Millions of dogs and cats are homeless and enter shelters daily in America. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of nonprofit organizations like the Humane Society of Forsyth County, these animals are given a second chance at life, inspiring hope and a brighter future for all. Yardi-supported nonprofit, Humane Society of Forsyth County (HSFC), was established in 1975 in Cumming, GA and is a no-kill animal shelter dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs. HSFC provides critical services such as adoptions, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, preventative veterinary care and community education. This emphasis on education empowers the community to take responsibility for the welfare of animals, making a significant impact on reducing pet overpopulation. HSFC plans to boost adoption rates to save more animals, connect them with loving homes in the next year, and expand its programs to serve more pets and families in need. They will also enhance community outreach and education efforts to foster responsible pet ownership and strengthen the bond between pets and families. Funding from Yardi enables HSFC to provide essential medical care for animals through its Forever Friend Program, enhances its shelter facilities and expands its low-cost veterinary clinic services to reach more families in need. “We are incredibly grateful for Yardi’s generous support. It’s heartwarming to see a company so committed to community betterment, and their partnership directly impacts the lives of countless animals and families in our community,” expressed Amanda Porter, fundraising and development director for HSFC. Bridget’s Trek to Healing At just six months old, Bridget, a sweet boxer mix, came to HSFC underweight, malnourished, and with a broken leg that had atrophied after spending half her life confined to a Rubbermaid tub. She required extensive veterinary care, including X-rays, radiographs, and evaluations, which revealed additional fractures around her knee. Thanks to HSFC’s Forever Friend Fund, they were able to provide Bridget with the surgery she needed, including pins in her leg to ensure full use over time. With the dedication of her foster family, who worked tirelessly on her physical therapy, and the support of donors like Yardi, Bridget grew stronger every day. Today, she’s thriving in her forever home with a devoted “dog mom,” enjoying the life she always deserved. Many shelters would have given up on a pup like Bridget—but not HSFC. Their Forever Friend Fund ensures that animals like her get the second chance they need! Volunteer Opportunities Humane Society of Forsyth County welcomes volunteers to assist with animal care, participate in fundraising events like its Bark & Boogie Ball, or help with shelter maintenance. For more information, visit its website here or email them at [email protected]. “Every contribution, whether time, resources, or donations, makes a difference. By supporting HSFC, you save lives, create families, and foster a compassionate community,” said Porter. 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...

The holidays can be a challenging time for many. Instead of buying extravagant gifts, why not give the gift of your time to something truly meaningful? Here are some Yardi-supported nonprofits that warmly welcome volunteers, donations, and a sprinkle of magic to brighten the lives of those less fortunate. Observe National Volunteer Month by taking care of the environment. Bundle up and take a winter walk to pick up trash at a local park. Recycle the waste in the community to make it healthier and more pleasant. It’s a task you can perform anywhere and does not require much. Yardi-supported nonprofit Tree’s Atlanta offers holiday cards to purchase. In doing so, each card plants a shade tree in the metroplex of Atlanta. Work with children and youths this month, volunteer at a nursery or orphanage, or tutor teens at an after-school program. When mentoring children, you are teaching them the value of volunteering. Toy drives are another way to spread joy to children and youth. Santa by the Sea is a nonprofit organization that provides toys to over 1500 kids in one of the most impoverished communities in California. This organization saved the world’s largest Santa from demolition, which is how this novel toy drive started. Another Yardi-supported nonprofit organization, Dallas CASA, has an annual angel tree program. The organization advocates in the community and courtroom for children in the protective care of the state so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. This year, #TeamYardi Irving delivered gifts to 71 individuals for its angel tree program. Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMH) are found all over the country, and help families have access to healthcare while offering comfort and hope during complex medical journeys. #TeamYardi Atlanta volunteers several times throughout the year for the Atlanta ARMH, whether cooking up a feast for the families staying there or working in its special holiday toy store where families can do all their holiday shopping free of charge. If looking to support them during the holidays, ARMH has a wish list of needs for families during the holiday season. Volunteering is good for health Volunteering is not just about giving. It’s also about gaining. It teaches unique, valuable skills that can be applied in various fields, from coordinating a fundraising drive to teaching children. More than that, it’s therapeutic. Research by Cambridge University shows that volunteerism significantly benefits people with severe mental health issues to the extent that it’s encouraged as part of recovery-oriented services at mental health organizations. And it’s not just mental health. Volunteers show a 63 percent lower mortality rate, and the physical activity involved in volunteer work can lower the risk of developing lifestyle diseases. The work also helps reduce stress and triggers those reward centers in your brain when you’ve succeeded. So please do whatever you can this holiday season and spread holiday joy to those who deserve it the most! 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...

