IREM® Sacramento harnesses the Power of Purpose with the RENEW Program: Empowering lives through property management
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In 2018, IREM® Sacramento partnered with Women’s Empowerment, a local nonprofit organization, to develop the RENEW program. The program’s mission is to transform the lives of women experiencing the impact of housing insecurity and poverty by introducing them to real estate management.
Women’s Empowerment identifies candidates and prepares them to take the first step - a panel interview with IREM representatives. Julia Cochran, CAE, Executive Director and IAE (IREM Association Executive), who leads the initiative, says, “We don't want anybody to join the program and set them up for failure, so we make sure we ask the questions we just need to ask. In the beginning, we're trying to vet who really wants a career, versus those just looking for something to do.”
The motivation to start RENEW was clear: Julia saw there was a gap in support for individuals dealing with homelessness, abuse, and other hardships who were trying to restart their lives. Julia knew from her professional background that the resources to make it a reality were within reach. Having worked in the rental housing association for over 15 years, with deep connections in the multifamily housing sector, she realized she could leverage those relationships to create something impactful. Julia collaborated with her contacts, and with the full support of the IREM Sacramento board, she and her IREM team were ready to build RENEW.
Building the RENEW program from scratch
Starting from the ground up, the team faced the challenge of tailoring the program to fit their community's unique needs. The initial goal was to give participants the foundational skills they would need to succeed in property management, regardless of their background.
A key step in the journey was forming partnerships with local nonprofit organizations to help source students. IREM Sacramento partnered with Women’s Empowerment, because of their job readiness training. Once participants graduated from that program, they were eligible to apply to RENEW.
The RENEW curriculum evolved into a five-week intensive program where instructors sourced from IREM membership and IREM advisors teach everything from communication skills to leasing, marketing, and even the legal aspects of property management, like fair housing laws. It’s a lot to cover, but the goal is to ensure participants leave the program with enough knowledge to not only enter the property management field, but to excel.
Adapting through challenges
Initially, classes were held in person, five days a week. Women's Empowerment provided essential support such as childcare, which helped increase participation. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. The in-person model was no longer viable, so it transitioned to virtual learning. Students were provided with laptops, and everything moved to Google Classroom, recording lessons to maintain engagement.
Post-pandemic, a hybrid model was adopted. Now, sessions are held in person three days a week, with two virtual days. This balance has allowed the team to continue delivering a comprehensive educational experience, while maintaining flexibility for our students.
Challenges and successes along the way
One of the most critical aspects of the RENEW program is ensuring participants are prepared for the realities of the property management industry. The careful interview process helps ensure a candidate’s commitment to the program and their motivation to complete it successfully. A lot of participants face personal challenges that hinder their ability to stay with the program and all the demands.
Another significant hurdle has been the lack of childcare services post-pandemic, which has led to a drop in participation. However, IREM Sacramento continues to seek new childcare partnerships that help expand support for students, making it easier for them to commit to the program.
Over the years, RENEW has had the privilege of witnessing life-changing outcomes. The chapter has seen participants move from living in shelters, or even their cars, to securing stable employment in property management. This transition not only provides them with a livelihood but also contributes to breaking cycles of poverty and homelessness. The impact extends beyond the individual to their families, creating generational change by providing a stable foundation for their children.
The Power of Purpose in property management
The RENEW program is a powerful example of how property management professionals can use their skills to serve the community. While it may seem daunting to manage such an initiative, the rewards are immense. Every time we help someone secure employment, find stable housing, or build a better life, we’re fulfilling the core purpose of property management: building communities.
Make a difference
There are ways to help those who need it. The IREM Foundation serves as a resource for providing grants and scholarships to promising professionals who want to build a career in property management, or to companies wanting to have an impact. Every small step makes a difference.
