teaches children “kindness by cooking meals for people in need, and allowing them to interact with their peers in a meaningful way,” according to the organization’s website. OBK’s catering arm hosts onsite events, providing “a memorable, hassle-free way of celebrating a special day.” It honors birthdays, graduations, weddings, baby showers, corporate team-building events and other gatherings. “We look at what happens in the kitchen in two ways. There’s the output, the tens of thousands of meals being cooked and distributed at...

Every young person deserves a safe place to call home, a community to support them and a future filled with possibility. Yet, too many youth in Canada face homelessness and instability. That’s where 360°kids comes in. This York Region-based organization provides life-changing youth homelessness support, helping young people find security and hope. A safety net for at-risk youth Since 1989, 360°kids has been a vital resource for young people experiencing homelessness or crisis. From emergency housing and meals to life skills training, mental health support and job readiness programs, the organization provides a holistic approach to empowering youth. Their mission? To help kids not just get off the streets — but stay off. Through case management, education and mentorship programs, 360°kids builds a foundation for independence. Whether it’s teaching financial literacy, job search strategies or self-esteem building, their programs are designed to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive. Transforming lives, one story at a time The impact of 360°kids is best told through the lives they change. Former resident Andrea shared, “Until 360°kids intervened, I was on a path of self-destruction. I am certain I would have dropped out of school and/or committed suicide had I not been given the opportunity to live at 360°kids. Establishing meaningful relationships with staff and residents saved my life.” Andrea’s journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of 360°kids — turning despair into hope and uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring that every young person has the support they need to rise, rebuild and reclaim their future. How Yardi helps 360°kids make a difference Yardi is proud to support 360°kids in its mission to transform young lives. Funding from Yardi helps the organization provide essential services, including emergency housing, meals, life skills training and mental...

Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Please keep reading to learn more about a recent volunteer opportunity our Atlanta office had to support this worthy cause. About Special Olympics Georgia Special Olympics Georgia invests in people with intellectual disabilities, helping them develop athletic skills while also promoting the athletes’ abilities off the field. In achieving this goal through sports, they show the world that every person counts and can be something good when we work together. The organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. When the athletes succeed, attitudes change, communities grow, self-esteem builds, and the eyes of the world focus on all that is good, hopeful and positive. Athletes gain skills for employment and learn to be independent while forming relationships and helping the public understand their incredible capabilities despite the health issues they experience daily. #TeamYardi Atlanta volunteers Last month, the Atlanta team volunteered at AMF Lanes in Woodstock with Special Olympics Georgia. The place was packed with athletes and volunteers, and all 40 lanes were occupied. Coaches and family cheered from the sidelines as the athletes scored strikes, spares and plenty of high fives and hugs. Yardi volunteers assisted the athletes, making sure they were bowling when it was their turn and being their biggest cheerleaders. After three games were played, scores were tallied, and volunteers guided their group to the awards room. Each player was awarded a ribbon, bronze, silver or gold metal. It was a day filled with joy and fun for all, leaving everyone with a sense of inspiration and upliftment! Feeling inspired? If our story inspires you, we encourage you to support Special Olympics Georgia and explore our...

Mental health issues have taken a toll on today’s youth, especially in Travis County, Texas. According to a CDC report, 57% of teen girls, 27% of teen boys, and 70% of LGBTQ+ youth have reported increased sadness and hopelessness, with over 30% of them considering suicide. Austin Child Guidance Center (ACGC) is a Yardi-supported nonprofit established in 1951 in Austin, TX. It is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality mental health services to children and their families in the ten-county central Texas area. “We envision a world where every family’s mental health needs are seen and met. We focus on families living at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, living in regions heavily impacted by adverse social determinants of health, and underserved by current mental health systems,” said Leah Piassick, senior director of grants and contract compliance for ACGC. ACGC accepts private and public insurance, offers a sliding fee scale and provides no-cost therapy for qualifying families. Their team includes licensed therapists and administrative staff, many of whom are bilingual. ACGC tailors mental health care to meet each child’s unique needs using evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, ensuring effective treatment. Mental health care and treatment are customized for each child and family, including individual/family therapy, walk-in clinic services, group therapy, psychological assessment, the tandem teen prenatal & parenting program, and workshops. Mental Health Consultation (Infant & Early Childhood Services), designed for early childhood care centers and parents/guardians/caregivers, offers specialized teacher consultation and social-emotional learning training and parent/guardian/caregiver workshops and skill-building training on child development and social-emotional learning, and ensures children (ages 0-6) are “school-ready.”    “We offer services in person or via a HIPAA-compliant teletherapy platform, except for Psychological Assessments, which must be conducted in person. This flexibility ensures...

