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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we highlight Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc. (TROSA), a Durham-based nonprofit that rebuilds lives, reconnects families, and strengthens communities. Founded in 1994, TROSA is an innovative, licensed, multi-year residential program that empowers men and women with substance use disorders to be productive, recovering individuals by providing comprehensive treatment, experiential vocational training, education, and continuing care. “We are unique in providing our services for up to two years. We provide free housing, meals, clothing, health services, counseling, vocational and life skills training, peer mentorship, education, and professional advancement, and more to a daily average of 400 men and women in our care,” said Kristin Pearson, Communications Director. As TROSA residents approach their two-year program graduation date, they have the opportunity to take advantage of graduate program services. These services include transitional housing, support groups, and transportation to places of employment. “We help prepare individuals for a life in recovery by providing a network of support services and mentorship, with an emphasis on behavior change strategies and life skills development. By providing our services at no cost, individuals can focus on recovery and the changes they want to make in their lives,” Pearson explained. Susan’s story of recovery At age 12, Susan started using drugs and alcohol, and she dropped out of school in the eighth grade. For decades, addiction was at the center of Susan’s life. She was using heroin,...
CitySquare of Dallas
Fighting poverty with advocacy
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we bring you the story of CitySquare, a nonprofit that fights the causes and effects of poverty through service, advocacy, and friendship in Dallas, Texas. In 2021, CitySquare provided service to over 59,000 Dallas residents. They own over 700 affordable housing units and operate one of the largest food pantries in Dallas. CitySquare also collaborates with the city’s largest hospitals to provide primary care services to residents of their housing units. “Our innovative and neighbor-centered approach wholly addresses an individual’s or family’s complicated situation, as opposed to providing one single, disconnected service at a time,” says Sarah Cantu, Chief Development Officer of CitySquare. CitySquare offers a comprehensive array of social services that address four key areas related to the persistence of poverty: hunger, health, housing, and hope. CitySquare is prioritizing these six areas in the year to come: homeless and housing solutions, food access, financial empowerment, health equity, legal services, and foster youth services. Funds from Yardi have helped to support CitySquare’s work in each of these areas, allowing them to touch thousands of lives. “CitySquare is focused on connecting neighbors to affordable housing opportunities and legal services are working with our housed neighbors who are struggling with the threat of eviction,” shares Cantu. “Within food access, we are prioritizing a client choice model for shopping for food from our pantry and offering a mobile food pantry for those who are...
STESA Stands Up ...
To End Sexual Assault
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, learn about Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA), a nonprofit and social change organization established in 1974. STESA is working toward eliminating oppression and sexual violence in Santa Barbara, Calif. STESA transforms lives and empowers people through healing and social change to eliminate all forms of sexual assault. “We work within a model of empowerment to facilitate the healing process of survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Staff and volunteers create social change by educating the community about the incidence and impact of sexual assault in our lives,” shares Elsa Granados, Executive Director of STESA. STESA’s core programming has developed strategic goals and objectives in service to its mission for the future. Its goals include: Ensuring a strong financial position and exploring how the board and finance committee can become more involved in fundraising.Stabilize staffing within its three vacancies. Filling positions such as training coordinator, office manager, and program director.Purchasing a new facility since their current lease is up in 2025. STESA wants to offer a safe space for their clients since most do not have privacy at home for telehealth. Due to the pandemic, STESA is not qualified for many support programs so funding from Yardi has been essential to keeping the doors open and services functioning. “Yardi’s support has helped STESA gain leverage from others since Yardi is known and well respected in the community,” said...
Supporting Families
Teddy Bear Cancer Fdtn
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we are hearing from the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara, Calif., a nonprofit that assists with finances, emotional support, and educational advocacy for families that are helping their child battle cancer. “TBCF is a unique cancer support organization, not just because we give the most amount of direct financial assistance than any other pediatric cancer support organization, but because we truly invest time in getting to know our families and being a source of support for them from the point of diagnosis, to after treatment ends,” says Brittany Avila Wazny, senior development director at TBCF. Last year TBFC started a program called “Dream Big” in which they help families to go from surviving to thriving. Wazny shares, “We are creating a new strategic plan that will lay out how we will bring dreams to life. We are already making dreams for couples and individual counseling happen, beginning with a pilot program in partnership with Family Services Agency, which will start this fall.” Wazny continues, “We want our families to know that they are not alone in a journey that can feel very isolating. Pediatric cancer comes with so many challenges beyond fighting for your child’s life, and we want our families to be supported with meaningful support through each challenge; we are grateful that Yardi understands the importance of these needs and continues to support our mission!” Funds from...
