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. Today, we introduce Friends of the Children Utah, founded in 1993 in Kearns, Utah. Its mission is to impact generational change by empowering youth facing the most significant obstacles through consistent and holistically supportive relationships with professional mentors. “Our innovative approach has been proven to help children facing the greatest barriers improve their well-being across multiple domains and achieve educational and life success,” says Keili Bell, development director of Friends of the Children Utah. The children in the organization’s programs experience intergenerational poverty. They have been exposed to multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and are impacted by the foster care system. Services for children from kindergarten to high school include long-term, intensive, holistic, one-on-one professional mentoring. Friends of the Children Utah is working to grow the GEM Giving Circle (Give Every Month) program to sustain services for youth and families. “By becoming a GEM, you provide consistent and reliable support to the children in our program. Our vision is to see each child graduate with the skills they need to achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of generational poverty. To do this, we apply trauma-informed practices that help youth cultivate the resilience needed to overcome barriers and build a strong foundation for adulthood,” Bell shares. In the three decades, Friends of the Children Utah has accomplished rigorous internal and external evaluations for long-term impact and the ability to break generational cycles: 83% of program graduates earn a high school degree or GED, unlike 60% of their parents. 93% remain free from the juvenile justice system, yet 50% have a parent impacted by the criminal justice system. 98% wait to parent until after teenage years, though 85% were born to a teen parent. 92% go on to enroll in post-secondary education, enlist in the military or find a living-wage employment. Funding from Yardi provides holistic, intensive support services for youth and families facing the most significant challenges. The investment strengthens youth, families and friends’ mental health and wellness support. This contribution ensures that the youth and families they serve have safe, stable and supportive home environments. While mentors have the support, they need to maintain health and wellness and effectively support the community. “Thank you so much to Yardi for your investment in our work. We are on a mission to end generational poverty, one child at a time. We cannot do this work without the support of companies and donors like you,” Bell shares. Watch this video for a glimpse of the miraculous miracles Friends of the Children Utah is accomplishing. Volunteer Opportunities Friends of the Children Utah offers Cards with Friends program, where employees can create handwritten cards for youth and family members. Your support creates hope and belonging for the child in its program. Contact development director Keili Bell for more details at [email protected]. Find future non-profit profiles...

Today, we introduce Achievement Centers for Children (ACC), founded in 1940 in Highland Hills, Ohio, with a mission to empower children and adults with disabilities to achieve their most tremendous potential through holistic and family-focused services. For 83 years, this organization has recognized the importance of recreation for children and adults with diverse abilities. In addition to recreation, they offer a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities and their families in three locations across Northeast Ohio. These locations provide the following services: Educational services, including autism schools at two sites. Family support and advocacy services, including home-based and early intervention services. Therapy services inclusive of physical and mental health Adult services through its day program at Camp Cheerful (circa 1947). All services are eligible to anyone regardless of the ability to pay. Over the years, ACC has adapted its work to meet the changing needs of the children and families they serve. The staff is committed to offering campers and athletes new recreational and sporting opportunities to enrich their lives and increase how they can participate via new adaptive equipment or techniques to improve access to a broader range of recreational experiences. Outdoor summer programs encourage children and adults to develop their confidence, independence and self-esteem in a beautiful setting within the Cleveland Metroparks. “Each year, hundreds of dedicated volunteers provide support, encouragement, and friendship to more than 600 children and adults who enjoy our recreation and sports programs – from day camp to therapeutic horsemanship to adapted sports,” says Susan Christopher, director of marketing and communications at ACC. ACC strives to be consistent for its clients and families. They seek to make their experiences positive and reliable in a world of barriers and irregularity. With the population growing and resources dwindling, especially for low-income families, ACC positions itself to serve the growing families seeking services with a strategic plan they started in August 2022. This three-year roadmap is hope for goals securing the future: Provide sustainable, exceptional and equitable services for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Establish and maintain strong partnerships and alliances that support organizational success and achieve broader systemic change for the health of the community and organization. Maintain a robust infrastructure that fosters a culture of inclusivity, anti-racism, innovation and trust. Funding from Yardi supports the programs and services ACC provides to children and adults with disabilities in Northeast Ohio, including recreational activities at Camp