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...
Tarry House Inc.
Housing with Kindness
Yardi-supported nonprofit Tarry House Inc. was founded in 1967 in Akron, Ohio. Tarry House provides residential treatment and supported house services to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. It is currently updating the bedroom spaces at its main facility, turning two dorm spaces into single or double occupancy, improving clients’ quality of life. Tarry House also focuses on getting some staff involved with community leadership programs. Tarry House has struggled the last several years due to the global pandemic, mainly securing and retaining qualified workers. Its focus has been ensuring its clients and staff are safe from the pandemic while competing with a three percent unemployment rate. “Our administration team and our Board had been stressed for months. But when we received the very generous donation from Yardi, it really brightened our spirits,” said Michael Bullock, executive director for Tarry House. Team Tarry House One of Tarry House’s board members, who has served as a board member for many years, struggles with severe mental illness. After treatment in the state hospital, he graduated and became a client of Tarry House. He then graduated from Tarry House and secured his own apartment. He managed his illness for many years and has been an invaluable member of Team Tarry House. Volunteer Opportunities Tarry House hopes to have a “Demolition and fence rebuilding party” this year at its main facility and will be recruiting volunteers. They also have their annual golf fundraiser, where they are looking for sponsors, participants, and volunteers. Those interested in volunteering, please contact Michael Bullock at [email protected]. Recovery from significant mental illness and addictions is possible. Tarry House has had great success in helping people get there, too, but kindness is key! “We never know what people are going through. Our clients...
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Dogs for Freedom, Joy and Safety
Yardi-supported Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a nonprofit founded in 1954 in Yorktown Heights, NY. Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides guide dogs to people with vision loss. This one-of-a-kind nonprofit organization is known worldwide as a center of excellence with a spirit of innovation. Since 1954, Guiding Eyes has graduated over 10,000 guide dog teams and is one of only two guide dog schools to serve people who are Deafblind. Guiding Eyes provides services, programs, and follow-up support to their clients at no cost and serves all 50 states, including Canada. Guiding Eyes also collaborates with guide dog organizations worldwide to share expertise and information on genetics, breeding and training. Guiding Eyes aims to graduate 150+ guide dog teams and support 1,000 active guide dog teams yearly. The journey of a guide dog takes about two-plus years and includes the following: Breeding and care: focus on the human-dog bond for up to eight weeks. Training with a skilled volunteer puppy raiser: eight weeks to 15 months. Formal harness training: hundreds of repetitions in various settings, five to 12 months. Training with blind people: on-site or in the student’s home area, 10-15 days. Follow-up Support: Throughout the partnerships, it averages eight years. Guiding Eyes is beginning to build a new Canine Wellness and Training Facility over the next three years to provide the best environment for guide dogs in training and enable its organization to grow and place more guide dog teams annually. “Guiding Eyes relies on the support of individuals, corporations and foundations to facilitate our work. We do not receive government grants. We also have a network of 1,700+ volunteers who make the mission possible every step of the way,” said Rebekah Cross, director of donor relations for Guiding Eyes. Funding from Yardi helps Guiding Eyes assist in training and placing a guide dog for someone blind in the local NY/CT/NJ area, directly impacting donors. “At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are incredibly grateful for the support received from Yardi over the past two years. Yardi’s support plays an integral role in enabling us to fulfill our mission of providing guide dogs to people with vision loss,” expressed Cross. Breeding, raising, and training a guide dog is resource intensive, both financially and through the hundreds of people involved in each guide dog, and costs up to $50,000 annually per dog. Yet, the ROI is priceless through the opportunities resulting from the increased independence and confidence partnering with a guide dog brings. Jaydene and Nita Every individual receiving a Guiding Eyes guide dog has a unique and diverse experience and vision loss journey. Still, the resounding sentiments from all graduates are the feelings of joy, freedom, safety and confidence provided by their four-legged partners. NYC native Jaydene lost her sight as a teenager and received services from a local agency that she now works for, providing technology support and training for those with vision loss. Before getting her first guide dog, Licorice, she realized how much more quickly friends with guide dogs walked. Living in the greater New York City area, Guiding Eyes is a household name she applied to and took that leap of faith. “I have a much greater sense of independence. I like to say that a guide dog is the fine wine of mobility and travel,” shared Jaydene. Nita is now Jaydene’s second guide dog, a yellow Labrador Retriever, “With Nita, I can get wherever I need to the fastest and safest way possible.” Read more about Jaydene’s journey at Guiding Eyes and more fun perks about Nita. Volunteer Opportunities Guiding Eyes has many volunteer opportunities, from home socialization of six to eight-week-old puppies to puppy raising and sitting to fostering a brood or stud in its breeding program. They also have opportunities on its campuses in Yorktown Heights, NY and Patterson, NY, ranging from administrative to dog care. Learn more and...
