YAIPaks Outreach: A Clarksville Homeless Shelter Focused On Kindness

YAIPaks Outreach: A Clarksville Homeless Shelter Focused On Kindness

People ask us why we do what we do…because we are called to love people. “
Sherry Nicholson, Founder
Photo by: YAIPaks

Millan Enterprises supports many non-profit organizations, including Clarksville homeless shelter YAIPaks Outreach. We have had the opportunity to meet several amazing individuals who have dedicated their lives to leading and contributing to these organizations. We deeply value the hard work and mission of helping others in our community and around the world.

Our March non-profit highlight is for YAIPaks Outreach, who directly impact the Clarksville and Nashville communities.   

YAIPaks Outreach is a non-profit organization that provides support and hope to Clarksville’s homeless community. Sherry Nicholson founded YAIPaks Outreach back in January 2016 with the intention of reminding those who feel as if they are lost and forgotten in this world, that they are still important.

YAIPaks is unique in their mission, because they do not wait for individuals to come to them. Their mission is to bring resources and supplies to different sites around Montgomery County in order to help individuals who are going through homelessness. Sherry, and everyone involved with this mission, have seen how such small gestures have huge impacts on the homeless. They also visit encampments, where many homeless individuals stay, and deliver boxes of food and other toiletries.

Looking Toward the Future

YAIPaks has already built two micro homes for the homeless community in Nashville. They are very small, but they offer shelter and serve as a transitional home until the occupants can afford something else. YAIPaks hopes to continue to build more micro homes in Nashville, and begin building in Clarksville as well. 

YAIPaks is always looking for helping hands to support their mission. Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the warehouse on Monday from 9am to 12pm and Thursday from 5pm to 8pm to help accept, sort, and prepare donations.


If you would like to donate items to YAIPaks, here are a few items they are currently accepting:

  • Canned Food
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Toiletries
  • Beef Jerky
  • Peanut Butter
  • Baby Wipes
  • Propane Tanks
  • Sleeping Bags/Pads
  • 4 or 5-man Tents
  • Children’s Clothes
  • Children’s Toys

*For more information on how to volunteer and donate please visit https://yaioutreach.org*

Top 10 Questions to Ask at a Showing

Top 10 Questions to Ask at a Showing

We all know apartment hunting can be both stressful and tedious. To make sure you find your perfect home, Millan Enterprises leasing department has compiled a list of questions to ask when viewing a house.

Rental Home
Photo by: Canva
  1. Are utilities included?

Utilities may or may not be included in the cost of rent, depending on the building or company. It is common for water to be factored in with the monthly rent charge, but, the tenant may be responsible for electricity and gas. If you have questions regarding monthly billing for utilities not included, it is best to contact your local provider for an estimate.

2. How much will it cost to move in?

The process to move in differs from company to company. Be sure to ask:

  • Do you require a security deposit? If so, how much?
  • Is there an application fee or administrative fee?
  • Are there any additional fees to be paid before the lease is signed?

3. What is the surrounding area like?

Neighborhood
Photo by: Canva

The best way to ensure you rent a property that you feel safe in, is to check the crime statistics and scope out the surrounding neighborhoods. Prior to your showing, Millan Enterprises suggest you research the neighborhood and surrounding areas for crime rates, school zones, and community location. During your showing, your leasing agent should be able to speak more on the closest parks and recreation for your convenience.

“We recommend driving by the property during the day and night to get a better idea of how the neighborhood functions and the way traffic flows .”

Christina Hayes, Millan Enterprises, Office Manager

4. What is the parking like?

Understanding the parking situation is important, especially if you share a parking lot with other tenants. Some areas require parking fees or permits while other locations allow you to park wherever you like.

5. Can I make any changes to the property?

It is understandable that you may want to add a personal touch to your potential new home. But, before you start choosing paint colors or deciding where to hang your favorite painting make sure to speak with the landlord or property management company about the policies regarding decorating.

6. Are there any penalties for breaking the lease ?

Sometimes, life happens and you find yourself needing to break your lease contract. It’s best to ask what the policy is for terminating your lease. While most landlords allow early termination from your lease, you need to be prepared for any financial obligations.

7. Do you allow pets? If so, are there any breed restrictions or pet fees required?

Dog at front door
Photo by: Canva

We understand that your pets are family too, so it is important to find out what the policy is. If the rental home or apartment does allow pets, find out if there is a pet deposit, restrictions on the number of pets, as well as any breed restrictions.

8. Do you offer renewal options?

Some landlords or property management companies have certain guidelines regarding their renewal process. Unfortunately, some may or may not notify of your lease expiration date, so its best to know your options early. In many instances, its common for the tenant to have the option to sign another long term contract or choose to go month to month.

