REALTOR Foundation - Linking Hope to Homeless

Change is Hard

2012-05-22T18:57:06Z

(or how many cliches can I get in one Blog Post?)

“But we've always done it that way!” I used to think that was the Indiana State Government motto.

We are making lots of changes at the REALTOR® Foundation this year. We are pushing the envelope, making a paradigm shift, and thinking outside the box. Heck, I'm dog tired just trying to come up with all these cliches. However I'm sure it will be a win-win, that we will maximize our leverage, and come out on top.

If you've read this far in the post – congratulations! But I want you to know that with a new Foundation Manager starting next week, new emphasis on growing the Foundation's Endowment Fund, and committees giving 110% as they work to explore new sources of revenue that I wanted to touch base and let you know that change is good and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead for The REALTOR® Foundation.

Next week I will introduce Kristi Howard to you as the new Foundation Manager. In coming months you will see more information about plans and goals for the Endowment Fund. Stay tuned in these exciting times.

As Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

- Bruce
2012 REALTOR® Foundation President

Good Golly

2012-05-01T19:56:15Z

Today is May 1st. Hard to believe that 2012 is a third over! My CRM software tells me that it is day 122 of 2012 and that there are 244 days left - so we are exactly 1/3 of the way through the year today.

My email program tells me that in those 122 days I have received 139 emails from Molly Hahn. I'm not surprised. Several years ago when Roger Lundy served as the President of the REALTOR® Foundation, he told us at the December Board meeting how many emails he had received that year from Molly. I was awe struck then but at least I was prepared.

After this Friday, I will no longer be getting emails from Molly. I will miss them!

As I'm sure most of you know, Molly soon will be having her 3^rd child and has made the decision to stay home with the baby and her 2 boys, Doyle and Leo. When Molly joined the REALTOR® Foundation in November 2006, she and Noah had been married less than a year. My how time flies.

Molly has in her tenure at the REALTOR® Foundation accomplished a lot. She has lead us through growth of our Annual Fund and the completion of our first and only capital campaign. We have all benefited from her guidance and dedication to this organization and each of us.

To honor Molly's work, the Board of Directors established a gift to the endowment. It is fitting that the gift go directly to the endowment since the focus of the newly created strategic plan – which Molly shepherded – is on endowment building. If you would like to recognize Molly's tenure with the Foundation, please join the Board of Directors in honoring Molly with your contribution.

As one of the 7 Foundation Presidents to work with Molly, I think I have have a little better insight into all the things she does to further the mission of the Foundation while helping guide the many volunteers. While I realize I probably don't really have a clue as to how many things Molly does behind the scenes, I have witnessed how she tactfully guides the Presidents through their respective terms while adapting to our individual styles and needs.

I think I can safely speak for Pat Williams, Mark Dudley, Roger Lundy, Kaye Hirt Eggleston, Regina Jones, and Joyce Scotten when I say THANK YOU MOLLY! You are leaving the REALTOR® Foundation in better shape than when you arrived. You have helped the Foundation to help hundreds of homeless individuals and families in Central Indiana. We will miss you!

Editor's note: Thank you for the kind words, Bruce!! Thanks also the Foundation board for their gifts to the endowment. I am deeply touched and will miss everyone. - Molly

PROJECT HOME INDY

2012-04-24T11:59:53Z

Congratulation to one of our grant recipients - Project Home Indy!

Project Home Indy has received a $40,000 grant from the Indianapolis Foundation for general operating support to help provide housing and comprehensive services to homeless pregnant and parenting teen mothers.

Check out this video to learn more about Project Home Indy (filmed before the REALTOR Foundation decided to make its grant!). http://youtu.be/4DSKj-WWEh8

Blueprint to End Homelessness

2012-04-20T19:33:48Z

Did you know that Indianapolis has a Blueprint to End Homelessness? The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) has a ten-year strategy to both prevent and end homelessness in Indianapolis. The Blueprint focuses on the following goals:

Strengthening efforts to prevent people from becoming homeless;
Improving access to, and coordination of, housing and services;
Enhancing services in specific areas of need; and
Coordinating service systems for special populations, including families, veterans, youth and survivors of domestic violence.

As part of our annual granting process The REALTOR Foundation's grant committees looks at the Marion County based charities requesting assistance to make sure they participate in the Blueprint. If you would like to know about the Blueprint to End Homelessness visit http://www.chipindy.org/pdf/Blueprint.pdf

If I had $500,000,000….