Global Village Project
Access to Education
Each year, Yardi distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Decatur, Ga. based Global Village Project (GVP), founded in 2009, is a one-of-a-kind, tuition-free middle school created to meet refugee girls’ unique and holistic needs. Refugees arriving in the U.S. often find their children facing obstacles to an equitable education or needing to catch up academically. New students are typically placed in classrooms according to their age. Girls — who often have additional family responsibilities inside the home and who may face cultural pressure to pursue paths other than education — are at further risk of dropping out of school. “In contrast to these typical odds, when given access to a school community that is deeply committed to understanding and meeting their unique needs, we see our students and alumni thriving within and beyond the classroom,” said Leah Kuenzi, senior grants manager for GVP. GVP’s mission is to reactivate the schooling of refugee girls so they can access all the benefits of an education. GVP is a dual-accredited (State of Georgia and Southern Association of Independent Schools) special-purpose middle school offering a three-year accelerated curriculum designed so that students can overcome gaps in their education and get caught up academically before moving on to high school and beyond. Typically, 45 students are enrolled yearly, the maximum capacity for the current space. Growing at a rapid pace In recent years, the Atlanta area has seen a 300% increase in refugee arrivals. Per this trend, since 2017, GVP has had to turn away, on average, 44% of the students applying each year due to the limited scale of operations and space constraints. GVP plans to relocate to a larger venue to accommodate its growing needs, with the intention of being able to accept 100 kids yearly. Luckily, a large donation was made, and GVP will be renovating a three-building campus with over 26,000 square feet of space just four miles away from its current location. Funding from Yardi has helped GVP respond with agility to areas of greatest need and support for their current operations. “While all grant funds are meaningful to our organization, it’s especially exciting to know that our work caught the attention and won the support of the entire team at the Atlanta Yardi office,” explained Kuenzi. “As our name implies, we know that “it takes a village” and are so grateful that Yardi Systems chooses to be a part of ours!” Mathematical Thinking Caroline Henry is a math teacher at Global Village Project. She teaches newcomers and intermediate students. Henry teaches math a bit differently than a typical math teacher would. Instead of students just showing a numerical answer, she invites the students to the board and has them explain their thinking of the problem and their strategy aloud and analyze as a group what the best strategies are. Henry always allows those to “pass” if they wish, but to her delight, most girls jump at the chance to share their mathematical thinking with their school sisters. Last year, one reserved student would clap with such enthusiasm that it quickly became a tradition. “If you feel safe and brave enough to stand in front of the class, show us your math and explain it in English, you deserve a round of applause!” This same student has carried this tradition forward to a new group of girls, and the classroom is full of shouts of encouragement, congratulations, clapping, and so much joy. Henry says this is the joy and great privilege of her work at GVP. “These seemingly small things that we celebrate each day at GVP really are not small things at all: a girl has survived, a girl has adapted and is beginning to thrive, a girl is getting an education,” said Henry. At GVP, refugee girls feel safe taking risks, trying new things, and honoring one another. “Thank you for your part in...