An Atlanta where homelessness is defeated, and every child has a safe and nurturing home is the vision of this Yardi-supported nonprofit for the future. Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter (ACS) was established in 1986 in Atlanta, GA, to break the cycle of poverty for families facing homelessness by building pathways to long-term self-sufficiency and providing quality early childhood education. This shelter serves families with children under six and fills the gaps in access to affordable childcare. Its Early Childhood Education program helps children meet developmental milestones to enter kindergarten on the same page as their housed peers while providing parents with the resources and support to meet financial goals. ACS hopes to assess ways to extend its reach into the Metro Atlanta homeless community while supporting staff. Funding from Yardi is instrumental in the success of ACS programs. This support is not just financial, but it also provides the highest quality of service to a demographic familiar with neglect. Yardi’s participation in the ACS event, Holiday House, where it distributes toy and gift items to families in its care who otherwise could not afford them, shows the impact of their support. Anyone interested in participating can donate items to the toy drive for children up to age 18, knowing that their contribution will make a significant difference. “We are so grateful for Yardi’s continued support! We are always thrilled to connect with Yardi as a partner,” exclaimed Emily Stinson, development coordinator for Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter. Ebonee’s Pathway to Hope Walking into the Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter, Ebonee felt apprehensive but hopeful. After losing her housing, she needed childcare for her toddler daughter. She also needed help finding housing and her subsequent career steps. With ACS staff in her corner, Ebonee turned toward a better future and hasn’t looked back. First, the team helped Ebonee enroll her daughter in its Toddler 2 class with Lead Teacher Ms. Tameela. “Seeing my daughter happy, learning, and flourishing has made me smile,” Ebonee beamed. With housing support, tuition assistance, and the knowledge her daughter was cared for, Ebonee explored her interest in becoming an esthetician. Along the way, she discovered her true passions: radiology and healthcare. Now, Ebonee is working toward her medical assistant certification. Ebonee shares, “I want to dive into the healthcare field after graduation… I plan to become a radiologist… [so] I can secure my daughter and I’s future along with helping patients with accurate diagnoses.” Most recently, Ebonee’s hard work landed her on the honor roll. With the community cheering her on, Ebonee achieves her daily goals. Ebonee’s story is evidence of the hope and potential that can be realized with the proper support, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change. Often, homelessness and its preceding challenges steal power and choice from parents. Supporting Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter will empower families to pursue more hopeful futures. Ebonee says, “I’ve regained a newer, clearer vision and purpose; I’m finding my path.” Volunteer Opportunities Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter offers group and individual volunteer opportunities in its classrooms to assist with supervision and engagement. These opportunities are not just a chance to give back, but they also provide a unique way to see your donation’s impact because you genuinely connect with children. Stinson says, “It’s a great way to be directly involved in the positive change we’re creating.” For more information, reach out to Emily Stinson at [email protected]. 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...