2012-03-29T19:15:25Z

Ok, fess up: did you buy a Mega Millions ticket this week or not? With the pot growing over $500,000,000, it’s quite tempting to think about what one could do with the winnings. What would you do? Buy a new car and house? Take vacations? Fund an education or pay back loans? Gift some to charity?

For the last several years, I have been part of the Foundation grants process. Every year, we agree that we wish we had more money to grant and we mourn the financial state of shelters dependent on government funding and a declining economy. There are organizations in our area with budgets in a barely balanced state who are working to stretch every dollar they have. So as I see the headlines about the Mega Millions pot this week, I think – what could we do for the homeless with $500,000,000?

Have a great weekend!

Sheltering Wings and impact of giving

2012-03-23T17:15:27Z

Sheltering Wings Marks 10 Years of Giving Fresh Starts

Okay, so I stole the headline from the March 22 Indianapolis Star. The Star had a very nice feature article in the Local Living - Hendricks County – West Indy version about Sheltering Wings on Thursday written by Diana Penner. As many of you know, Sheltering Wings was the first recipient of a REALTOR® Foundation grant and has continued to receive grants from The REALTOR® Foundation each year.

Sheltering Wings is a domestic violence shelter located in Danville but serves the entire Central Indiana area and beyond. The REALTOR® Foundation originally become involved with Sheltering Wings to help families who were leaving the shelter to find safe, permanent housing. More recently, the Foundation has been fulfilling a three-year pledge to help expand the shelter’s main facility.

As one of the nineteen 2012 grant recipients, I think Sheltering Wings is a great example of how the REALTOR® Foundation is Linking Hope to Homeless.

Be sure to check out the Indianapolis Star article about Sheltering Wings on-line at the IndyStar.com. Here is the link: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012203220309

Social Capital

2012-03-15T11:59:16Z

On Friday, March 9^th I represented the REALTOR® Foundation at the Central Indiana Board Chair Summit. This gathering of over 150 Board Chairs, Executive Directors and Board Members of not-for-profit organizations came together to share experiences and resources while learning how to improve themselves, their Boards, and their organizations.

One of the concepts that stuck with me was the importance of Social Capital and how Social Capital may impact the REALTOR® Foundation's Financial Capital.

When I heard the concept my first reaction was about how important Financial Capital is to the mission of the REALTOR® Foundation. Without your financial support we could not have helped the 19 Central Indiana Charities to whom we recently granted a total of $100,000.

But as I heard and thought more about Social Capital I realized that without the Social Capital the REALTOR® Foundation has earned we would not have been able to achieve the level of Financial Capital we have come to enjoy. As the REALTOR® Foundation continues to grow its capital stability and broaden its outreach we first need to invest in our Social Capital.

The REALTOR Foundation's Marketing Committee, Donor Relations Committee, Endowment Committee and our many Ambassadors and Liaisons are working hard to continue to build the Foundation’s Social Capital. Thanks to the many volunteers who continue to help the Foundation build upon its solid base. If you have any ideas about how the REALTOR® Foundation can expand its Social Capital please send me your thoughts.

Grant recipients announced

2012-03-02T19:24:00Z

What a great February we had! Thanks to all of you who attended our grant announcement and donor wall reception on February 23. If you were here with us, you heard powerful testimony from Johnatta, a Dayspring resident, and Rebecca, a resident of one of the Legacy homes. Hearing personal stories always reminds me of why we are doing what we are doing. Thanks to you, we were able to grant to 19 organizations this year and to finish the Building a Living Legacy: Centennial campaign. Your generosity is truly remarkable!

This week, we celebrated Leap Day with the REALTOR® Day of Service. Many REALTORS® were out giving blood or donating items or doing work in various organizations around town. Great work!!

So much for our slow time, right? I don’t know about you, but I feel like life hasn’t slowed down one bit since December. As we head into our busy season, how can we keep in mind those who are in great need? Here are some suggestions:

Suggest the Adopt a House program to clients who are leaving furniture behind
Plan to join in our Volunteer Day on June 8
Talk to someone who doesn’t know about the Foundation’s work and connect them to the Foundation website (www.realtorfoundation.org)

Last but certainly not least, I want to welcome Dean Hicks from Prudential Indiana to our Foundation board. He joins six other new board members this year. For a list of all board members, click here: http://realtorfoundation.org/index.php/about-us/board-of-directors/

Be sure to email me if you have ideas for the Foundation at bruce@brightsideteam.com

Super Buzz

2012-02-01T20:47:47Z

Hello again everyone!