Never Give Up
Gwendolyn Strong Foundation
Each year, Yardi distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Meet the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation—Never Give Up, founded in 2009 in Santa Barabara, Calif. This organization works to fill the gap needed to create real change and build a more inclusive future for those with disabilities. After raising $6 million over the last seven years, Gwendolyn’s Playground will break ground in 2024—Santa Barbara’s first fully inclusive playground. Using Universal Design and considering how society learns and grows, this sensory-rich environment removes today’s typical playground’s physical and social barriers. Here, everyone belongs and has opportunities to challenge themselves, play side-by-side and have fun together. These experiences foster life-long lessons of cooperation, empathy and kindness. The foundation will focus on raising the remaining dollars needed to build sports fields and park amenities to create such a park complex in Santa Barabara. “We are thrilled by the broad community support and belief in our mission to create a more inclusive future,” said Victoria Strong, founder and executive director at Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. “The vision to build Gwendolyn’s Playground alongside sports fields and accessible pathways and gardens is essential for meeting the needs of all community members and will create a true synergy for community activity.” Yardi’s generous donation helped fund the Little Inclusive Library, which fosters literacy and inclusion for all ages. It will also help to build a reading corner in the library into the top story of the Magical Tree play structure. While lounging on soft caterpillars and ladybugs, children can peruse a collection of children’s books celebrating diversity, friendship, kindness and disability. Children’s books are an excellent way to introduce normalizing differences and start conversations and education. The foundation also works with several award-winning disabled authors on an author visitor series in...
Explore Ecology
Ecological Learning for SB
Each year, Yardi distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees near the company’s global offices. Today, we introduce Explore Ecology, founded in 1990 in Santa Barbara, California. Explore Ecology (EE) promotes leading environmental education and artistic expression. Through their programs, Explore Ecology reaches over 40,000 community members. From teaching students how to garden to organizing beach cleanups and creative reuse art workshops, Explore Ecology educators provide hands-on learning experiences that empower the community to protect and preserve the environment. Learn more about these programs: Explore Ecology School Gardens: beautiful outdoor classrooms on school campuses where children can explore nature, learn to garden organically and see in real life what they read about in science class. Art from Scrap: A creative reuse store that diverts discarded and reusable materials from landfills at affordable prices. Through its school materials program, this program also offers low-cost arts and crafts supplies to teachers and schools. Explore Ecology Makerspace: located above Art from Scrap, filled with technology, sewing machines, and arts and crafts supplies used for the community to join in and invent, create, imagine and collaborate. Watershed Resource Center: located at Arroyo Burro Beach, students and visitors learn how to keep creeks and oceans clean and join monthly for beach cleanups that remove thousands of pounds of litter annually. Environmental Education: In-class lessons and field trips are available for public and private schools, community groups and camp programs and are accessible to most Santa Barbara County schools, depending on location. Funding from Yardi helps with core support to continue to bolster entry-level salaries for garden and environmental educators and reuse store staff. EE recently hired a new full-time development director, hoping to reach more funding support and foundation grant awards to serve environmental education better to...
Daily Bread Food Bank
Feeding Toronto
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...
Our Big Kitchen
Nourishing Sydney
Let’s journey to the land down under and introduce Our Big Kitchen (OBK), a Yardi-supported nonprofit that was founded in 2005 in Sydney, Australia. Our Big Kitchen is dedicated to community well-being through initiatives like providing nutritious meals, cooking classes and fostering connections. “We strive to address food insecurity and promote sustainability, contributing positively to the community’s overall health,” said George Karounis, OBK operations manager. Our Big Kitchen is working to expand its impact by aiming to enhance meal preparation efforts and ensure more individuals receive nutritious meals. In addition, OBK is committed to strengthening connections by collaborating and supporting more charities. “Through these priorities, we strive to create a broader positive influence in our community and address pressing needs,” Karounis says. Funding from Yardi helps enhance meal preparation and strengthens OBK’s partnerships with charities. The funds directly contribute to OBK’s mission of reaching more people in need and creating a more significant community impact. “We’re thrilled and grateful for Yardi’s support. It energizes our mission and propels us towards making a greater impact in the community,” expressed Karounis. Fostering Connections Sarah and many of OBK’s clients faced loneliness and hunger. By joining OBK, her transformative journey brought her meals and a supportive community. In her journey, fostering connections and providing nourishment beyond the plate has been detrimental for her to achieve a healthy life. Volunteer Opportunities For those interested in learning more and volunteering at Our Big Kitchen, please feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] Beyond Our Big Kitchen’s main activities, OBK caters to birthday parties and hosts “Cooking with Family” events. Join the fun for unique and meaningful experiences to support OBK’s community initiatives. Find future non-profit profiles...