This Yardi-supported nonprofit is enriching lives and strengthening the communities in Colorado. Developmental Pathways (DP) was founded in 1964 in Aurora, Colorado and serves over 15,000 individuals with disabilities and their families. It is a designated Case Management Agency (CMA) for long-term care services in Arapahoe, Douglas and Elbert counties and one of Colorado’s Community Centered Boards (CCB) connecting people to federal, state, county, and private funding. “We passionately believe inclusion is for everyone and offer services through Medicaid waiver programs, locally funded programs, and partnerships with other community organizations,” said Darcy Tibbles, vice president of community affairs for DP. Additionally, DP is Colorado’s largest early intervention (EI) provider, which connects young children to essential resources. For the upcoming year, DP will follow seismic changes in Colorado’s disability system and are committed to stabilizing and aligning disability supports across its catchment area. “Our top priority is to ensure continuity of care for our members through compliance, quality, simplicity, stability, and accountability. Community outreach and engagement is vital to our mission, and we aim to foster connection and dialogue through events and connections with DP members, families, and caregivers,” explained Tibbles. Yardi funding directly benefits DP’s Unmet Needs Program. This program significantly aids members in accessing community support, which is focused primarily on supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs). The Unmet Needs Program focuses on the specific needs of individuals. It aims to provide services and items not covered by other resources, such as specialized equipment, therapy, and other essential services. Last year, local funding allowed DP to review over 3,000 requests from its members. “We are truly overwhelmed and filled with gratitude for the incredible support we continue to receive from Yardi,” said Tibbles. She continued, “For over five years, Yardi has generously supported DP, and the positive impact of their commitment has been deeply felt within our community. Yardi’s ongoing partnership makes a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Thank you, Yardi, for being a dedicated, supported and essential part of our journey!” Jesse’s Pathway Jesse and his family depend on a specialized ceiling lift to support many of Jesse’s daily activities. Over the past year, his family faced increasing challenges in assisting him with movement and transfers as he grew. To ensure his safety, they required an extension for Jesse’s lift, which other funding sources could not cover. Thanks to support from DP and partners like Yardi, Jessie’s therapy room received a lift upgrade in just one month! Now, his family can help him move around safely and effortlessly. “Funding from partners like Yardi makes a difference in the lives of individuals across our community in many ways. We are grateful to Yardi for the support you and your teams have generously shared over the years,” expressed Tibbles. Volunteer Opportunities Developmental Pathways has several yearly opportunities to get involved, including its upcoming Pathways Holiday Outreach (PHO) giving event and its Thanksgiving meal drive, where community members and partners can sponsor DP families most in need during the holidays. To learn more, visit its Resources page or reach out to [email protected]. “You can donate directly to DP or set up an account and select Developmental Pathways as your charity of choice through the King Soopers community rewards program! Learn more on our Ways to Donate page. You can also connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter (X),” said Tibbles. Find future nonprofit profiles at https://www.yardi.com/blog/category/giving. Yardi is Energized for Good! Visit www.yardi.org for more about our philanthropic...

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center (LENSC) was established in 1945 in Bay Village, Ohio and has inspired the community to appreciate and be responsible for our natural world. A unique combination of resources can be found only at LENSC: Live animal exhibits Wildlife rehabilitation services A public-access planetarium Nature-based preschool and animal program for all ages LENSC is one of the region’s most affordable and accessible destinations to learn about the environment. It offers free general admission and free wildlife rehabilitation services to more than 10,000 visitors annually. LENSC is committed to providing accessible nature education for people of all ages and help for native wildlife. “We look forward to completing our Wildlife Gardens Education and Renovation Project in 2025, which will transform the outdoor Wildlife Gardens to give visitors better visibility of the Center’s resident animals and wildlife rehabilitation efforts. At $1,900,000, it will be the largest capital investment in our free offerings for the public,” said Morgan Haines, marketing and development coordinator for LENSC. Yardi’s generous support is instrumental in helping LENSC provide free general admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits, nature-based programs for all ages, and wildlife rehabilitation services at no charge to the public seven days a week. Thousands of visitors Both humans and animals love and benefit from Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. In 2023, LENSC served more than 100,000 visitors through free general admission and admitted more than 1,800 animals into its rehabilitation facility. “Our enduring mission goals are to educate and inspire people of all ages about our Earth, our relationship to it, and how that relationship is shaping our quality of life and future,” explained Haines. Volunteer Opportunities Lake Erie Nature & Science Center coordinates corporate volunteer opportunities. For more information on corporate opportunities, please visit here and for individual opportunities, see here. 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...