9. How are repairs and maintenance managed?

Some properties will have an on-site maintenance staff manager or provide you with a number to call for maintenance issues. Make sure to ask how and when an emergency should be reported.

“Here, at Millan Enterprises , we strive to complete any work order issue within 24-48 hours. If we are unable to do so, we make sure to stay in contact with the tenant and provide all possible updates.”

Sarah Perry, Millan Enterprises, Maintenance Coordinator

10. How often will my rent increase ?

It is common for rent to increase each year you renew your lease contract. This is in majority due to, inflation. If you plan to stay long-term, figure out how often the rent will increase and by how much.

Check out this great article we shared with tenants in 2019 regarding rent increases to find out more.


These are just a few of the many questions you can ask during a showing. Check out our Pinterest Board for a great rental tips, including an apartment checklist to bring with you during apartment tours. This can help make sure you find the perfect home that checks all of your priority boxes!

Moving in
Photo by: Canva
Business Resolutions and How to Reach Them

Business Resolutions and How to Reach Them

Executing and maintaining a business team goal can prove to be a difficult task for many reasons. We, at Millan Enterprises, have begun to understand the process of obtaining Wildly Important Goals (W.I.G.) within our company and have taken on new year business resolutions as a team!

As a team, we have all read and worked through the book “The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals” by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling. By diving into this book as a team, we have established a company W.I.G. and department W.I.G’s to help us grow and progress the future of Millan Enterprises.

The 4 Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, & Jim Hulling


In this book, the authors explain the 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) as:

  • Discipline 1: The Discipline of Focus. Focus on the wildly important. Bringing a team’s attention to one or two specific W.I.G.’s can enhance their progress and drive their attention to maintaining that specific goal. 
  • Discipline 2 – The Discipline of Leverage. Act on the lead measures. Producing and accomplishing tasks at hand can be overwhelming. By using the existing leverage  from team members, skills and the tools at hand, anything is attainable.
  • Discipline 3: The Discipline of Engagement. Keep a scoreboard. Really working together and having each team member contribute to a goal can be a difficult task to manage. Through weekly check-ins and the team’s encouragement, this can really help to bring the team together – pain free.
  • Discipline 4: The Discipline of Accountability. Create a cadence of accountability. Working together with discipline 3, the power behind success is, the team. By assessing accountability and maintaining consistent action towards the W.I.G., the company can continuously drive momentum forward, even through the normal chaos of every-day work loads.
business resolutions
The 4 Disciplines
Photo: Hasseman Marketing

Every Friday morning, our team gathers together to discuss our company and department W.I.G.’s. During our team meetings, we hold each other accountable for the goals we are trying to reach. Each goal building our brand and business forward to better serve tenants, clients, the community surrounding us, and even co-workers. This is a great way to stick to our new year resolutions as a company and can even roll over and impact our personal resolutions.

business resolutions
Millan Enterprises Friday W.I.G. Meeting


With this model in place, our team rallies together, as a unified front, to grow and excel towards our W.I.G. and the future of Millan Enterprises.

How does your company pursue goals and what business practices do they implement to accomplish these?

150 Things To Do in Clarksville TN

150 Things To Do in Clarksville TN

Clarksville, TN has so many unique and exciting things to do. From outdoor recreation activities to DIRTcar racing, seasonal festivals, and even local shopping, there is something for everyone! Whether you are new to Clarksville, TN or a local native, this list can inspire you to get out in the community and participate in the unique culture.