Partners in Housing
Achieving Self-Sufficiency
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Today, we introduce Partners in Housing (PIH), founded in 1991 in Colorado Springs, CO. Partners in Housing’s mission is to guide families in the housing crisis from insecurity to stability, self-reliance and prosperity. Throughout its 33 years in the community, the number and complexity of this issue have continued to change and grow. PIH’s Family Self-Sufficiency program provides homeless families with children a safe, stable place to live where they gain the knowledge and practical skills to overcome personal barriers and achieve self-sufficiency. Due to economic difficulties and inflation, PIH had an influx of applicants in the past year. The added pressure and increases make it harder for some to afford doctor visits and daycare. PIH offers housing and childcare to relieve external stressors while families work towards their goals. The program offers courses to improve credit and budgeting, technological literacy, employment qualifications, and the confidence to utilize these skill sets. PIH staff also provide various employment training resources, allowing clients to work toward their desired career path. “The resources provided within PIH’s Family Self-Sufficiency program allow clients to explore their financial health and knowledge in a safe, supportive space, leading to lasting change,” said Kayley Weber, grants and web presence manager for PIH. PIH’s board of directors has recently approved an updated strategic plan with support from its advisory board, which includes past clients. The plan consists of newly approved goals and initiatives with a specific continued focus on outreach to those in the area who are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis, including those members of the BIPOC community and others who are underrepresented...
SafeHaven of Tarrant County
Ending Domestic Violence
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. SafeHaven of Tarrant County, founded in 1976 in Arlington, Texas, is the only state-designated center for family violence in the county. Throughout SafeHaven’s history, they have never strayed from a mission to end domestic violence. SafeHaven creates a custom service plan for every family who walks through its doors. SafeHaven is the only 24/7 domestic violence hotline in Tarrant County and connects families to robust resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, counseling, legal aid and more. SafeHaven’s Prevention Department focuses on preventing and decreasing dating violence and bullying by implementing evidence-based school programs. Its Partner Abuse Intervention and Prevention Department works with domestic violence offenders to end violence in their relationships. “We will not stop until EVERY woman in Tarrant County feels safe in her relationship,” expressed Kendra Balod, director of development for SafeHaven. SafeHaven is collaborating with RAND Corporation to develop a nationally recognized tool to help the criminal justice system and others in the work of domestic violence to determine the dominant aggressor in an abusive intimate partner relationship. “We are proud to announce the tool will begin testing at law enforcement agencies nationwide in 2024. In addition to survivor resources, our goal is to emphasize research and continue bettering the systems survivors count on daily to survive,” said Balod. Funding from Yardi is vital in keeping survivors and their children safe and holding offenders accountable. When a woman gets the courage to call the hotline, she must count on a secure room in the shelter. Yardi’s contribution makes that safety possible and funds vital work in bettering the system for those who depend on it to survive. “We were thrilled to receive such a generous gift from Yardi! Domestic violence affects everyone, and it’s vital to have such supportive community partners on our team. Partnering with new organizations like Yardi in this important work is always exciting. This gift is truly life-changing for women and children in our county,” Balod shared.Carrie’s Venture Carrie arrived at the shelter after finding herself in a familiar but painful situation: returning to her abuser after once again being charmed by him. But this time would be different – Carrie was determined to provide her children with a better and safer environment. Their home life was no longer acceptable.SafeHaven’s team helped Carrie find employment just two weeks into her stay, and the shelter’s children’s team provided free daycare so Carrie wouldn’t have to worry about her kids’ safety while she was at work. Despite her former partner intentionally damaging her car, Carrie’s support network helped her acquire new transportation for her family.Finding affordable housing after shelter can be tricky. Still, Carrie was determined, and SafeHaven helped her find a new apartment close to work and provided the essentials for her new home. Carrie left the shelter and moved into her home in a much-improved state of mind. She felt safe and independent and was proud of the life she created for her children.Carrie has continued participating in SafeHaven’s domestic violence group sessions to learn more about warning signs and establishing boundaries and communication in new relationships. “Carrie showed that with determination and life-saving community resources, freedom from domestic violence IS possible,” expressed Balod. Volunteer Opportunities There are multiple volunteer opportunities at SafeHaven. To learn more, please email SafeHaven’s volunteer manager, Katy Pirot, at [email protected]. In Tarrant County, one in three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. “The number one rule of being an ally to a victim of domestic violence is to believe her. Often, abusers can be charming, and it can be hard to believe that someone you know can do such bad things to their partner. It’s not your role to investigate for abuse – your role is to...