Cheerful. Philanthropic funds are directed to cover gaps in ACC’s budget, as the cost of providing these services is high, reimbursement from third-party payers is minimal, and they do not ask low-income families to pay more than they can for services. Funds are also used to improve sites, directed to maintaining accessibility for all and working to meet and exceed ADA requirements, which can be incredibly challenging in a natural setting like the camp. “Staff, volunteers, and families of Achievement Centers were thrilled to receive this gift from Yardi – it’s through the generosity of individuals and companies such as Yardi that enables our organization to continue to provide robust services to children and families more than 80 years after we were established,” shares Christopher. Camp Cheerful Children and adults enjoy traditional camp activities at Camp Cheerful, including swimming, canoeing, horsemanship, arts & crafts, and nature. “We offer adapted riding sessions in our Therapeutic Horsemanship program and the opportunity for athletes of all abilities to play year-round sports in our Adapted Sports program,” said Christopher. Watch the video of Julia’s story, her therapeutic horsemanship achievements, and footage of the adapted soccer and the kids in action with their volunteer leaders. Volunteer Opportunities ACC relies on corporate groups to help them with upkeep at its three properties, especially the beautiful 52-acre Camp Cheerful campus. Spend a day or a half helping with grounds upkeep and building maintenance projects. Those interested in learning more, please get in...

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 Front Steps Housing & Services organization, founded in 1986 in Cleveland, Ohio. This organization is a member of the Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services Continuum of Care and has over 35 years of experience working with homeless individuals in the county as transitional and permanent housing. Front Steps has served more than 4,000 clients with a 98% success rate during this time. Since opening its doors in 1986, they have developed a broad array of services to serve chronically homeless individuals and community members at risk of homelessness. Services include: Case Management Employment and Training Intensive Outpatient Program  Community Support Services  Behavioral Health Counseling   Prevention Services   Music and Art Therapies   Front Steps has been recognized as an organization guided by internationally recognized service standards and best practices by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for: Case Management/Services Coordination: Mental Health (adults) Community Housing: Mental Health (adults) Outpatient Treatment: Integrated: AOD/MH (adults) Community Employment Services: Employment Supports Front Steps has also been certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OMHAS) to operate an outpatient alcohol and drug addiction program and has been approved to offer the following behavioral/mental health services: Behavioral Health Counseling & Therapy Employment/Vocational Referral and Information Community Psychiatric Support Treatment Mental Health Assessment Art Therapy Today, these services are needed on a broader scale for the aging, underserved communities that are facing barriers of systemic disparities. “We continue to respond to the call for housing assistance and behavioral health services desperately needed in this post-pandemic world. Our hands-on staff is second to none, offering life-changing support and one-on-one counseling to our residents and individuals in our community,” said Matthew Anderson, development director for Front Steps. Front Steps hopes to expand its reach in Greater Cleveland and broaden its presence with a campus including a women’s recovery center, sober living, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and health and wellness programs. “Help us realize these dreams by creating a safe haven for people recovering from a life of pain, suffering and intolerance,” Anderson shares. Funding from Yardi will help Front Steps achieve behavioral outreach efforts to serve individuals needing health services. It will allow them to enhance the case management treatment and connect with more individuals throughout the region. These therapy areas include: Mental Health Substance Abuse Music Therapy Art Therapy Horticultural Therapy “We’re ecstatic, not only for the financial support but for the relationship we’ve built with the Yardi Systems family over the past couple of years,” exclaimed Anderson. He continued, “We can’t say thank you enough for believing in our core value: to transform the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.  Thank you for your faith in Front Steps, and thank you for believing in our commitment to serving as an inclusive, equitable and accessible organization where everyone can realize their full potential.” James C. Venture James found his way to Front Steps after suffering a deep-rooted substance abuse and mental health diagnosis after a stint in the military. This resulted in angry outbursts, isolation and related behavioral health issues. He became an overwhelming burden to himself and his family. After arriving at Front Steps, James discovered his voice and self-expression through counseling with Life Skills coordinator Denise Jackson. Today, still overcoming his barriers, he’s an example for others and exhibits pride and self-assurance through his work in the community garden. (pictured here). Volunteer Opportunities Front Steps offers plenty of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. From sorting clothes to organizing its food pantry, they have various jobs inside and out. For those interested, please get in touch with Matthew Anderson at [email protected]. “We are passionate, dedicated, and unwavering in our commitment to provide essential wrap-around services that help our clients...

