The Bobby Jo Lewis Foundation’s efforts to provide programs nationally, through their recognized Restart® affiliate programs, combine to give a new start in life to those whose lives have been affected by unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty. Our hopes and our dreams for REstart® are captured in our mission statement:

We provide situationally disadvantaged individuals with an empowering new start in life through education and career opportunities in real estate management.

REstart® affiliate chapter leadership and volunteers are committed to bringing integrity, compassion and professionalism to individuals as we provide the personal growth and marketable skills necessary to obtain jobs, careers and homes. We are dedicated to this purpose through knowledge, education and networking with the support of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).

Where We Are Today

Now in its 20th year, the Bobby Jo Lewis Foundation and its REstart® program has become all that was hoped for. The community response has been overwhelming. The program and its graduates have been the subject of newspaper articles and television broadcasts. REstart® has received numerous awards for its innovative and community service.

Our vision is to provide a conduit to launch and serve REstart® affiliate programs and the Institute of Real Estate Management on a national platform through initial funding, collaboration and endorsement from the Bobby Jo Lewis Foundation. We hope to be a model for other private-public partnerships.

Teachers & Volunteers

The leaders, instructors, committee members and volunteers in the REstart® Program exemplify the highest ethical conduct, professionalism and core program values. These individuals must be dedicated to giving back to the community. Additionally, these specific qualifications are required: 

Core Instructors

Must be IREM faculty members or CPM’s in good standing.

Volunteer Instructors

Must have specific knowledge or training in their presentation topics.

Job shadowing & Internship Hosts

Must have proper level of education and experiences.

Job Hosting & Internship

The purpose of the job shadowing and internship component of the REstart® Program is to expose our participants to a professional property management industry atmosphere. Internship hosts will be identified based on standards set by the REstart® Affiliate Steering Committee. REstart® is committed to promoting the benefits of this program to potential hosts. We will provide the necessary training to successfully host our participants. REstart® leadership pledges on-going support to our hosts and participants.