Traffick911
Journey to Freedom
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. Today, we introduce Traffick911 of Addison, Texas, founded in 2009. Traffick911 exists with the sole purpose of freeing youth from sex trafficking by building trust-based relationships. Traffick911 has a 24/7 crisis response Voice & Choice Program team that walks alongside child sex trafficking victims along with multi-disciplinary team partners. Traffick911 hopes to expand its advocacy team so more child survivors of sex trafficking have an advocate. “Advocacy at Traffick911 is built upon trust-based relationships, meaning that we go deep with the youth we serve and those in our community,” said Dominique Arce, mission engagement coordinator for Traffick911. In addition, the organization hopes to provide further support to families and caregivers with their children during recovery periods. Funding from Yardi helps Traffick911’s mission and allows them to expand their impact to serve more kids than ever. Advocates spend nearly every day in the community meeting with youth and walking alongside them in their freedom journey. Through play and fun activities, advocates build trust and can work towards Traffick911’s goal of seeing communities free from relationship deviation. “We are completely humbled and grateful to Yardi! During our weekly team meeting, we had the chance to share the news with our entire staff. You should have heard the cheers! Every dollar given to Traffick911 is a YES to a child sex trafficking survivor. Truly, we would not be able to impact the lives of the survivors we serve without you. We are grateful,” expressed Arce. Alaina’s Freedom Journey “Oftentimes, when we begin our journey with a survivor, their exploitation has been extensive—rarely are we able to intervene in the...
NAMI Greater Cleveland...
Mental Health Togetherness
NAMI Greater Cleveland was founded in 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio. For more than 40 years, this organization has been smoothing out the challenging path that emerges when someone is diagnosed with a mental health condition. This arduous journey is often through feelings of shame, fear and uncertainty and is compounded by a lack of understanding and the persistence of societal stigma. NAMI GC offers free mental health education and support programs as essential bridges and supports medical protocols. Support Groups: Led by trained volunteers, individuals or families provide emotional support and understanding, coping and problem-solving strategies and form a supportive network. Family and Peer Education Courses: families and individuals are offered education courses to understand better mental health diagnoses, treatment, coping, and navigating public assistance and medical care. Community Education and Outreach: NAMI GC staff and speakers, including clinicians and subject matter experts, make informative presentations to professionals, the community, and the public on topics related to resources, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and how to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Information and Referral services: Individuals can call the NAMI GC helpline and email to support accessing community resources and navigating the mental health system. These programs offer valuable insights, resources, and perspectives to people living with a mental health diagnosis, their family members, and community members, helping them navigate the complexities of mental health with greater understanding and support. NAMI GC is working on building its reach to serve populations that have historically had poor mental health outcomes, including those in stigmatized racial groups, LGBTQ+ and communities of faith. Funding from Yardi goes a long way in helping NAMI GC meet the increasing demand for its programs and services. “NAMI Greater Cleveland’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers are grateful to Yardi’s employees...
