Brandywine Cares: A New Future for Renters in Atlanta
Investing in People — Investing in Communities
Brandywine Cares, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to transform the future for renters in Atlanta. Through initiatives in career coaching, financial education, and the power of planning, the organization strives to ensure that individuals not only establish and meet their career goals but thrive as a result of being stronger and more resilient financially.
In 2024 alone, 166 participants have received coaching, with 48 people gaining employment, leading to an average salary increase of $22,000. These efforts have resulted in a total community impact of $1.1 million this year, with 280 total participants across all programs.
Lafayette RE: Building the Foundation for Brandywine Cares
The foundation of Brandywine Cares was laid with the support of Lafayette RE, a private equity firm managing over $1 billion in assets and 5,000 homes across the Southeast part of the United States. Recognizing the challenges renters face, Lafayette RE, led by CEO Thibault Adrien, made an investment beyond property management.
“Everything started from the realization that our responsibility to communities goes beyond managing assets — we needed to create opportunities for people to understand and reach their potential,” says Thibault.
With this vision, Lafayette funded Brandywine Cares’ first year, focusing primarily on career coaching as a means to address the gaps in opportunity and financial stability that have long persisted in underserved neighborhoods, affecting housing and food security, among other things.
A Vision for Lasting Change
The mission of Brandywine Cares is driven by Heidi Coppola, the organization’s President. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, Heidi is passionate about addressing the systemic barriers that prevent many Atlanta residents from finding well-paying, sustainable employment and opportunities for personal, career, and financial growth. Her dedication has been instrumental in bridging the income and opportunity gaps in underrepresented communities. For Heidi, Brandywine Cares is a vehicle to create a lasting impact on individuals’ lives and the communities in which we all live and work.
“Our goal is to create pathways to stability and opportunity, so people aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving,” says Heidi. Under her guidance, Brandywine Cares has launched initiatives that provide practical skills, career coaching, and financial literacy tools. These efforts are not just about temporary relief; they are about planning and executing on the plan, laying the groundwork for long-term success and prosperity.
Empowering Communities, One Story at a Time
One of the many lives touched by Brandywine Cares is Keianne Hardy, who was passionate about transitioning from a career in the education field to technology. Through Brandywine Cares, Keianne received one-on-one coaching and a revamped résumé that helped her shift into a higher-paying role in the education sector, giving her room to explore additional credentials and the transition to the technology sector.
She joined CareerProsper, Brandywine Cares’ six-week program designed for those transitioning into new fields, and then secured a job with a technology company, also being accepted into a technology training program through a Brandywine Cares partner. Today, Keianne has not only increased her salary but has fulfilled her dream of transitioning into a new field that offers her opportunities for personal, professional, and financial growth.
As part of its comprehensive programming, Brandywine Cares offers small business bootcamps. Aleisha Kelly, a graduate from the Spring bootcamp, credits this program with helping her find the self-confidence to tell her story in an entrepreneurship elevator pitch competition, where she took first prize with a substantial cash award, reinforcing her belief in setting and achieving high goals for herself.
A Ground-Level Commitment to Change
While Heidi’s strategic vision shapes Brandywine Cares’ direction, Brandywine Cares’ participants benefit from the very high-quality work of its Director of Workforce Development, Tamara Allen, who leads career coaching and program development. Additional support comes from individuals like Jackie Lee, CEO of Brandywine Homes. Jackie joined the Fundraising Committee to help organize the nonprofit’s upcoming event, leveraging her deep connections in Atlanta to bring together sponsors and donors. As someone who sees firsthand the challenges renters face, Jackie is passionate about making a difference. Her efforts reflect her belief that the real estate industry has a role to play in creating a more equitable community.
“Every day, I see families working hard to make ends meet yet struggling to keep up with rent and rising costs. We have to use our resources to give them a fair shot at stability and opportunity,” says Jackie. “This is a subject that matters deeply to me because I believe in the potential of our residents and the communities we serve.” For Jackie, this work is not about her vision — it is about lending her support to the cause during her free time, ensuring that Brandywine Cares achieves the impact of which it is capable.
Bridging the Gap in Atlanta’s Real Estate Market
Brandywine Cares’ work is particularly significant in Atlanta, where rental and home purchase prices and limited affordable housing have created hurdles for many families. As the city grows, so does the divide between those who can afford the cost of living and those left struggling to keep up.
Heidi and the Brandywine Cares team understand that these challenges require more than just providing housing; they require creating opportunities for financial independence and growth. Their programs are designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to find careers, not just jobs, advance in their careers, manage their finances, and continue on the path to prosperity. This holistic approach ensures that more Atlanta families can afford safe, quality housing without being displaced from their neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
The upcoming fundraiser on November 21st at the Trolley Barn in Inman Park, Atlanta, marks a pivotal moment for Brandywine Cares. This event will bring together industry leaders, community advocates, and supporters united by a vision of a more inclusive future. The funds raised will enable the nonprofit to expand its programs, reach more individuals like Keianne and Aleisha, and continue creating opportunities for those who need them most.
The event is backed by a coalition of industry supporters, including Bank of America, Yardi, Brock & Scott, and many others, who recognize the value of investing in community development. Lafayette RE, Brandywine Homes, and these industry partners have joined forces to make this cause a movement that can resonate throughout the real estate community. It is a call for all industry experts to see the potential for sustainable change—giving back to the communities that support their businesses and helping to build a more equitable future.
“By investing in people, we’re investing in the future of our communities,” says Heidi. Her words capture the essence of Brandywine Cares: a commitment to building a city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, one family at a time.
With the collective effort of sponsors, donors, and the community, Brandywine Cares is ready to make a lasting impact.