Midtown Assistance Center
Serving the community
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we introduce you to the Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) of Atlanta. MAC is a non-profit that provides emergency assistance to low-income working people and helps avert homelessness and hunger. MAC is a small but mighty organization that specializes in preventing hunger and homelessness in 10 of the highest poverty zip codes in Atlanta. “MAC works fast, often making payments within days of request which is crucial to preventing evictions,” says Chris Ferguson, director of development for the organization. “We also prevent hunger through our food assistance program which includes our food pantry and grocery gift cards. We are excited to have a new partnership with DoorDash to provide free delivery of groceries to those we serve.” “We are excited to be able to expand our food assistance program and hope to continue to grow it. We want to do a better job of keeping in stock high-need (and often expensive) items in our food pantry like beef, deli meat, vegetable oil, and laundry detergent,” says Ferguson. “MAC also supports people who have new jobs or are returning to work. Providing MARTA (transit) passes helps them get to interviews and when hired, to work each day. The nonprofit also provides gift cards to stores for uniform items. The idea is to knock down any barriers that prevent someone from starting a new job.” Jonathan’s story “Given our longstanding status and reputation in the community, word of mouth is how a lot of people new to Atlanta hear about us,” says Ferguson. That is how Jonathan, who had been homeless, heard about MAC. He had recently moved from Philadelphia, thinking he would have a place to stay. It turned out that place was not a good environment for him as he worked to continue nine months of sobriety. Jonathan, reached out to MAC for help with MARTA (transit) passes, nonslip work shoes, black pants, and some hygiene products for a new job. “He filled out our paperwork and we turned around and provided him with three weeks of MARTA to get him to his first paycheck and a gift card to Walmart for his uniform. We also gave him deodorant, detergent, socks, underwear, and a bit of food to support his effort to keep the new job,” Ferguson said. “A week later, he was accepted to a housing program since he is now working full time. We will provide him with some cleaning supplies and food to stock up his pantry and fridge.” Thanks to MAC, Jonathan is on his way to a more stable, healthier life. Support from Yardi helps MAC’s mission “Yardi’s generosity is much appreciated,” says Ferguson. “MAC was able to respond to the surge in need at the end of 2021 thanks to Yardi’s donation. MAC continues to respond to the increased need in Atlanta caused by rising rents, inflation, and the lingering effect of the COVID-19.” “We are so appreciative of Stacy Sinatra and the whole nonprofit Committee for supporting our application.” How you can get involved “Lots of your neighbors are having a tough time right now and some might be at risk of eviction which does not typically fit into a stereotypical box. If you have the capacity to give, volunteer, etc. please do. If you need help, please reach out to wherever you feel comfortable. The generosity of the community is heartwarming,” shares Ferguson. MAC relies on dozens of volunteers to accomplish its work in the community. “We need volunteers in the office during the week, which we know can...
Educalise Association...
Aiding Romania's Youth
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we bring you across the world and introduce you to Educalise Association, founded in 2019 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Educalise is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on the education and health of children and social projects for special needs patients, including: Education: training and workshops, equipping schools and after-school facilities with IT equipment, furniture, and other goods such as painting, restoration, and re-decoration of school facilities and yards.Health: equipment for children’s hospitals with medical devices, restoration, and re-decoration of children’s hospital facilities and yards, various play-and-learn activities that improve the relationship between child and doctor, and educating children on what to expect when they receive medical care.Social: support to children with special needs and holiday campaigns. “Education is however key to all our activities; therefore, we include an educational component even in health and social projects,” shared Cristina Sălăgean, founder of Educalise. Funds from Yardi have been used to finalize The Fairy Stories Garden and a new blood-test room. Check out the video of the day the Cluj Yardi office had here. “What we are planning for the blood-test room is to bring from the U.S. a special chair, where the child and the parent sit on the same chair when blood samples are being taken.” Sălăgean continues, “The chair is the main piece of the room, but it will be accompanied by VR (virtual reality glasses) and other kids-friendly equipment that will...