AVLF
Equal Justice for All
Let’s head to Georgia and introduce the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), founded in 1979 and created through joint efforts of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, the Atlanta Bar Association, the Atlanta Council of Younger Lawyers and the Gate City Bar Association. AVLF’s mission is to create safe and stable homes for families and fighting for equal justice. “We believe no one standing up for their rights should have to do it alone. That’s why we stand with, for, and in support of low-income Atlantans as they demand safe and stable housing and break free from domestic violence,” says Libby Rother, development director of AVLF. AVLF is the largest pro bono legal services provider in Atlanta and Fulton County, Georgia and serves those of domestic abuse, children in high-conflict disputes, and residents in disputes with property owners. “At AVLF, ‘here’ means many things. It means beside them in court, at our downtown legal clinics nearly every Saturday of the year, in our two offices inside the Fulton County Courthouse, our communities’ schools, and our clients’ homes,” explains Rother. Together, this foundation is working for a fairer and more equitable Atlanta, one family at a time. In 2022, 4,340 clients were served, and more than $725,000 in emergency assistance was distributed. At the heart of AVLF is its community, which aligns with Yardi’s motto of “taking care of the community.” AVLF is constantly looking for innovative ways to deepen its reach in the community. In 2016, AVLF established school offices with a Community Advocate and Attorney who would meet with parents to discuss housing issues. Now, AVLF has an office location on the Westside of Atlanta—a community with high rates of evictions and domestic violence. After establishing this office location, AVLF launched a Mobile Advocacy...
Food Bank of CENC
Overcoming hunger
Today, we introduce the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, founded in 1980 in Raleigh, NC, with offices in Wilmington, Greenville, New Bern, Durham and Southern Pines. It works daily to provide food to people in need while building solutions to end hunger in the community. The Food Bank collects donated, government-allocated purchased food, sorts it into family-sized portions and distributes it to a network of approximately 700 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters and meal programs for children and adults. All foods are healthy and nourish families, children, seniors, and individuals. Through partnerships, education and evidence-based programs, the Food Bank empowers communities to overcome hunger, creating an environment where all North Carolinians can thrive. “Our mission is to nourish people, build solutions to hunger, and empower communities to work with us to solve hunger,” said Andrea Maron, manager of the foundation partnerships for the Food Bank. The Food Bank’s core mission is to distribute nutritious and culturally meaningful food to underserved individuals. Intending to distribute and target children and seniors, the Food Bank serves over 100 million pounds of food—83 million meals, including 50 million pounds of fresh produce. Realizing that they cannot solve hunger without addressing its root causes, they will continue to expand the cause of hunger work, including investing in policy and advocacy work to strengthen policies that can end hunger. The Food Bank additionally wants to focus on culturally meaningful foods to provide more variety to extend to other communities. Inflation is hitting the Food Bank and partner agencies hard. Food and freight costs strain the budgets. Funding from Yardi helps the Food Bank buy nourishing food and transport it to those who need it in central and eastern North Carolina. “We are...