Being a caregiver is a long-term commitment that can significantly impact carers’ health and finances. In such challenging times, the Stirling Carers Centre, supported by Yardi, provides much-needed relief to unpaid carers. Stirling Carers Centre was established in 1992 in Stirling, Scotland and provides free and confidential support to local unpaid carers. Unpaid carers are people who support a friend or family member who couldn’t cope without them due to illness, disability, frailty, addiction or mental health conditions. Stirling Carers services include one-on-one practical and emotional support, advice and information, peer support groups, respite activities and a dedicated Young Carers Service for carers aged seven through seventeen. Stirling Carers Centre is committed to supporting unpaid carers in ways that meet their individual needs and offers practical and emotional support to help them continue to care for their loved ones. “We will ensure that the voices of the carers are at the heart of what we do and are heard at a local and national level and that they have opportunities to take a break from caring,” explained Keri Moore, acting CEO of Stirling Carers Centre. She continued, “Early intervention is vital, so we will also focus on identifying hidden Carers by improving communication and upskilling professionals to be ‘Carer Aware’.” Thanks to the generous funding from Yardi, the Stirling Carers Centre can provide much-needed relief to unpaid carers, inspiring hope and resilience. This funding enables the Centre to expand its reach, reaching more carers needing support and making a significant difference in their lives. “We are very grateful to receive unrestricted funding from Yardi. This means we can use the funds to give Carers a break that best suits their needs without constraint on what this looks like. This is really important to ensure...

Yardi-supported nonprofit LEAP Central Coast, established in 1971 in Goleta, Calif., provides trauma-informed childcare, family support services and community resources to ensure children and families thrive. Its two children’s centers serve children ages three months to five years old, preparing for kindergarten and beyond. The Family Resource Center provides support for anything its community members may need. It operates the only registered diaper bank in Santa Barbara County. It distributes healthy groceries at its monthly free food distributions, offers free classes and webinars on various topics and connects families with essential social services. In early 2025, LEAP plans to open a new Children’s center in Lompoc to expand its reach. Long-term, LEAP aims to grow programs that address critical needs, including: Immigration informational webinars Financial literacy classes Monthly food distribution Vaccine clinics LEAP is committed to recruiting skilled educators to deliver high-quality care and education. Funding from Yardi supports and maintains vital services like the diaper bank, which distributes 6,000 diapers monthly. Funding also contributes to sustaining and expanding family resource programs, funding important work at the children’s centers and meeting the growing needs of its community. “We’re incredibly grateful for Yardi’s belief in our mission,” expressed Darcy Brakeman, development assistant for LEAP. She continued, “Their support fuels our ability to respond to community needs with compassion and efficiency. With partners like Yardi, we can continue to create lasting change for families across Santa Barbara County.” Simon’s Venture His distress was apparent when Simon joined LEAP’s Children’s Center at six months old. His physical and social-emotional development was significantly delayed, and he had difficulty settling or connecting with his caregivers. LEAP learned Simon’s single mother struggled to support their small family despite working two jobs. Through the nurturing, trauma-informed care of his teachers at...

Did you know that there are over 44,000 children in Australia with a parent in prison? Children with a parent in prison are some of the most vulnerable in our society, often facing stigma, isolation, and limited opportunities. That’s where this Yardi-supported nonprofit steps in and supports children to give them a chance to shine. SHINE for Kids was established in 1982 in Sydney, Australia and is dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by the criminal justice system. The “invisible victims” are faced with complex, overlapping challenge factors, including family breakdown, poverty, isolation, trauma, emotional distress, interrupted education, stigma and shame, which puts them at risk. They are six times as likely as their peers to end up in the justice system themselves, with 52 percent of young people in youth detentions and 66 percent of those youth having had a parent in prison. SHINE for Kids delivers innovative programs and interventions for at-risk children and young people affected by the criminal justice system from infancy through adolescence. SHINE for Kids helps break cycles of incarceration and offenders and builds futures where young people can thrive. SHINE for Kids programs include: Child & Family Programs (in-custody, in-community) Child & Parent Days (in custody) Prison visits and Facilitated Playgroup Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Programs Rise (K-6 Social & Emotional Wellbeing Program) Youth Justice Mentoring (for young people transitioning out of custody) Rise 11-15 (Youth Community Mentoring) SHINE for Kids aims to expand its Rise Mentoring Program to reach more children and grow the Stand as One program that provides peer support for children and young people in correctional facilities to help them transition successfully into the community. Funding from Yardi supports the delivery and expansion of these programs. Funding enables them to...