It’s been an exciting couple of weeks in Indianapolis and for the Foundation. Not even two weeks ago, through the help of generous donors and corporate partners, we were able to announce the completion of the Building a Living Legacy: Centennial campaign. Announcing that completion with Mayor Ballard and the Super Bowl Host Committee on the day before the NFL Experience opened was truly a thrill, and we received the best media attention for our project to date. (Click here to see media on the press conference)

This week, not only has the city seen an explosion of Super Bowl activity, but REALTORS® from all around the state met at the Marriott downtown for two days – and some of us even caught a glimpse of Eli Manning and the Giants while we were there. As the Foundation Board of Directors met last week, though, we discussed what happens next week and the week after – will there be a let down from post-Super Bowl activity and the closure of our own campaign? How can we as real estate professionals continue the momentum that has been created? There will be no time like right now for good stories about our city. I challenge you with these thoughts:

1. Find a place to participate in the REALTOR® Day of Service on February 29. Click here for information about that day. (PS - We are also still seeking groups to Adopt families on the Near Eastside! Contact Molly Hahn at mollyhahn@realtorfoundation.com for more information.)

2. Use your own marketing campaign to engage your clients or friends in the Hoosier Love contest. What a great way to spread goodwill about the City! Check out www.hoosierlove.com for more details.

3. Attend the Foundation’s grant announcement and donor wall reception on February 23 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) to learn more about the 19 organizations we are affecting this year as well as the families we have already helped with Building a Living Legacy.

Above all, have a Super Week!

Happy 2012

2012-01-16T17:13:24Z

Finally – It’s here! It seems that many of us have been waiting for 2012 for one reason or another. There are so many exciting things going on this year, and that’s why my blog is all about the ‘buzz’ that we’re creating here in Indy. As REALTORS®, we should be proud of all that our city has to offer and proud to be part of the biggest event in the world on February 5.

Already this year, I have seen indications that great events are upon us. Just last weekend, I attended the opening and dedication of the CommonWealth, which is a mixed use apartment building built out of a historic school on the Near Eastside. This project is one of at least 20 that the REALTOR® Foundation will affect this year. There were three media outlets present at the dedication – here is a sample of what they reported: http://www.wthr.com/story/16521727/super-bowl-project-turns-school-into-housing#.TxLz-wCXl7g.facebook

I was there just about a year ago when we presented our first check, and I shot this video while I was there: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFkv9BWHkY&feature=youtu.be What an amazing transformation and preservation of the building!

I look forward to being your Foundation president in this momentous year. I feel particularly lucky to be part of the Foundation’s work each time I visit a new grant recipient and learn about all of the different kinds of people who are being served. It’s truly eye-opening to understand that homelessness extends far beyond the beggars you see on the street in downtown Indy. As we highlight those organizations this year, feel free to connect with me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/BrightSideTeam

Farewell to 2011

2012-01-10T14:42:07Z

From 2011 President Joyce Scotten:

2011 is now behind us – wow what a busy year for MIBOR! I must thank each Foundation donor, our Foundation Ambassadors and Office Liaisons, our dedicated Board of Directors, and the MIBOR staff who work diligently every year to help your Foundation reach the annual fund goal so worthy organizations can continue to fight homelessness. As we all know, these past few years have been very difficult for many—hard working parents have lost their jobs not because of poor performance, but for reasons out of their control. New jobs are hard to find, and many families have become homeless—a situation they never dreamed would happen to them.

Because of people like you, we have made a difference! Thanks so much for your “helping hand”! We all need support sometime during our lifetime—there is no greater joy than helping others in their time of need. Your generosity has provided this much needed support to many!

Thanks so much to all of you and may 2012 bring you good health and much happiness!

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-12T19:46:17Z

As they say, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Over the past several days, Foundation Directors and Ambassadors have made check presentations to several of our 2012 grant recipients. These visits once again remind each of us how important these organizations are to our communities. Each recipient has many success stories—individuals and families, once challenged daily to survive, are achieving more than they ever dreamed. Many are living in safe and permanent housing, working, and providing a stable environment for their children. These dreams are possible because of the wonderful organizations providing the support and education to help people less fortunate learn the skills they need to succeed.