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 Family Promise of Greater Cleveland, OH, founded in 2011. Though headquarters is in Summit, New Jersey, this location operates independently. Family Promise is a family homeless shelter and supportive services for up to 21 families in a former elementary school building in Cleveland’s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. The agency serves an average of 75 families that consist of 200 individuals each year. Most of them are children with an average age of four with younger parents. The homeless families served by Family Promise are received through active participation in Cuyahoga County’s Coordinated Intake. Families will stay in the shelter for an average of 12 weeks, receiving all the basic needs such as food, clothing, cleaning supplies and access to medical care. Immediately after a family enters a shelter, a case manager conducts a thorough assessment to determine the family’s housing options, benefits eligibility, employment readiness and life skills level. “The case manager then works with each family to develop a plan for housing, employment and long-term stability,” said Connie Sievers, grants and communications manager for Family Promise. They assist the parents by: Searching for affordable housing. Help them to secure an income/employment. Link them to needed medical, mental health and legal services. Ensures children’s needs are met with school and daycare services. All families are also offered Employment Services: Job readiness by eliminating any challenges. Develop and implement job plans. Assistance with resumes Job searching and interview skills. Finding business-appropriate clothing. “They also provide interested clients with links to workforce development programs and educational opportunities,” Sievers explained. Once a family transitions to a permanent home, they will continue to receive case management treatment through Family Promise’s Community Stabilization Program for at least one year to help them maintain their housing and not return to homelessness. “Family Promise’s consistently positive outcomes speak to the effectiveness of its services. In 2022, 100% of positive housing outcomes were achieved with 90% remaining housed upon case closing,” shared Sievers. Family Promise’s core services are growing and expanding its efforts to help address its client’s mental health. Training by The Sanctuary Institute with its evidence-based Sanctuary Model for trauma-informed care began in October 2020 and is ongoing. In addition, Family Promise has also increased its community awareness and taken steps to diversify its revenue sources. Funding from Yardi helps Family Promise’s shelter and supportive services, including occupancy costs and salaries for direct staff. “These two large expenses are key to the help we provide for homeless families, and funding from corporations like Yardi is vital to their continuation,” Sievers shared. She continued, “We are so grateful! The staff was thrilled about the unexpected support and knew it would go a long way to help with their work with homeless families. Many great non-profits were represented in the presentation to Yardi employees, so it was a wonderful surprise to be chosen.” Dina’s Journey Dina and her 13-year-old daughter found themselves homeless after their landlord sold the building they were living in, and the new owner did not want anyone residing on the premises. They first tried living at Dina’s mother’s house, though the conditions were inadequate. Dina had considered seeking services to help her, but her pride wouldn’t let her. Then, a violent confrontation occurred between family members at her mother’s house, and she knew she had to leave the property to keep her daughter safe. Dina contacted Coordinated Intake and was referred to Family Promise. She and her daughter didn’t know what to expect and were nervous, but the staff soon helped her to feel comfortable and safe in their living unit. They ensured that all their essential needs were met and the daughter could remain in the same school she had been attending....