CASA of Travis County...
Advocating For Children
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. In today’s nonprofit spotlight, CASA of Travis County takes center stage. Travis County’s largest city is Austin, Texas. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County believes every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in the community. To accomplish this, CASA educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety because the people responsible for protecting them have not, a judge appoints a trained volunteer advocate to make independent and informed recommendations and help the judge decide what’s best for the child. Amari and Sharon’s story Amari had already been through 12 different schools when CASA was assigned to his case. Each time he moved to a new school; he fell even further behind. He dreamt about going to college to study sound engineering so he could one day open his own recording studio, but that seemed out of reach until his CASA Volunteer Sharon came into his life. Sharon knew that Amari needed a lot of help to stay on track. She worked with the school to develop a specialized plan that would accommodate his learning challenges and would FaceTime him each morning to make sure he got up for class. Over time,...
Canadian Conservation
Yardi Supports Boreal Wildlands Project
Yardi is making a significant donation to help the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) protect and care for the largest private conservation project in the country’s history – the Boreal Wildlands project in northern Ontario. The Yardi donation will help NCC permanently protect an area twice the size of the city of Toronto. NCC, which is dedicated to accelerating conservation, restoring ecosystems and caring for biodiversity, will execute the project in collaboration with communities, government, Indigenous Peoples and others. Boreal forests comprise coniferous and deciduous trees, as well as deep peatlands that counter global warming by removing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Species at risk find safe haven among habitats in the project area that includes wetlands, more than 100 lakes and more than 1,300 kilometers of rivers and shoreline. “Thank you, Yardi, for funding the project and enabling us to purchase and protect more than 1,450 square kilometers of Boreal Wildlands for future generations,” said Catherine Grenier, NCC’s president and CEO. “Yardi commends NCC’s dedication to slowing climate change and is pleased to support the transformational Boreal Wildlands project, whose impact will extend far beyond Canada,” said Peter Altobelli, vice president and general manager of Yardi Canada Ltd. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the country’s unifying force for nature. NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale, permanent land conservation. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. To learn more,...
The Senior Source
Serving Dallas Seniors
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, let’s get to know The Senior Source of Texas, which champions older adults in Dallas. “We empower active older adults to live with purpose, we protect vulnerable older adults, and we advocate for and ensure the financial and emotional well-being of Dallas-area older adults,” said Laura Wells, Corporate and Foundation Relations Director. According to Wells, The Senior Source has three main strategic priorities: Digitize Knowledge, making it easier for caregivers and financially insecure older adults to make informed decisions and decrease stress. This also allows The Senior Source to serve more clients while lowering cost to serve. Expand Impact Through Leveraging Partnerships to disseminate expertise and thought leadership to increase the number of clients served. Optimize Program Delivery to the growing senior population. “As the number of seniors grows and their needs become more complex, we need to grow to meet demand while maintaining the quality of outcomes for which we are known,” Wells said. A Senior Source success story A Senior Source staff member received a call from Rose, who was concerned about her aging mother’s finances. Rose was struggling to care for her mother at home while working full-time. She was afraid she would be forced to put her mother in a nursing home, concerned about the cost, and overwhelmed by the Medicaid assistance process. The staff member, Debbie, recognized Rose’s stress level as dangerously elevated. To best assist...
The SAFE Alliance
Supporting Abuse Survivors
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we are hearing from the SAFE Alliance of Austin, Texas, an alliance of abuse prevention organizations that works to help survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking to be safe, heal, thrive — and break the cycle. “Our mission is to stop abuse for everyone,” said Heather Henry, Senior Director of Development for SAFE Alliance. “The Center for Battered Women, the Austin Rape Crisis Center, SafePlace, and the Austin Children’s Shelter, all respected, women-led human service agencies created by volunteers and informed by survivors, paved the way to who we are today.” In 2021, SAFE served over 6,000 people through direct care services like shelter, counseling, sexual assault forensic exams, and more. “We cannot provide these necessary services without philanthropic donations from our community,” Henry says. “Gifts from community organizations directly benefit the children, adults, and families we serve.” Services include foster children and youth housed in SAFE’s emergency shelter, who have been removed from their homes due to violence or neglect. SAFE also has a Charter School for children and youth living in its shelters, so that they can have specialized attention from expert teachers and emotional support specialists. Funding also benefits Eloise House, the facility on SAFE’s campus where survivors of sexual assault can come to receive a forensic exam in the immediate aftermath of a rape. “Yardi has been such an incredible partner to...