God Bless Clarksville TN
God Bless Clarksville, TN Mural in Downtown

Winter

  1. Shop locally made arts and collected antiques at the semi-annual Clarksville Vintage Fair 
  2. Handmade Holidays
  3. Christmas on the Cumberland 
  4. Drive through 3 Million Christmas Lights at the Clarksville Speedway
  5. Watch the Clarksville Christmas Parade downtown (FREE) 
  6. Get your picture taken with Santa at Governor’s Square Mall
  7. Volunteer at YaiPacks (FREE)
  8. Attend an APSU Tennis Match (FREE)
  9. Take a painting class at Swirls Art Studio
  10. Attend a Drag Strip event at the Clarksville Speedway & Fairgrounds
  11. Tour Ft. Defiance Civil War Park
  12. Head to the Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum to learn the history of the 101st Airborne Division (FREE)
  13. Listen to live music by Lauren Christine at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery (January 18, 2020)
  14. By wowed by the Gateway Chamber Orchestra for their Masterwork Series (January 26, 2020)
  15. Shop till you drop at Mrs. Lucilles 
  16. Learn Clarksville history at the Customs House 
  17. Take a tour of the Old Glory Distilling Company
  18. Join the Mug Club at Kings Bluff Brewery
  19. Compete at The Axe Throwing Place
  20. Glow in the dark while playing mini golf at D&D Blacklight Mini Golf
  21. Taste local brews named after Clarksville Highlights at TN Valley Brewing
  22. Play cornhole with your friends at Upstairs at Strawberry Alley
  23. Walk through an antique warehouse at the Warehouse 41
  24. Eat traditional German deliquess and fresh baked bread at Silke’s Cafe
  25. Attend an APSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball game 
  26. Grab a delicious and unique hot dog at Chi-Town Hot Dogs
  27. Drink specialty cocktails in Clarksville’s only speakeasy – Roux
  28. Try the delicious Vanilla Brew at Blackhorse Brewery
  29. Race friends in Clarksville’s indoor go-kart track at the City Forum
  30. Ice Skate during the holiday season at Downtown Commons
  31. Eat Golly G’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls
  32. Find eclectic artists at the Artist Co-Op (FREE)
  33. Give back by volunteering at many local non-profits (FREE)
  34. Participate in an annual toy drive hosted by 5 Star Media Group
  35. Go thrifting at Arc Thrift Downtown
  36. Grab a homemade Tamale at Bethlehem Bakery on Saturdays
  37. Find a collectable record at &Vinyl Records
  38. Take a drive down historical Madison St.
  39. Climb at Clarksville Climbing
  40. Grab fresh artisan coffee at Plumb Line Coffee
  41. Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Yada on Franklin St.
  42. Indulge your taste buds with Sunday Brunch at Blackhorse Brewery
  43. Grab some fresh cut meat at the Choppin Block
  44. Craft your own scented candle at The Candle Loft
  45. Taste local teas made at the Mad Herbalist
  46. Design your own handmade signs at The Blank Slate
  47. Visit the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library (FREE)
  48. Order authentic pupusas at the Salvadorian Restaurant 
  49. Duel it out with the Dueling Pianos at Old Glory Distillery (February  14, 2020)
  50. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Don’t miss the Chocolate Affair (February 21, 2020)
  51. Be wowed at the Clarksville Film Festival (February 21, 2020)
  52. Visit the Clarksville Home and Garden Show (February  22-23, 2020) (FREE)
  53. Don your favorite superhero outfit and head over to ClarksvilleCon (March 7, 2020)
  54. Ponder science with APSU professors at Science on Tap at Strawberry Alley (FREE)

Spring

  1. Take pictures in front of all the historical murals around Clarksville (FREE)
  2. Attend an APSU Softball Game (FREE)
  3. Indulge in delicious fried foods at the Catfish House
  4. Mountain bike through Rotary Park (FREE)
  5. Design your perfect burger at Johnny’s Burgers
  6. Visit West Coast Tacos for your Taco Tuesday cravings
  7. Get your Scuba Certification with Water Dogs Scuba Safety
  8. Attend an APSU Beach Volleyball Game (FREE)
  9. Paint your own pottery at Horsefeather Art Studio
  10. Grab some grub from Gray Smoke BBQ
  11. Be a spectator for Fort Campbell’s Week of the Eagle showcase
  12. Network with local professionals at Business After Hours (FREE)
  13. Attend an APSU Baseball Game
  14. Attend a job fair and workshops  with American Job Center
  15. Use Clarksvilles’ BCycle to ride in the city
  16. Spend $1 for Mimosas at Strawberry Alley Ale Works
  17. Have a picnic down at Billy Dunlop Park (FREE)
  18. Take a tour of the cave at Dunbar Cave State Park
  19. Play 18-holes of Disc Golf at Rotary Park (FREE)
  20. Clarksville BBQ Bash (FREE)
  21. Watch the Passion Play live (FREE)
  22. Attend an APSU Track Event (FREE)
  23. Fun with Fido Parks and Rec (FREE)
  24. Wettest Egg Hunt
  25. Attend concerts at The Warehouse
  26. Fish at Liberty Park Marina (FREE)
  27. Learn more about Willma Rudolph at Freedom Point (FREE)
  28. Find all 50 Mocking Bird Trail Statues in Clarksville (FREE)
  29. See 18th century reenactors at Fort Defiance (FREE)
  30. Pick Strawberries at H&S Farms and McGraw’s Strawberry Patch
  31. Take your aim at the Montgomery County Shooting Complex
  32. Attend an APSU Theatre and Dance Production
  33. Grab some tacos or your latin groceries over at La Laguna 
  34. BBQ, Brews, Beethoven (May 16, 2020)
  35. Wine tasting at BeachHaven Vineyards & Winery 
  36. Swing by the Clarksville Country Club to dine at Pbody’s