Since 2011, Soldier’s Best Friend has seen significant results for veterans suffering from mental health issues, with over 60 percent of program graduates reporting to have reduced their suicidal thoughts, improved their quality of life and reduced their need for medications. Yardi-supported nonprofit Soldier’s Best Friend in Peoria, AZ, provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) with service or therapeutic companion dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veterans and dogs train together to build a trusting relationship that touches two lives simultaneously and inspires countless others. “A second part of our goal is to make a positive impact on the pet overpopulation problem. We are dedicated to pairing and training service dogs with veterans at no cost to the veteran,” said Mik Milem, executive director for Soldier’s Best Friend. Soldier’s Best Friend boasts 12 years of experience with this program, and its dedicated, highly qualified staff, with more than 95 years of combined dog training experience, is proof of the program’s quality. The team is led by an executive director who reports to the Board, composed of Soldier’s Best Friend founder John Burnham and ten officers. These staff members report to the executive director: FTE veteran services manager handles veteran recruitment and application process FTE training program manager manages the veteran/dog team’s training schedules FTE adoption coordinator finds appropriate dogs for veterans at dog shelters and manages the veteran/dog pairing process. 11 staff PTE dog trainers train the veteran/dog teams Three PTE contract dog trainers and handle evaluations of the veteran/dog teams for the Public Assistance Training portion of the training program.   By the end of 2024, Soldier’s Best Friend served 185 veterans and plans to increase to 190 in...

Yardi-supported nonprofit New Beginnings was established in 1968 in Santa Barbara, Calif., as a counseling center and has since added various programs and services. New Beginnings provides psychological counseling and housing assistance services to the homeless, low-income families and individuals throughout Santa Barbara County. The organization serves approximately 2,000 people each year through its programs: Counseling Center Safe Parking Shelter Rapid Rehousing Supportive Services for Veteran Families Life Skills Parenting and Education “Our mission is to provide quality, affordable counseling, shelter, case management, and education that strengthen our community and provide our clients with the ability to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Linnea Haskett, community engagement and development manager for New Beginnings. In 2025, New Beginnings will continue its work with the California Encampment Resolution Funding (CERF) grant, which will resolve 21 vehicle encampments throughout the county. It also plans to expand and retain staff, training them to be the best versions of themselves within and without the scope of New Beginnings. It also hopes to bring Veteran homelessness to zero within Santa Barbara County. Yardi’s funding is instrumental in helping New Beginnings achieve its goals. This support enables New Beginnings to go beyond what government grants allow, covering costs like security deposits, car repairs, pet insurance, psychiatrist visits, and more. Contributions are crucial to its success. “We are SO grateful,” exclaimed Haskett! She continued, “It is an honor to be recognized by such a successful and world-renowned company such as Yardi. We hope to continue to work together— particularly as Permanent Supportive Housing is becoming such a crucial piece to help solve homelessness.” Neil and Jesse’s Hope for the Future Neil is a gentle spirit whose journey has been filled with unexpected challenges. Neil was originally from Florida. He spent years traveling...

Forth Valley Giving, also known as NHS Forth Valley Endowments Funds, is a Yardi-supported nonprofit in Stirling, Scotland, established in 2004. Its primary focus is to secure donations for services, activities and amenities that complement the core work of NHS Forth Valley and enrich patient experiences. All donations are held separately from the money used to provide day-to-day NHS services and are spent on donors’ wishes. “Forth Valley Giving is the official charity of NHS Forth Valley.  All donations to the charity are used for the benefit of patients and staff, and every donation is recorded and acknowledged by the charity,” explained Craig Holden, fundraising manager for Forth Valley Giving. Yardi’s funding is crucial in providing additional comforts and amenities for NHS patients and staff, which core NHS funding does not provide. This support from Yardi has significantly enhanced the quality of care and comfort for those in need. Forth Valley Giving is committed to becoming an even more robust charity and increasing the level of donations to the charity. Forth Valley Giving operated a Christmas Appeal during the holidays, providing gifts and outings for its most vulnerable patients. “The Endowment Committee Trustees have formally recorded their gratitude and thanks for Yardi donations,” said Holden. NHS Charities Together Forth Valley Giving’s partnership with NHS Charities Together, the national charity for the National Health Service, has been a game-changer. This collaboration has generated £447,636 over the last four years, enabling the delivery of more than 60 projects benefiting NHS patients, staff, volunteers, and the broader community across the Forth Valley. This shows the power of collaboration and the collective impact we can make when we work together. This has included the installation of outdoor play and recreational facilities, the provision of support structures for patients...