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. Today, we introduce The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), founded in 1949 in Rye Brook, New York, impacting the cancer community. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary nonprofit health organization that funds blood cancer research and provides education and patient services. Since 1949, LLS has invested nearly $1.6 billion in groundbreaking research, pioneering many of today’s most innovative approaches. “We work tirelessly to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need. When someone experiences the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, we provide hope, compassion, education and support,” said Becca Gregory, campaign development director for LLS. LLS is starting a new project called The Dare to Dream Project—a new phase for the Children’s Initiative. LLS recognizes kids are different, and their blood cancers must be treated differently, so they hope to change the standard of treatment and care for pediatric blood cancers. LLS has funded the first-ever pediatric AML Data Commons. This platform ensures consistency in global data reporting—and launched the first-ever acute leukemia LLS PedAL Master Clinical Trial, matching patients to treatment based on their cancer’s unique tumor biology. “Our dream is to help as many children as possible get treatment for their cancer. We’re daring to improve the quality of life for every child with blood cancer, daring to dream of them thriving. And we’re just getting started,” exclaims Gregory! Funding from Yardi helps support research, education, policy and advocacy. LLS is committed to providing information, resources and support to those affected by blood cancers. Offerings include: LLS Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors Financial Support Food and Nutrition LLS Podcast Support Groups Caregiver Support “We are so grateful for the amazing support we are receiving from Yardi,” says Gregory. “It will truly make a difference in the lives of our patients!” Making a Difference The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has made a tremendous difference in the community, and its advocates sent more than 33,900 letters to lawmakers in 2022. Nationwide, they have helped patients all over. In Minnesota, LLS led a coalition whose efforts resulted in a new state law making drug copays more affordable. In the Cleveland market just last year, LLS had 950 patients who received $9,190,000 financial assistance through the Co-Pay Assistance Program. After hundreds of meetings and thousands of letters from LLS advocates, congress passed the landmark Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act, which LLS helped write. The law expands opportunities for children’s cancer research, including survivorship research. Education and Services served 2,166 patient households in the Cleveland market. Some services are not accessible for some patients. However, LLS helped to make clinical trials more accessible. 66 patients in the state of Ohio received $33,000 in financial assistance through local travel assistance programs. LLS helped secure landmark policies enabling more patients—including underrepresented—to access treatments. Trial sponsors will now be accountable for diversity targets, and patients should have access to trial services closer to home. And in New York and California, LLS has generated momentum for a successful passage, ensuring millions have in-network access to top cancer centers. Thus ensuring robust provider networks. Volunteer Opportunities LLS always seeks volunteers for event days and the Light The Night event. If interested, please get in touch with [email protected]. Find future non-profit profiles...

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. Let’s journey to Ohio and introduce the Cleveland Zoological Society, founded in 1957. This nonprofit partners with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, sharing a joint mission of creating compelling experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world. They provide funding for all areas of the Zoo, including conservation, animal care and education, while providing program opportunities that feature engagement and interpretation for Northeast Ohio. “We work to create accessibility and awareness within and around our community, bringing intrinsic motivation to those who support this long-standing asset,” said Stephanie Kesselem, philanthropic officer for Cleveland Zoological Society. The Cleveland Zoo Society is embarking on a transformational – and one of its kind – Primate Forest project that will advance the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as a world-class STEM science, education and research institution. This Forest will create innovative and interactive guest experiences while strengthening the position of the Zoo as one of the most notable tourist destinations in the Great Lakes region and beyond. This 90,000 square-foot, world-class primate habitat will add to the existing Rainforest space while bringing to the forefront Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s standing as an international leader in gorilla research and better connect and promote the Zoo’s two-decade-long relationship with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. “We need as much support as possible to upgrade our Great Ape habitats to not only maintain our habitat standards but to exceed them,” said Kesselem. Gorilla Research Efforts Funding from Yardi has helped the Cleveland Zoological Society prioritize animal care needed to ensure the animals stay happy, healthy and thrive. The Cleveland Zoo is internationally recognized for its gorilla research efforts, the most prominent being the specialized gorilla diet. The Zoo’s gorilla troop eats sixty pounds of greens daily, plus five pounds of green beans, alfalfa, and fresh browse. “With Yardi’s donation, we can feed our entire gorilla troop of four adult females, one alpha male, one ½-year-old boy, and our 3-week-old baby girl for two months. Sixty days of food security for an entire troop” expressed Kesselem. She continued, “The generous support from the Yardi team was beyond appreciated. The opportunity to come out and present to your employee base was a unique way to see your staff engaged and involved in their community decisions. It speaks to the personal – and community – accountability that Yardi strives to instill in its people. We could thank you a million times over!” Volunteer Opportunities While the Cleveland Zoological Society does not have its own volunteer process, it works to support the Zoo’s direct volunteer efforts. The Zoo always looks for a more hands-on deck to help with animal welfare, observations and guest experiences. If you’re interested in learning more about it, please get in touch with [email protected]. “While the Zoo may be a point of nostalgia for so many, it truly serves as a conservation-based agency that allows a window to the world for those who would otherwise never get the chance to see this wildlife up close. If you’re interested in visiting, learning more about all the amazing updates we are making, or have a passion for conservation – I’d be happy to talk more,” gushed Kesselem. Find future non-profit profiles...