Commitment to Education
Yardi Announces HBCU Scholarships
Continuing a longstanding focus on education, Yardi is pleased to announce the establishment of new scholarships at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Atlanta and Raleigh, cities that are also home to Yardi offices. There are 107 colleges in the United States that are identified by the U.S. Department of Education as HBCUs. Most were established in the Southern U.S. prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and were created to provide opportunities to Black Americans who were excluded from attending other higher education institutions during segregation. HBCUs are known for providing diverse and inclusive communities of scholarship, strong academic preparedness for post-college life and rewarding student and alumni experiences. HBCUs Morehouse College, Spelman College, North Carolina Central University and Shaw University will be home to four-year full tuition scholarships funded by Yardi that will begin in Fall 2022. Yardi already supports secondary education in its hometown of Santa Barbara, California through its support of the UC Santa Barbara School of Engineering, Santa Barbara City College, CSU Channel Islands, and the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation. Reflecting Yardi’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Yardi’s executive team decided to support secondary education at HBCUs. A working group of Yardi employees, James Armour, Jackie Jones and Adrian Paul, led the effort to identify the best institutions to fund and the scope of the scholarships, supported by philanthropic leads Liana Rao and Arnie Brier. “Expanding our commitment to continuing education by funding full scholarships at HBCUs is incredibly important to the company,” said Rao. “These scholarships exemplify our corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion at Yardi. We hire talented folks from all four of these schools and are excited to expand our partnership with each university.” James Armour, Finance Director in Yardi’s Atlanta office, commented on the critical impact that support of HBCU students can provide. “In life, we have different starting lines and some people start ahead of others. I think this is just one step in moving that starting line for those who are at the back. I see this is as life changing for the recipients that will be receiving these scholarships. They will be that much closer to their goals,” Armour said. Jackie Jones, a Senior HR Manager in Yardi’s Raleigh office and a graduate of NCCU, described the significant impact attending an HBCU had on her college experience and life. “The HBCU experience, for me, was nurturing but also provided lessons at every turn,” Jones recalled. “I still attend homecoming events each year when I can. I made friends during college who are still among my best friends today.” Marcus Rutherford, a member of Yardi’s corporate training team, attended Johnson C. Smith University, an HBCU in North Carolina, said that his experience at the school has empowered his future. “It’s a legacy that I hold near and dear to my heart. As an alumnus I can encourage dreamers wanting to attend college to believe in their dreams. Don’t just reach for the stars. Be the star,” Rutherford said.Learn more about HBCUs and more about Yardi’s corporate philanthropy...
Together We Rise
Support for Foster Care Kids
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we’re featuring Together We Rise of Brea, Calif., a nonprofit that works with thousands of volunteers, social workers, CASA advocates, and other partners to transform the way children experience foster care. “Our programs provide a way for people who cannot become foster parents to still have a meaningful and effective way to help children in foster care,” shared Melissa Perez, social media strategist for the organization. Each year, Together We Rise reunites hundreds of siblings who have been separated in the foster care system for a fun day at Disneyland. This event is known as Disney Days. “On a very special occasion, a volunteer couple was matched with a sibling set of three sisters. At the end of the day, the couple said they could not imagine life without the siblings. The next week, the process of adoption was put into motion. The family is strong and thriving today,” Perez told us. When children enter foster care, they are usually given a trash bag to pack their belongings. “This makes children feel disposable at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Our Sweet Cases are new duffle bags provided to children in care that are crafted with love and contain essential items such as: teddy bear, blanket, hygiene kit, and more. Our goal is to replace trash bags with Sweet Cases in the foster care system,” Perez explained. Thanks...
