A new CAA-supported program that teaches women property management skills and helps them find jobs and housing has graduated its inaugural class.

The REstart training program was initiated by the Institute of Real Estate Management in partnership with Women’s Empowerment, a local nonprofit that helps women and their children regain a home through job training and other support services. It is modeled after a similar program offered in San Diego.

“Jobs in property management often include housing,” said Cynthia Wray of FPI Management and one of the volunteer instructors. “What a great way for our industry to help solve the homelessness problem.” — Cynthia Wray

The eight women graduating from the program completed 4 1/2 weeks of residential property management training and passed a comprehensive exam. The training included completion of the mandatory rental housing inspection-certification course required by Sacramento County. In addition, they received coaching on resume writing and job interviews.

Volunteers from the rental housing industry provided over 100 hours of classroom training, and donated business outfits, makeup, bus passes, professional photos and business cards.

After completing the training, CAA Sacramento Valley invited the women to its Reverse Trade Show so they could meet with prospective employers. By their graduation ceremony on March 14, several had received interviews and job offers from property management companies.

Cynthia Wray

The local media, including The Sacramento Bee, attended the graduation ceremony and reported on the industry’s efforts to address the homelessness issue in Sacramento.

“Jobs in property management often include housing,” said Cynthia Wray of FPI Management and one of the volunteer instructors. “What a great way for our industry to help solve the homelessness problem.”

CAA members providing instructors or donations included Alltech Gates & Entry Controls, American River Bank, Anton Development, Apartment List, Brook Furniture Rental, DH Construction, ForRent.com, FPI Management, Kimball Tirey & St. John LLP, Paula Nicholas of Pinnacle, PKS Law Group, Ray Stone Incorporated, SERVPRO of Citrus Heights, Roseville & Carmichael, Bill Sheridan of SF Invest and Warren G. Bender & Company.

Due to its initial success, the REstart program will continue with another class of women later this year, according to Lisa Culp, executive director and founder of Women’s Empowerment.

Since its inception, Women’s Empowerment has served over 1,300 women and more than 3,000 children. In 2015, 93 percent of women in the program regained a safe home for their children, and 83 percent secured a job or enrolled in school or training.

For more information about the program, contact Jim Lofgren, CAA Senior Vice President – Sacramento Valley at jlofgren@caanet.org.