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. Today, we are back in Santa Barbara and introduce you to Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, founded in 1999. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper works to protect water quality, restore aquatic ecosystems, advocate for clean water, enforce environmental laws and educate and engage citizens in implementing solutions to water pollution and marine habitat degradation. With a new five-year plan, they are committed to core clean water work and will be adding new work areas to address the impacts of climate change in their region. Channelkeeper’s mission is to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its watershed through science-based education, advocacy, field work and enforcement. “In addition to actively monitoring pollution levels in waterways along the coast and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, we also represent the community’s interest in clean water through advocacy by presenting data and speaking before government agencies to advance policies that better protect the environment, local waterways, and habitats,” said Laura Sanchez, communications director for Channelkeeper. Channelkeeper offers on-the-water education programs that bring science to life for students and leave a lasting impression. “Our Sea and Shore Explorers program connects young people to their watershed and provides them with an opportunity to experience Santa Barbara from a kayak,” said Sanchez. Students learn to paddle a kayak and observe wildlife while navigating around the Santa Barbara Harbor. Students then discover more about coastal marine ecosystems during a visit to the Sea Center. “This year, we lead seven kayak trips, and for many of these students, it was their first kayaking experience,” shares Sanchez. Students also can go on Seafari Cruises aboard Channelkeeper’s boat, where they learn about the kelp forest, pollution and climate change. In addition to educating local students about the environment, Channelkeeper focuses on and prioritizes the following: Monitor local waterways to track down and eliminate pollution sources Working with the City of Santa Barbara to reassess and reduce the number of cruise ship arrivals to meet community environmental priorities Remove trash, marine debris and abandoned fishing gear from waterways and coastline Revive the Ventura River by working to secure a lasting agreement so that the river’s flow in its lower reaches supports fish, wildlife, and the community’s access to nature Secure more vital water quality rules to prevent agricultural pollution Lobster trap clean-ups This past spring, volunteers with the Watershed Brigade, Channelkeeper’s trash-fighting community program, removed more than 2,300 pounds of lobster traps and marine debris from two beaches: Pink Sand Beach on Santa Cruz Island and a stretch of coast between Leadbetter and Mesa Lane in Santa Barbara. When lobster traps accumulate on the beach, they pose a hazard to wildlife and beachgoers. During both cleanup events, volunteers dug out traps and loaded them onto a vessel, which hauled them away for proper disposal.  “For the last three years, we have partnered with the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara to organize lobster trap removals at local beaches identified as “hot spots” for lobster traps,” Sanchez shares. Yardi Volunteer Opportunities Channelkeeper welcomes Yardi employees to partner with them on clean-up events. They also offer opportunities to become MPA Watch volunteers to help them monitor human activity in and around the Channel’s coastal marine protected areas. In addition, join the Watershed Brigade to help keep the Channel’s watershed and the coastal regions clean. With Yardi’s support, Channelkeeper can do the work to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and be an inspiration to future environmental keepers. “Together, we’re making powerful, positive changes for the environment, wildlife, our community, and our future,” Sanchez shared. Find future non-profit profiles...

