Corporate Partner Spotlight: Ardian

A Shared Commitment to Empower Youth and Families  

As one year closed and a new one opened its doors, we paused to reflect on the people and partnerships that carried us through the final, most tender stretch, especially the holidays, when need doesn’t pause for celebration. For young people facing homelessness, that season can magnify loneliness and uncertainty. But it can also become a moment of warmth, dignity, and belonging when supporters choose to show up. At Covenant House, progress isn’t powered by generosity alone. It’s sustained by presence, by partners who stand with our youth in real and tangible ways, when it matters most and long after the decorations come down. 

At Covenant House, we believe that every young person deserves safety, opportunity, and unconditional love. Our work to end youth homelessness thrives because of partners who not only believe in that mission but live it—partners like Ardian, a global investment firm whose dedication to social impact extends far beyond the boardroom.  

The relationship between Ardian and Covenant House began with one employee’s personal connection. Over a decade ago, Aaron Deutsch, now a Director at Ardian, was introduced to Covenant House through his father’s involvement with our Atlanta site. When Ardian launched its foundation, Aaron saw an opportunity to bring that mission into his workplace. What began with a few colleagues joining a Sleep Out has since grown into a lasting, international partnership grounded in compassion, community, and action.   

“Covenant House was one of the first charitable partners I got to know,” said Ana Coric**, who manages partnerships for the Ardian Foundation from its headquarters in Paris. “It’s become an emblematic organization for us; one that deeply resonates with our employees and aligns beautifully with our mission to advance social mobility and early childhood development.”    

Through the Ardian Foundation, the company champions initiatives that boost social mobility and promote education and opportunity for young people around the world. Covenant House’s programs, particularly Stepping Stones, which supports young mothers and their babies, align seamlessly with Ardian’s philanthropic focus on nurturing the potential of both youth and early childhood.  

Ardian employees volunteer regularly at Covenant House New York, joining holiday decorating projects, building beautification efforts, and hands-on service days. They don’t just write checks. They show up. As Aaron explained, “At Ardian, we’re encouraged to take up to three paid volunteer days each year, and I use them at Covenant House because I want to give more than just financial support. It’s deeply rewarding to spend time with the young people and staff who make this place what it is.”  

For many at Ardian, Sleep Out has become a meaningful tradition. What started with Aaron and a few coworkers has grown to include teams from across the firm, inspired by the experience’s emotional impact. “It’s one of those nights that transforms your sense of community,” Aaron shared. “You leave feeling both grateful and motivated to do more.”    

Ana, who plans to participate in an upcoming Sleep Out, described it as “one of the most powerful ways to build empathy and human connection.” She added, “There’s nothing like putting yourself, even briefly, in the shoes of someone who’s had to live without safety. It reminds us all that no one should ever have to sleep on the streets.”    

Ardian’s commitment goes beyond volunteering. Many employees donate personally to Covenant House, with their contributions matched by the Ardian Foundation, doubling their impact. This multi-layered engagement reflects the company’s holistic approach to giving: uniting corporate resources, employee passion, and community connection.    

“Our goal is always long-term partnership,” Ana said. “We want to walk alongside organizations like Covenant House to contribute to their bold goal of cutting youth homelessness in half by 2035.”    

As Covenant House works toward its bold goal of cutting youth homelessness in half by 2035, partners like Ardian remind us what’s possible when business and compassion unite.  

To every company seeking to make a difference: follow Ardian’s lead. Join us in creating a world where every young person has a safe place to sleep and the support to dream beyond survival.    

Learn more about how your organization can partner with Covenant House at covenanthouse.org/ways-to-give/corporate-partnerships.