Yardi, a global leader in property management software, understands the profound impact of supporting communities worldwide, especially those that feed the hungry. MK Food Bank, a Yardi-supported nonprofit established in 2004 in Milton Keynes, England, is a shining example. It distributes emergency food parcels to people in need, whether in crisis, homelessness or displaced by situations out of their control. Yardi’s support has been instrumental in this mission, inspiring hope and making a tangible difference in the lives of many. “This year, we have delivered over 23,122 food parcels, which shows that we have not had to turn anyone away from our services,” said Poppy Cheetham, fundraising and communications coordinator for MK Food Bank. MK Food Bank plans to continue its emergency services and encourage more people to use its Top Up Shop service. This service delivers cheaper food items to those in need, providing a sustainable solution to food insecurity. Yardi funding supports MK Food Bank in accomplishing those goals. “The incredible support from Yardi has been instrumental in our food support services this year, with over 500+ food parcels going out weekly. This means we can buy the food needed when donations have been down,” explained Cheetham. MK Food Bank has a lot of exciting plans and campaigns for 2025, including: The Logo Challenge Dominio Cereal line MK Can Quest Reverse Advent Food Parcel Challenge These programs help MK Food Bank deliver food parcel support to people in need in Milton Keynes throughout the year. See more details about the appeals and campaigns here. Volunteer Opportunities MK Food Bank offers volunteer sessions from October to January and has many other opportunities to join in fundraising events throughout the year. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, is invaluable and integral to...

This Yardi-supported nonprofit organization, PEThood of Georgia, is a vital part of our community, fostering the emotional bond and support from pets to the people. It’s a beacon of health and happiness for the pets and to keep the families together. PEThood of Georgia was established in 2010 in Metro Atlanta and offers low-cost veterinary care to help pets and their families stay together. It also works closely with county animal control agencies to provide them with veterinary care and ensures animals leaving county shelters are healthy and sterilized before adoption. Its main clinic focuses on high-volume spay/neuter surgeries at roughly 8,000 surgeries yearly. PEThood is streamlining its processes so staff and clients can enjoy more services in 2025. It has two new veterinarians starting this Fall/Winter, and with their guidance, PEThood hopes to be able to grow the services it offers to the community and provide a pet food bank as well. “We know many people struggling will use human food from food pantries to feed their pets. We want to give food out to those who need it,” said Lauren Frost, director of marketing and development for PEThood. Funding from Yardi allows PEThood’s clinical team to go digital and reduce time at appointment check-ins and checkouts since the team sees about 40-60 patients daily. Since PEThood has so many patients, it needs to move fast, and tablets and digital check-in options help this process and allow them to see more animals. “Yardi Systems has always been very kind to our nonprofit, donating computers and electronics when they are being upgraded and providing funding over the past few years. We are truly grateful for their community involvement and commitment to helping the community as a whole,” expressed Frost. Colorful Claws PEThood had a...

Trees hold a transformative power and are part of the solution to climate change. Yardi-supported nonprofit Trees Atlanta provides immense tree benefits, ensuring the greater Atlanta area stays green. Trees Atlanta Inc. was established in 1984 in Atlanta, GA and works year-round to protect and enhance Atlanta’s metro tree canopy through several programs. These programs, including planting and care, removing invasive species, forest restoration, youth and adult education, and workforce development, are made possible by dedicated community and corporate volunteers. Their contribution of a record 44,000 work hours over the past year proves their commitment and the key to Trees Atlanta’s success. Trees Atlanta pays special attention to areas with below-coverage trees or those that suffer from flooding and poor air quality. “We hope to engage even more citizens in the care of Atlanta’s urban and suburban forests to ensure the benefits of trees reach as many people as possible. The continued growth of our educational and workforce development programs reflects this commitment,” explained Michael Vinciquerra, business development director for Trees Atlanta. He also emphasized the crucial role of corporate partners in this mission, acknowledging their support and significant impact on Trees Atlanta’s success. Trees Atlanta plans to plant more than 8,000 trees in the year ahead, which will be a record for them. The new agreement with the City of Atlanta will allow it to expand its efforts in removing invasive plants in city parks, complementing its ongoing restoration work in areas outside the city, funded by private donations and contracts. In early 2025, Trees Atlanta will launch its own tree nursery to help meet the growing demand for native trees, which are increasingly difficult to source. Additionally, it will accelerate tree planting in downtown Atlanta, an area with the lowest tree cover, requiring significant...