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. Today we introduce you to, Don’t Forget To Feed Me (DF2FM) Pet Food Bank, founded 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. DF2FM aims to supply pet food to local agencies to support pet owners. By providing pet food for those in need during challenging financial times, DF2FM offers an alternative to surrendering or abandoning their family pet. They provide free pet food to 35 distribution partners in greater Fort Worth. “Don’t Forget To Feed Me helps to ensure that no pet owner ever has to choose between stay or go…,” says Debbie Sharpe, community outreach coordinator for DF2FM. Don’t Forget To Feed Me strives to provide enough dog and cat food for its partner’s needs for distribution to deserving pet owners. Each partner has a pre-determined monthly amount, and DF2FM keeps a running waitlist of organizations wishing to partner with them. “We review all potential partner requests during the last quarter of each year to determine if we can add new partners the next year,” Sharpe said. Funding from Yardi enables DF2FM to purchase thousands of pounds of pet food that is then distributed. They currently distribute over 30,000 pounds of pet food to its partners monthly. In addition to the donated food DF2FM receives, they must purchase additional food from local feed stores at a discounted price regularly to meet the community’s needs. “We are beyond grateful for the continued support of Yardi and the enthusiasm of Yardi employees towards DF2FM,” shared Sharpe. Ruff times DF2FM recently received a call from a pet owner at the shelter getting ready to surrender their pet due to unforeseen financial hard times. The shelter staff informed the pet owner that Don’t Forget to Feed Me provides free pet food to several local food pantries. They decided against surrendering and contacted one of DF2FM’s partners to receive much-needed pet food, enabling them to keep their beloved pet. Volunteer Oppawuntities Volunteering options include small group dog and cat food bagging at DF2FM’s Fort Worth warehouse. In addition, DF2FM is always looking for volunteers to work its table at community events to help spread the word about DF2FM. Another need is for volunteers to pick up donated food from 70+ donation locations across the metroplex and deliver it to the warehouse. Many organizations will also hold internal pet food drives and either donate the collected food directly to DF2FM or hold an offsite bagging event at their workplace and return the pet food bagged and ready to go. Those interested should contact [email protected] for more information. DF2FM’s pet food distribution numbers in 2023 are already 31 percent more than last year. The need continues to grow as people are struggling to overcome financial challenges. “We truly appreciate the support of all who value the well-being of beloved pets,” shares Sharpe. Find future non-profit profiles...

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. Let’s travel to Dallas, Texas and introduce you to the Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA), founded in 1972. Since they were founded, TCA has had a remarkable record of protecting Texas state forests, prairies and rivers. “Through grassroots advocacy and community coalitions, TCA protects and preserves wildlife habitats for the future benefit for all Texans,” said John DeFillipo, executive director of TCA. TCA incorporates community engagement and advocacy, conservation education and outdoor recreation elements to help inform people and protect Texas wildlife habitats. The community engagements include: habitat restoration with native plants river and stream clean-ups encouraging decreased light pollution in major Texas cities invasive species removal wildlife habitat surveys Forest and prairie hikes Funding from Yardi has supported various programs for the Texas Conservation Alliance. Such programs include supplying resources for native plants and sustaining its Texas Conservation Action Team (TXCAT). TCA plans to increase staff members and diversify its community volunteer base, interns and anybody interested in the restoration, conservation and preservation of Texas wildlife habitat. TCA plans to conduct several environmental education activities in outdoor settings for over 900 participants in North Texas this year. And hopes to plant 250 trees, 2,500 native plants and restore 100 acres of wildlife habitat. “Thank you, Yardi, for being a solid and committed supporter of TCA for the past several years. Your company’s commitment to the environment and conservation is a great example to other colleagues in the DFW area,” shared DeFillipo. An Ally for Wildlife Skyler, a student at Texas A&M University, reflects on an incredible internship experience at Texas Conservation Alliance. This was Skyler’s second semester interning with TCA, and he was offered an opportunity to frame and pilot the campus Lights Out, College Station (LOCS) collision survey program. “Looking back, I’m amazed by how much experience and knowledge I’ve gained in such a short time and the opportunity I’ve had to contribute to wildlife-saving efforts in my city,” shared Skyler. TCA’s internship program offers many potential projects— aspiring conservationists in Texas are encouraged to apply for the upcoming fall semester internships. The remote-style program allows for a better balance between academics and other responsibilities. “All in all, I have found myself an ally for all wildlife- to be an unexpected bird enthusiast and, more than all, a leader in my community,” Skyler shares. Volunteer Opportunities “Conservation of wildlife habitat can be done within your home or business. Plant native species to create habitat, conserve water this summer, turn off lights when leaving your office or home and engage with a community conservation group,” shares DeFillipo. TCA currently does not have any summer events, but in August, they will have events posted for the Fall. Private conservation events for Yardi employees or community groups can be directed to Mei Ling, community conservation director, at [email protected]. Find future non-profit profiles...