Sustainability Stewards
Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful
Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful (KTMB) is a nonprofit organization supported by Yardi in Reno, Nevada, founded in 1989. KTMB is dedicated to creating a more sustainable and beautiful region through waste reduction, education and active community involvement. KTMB has several annual community clean-up events that oversee 700 volunteers each. In addition, they also provide sustainability education for businesses and groups. “We also have a Youth Education Department that goes into classrooms in Washoe County to teach kids about Waste, Weeds and our Watershed,” said Chris Ewing, communications director of KTMB. Each year, KTMB calls on the community to come together for various cleanups. Its goal is to make local parks and other community-use spaces worth visiting again and to bring community pride. KTMB exceeded expectations year after year with its volunteer cleanup signups: Adopt-A-Spot and Neighborhood Cleanups, Great Community Cleanup 2023, and Truckee River Cleanup 2023. Learn more about the cleanups and how to get involved. Adopt-A-Spot and Neighborhood Cleanup 167 cleanups 4,352 volunteers 11,220 volunteer hours 133,037 lbs. trash 66,518 lbs. of green waste “Because of this, KTMB is looking to expand our beautification and cleanup efforts by growing this program through additional funding and assistance from our municipalities and focusing on projects that have been delayed or neglected due to manpower and resources,” Ewing said. Funding from Yardi goes toward making sure program projects are funded for supplies, tools, dumpsters, volunteer equipment and educational supplies. Funds also ensure both internal and external are maintained and up to date. “We are so grateful for the support we receive from Yardi to help KTMB continue being stewards of creating a clean and sustainable community,” Ewing expressed. Waste, Watershed, and Weed Warriors Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful is more than an organizer of beautification and cleanup projects. KTMB has a youth educational department that spends time in the classrooms of schools, teaching children the importance of what they do and how the kids can be a part of the solution through its Waste, Watershed and Weed Warriors programs. Each lesson is differentiated by grade level and focuses on one of the “Environmental R’s”—reducing, reusing and recycling. KTMB’s sustainability department offers many resources for recycling. Its Recycling Online Guide is a comprehensive list of what can and cannot be recycled in Washoe County. It is maintained and updated quarterly or when a significant change in the local recycling stream happens. Volunteer Opportunities Yardi employees are encouraged to volunteer and participate in any KTMB cleanups. KTMB will also facilitate a unique clean-up if there is a public space the Yardi crew is fond of. To arrange a clean-up, contact Adopt-A-Spot and Community Cleanups coordinator Matt Weber at [email protected]. Find future non-profit profiles...
Page Youth Center
Support for Youth Sports
In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we introduce Page Youth Center (PYC), founded in 1984 in Santa Barbara, Calif., a youth center for children with a broad range of sports, fitness, wellness and recreational activities, all for a reasonable cost. The youth center is a safe and friendly environment for children and their families. They also offer recreational programs for adults in the morning and evening, including badminton, pickleball, jazzercise, open gym, and adult basketball leagues. PYC focuses on providing an excellent Blenders Basketball experience to 1000 youth participants and continues to grow and expand its Spring volleyball program for both boys and girls. The center also plans to offer Summer Sports Camps throughout the Summer break and provide scholarships to those in need, specifically for those in Old Town Goleta. In March 2024, PYC will have its annual gala to raise awareness and funds for these programs. Funding from Yardi helps to keep its program costs as low as possible and provides excellent programming to the youth in the community. Donations are used in various ways through operations, facility upgrades and scholarship funds. “Thank you for the continued support of the Page Youth Center and our Mission to Build Character Through Youth Sports,” said Aaron Martinez, executive director of Page Youth Center. “Your generosity is greatly appreciated and assists us in offering the best programs we can for our community’s youth!” Blenders Basketball League With 1,000 youth participating this season and over 250 volunteers, the Page Youth Center prides itself on the Blenders Basketball League program. Volunteers help with coaching, scorekeeping and team parents. Over...
Changing Lives
At Al Noor Dubai
Yardi Dubai supports the Al Noor Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities as part of the company’s global program of philanthropic support for nonprofits and NGOs. Established in 1981, Al Noor provides special education, care and services to those with neurodivergent challenges such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy or a combination of conditions. Among its successes, Al Noor has prepared up to 100 students for work placement in the community. Al Noor staff have developed a curriculum for students that significantly impacts lives and helps them be independent members of the community. Al Noor plans to establish additional training and services that will enhance and develop the lives of its students. “We wish to work closely with corporations like Yardi .. to partner with us on our various projects,” said Apple Castaneda, senior sustainability and community relations executive for Al Noor. Al Noor charges subsidized fees to parents or, in some cases, the total tuition fees for parents who cannot afford to pay the fees. They have a no-rejection policy. “We do a holistic approach to giving our students the maximum quality of training and education to maximize their potential,” said Castaneda. Funding from Yardi helps Al Noor obtain resources through financial support, ensuring the organization can maximize potential care to students. Yardi has consistently provided sustainable financial contributions to the center, enabling the organization to expand its educational programs for children with determination. This has enhanced individuals’ learning experience and skill development under Al Noor’s care. “The Centre is very thankful for the continued support of Yardi, as it is helping us fulfill our mission of giving an equal opportunity to our students of determination and being out there in the community,” shared Castaneda. #TeamYardi and Celebrating World Cerebral Palsy Day Yardi employees...