Did you know that Movember’s impact is felt globally, with more than 1.3 million men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and over 415,000 men succumbing to the disease? This movement’s influence goes beyond men’s health awareness. Let’s delve into the history, success, and tangible effects of Movember, from the research breakthroughs it funds to the grassroots initiatives it supports. No Shave November Movember is not just an event. It’s a global movement. It’s an annual event that takes place in November. Men worldwide grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. It began in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003 as a lighthearted challenge among friends to bring back the mustache, but it quickly transformed into a movement with a mission. The founders saw the potential to raise awareness for men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health issues. Since then, Movember has grown into a global campaign, engaging millions worldwide and generating funds for research, health programs and advocacy. In 2007, Movember officially launched in the U.S. in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and two years later, it added the LIVESTRONG foundation. Both foundations have been significant partners with the movement and have had successful patients and stories. Over a thousand men’s health projects have been funded since 2003. Research breakthroughs with the Movember movement have been astronomical, and soon, men with an aggressive form of prostate cancer could quickly benefit from a revolutionary drug. Scientists are confident that breast cancer drug Olaparib extends the lives of men who have cancer cells with faulty DNA repair genes. Movember has raised over $911 million since 2003 to support men’s health projects. Last year, in 2023, it raised over $128 million with various projects, including workshops that teach mental fitness to young men and funding for the early development of Pylarify. This imaging agent can help determine if prostate cancer has spread. Men with advanced prostate cancer are not only at greater risk of cancer death but also suffer poorer quality of life and adverse events due to their cancer and therapies. Movember and Mental Health Unfortunately, around 15 million American adults will be diagnosed with depression each year. In a world that often values stoicism and suppresses vulnerability, men can usually face unique challenges when working on their mental and emotional well-being. Stereotypes and societal expectations can create an environment where opening up about feelings and struggles becomes a daunting task for men, sometimes with devastating consequences: untreated mental disorders and physical health conditions, strained relationships, and an overall diminished quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among American men is about four times higher than among women. Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are more likely to succeed. Men are also far less likely to seek treatment and support for mental health issues. Some individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with different symptoms of their mental disorder, leading to substance abuse issues and the potential consequences that can arise as a result. The Movember Foundation is not just about raising funds. It’s about challenging norms. By using the mustache as a catalyst, Movember aims to change how we think about men’s health. It encourages open dialogue and gives men the confidence to learn, talk about their health, and take action when needed. Movember has successfully challenged traditional notions of masculinity that often discourage men from discussing their health issues. Women can support men during Movember by becoming a Mo Sister. Mo Sisters can raise awareness by moving 60 miles during the month to represent the 60 men who die by suicide each hour. Lives Touched While many success stories have existed since Movember started, individuals have supported the movement beyond November. This past summer, Anil Toraty, senior director at Visa, carried the Olympic torch in Sens, France, symbolizing hope and resilience. His...

Yardi-supported nonprofit Lowell Transitional Living Center (LTLC) is the largest shelter north of Boston that provides services to over 100 individuals daily. Located in Framingham, MA, established in 1987, it is a shelter that offers clients transitional living, three meals a day, laundry facilities, and showers.  It also operates many programs, including a Diversion Program and the region’s only Winter Emergency Bed Program. “Our mission is to help individuals go from homeless to housing by providing case management support and offering individualized plans that suit our client’s needs,” said Debra Leary, senior development manager at LTLC. LTLC continues to find permanent supportive housing (PSH) for its clients, which is no small feat, given that the price of housing in Lowell is rising. As an organization, LTLC will continue to work and grow its PSH program to help those most in need. Funding from Yardi helps LTLC lift the negative stigma associated with homelessness and helps them work hard with kindness, encouragement, and support that go a long way to change someone’s life. “We are so very grateful for the continued support and generosity of Yardi Systems. Without companies and donors like Yardi, LTLC would be unable to operate,” said Leary. She continued, “It is not easy to put into words just how impactful it has been to have the support of Yardi Systems over the last few years.  LTLC is extremely grateful for all you have done and continue to do. We are so very grateful; your generous gift makes a huge impact on us.” Rebuilding Bob Bob understands why some people are reluctant to stay in a shelter if they lose their home because that’s how he felt when he and his roommates were evicted from a shared apartment early in the pandemic. Pride and concerns about the shelter environment kept him from seeking assistance, and he got by sleeping in his taxi or at the dispatch office. But after a month on the street, he decided to set aside his pride and ask for help at LTLC. What happened next surprised him. Bob was placed in the LTLC dorm and assigned a case worker, who began helping Bob rebuild his life. LTLC’s Low Threshold Permanent Supportive Housing Program quickly found a studio apartment and helped him furnish it. His case worker got him into a rehab program to help kick an addiction to painkillers that he had developed following an earlier surgery and signed him up for Social Security disability insurance. That extra income added to his earnings as a cab driver and made it possible for Bob to afford an apartment without Section 8 assistance. Bob knows his life would not be what it is today without LTLC. “The shelter is a great stepping stone,” Bob says. “The case managers are people’s people; they really care and help. Rebuilding is hard. I wouldn’t have made it without the program.” Bob’s story is just one of many demonstrating the life-changing impact of LTLC’s programs. “It has been a joy to see so many clients of ours get themselves back on their feet with the help of our case managers,” explained Leary. Volunteer Opportunities Lowell Transitional Living Center offers several volunteer opportunities. LTLC seeks volunteers to help at its Steps to Home Walk on September 14. Volunteers will follow the course to direct people, help with registration and guide people to the ice cream social. In addition, LTLC offers volunteer work by organizing at its donation center, serving meals to clients or hosting a toiletry drive. Those interested can reach out to Debra Leary at [email protected]. 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...