Toronto Community Housing
Providing quality homes
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today we introduce you to the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Canada’s largest social housing provider. They aim to provide clean, safe, well-maintained, affordable homes for residents. Through collaboration and with residents’ needs at the forefront, TCHC connects residents to services and opportunities and help foster great neighborhoods where people can thrive. The Toronto Community Housing leads with respect, accountability, community collaboration, integrity, and accessibility for persons with disabilities. TCHC also has several programs for children and young people such as after-school programs to scholarships. “Yardi is a generous supporter of the Investing in Our Diversity Scholarships program with eight young people receiving Yardi Canada Diversity Scholarships in 2022,” says Toshania Williams, Supervisor of Program Supports and Implementation at TCHC. Funds from Yardi will help the organization meet its goals this year and allow tenants to pursue their educational and career dreams. “Our priorities for the year to come are to provide better engagement opportunities to young people to build education, employment, and social and leadership skill development,” said Williams. “Investing in strategies that engage youth in positive activities that lead to personal growth and community development in areas of safety, leadership engagement, recreation, and economic development.” Fiza’s Toronto Community Housing story Fiza Qazi is a tenant of TCHC who recently received the Yardi Canada Diversity Scholarship and hasambitions to work towards a career in technology management. “Fiza is passionate about technology and coding and is currently attending Toronto Metropolitan University to obtain a business degree,” shares Williams. “Over the years Yardi has gifted our tenants with technology, scholarships, and more,” says Williams. “We publicized our relationship with Yardi in media releases, social media posts, and our 2021 Annual Report.” Volunteer opportunities in Toronto Toronto Community Housing welcomes volunteers for general support for programming and events. Yardi employees that wish to volunteer can send Debra Shaw an email at [email protected]. A screening may be needed so be sure to visit the Toronto Police Services for more information and requirements. Learn more about Toronto Community Housing at torontohousing.ca, and find future non-profit profiles at...
New Friends New Life
From Trafficked to Triumph
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, let’s hear about New Friends New Life of Dallas, an organization that restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women, and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. By providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health, and spiritual support, New Friends New Life (NFNL) helps women and their children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty, and limited opportunities. The vision statement of NFNL is “creating a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams.” “The four most common limitations our women face are conventional employment opportunities, education, access to legal support, and stable housing options,” said Priya Murphy, Senior Director of Development for NFNL. “Our organizational priorities are aligned to remove these barriers by continuing our economic empowerment program, creating an on-site legal and educational department, and exploring potential housing partnerships.” Yardi contributions support NFNL services that help to move survivors of sex trafficking from exploitation to self-sufficiency. These services include a Women’s Program, Youth Resource Center, Childcare, and the Economic Empowerment Program. Funds will support daily need expenses including food and transportation assistance, along with trauma-informed counseling services we provide to help members rebuild their lives and the ongoing mission of NFNL. “New Friends New Life is grateful for the support we have received from Yardi, and we cherish your partnership....
The Warren Center
Helping Children and Families
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, get to know The Warren Center of Richardson, Texas, which helps children with developmental differences and their families. The Center helps children to reach their developmental goals through individualized therapy-based care and equips parents through monthly education workshops and support groups so they can be a confident advocate for their child. In September 2021, The Warren Center served over 1000 children and families every week. As of June 2022, the Center is serving close to 1400 children every week. “The number of families reaching out for help for their families is increasing. Our number one priority is to be make sure we have the space, staff and additional resources available to serve each one,” said Amy Spawn, CEO. “100 percent of the funds received (from Yardi) go right into our therapy programs for children. We do not turn families away for the inability to pay for therapy services. Because of Yardi’s generous support we can help more children receive the services they need quickly.” Areas of support The Warren Center offers three primary service areas: Early Childhood Intervention: This program provides evaluations and personalized therapy sessions to children from birth to three years of age and includes occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, feeding and nutrition therapy, developmental therapy, and transition assistance to additional services. The Warren Center Clinic Therapy Services: Enrolls children age three to five, and continues...