We all know how difficult these economic times are, and our recipients are certainly experiencing the loss of income due to lack of funding. Please help your Foundation help others—the need is great. We are still short of the goal line with time running out—we need your help and every dollar is critical to get us over the goal line.

Thank you for your support! Click here to donate now and help us make more grants a reality!

December has arrived

2011-12-01T19:55:46Z

Time seems to fly so quickly—it has been too long since my last message.

December has arrived and we have a lot to accomplish before year’s end. With the game on the line, we need one final push to score and WIN! Our grant recipients are depending on us so please help us help others. The needs are basic—an industrial stove for one shelter, short term rental assistance for another, and a staff person to assist shelter graduates find permanent housing.

We have many success stories from our past grant recipients which I hope to share by year’s end. These wins could not happen with your support.

In closing, I must note the passing of Pooch Hunter, current Foundation Director. Pooch lived his life helping others, and at 80+ years old was serving on our Board. Pooch was passionate about our mission—providing safe housing for those in need. He challenged all of us to do more, and he believed our industry should take the lead in ending homelessness. We will all miss Pooch but his passion will be with us always.

I ask each of you to make a donation in memory of our friend, Pooch Hunter.

Falling short of the goal line

2011-10-12T17:20:38Z

It’s the 4^th Quarter—game on the line and we’re in the RED ZONE—it’s 4^th down and 1 to go with time expiring.

Will we cross the goal line? There is so much at stake and we must make that final yard. The pressure is mounting—everyone on the TEAM must perform at the highest level to push us to victory!

Yesterday, along with my Foundation Grants committee teammates, 29 grant requests were reviewed—our highest number of requests in Foundation history. All organizations are deserving and all are committed to improving the quality of life in our community. Providing a helping hand to those in need is an important component of improving our cities and towns.

The poor economy has “hit us hard and knocked us back a few yards”. It has hit us all but some harder than others. The largest segment of homeless or at risk of homelessness is families. Most of these families have never been faced with this type of situation and are not sure how to find help. These families are our friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

Please join our team—help us cross the goal line – help us help those who are truly doing their best to help themselves, but need a hand to help them.

It takes little to join our team—a few dollars will help us inch closer to the goal line. Your sacrifice to make the team—one less Starbucks or lunch out with friends this week. Believe me, your donation will have a direct impact on the lives of families in need. Find out more at www.realtorfoundation.org

In the news

2011-09-23T19:12:38Z

This morning, I read in the Indianapolis Star what many of us already know: that the average household income has decreased in the last couple of years and that we are still struggling as a community. I also read about 42 families who were displaced last night due to a fire in their apartment complex – a tragedy that no one could predict.

While sometimes I feel disheartened by news like this, I am comforted by the fact that we as a Foundation do all we can to help our fellow Hoosiers. Just consider: in the last month, we celebrated a successful REALTOR® Foundation Awareness Week, in which we raised $8,300. We made a true impact on the St. Clair Place neighborhood with trash pick-up and flower planting. Seventeen families have moved into the Building a Living Legacy homes with 150 on the waiting list.

Looking ahead, we still need your help.

We have received 29 applications for funding for 2012 from area organizations, the most ever. They requested more than $400,000 in grants, and sadly, we believe that we will not be able to fulfill nearly three-fourths of those. Fifteen families have yet to move in to the Building a Living Legacy homes, and the fundraising for that project continues with nearly $65,000 left to raise.

Please think about a time in your life when people/strangers came to the aid of someone you know and love. How heartwarming it is to experience the goodness of our communities when tragedy happens and people come to our rescue— we have all experienced this sometime in our lives. Your donation to the Foundation will insure families in need will experience the same compassion.
Have a great weekend!

Back to School!

2011-08-12T13:15:29Z

Hello folks! It’s Coach Scotten here, happy that the NFL season will officially start this weekend, signifying that the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis is definitely on the calendar.

I’m sure you’ve all noticed or somehow been affected by the start of school this week. Buses everywhere; school zone speed limits; school supplies in stores; parents running around to get the routine in place once again. While my own children are long past that stage, I still feel the excitement of the start of school and football season.