The Lompoc Theatre Project, a Yardi-supported nonprofit organization, is dedicated to restoring the historic Lompoc Theatre. This iconic venue, a part of the community’s history for over a century, will be re-opened as a performing arts and film center, an educational and community hub, and a focal point of a revitalized Old Town Lompoc. Established in 2012 in Lompoc, Calif., for the greater Central Coast community, The Lompoc Theatre provides life-enriching moments for the hardworking families of Lompoc and the local artists searching for affordable and accessible options in one of the most historically acclaimed venues in the heart of Small-Town America. “We are dedicated to giving a voice to all cultures and backgrounds, enriching the lives of Lompoc families one moment at a time,” said Mark Herrier, executive director for Lompoc Theatre Project. Lompoc Theatre Project is working on completing the Phase Two plan to move the Historic Land Office back onto Main Street, install new dressing rooms and restrooms, and complete renovations to the Lompoc Theatre Stage and Fly Tower, enabling regular live performances in the theatre for the first time in 60 years. Yardi funding helps the organization accomplish these goals. “The grant we received from Yardi was unexpected and appreciated. It became a key part of our matching grant campaign, raising 200k in six months. It also confirmed that our cause is just and that we are being recognized for the decade of hard work we have put in, independent from our outreach efforts,” explained Herrier. Overcoming seven years of failed leadership and apathy, the Lompoc Theatre Project has taken ownership of the building. Local volunteers and donors have driven this project, raising $ 3 million in the last three years. Their unqualified support has paved the way for the reopening of the Historic Lompoc Theatre, a significant milestone in the city’s history. “When completed, it will be the beating heart of the City of Lompoc, generating millions of dollars of economic activity and giving a voice to the underserved diversity that characterizes our proud city,” expressed Herrier. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers and small donors are always welcome to help with the Lompoc Theatre Project since they significantly impact this organization. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact them on its website here. 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...

This Yardi-supported nonprofit does it all! North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) aims to help ease the hardships and foster financial stability in its communities. North Fulton Community Charities was established in 1983 in Roswell, GA, and serves over 9,000 residents in need in North Fulton County, including families. NFCC offers five programs of service to support both short and long-term economic stability: Rent/mortgage/utility assistance Client choice food pantry Clothing choice Seasonal support No-cost education and workforce opportunities By working with individuals through these programs, NFCC focuses on preventing homelessness by offsetting food, clothing, and seasonal costs. This ensures families can use those saved funds for other household expenses and provide opportunities to gain critical skills that lead to higher wages and better jobs. “Our priority is to offer programs and services that meet the community’s needs and will create the most meaningful impact for those we serve,” said Sherri Morgan, director of development for NFCC. Yardi’s funding has been instrumental in helping local at-risk families remain safely housed by providing direct rent, mortgage, and utility assistance. In 2023 alone, NFCC, with the support of Yardi, prevented homelessness and utility disconnection for 1,581 local families. NFCC’s team of caring case managers meets each family eligible for financial assistance and recommends aid to prevent evictions and utility disconnection while also providing critical referrals to other programs, both internal and external, to fill gaps in need. “Preventing homelessness is crucial to allow children to stay in school, allow parents to continue working, and stabilize families so they can access resources that will advance them on their journey to economic independence,” explained Morgan. In addition, the growth and success of NFCC’s programs are a source of pride for the community. With over 40,000 orders in the last year, the food pantry has saved users $4.7 million in grocery costs. The education program, NFCC’s fastest-growing program, has launched additional classrooms this year and two off-site to accommodate over one hundred adults on the waiting list for English classes. Now, the list is down to almost zero. NFCC’s commitment to removing barriers to its client’s resources by providing transportation and free child care to families is evidence of its dedication and impact. “We at North Fulton Community Charities are incredibly grateful to Yardi for their commitment to improving our community. Their generous contribution will ensure that North Fulton families facing financial hardship remain safely in their homes and are equipped with the tools they need to move toward greater financial stability,” said Morgan. Yana’s Ukraine Journey Yana came from Ukraine a year ago with her husband and three children after her husband secured work with an American logistics company. Escaping the war-torn country, she left a successful accounting business and arrived in the United States with little English. Yana was eager to enroll when she heard about NFCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program at her church. She began attending ESL classes in May 2023, and her family embraced English immersion. Yana moved quickly through the ESL classes and enrolled in NFCC’s GED program. The GED program allowed her to continue working on her English skills and earn her credentials to secure work. Even though Yana had earned a degree while living in Ukraine, a bomb hit her university in Ukraine, and all records were destroyed. Earning a GED would allow her to rebuild her life in North Fulton. On February 27, 2024, Yana earned her GED. Now, she is enrolled in classes at Interactive College of Technology and plans to return to working in accounting. “This GED program improves English vocabulary, and the atmosphere is very friendly. Thank you for your support at every step,” said Yana. Yana told NFCC program manager Wynona Kuehl that she is enjoying her new home. “It is similar to Kyiv, the motion of life and the comfort. The people smile and are friendly.” She also said, “I like...

