The The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation was established in 1991 to assist residents of communities managed by IRM with continuing their education at colleges, universities, or trade/professional institutes, through its scholarship program. All high school seniors and graduates living in IRM properties are encouraged to apply. Many scholarship recipients are single parents who return to school, as well as youth who are matriculating from high school. An experienced Ph.D. educator provides consultant services for our educational programs. The Foundation awards over $150,000 annually in scholarships. Amounts contributed by vendors, contractors and business associates are doubled by Mike and Pat Levitt. Since 1991, we have awarded over $2,200,000 in educational aid to our residents. In addition, IRM efforts to acquire additional financial aid from other sources for IRM recipients totals in excess of $3,650,000. Multiple year scholarship recipients have graduated from their respective programs. Because of employment realized from a better education, many of our recipients have been able to realize their dream of upward mobility and home ownership.
 

Interstate Realty Management Company has been recognized nationally as an innovator of creative management solutions and unique programs that build strong communities. IRM's Social Services Department promotes community building by establishing links with local service providers and collaborating with community groups and residents. We were one of the first management companies to establish a social services program, which today is recognized as the industry model. Our Social Services Department has facilitated a variety of training programs on health, nutrition, safety and substance abuse, as well as workshops for youth including leadership skills, entrepreneurial programs, life skills and goal planning. Social Service Coordinators incorporate a variety of supportive services for elderly persons and those with disabilities, such as meal services, personal assistance, housekeeping and transportation. Our educational programming assists residents in literacy training, obtaining a GED, computer skills, childcare training and English as a second language. The Department also provides job search and job placement assistance.

OUR PROGRAMS THAT OPEN DOORS

Each property has an individual plan based upon its physical, financial and social needs. Our property standards are designed for high amenity levels and cost-effective maintenance. Regular inspections and a computerized preventive/corrective maintenance program are key components of our commitment to providing the best possible housing for our residents. Nonetheless, the primary components of our success are the additional features: the specialized programs that make all the difference. Interstate Realty Management Company has been nationally recognized as an innovator in applying creative management solutions and unique programs that build strong communities. Our innovative supportive services programs are developed and supervised by IRM's Vice President of Social Services and implemented by Site Social Service Coordinators who network and develop partnerships with community organizations. We also have a professional supervisory staff of trained social service workers which includes a Vice president of Social Services, Field supervisors and a Neighborhood Computer Training Center Coordinator. Our dedicated team works together to provide quality supervision, leadership and technical support for this innovative program.

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKS COMPUTER TRAINING CENTERS

Interstate Realty Management and its affiliate, SelectWare LLC, have established and operate over 61 state-of-the-art computerized job training centers, (approximately 500 computers) with plans to develop many more. Each center becomes a part of the Neighborhood Networks linked through the Showcase Server System, allowing the centers to transmit and receive educational material from each other. The System takes full advantage of the Internet, telecommunications, and video conferencing to facilitate a curriculum that includes training in an unlimited number of professional fields. Each trainee receives an academic and supportive services assessment before entering a job readiness class, to determine his or her related proficiencies and to determine the supportive services necessary to ensure success. This enables each student to begin their training at a level unique to their background. Training occurs at the students own pace. The centerpiece of the program is the recruitment of employer partners who agree to hire Center graduates. The Showcase of Neighborhood Networks computerized job training centers is the successful way to train residents and neighbors at no personal cost, allowing them to enter the workforce and maximize their potential in the workplace.

INTERSTATE REALTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

The IRM Educational Foundation was established in 1991 to assist residents of communities managed by IRM with continuing their education at colleges, universities, or trade/professional institutes, through its scholarship program. All high school seniors and graduates living in IRM properties are encouraged to apply. Many scholarship recipients are single parents who return to school, as well as youth who are matriculating from high school. An experienced Ph.D. educator provides consultant services for our educational programs. The Foundation awards over $126,000 annually in scholarships. Amounts contributed by vendors, contractors and business associates are doubled by Mike and Pat Levitt. Since 1991, we have awarded over $2,000,000 in educational aid to our residents. In addition, IRM efforts to acquire additional financial aid from other sources for IRM recipients totals in excess of $3,500,000. Multiple year scholarship recipients have graduated from their respective programs. Because of employment realized from a better education, many of our recipients have been able to realize their dream of upward mobility and home ownership.

RESIDENT MOBILIZATION

IRM works with established resident associations and often assists in organizing new associations. We offer assistance in developing by-laws, incorporating as non-profit entities guidance in securing tax-exempt status and applying for grants. Our staff trains volunteers and resident leaders to operate their own programs such as food banks, recreational activities for children and neighborhood watches. We empower our residents by hiring them to work at IRM sites. They also operate their own programs, such as fund-raising activities.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT AND JOB TRAINING

Neighborhood Networks Computer Training Centers provide job preparation and training for adults along with computer literacy, basic office software, GED, Pre-GED and Adult Basic Education Classes. Our training Centers partner with local businesses to facilitate job placement for specialized positions. Our goal is to continue to partner with employers to place students in new careers and prepare them for possible advancement. IRM is extremely proud of our programs that have provided jobs for more than 1,700 Computer Center graduates. After-school programs provide children with computer facilities, reading and math labs, and on-site libraries to encourage enhanced academic performance.

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Our Social Service Coordinators facilitate a variety of supportive services for elderly persons or those with disabilities, such as meal services, personal assistance, housekeeping and transportation.

REFERRAL AND NETWORK SERVICES

Our Social Service Department maintains a database of agencies and programs that provide services for residents, such as child care, emergency utility services, employment services and many more. Residents are also referred to service agencies and entitlement programs. Our staff also functions as an advocate for residents and provides follow-up services.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG INTERVENTION

Information and prevention programs including the establishment of 12-step programs, like Alcoholics and Drug Anonymous, are provided, on many properties. These programs are conducted at our sites for the benefit of the entire neighborhood.

PROGRAMS FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED

Our Social Service Coordinators facilitate a variety of supportive services for elderly persons or those with disabilities, such as meal services, personal assistance, housekeeping and transportation.

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS

Positive outlets for youthful energy often decrease the chance for negative activities. Tennis, baseball, drill teams, story hours, poetry and performing arts activities are in place at our sites. The Sonny Hill/Interstate Realty Youth Basketball League encourages high levels of academic excellence by requiring a minimum grade level achievement and mandatory participation in educational workshops.