Operation Kindness
For furry friends
Today’s featured nonprofit is Operation Kindness, from Carrollton, Texas, founded in 1976. Operation Kindness is an animal welfare organization making the world a kinder place for animals and people who love them. This September, Operation Kindness expanded and opened the Lifesaving Partnerships Hub. Funding from Yardi fund Operation Kindness’s mission to serve animals in Texas and where the help is needed most. “Operation Kindness is so happy to have support from partners like Yardi. Your support makes our work possible,” said Lilly Watson, marketing manager of brand and communications for Operation Kindness. Thriving Pups Last summer, Operation Kindness took ten dogs surrendered to the Human Society of the United States in an animal cruelty case. All dogs were highly malnourished, gravely underweight and suffering from life-threatening heartworm disease. A year later, after the help and care of Operation Kindness, their staff and volunteers, these dogs are thriving, happy and healthy with their new owners. Read about Jazz, Jay and Bruce and their stories and testimonies from their owners. Yardi Dallas and Irving Office Gathering #TeamYardi of the Dallas and Irving offices gathered recently for a puppy and kitten-loving fun-filled day. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, but that didn’t stop them. The office made a slight adjustment and hosted the fur babies inside. Each kitten and puppy were given much love and attention that day. A few employees are now in the adoption application process, hoping to have a new friend for the holiday season. To spread some joy this holiday season, consider donations to Operation Kindness. You can make a tax-deductible gift online here. Find future non-profit profiles...
Care and Share
Food Bank for Southern Colorado
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. We hope you enjoy the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Food banks differ from food pantries, soup kitchens or emergency shelters because they supply the food to these organizations and then distribute it directly to those in need. Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado was founded in 1978 in Colorado Springs. Care and Share provides food to 291 partner pantries, shelters and schools throughout Southern Colorado, allowing these partners to stretch their dollars for their best work, such as job training, housing assistance, medical care and other critical services. Over 23 million pounds of food was provided to the community seeking support in the past year. Care and Share is an affiliate of Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief organization. Despite five other Feeding America food banks in Colorado, Care and Share is the only food bank dedicated to serving the state’s southern half. During the height of the pandemic, the generosity of the southern Colorado community bolstered Care and Share to serve those needing food assistance for the first time. “Care and Share is now dealing with the after-effects of the pandemic and is seeing even more need than we saw during the pandemic,” said Joan Selman, director of major gifts at Care and Share. The following areas are the most significant causes of increased need: Economic Conditions: Though inflation numbers have decreased, food prices are still at an all-time high. This affects low-income households whose food costs typically compromise a third of their income....
New Beginnings
Providing Solace to Veterans
Yardi is committed to supporting the community in every city where our offices are housed. Each year, the company distributes philanthropic aid to organizations selected by its employees. In 2022, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will bring you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. New Beginnings is a nonprofit founded in Santa Barbara in 2000, continuing the work of the Santa Barbara Counseling Center. This organization provides psychological counseling and housing assistance services to people experiencing homelessness, as well as low-income individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County. New Beginnings serves over 2000 people each year with various programs and centers: Counseling Center The Safe Parking Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Program The Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program The Life Skills Parenting and Education Program. “In the spring of this year, we underwent a major transition and moved into a fabulous new space. The new space has allowed for all four programs to be housed under one roof, improving the client experience by streamlining inter-agency collaboration and strengthening our wraparound services,” said Shana Hill, community engagement and programs specialist for New Beginnings. New Beginnings plans to expand telehealth services with improved marketing and outreach efforts. They are working to expand the Safe Parking Program throughout the county and increase the number of lots in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria and Lompoc. In addition, they are working on publishing a second edition of the Safe Parking Program manual to take steps toward establishing the Safe Parking Program model as an evidence-based practice. It will also work to expand the number of community partners for the Life Skills Parenting and Education program and increase community involvement for houses for...