Summer

  1. Splash in the Clarksville Splash Pad (FREE)
  2. Stroll down by the river and check out Clarksville’s River History (FREE)
  3. Walk the the Greenway  (FREE)
  4. Grab some friends and play a game of pickup at Liberty Park (FREE)
  5. Attend Jazz on the Lawn at the Beachaven Vineyards & Winery (FREE)
  6. Attend the Montgomery County Fair (June 12-June 21, 2020)
  7. Mayor’s Summer Night Lights 
  8. Watch the fireworks at Liberty Park (July 3, 2020) (FREE)
  9. Watch the fireworks again at Ft. Campbell (July 4, 2020) (FREE)
  10. Visit the L&N Train Station 
  11. Hike Dunbar Cave or relax at the cool cave entrance (FREE)
  12. Shop local produce and crafts at the downtown market 
  13. Hike Rotary Park (FREE)
  14. Watch the sunset over the RG Corman Bridge (FREE)
  15. Movies in the Park (FREE)
  16. Attend the Art Walk the 1st Thursday of every month (FREE)
  17. Climb the cliff at Kings Bluff
  18. Visit the community built playground at Liberty Park (FREE)
  19. Listen to live music at the Downtown Commons – Downtown @ Sundown
  20. Get a feel for all our local food trucks at the annual food truck rally
  21. Head to the pool to beat the heat – Swan Lake Pool
  22. Visit the Clarksville Regional Airport
  23. Go kayaking at Port Royal State Park (FREE)
  24. Rent a boat at Liberty Park Marina
  25. Collect Sunflowers at Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch
  26. Take a tour of The American Queen Steamboat as it docks in Clarksville
  27. Take care of your sushi needs at Yellowtail Robata Grill
  28. Take a day to cool off at Beachhaven Pool
  29. Bring your canoe or kayak and check out the Clarksville Blueway  (FREE)
  30. Hike Port Royal State Park (FREE)
  31. Grab a “Clarksville’s best” milkshake from White House Dairy Freeze 

Fall

  1. Attend an APSU Football Game 
  2. Lace up your running shoes for the Valor Run Clarksville 
  3. Jam out at PossumStock (August 21-22, 2020)
  4. Attend a CECA Visiting Artist Speaking Series at APSU (FREE)
  5. Hangout at APSU Homecoming Tailgate (FREE)
  6. Sing the weekend away at Riverfest (FREE)
  7. Head to Planet 3 Extreme Air Park to get the jumps you want
  8. Find your way out of Escape Games
  9. Get spooked at Fright on Franklin (FREE)
  10. Attend an APSU Women’s Soccer Game  (FREE)
  11. Build a campfire and roast smores (FREE)
  12. Indoor fun at your local recreation centers
  13. Ease your Southern taste buds by eating at Moss’ Southern Cooking
  14. Get some roller skating in at Rainbow Skating Center
  15. Attend an APSU Golf Match (FREE)
  16. Go to the Bell Witch Cave and be spooked
  17. Bring your dog(s) to the annual Wags and Wings event 
  18. Welcome Home our Veterans (September 16-20, 2020) 
  19. Support The Food Initiative by dining at their fundraising event Fine Fettle (September 28, 2020)
  20. Take a free boxing class at Title Boxing (FREE)
  21. Bring your kids to G.H.O.S.T. at APSU hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA)
  22. Attend the Veteran’s Day Parade in the local community (FREE)
  23. Defeat the zombies at Zombie Hunters
  24. Make your way through the corn maze at Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch
  25. Take in some art at The New Gallery at APSU (FREE)
  26. Head over to the Pinnacle for bowling night
  27. Be a spectator at the Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee Teen USA hosted at APSU (FREE)
  28. Head over to Huddle House to try their sweet cakes 
  29. Try some homemade macaroons at Thistle Sweets

Know of something awesome to do that is not on our list? Comment below to add to the conversation. 

Millan Enterprises, LLC provides this blog as a service to the public. Millan Enterprises, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this website.

While the information contained within this website is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this website is correct, complete, and up-to-date.

Although the Millan Enterprises, LLC website may include links providing direct access to other Internet resources, including websites, Millan Enterprises, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy or content of the information contained in these sites.

Links from Millan Enterprises, LLC to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by Millan Enterprises, LLC of the parties or their products and services. The appearance on this website of advertisements and product or service information does not constitute an endorsement by Millan Enterprises, LLC, and Millan Enterprises, LLC has not investigated the claims made by any advertiser. Product information is based solely on material received from suppliers.

Why Do Apartment Rents Rise Every Year?

Why Do Apartment Rents Rise Every Year?

Have you ever wondered about the reasons for rent increase? Check out the article below and find out exactly what factors trigger an increase in rent from your landlords. 

https://www.theestateupdate.com/why-apartment-rents-rise-every-year/