Island Harvest Food Bank
Feeding Long Island
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, let’s learn more about Island Harvest Food Bank in Melville, NY. Island Harvest Food Bank provides healthy food and support services to hundreds of thousands of Long Island veterans, seniors, and families through both direct delivery programs and through a network of approximately 300 soup kitchens, food pantries, and other emergency feeding programs. “Increased need across Long Island, coupled with skyrocketing food costs and supply chain issues, have added additional challenges for Island Harvest to ensure that we are able to provide healthy food to those in need,” shared Joan Flynn, Business Engagement Manager for the Food Bank. “The cost of food has increased by more than 10 percent over the past three months alone. The cost of fuel for our trucks to pick-up and deliver food has increased by more than 94 percent since last year. As the food industry continues to make shifts in its business model, the amount of donated food that we receive has dropped dramatically.” Support from Yardi and other donors is crucial during this difficult time. “Generous funding from Yardi will support the purchase and distribution of healthy food and product and the provision of supportive services to Long Islanders experiencing food insecurity,” Flynn said. Since 2017, funding from Yardi has supported the distribution of more than 175,000 meals to Long Islanders in need.In addition, regional Yardi employees have donated their time by collecting food and funds for Island Harvest and providing volunteer support. Providing food security On a daily basis, Island Harvest staff encounter Long Islanders struggling to survive, struggling to put food on the table, or facing the unenviable choice of between buying medicine, gas for the car to get to work, and buying food. “People are finding ways to survive and employing coping strategies like watering down food and drinks to make them go further or selling possessions just to buy food,” Flynn said. One such story is that of a woman who works in Melville, where the Food Bank is located. Her husband, a veteran, passed away seven years ago, leaving her with two children, and no insurance. Despite working full-time, she hasn’t been able to get on her feet, and mostly all of her paycheck goes to pay the mortgage and property taxes. “Afraid and embarrassed to stop in and ask for help, she drove past our Melville facility numerous times before finally working up the courage to come in. We directed her to a local food pantry in East Northport, and since her husband served in the military, we are actively connecting her through our Operation: HOPE program to see if she may be eligible for certain veteran’s benefits, and services.” “We provided the family with food, offered her assistance in applying for SNAP and other benefits, but most of all we offered comfort and hope in knowing that she is not alone, and that help, along with a kind word, is always a phone call away.” A pivotal moment Flynn shared that this is a critical time in Island Harvest Food Bank’s nearly 30-year history as programs, services, community partnerships, and the number of member agencies served are growing exponentially in the wake of the pandemic. Island Harvest recently purchased a new facility, more than doubling its office and warehouse space, which will enable the organization to collect, sort, store and distribute more food and product, thereby serving more people in need. “But more importantly, Island Harvest also seeks to empower our clients to transition from uncertainty to stability with an array...
Dallas CASA
Caring Advocates
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we are getting to know Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which advocates in the community and the courtroom for children in the protective care of the state so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. “Dallas CASA wants all Dallas children in the protective care of the state to have a caring, consistent advocate by their sides as they navigate a complicated and challenging child welfare system,” said Becca Leonard, chief development officer for the organization. “Funds from Yardi and other donors are used to help Dallas CASA recruit, train and supervise more community volunteers to serve children in need. We also use funds to better support caregivers and children as they navigate an overburdened child welfare system,” said Leonard. Tobias’ story From his birth, Tobias lived with his grandmother, or abuela. His drug-addicted parents lived in the home as well, but his grandmother was the caregiver who fed him, changed his diapers, sang him lullabies and rocked him to sleep. When his grandmother had to travel to Mexico to visit relatives, leaving his parents to care for him for one weekend. In that one weekend, they were referred to Child Protective Services after neglecting Tobias while using drugs. Tobias was removed from the home. By the time his grandmother returned from Mexico, Tobias had been transferred to a foster home. His grandmother did everything...
SafeHouse Denver
Hope and Healing
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, learn about SafeHouse Denver, which provides a full continuum of trauma-informed care for adults, children, and youth who have experienced domestic violence. “From our 24-Hour Crisis & Information Line and our Emergency Shelter to non-residential advocacy-based counseling and an Extended Stay Program, we support survivors with services that meet their needs at every step of their journeys,” says Rob Purper, Communications Manager. 2022 marks SafeHouse Denver’s 45th anniversary. “In addition to welcoming a new CEO this July, we’re excited to debut a new conference space that will improve our capacity for group counseling and other internal programs. We’re also expanding our Community Education and Youth Services to reach even more people with our mission of hope, healing, and empowerment,” Purper shared. All programs and services are provided to survivors free of charge, so Yardi’s donations have a lasting impact by directly funding life-saving work. “SafeHouse Denver is honored to continue receiving this vital support from Yardi. Not only does it make a real difference for survivors of domestic violence and their children, but it also reflects Yardi’s commitment to advancing the well-being of all people. We are truly grateful for this ongoing partnership that shares our mission with the community,” Purper said. Nova’s SafeHouse story At the height of the pandemic, Nova left her abuser and came to the SafeHouse Emergency Shelter with nothing but the clothes on her back. Nova’s...