The Romanian Maltese Relief Organization is a Yardi-supported non-governmental association that, during its 33 years of activity, has contributed to changing the destinies of thousands of people in difficulty. This organization was founded in 1991 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania and is defending the faith and helping those in need by continuing to be involved in the community and offering the needed help. When it started its services, the Romanian Maltese Relief Organization aimed to assist children, and now it boasts of recovered young people and adults who are helpful to society. It also provides a social program called Maltese Kindergarten, a daycare for children with neuromotor disabilities. During its years of activity, the Maltese Kindergarten offers education and recovery services to more than 400 special children, many of whom have become independent adults today. The daycare has been certified as a Psychology Structure by the Romanian College of Psychologists. It has been licensed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity as a social service center since 2005. It has a team of six therapists dedicated and committed to the love of the children, primarily exclusive specialists, psychology graduates, psychological counselors, unique psych pedagogy and physical therapists who have all been certified by the Romanian College of Psychologists. Early personalized therapy can help these children to have a chance for recovery, discover life independently and even go to school. Through its daycare center, the Romanian Maltese Relief Organization provides education and recovery services from an early age. “It is difficult to imagine being a parent of a child that is living with a disability. It is even harder to imagine being a child with disabilities. You couldn’t explain to your mother what hurts you, you couldn’t reach out for your favorite toy, or you couldn’t eat chocolate. These are all simple things that make the difference between living and existing,” explained Mirela Codreanu, director of Romanian Maltese Relief Organization’s Maltese Kindergarten. This year, the Romanian Maltese Relief Organization has opened the first inclusive Playground in Cluj-Napoca, a playground to which Yardi funding contributed in 2023 and 2024. This playground is a first of its kind and, through its attractive and complex design, will bring together children with and without disabilities. This concept was created through Symphony of Friendship, another beloved social project. Its goal is to ensure children with physical and mental disabilities have equal rights to approach public spaces for relaxation and play and to encourage inclusion through play. “This project is important to us because it can contribute to changing mindsets, open opportunities, and new ways to see the vulnerable. We dream about a society that is more tolerant and helpful with those who have a disability, a society that stops pushing away the different ones but embraces it,” said Codreanu. In addition to the playground, Yardi funding helps continue the charitable work at Maltese Kindergarten, allowing the Romanian Maltese Relief Organization to create a safe space for any child who needs special education and recovery. This benefits the less fortunate, special and vulnerable children. “We managed to be that much-needed support, thanks to your implication. I want to encourage you to turn your attention to these programs for special children because you help us support those in much need,” expressed Codreanu. Raul’s Pathway to Hope Cheerful, shy six-year-old Raul had social, motor and communication barriers before he came to Maltese Kindergarten. When he arrived, his diagnosis reflected the fact that he did not walk, speak, eat, and did not understand anything. However, shortly after his adventure started as a “Maltese” child, he gradually managed to explore every corner of the house. First, he crawled, and then, with help from a walker, he soon found himself able to walk after one year of physical therapy. With patience and perseverance, Raul became more receptive to those around him, learning new words and understanding others. After the first year, he...