This year, I have been thinking more about the children who don’t have a place to sleep at night, or who get the best (or only) meal of the day at the school cafeteria. While a few hundred children sleep in shelters each night, nearly 3,000 children in Marion County schools are “unattached” to a permanent house. They might sleep with aunts or grandparents or friends or in cars or in hotels. How can we expect these children to do homework when they are without a home?

As the start of school gets us all on new schedules, let’s keep these children in mind.

July events are a hit

2011-07-27T14:40:50Z

Whew! What a month! I don’t know about you, but July has been a whirlwind for me. You may have been part of the fantastic (but hot) golf outing we held last week, raising nearly $25,000 for the homeless in central Indiana. Click here for pictures of our players and sponsors! http://www.flickr.com/photos/realtorfoundation/5974080832/

I also experienced a personal first – being a speaker in a press conference with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and the Super Bowl Host Committee. While it was great to be with city leaders and celebrate the mid-point of construction for the Building a Living Legacy homes, it was even better to hear first-hand from resident Donald Boykins how much his house has made a difference for his family. He was truly inspirational. For press coverage of our conference, click here: http://www.mibor100.com/press.html

We appreciate all that you as volunteers and donors do for the homeless in central Indiana. Thanks!

You're A Champion

2011-06-24T20:16:10Z

Did you know you’re a champion? Yes, you. You who have donated to the REALTOR® Foundation this year, and you, the one who has volunteered at our two volunteer days, and you, the dedicated committee member. You’re a champion to the thousands of families and individuals who are housed this year because of Foundation grants. You are making a huge impact!!

Soon I will be updating everyone on the mid-year stats and thinking about what impact you will be able to help us with for next year. Until then, know that you’re our champions!

Here’s another champion I just learned about: Devin’s Destiny, which provides birthday celebrations for homeless children in Bend, Oregon. Check out this site: http://www.devinsdestiny.org/index.html

Who are the champions in your life? Comment back and tell me who those folks are and why.

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Recovering from disaster

2011-06-14T20:44:09Z

Hello folks -
I'm feeling a bit contemplative today, and not quite so peppy. Three years ago this month, many of our own lost their homes due to flooding. Because of your generosity, we were able to issue emergency grants at that time and it made a huge difference.

In the past weeks we have seen several communities around the country greatly damaged by unusually violent storms. The entire town of Joplin has been totally devastated by the vast destruction of the recent tornado, and it will be many years before this town and its residents recover—if ever. How do you recover after experiencing such a huge loss? The weather does not discriminate – people from all walks of life have been left homeless.

Many of these people will live with family until other arrangements can be made—they have the resources to rebuild their lives. Think about those without the same resources—no family to help them and no resources to fall back on in a time of need.

These people are the newest faces of homelessness in this country. Keep these folks in your thoughts, and know that if disaster strikes central Indiana, your Foundation will do everything possible to help the recovery process along.

100 years of racing in Indy

2011-06-01T12:46:29Z

Hi everyone! It's Coach Scotten again with this week's pep talk!

I'm sure by now you know that it's been 100 years since the Indianapolis 500 mile race began. This year's outcome unfolded a great story in addition to its historical significance. The winner of this year’s race is a former champion—a driver who lost his ride at the end of last year, and just prior to this year’s race was given an opportunity to complete in only this one race. He certainly made the most of this opportunity—he won the Indianapolis 500 for the 2^nd time to the delight of many fans and proved he is still an outstanding driver.

The runner up this year was a young, energetic rookie who crashed in the last turn but still brought his car across the line in 2^nd place. He decided to give it his all and go for the win, but made a critical mistake that cost him the race.

Many of those we help are down on their luck—they too have lost their “ride” or made a “critical mistake” along the way—one that has delayed them from reaching the finish line. With support from organizations like ours to provide life skill lessons and a roof over their heads, they too can reach the finish line. They just need a chance to get back on track!

I've seen a few good stories in the news lately about folks who are just down on their luck - this one is particularly inspiring.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/112801/fight-to-rejoin-middle-class-usnews

Finally, I simply can't comment on this year's race without congratulating our own 'Race' winners - those offices who completed the transactional giving challenge:

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® Smith Valley

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® Avon West

ü Carpenter, REALTORS® High School Road

ü Keller Williams Indpls Metro N

ü Keller Williams Indy Metro W
We look forward to pizza parties with all of you!