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities
Helping families in need
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, learn about Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, which increases access to healthcare for Atlanta’s youth and Georgia’s families, while at the same time, offering comfort and hope during difficult medical journeys. “The mission of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) is to nurture the health and well-being of children and families,” said Alissa Scherb, Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the organization. “Since opening the initial Atlanta Ronald McDonald House in 1979, ARMHC has remained dedicated to fulfilling this mission by providing housing and support services for families of seriously ill and injured children being treated at local hospitals.” ARMHC’s core programming has expanded to address community needs, and includes two Ronald McDonald Houses, a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, and a Ronald McDonald Family Room. Many guests stay at the organization’s Houses for weeks, or even months, during their child’s treatment. In 2021, the average stay in the Houses was 21 nights, and the longest stay was 262 nights. “Our cost associated with housing and related services is $125 per night, and our requested family contribution is just $20 per night,” Scherb said. “Those who have been financially devastated by medical bills and other expenses often cannot afford this amount, yet we never turn a family away for inability to pay. Last year, 94 percent of families who stayed at our Houses were unable to afford any contribution toward their House stay and would not be able to afford care for their children without our Houses.” Yardi’s support of the Adopt-A-Room Program has adopted two guest rooms and one Transplant Suite. This program provides operating support that offsets the costs of housing families, such as utilities, linens and cleaning, as well as annual repairs like paint or carpet tiles. So far in 2022, these three rooms have hosted 15 families for 299 nights. “We are so incredibly grateful for the long-term support we have received from Yardi. You allow us to make our Houses ‘home’ for families when they need us most. Together we are making sure children from across the state have access to the best healthcare possible. We couldn’t do it without you,” said Scherb. A glimpse of one family’s experience Scherb shared the story of one mother who received support from ARMHC. “One day, her young daughter fell on the sidewalk and started having a seizure. It was so bad, she had to be airlifted to the hospital. The young girl was put into a medically induced coma to stop the seizures. When her daughter woke up, she didn’t recognize her mother. The girl couldn’t talk. Couldn’t walk. She had to relearn everything.” “The emotionally drained mother checked into one of our Houses, and the first night she sat in the kitchen alone, since the rest of the family hadn’t been able to join her yet. She stared down helplessly at her meal. When she lifted her eyes, they met the eyes of another mother. In a look, the other mother’s eyes said, ‘I understand how you feel.’ The woman came over, introduced herself, and shared her own story. It was the first House friendship this mother made.” Years have passed since then, and the woman’s daughter is now a teenager doing well. Her family has stayed at ARMHC Houses numerous times over the years. “When the mother makes a new House friend, she adds them into her phone as ‘ARMHC [name],’ and she realized she had over 20 friends, and she emphasized these were friends—people she would continue to regularly connect...
People Serving People...
Celebrates 40 Years
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 2021, Yardi offices supported more than 350 nonprofits worldwide. For the remainder of the year, we will be bringing you the stories of those organizations and insight into how they aid their communities. Today, we introduce you to People Serving People (PSP) of Minneapolis. People Serving People provides shelter, comprehensive services, and homelessness prevention for families in Hennepin County, MN experiencing housing instability. “On a given night, we have between 90 and 100 families staying in private rooms in our downtown Minneapolis shelter. While with us, they can access basic needs, high quality childcare, advocacy, and employment and housing assistance,” said Megan Kocer, Individual Giving Officer for PSP. “We also offer case management and financial assistance to families at risk of losing their housing, so they don’t need to come to our shelter. Using a trauma-informed approach, we empower parents and children and thrive to end the familial cycles of homelessness.” More families than ever seek shelter PSP has recently seen an uptick in the number of families needing assistance, Kocer said. “After the end of the eviction moratorium and expanded Child Tax Credit, the number of families staying with us has tripled, with the shelter quickly reaching capacity. Our first priority is to ensure that these families have the comfort, safety, and stability they deserve.” Another priority is to continue to build PSP’s homelessness prevention program so the number of families needing shelter decreases. “This will be done by through financial assistance, case management, and financial empowerment programming that matches families’ savings while in the shelter, so they have a larger safety net for...
