A New Leaf

“When I lost my job, I went homeless for about 6 months, living out my buddy’s place while trying to find a job. But things weren’t going so great and money was tight. My Navy recruiter signed me up to come here and I’ve been here for the last 3 months, waiting to ship out.” “I'm just grateful to have somewhere to eat, somewhere to sleep, somewhere to keep myself clean. I want to fix my life, so that I don’t ever have to go through this again. And I’m hoping the Navy can help me do that.” “It’s very lonely being on this journey, not really having any family that can help me because times are tough and it’s just getting harder and it’s getting tougher, but you just deal with the cards you’re dealt and just keep moving.” “The staff here are really easy to talk to, if you just need to have a conversation to distract yourself for a little bit, and it does help. The caseworkers are here to talk you through things if you’re having a rough time or if you just need someone to talk to. I’m just so thankful to be somewhere good like this while I wait to ship out.”

A New Leaf is so grateful to Love Of Christ Lutheran Church for their continued generosity and unwavering support of children in our shelter programs. They donated over 100 backpacks with essential supplies to ensure our children are well-prepared for the upcoming school year. Love of Christ Lutheran Church has been a steadfast partner, conducting this backpack drive for many years. Each year, they help to lighten the load for families in crisis by providing the tools their children need to succeed in school. This act of kindness supports academic success and boosts the confidence of children facing life's toughest challenges, giving them a strong start to the new school year. These backpacks bring hope and encouragement to families working hard to rebuild their lives. We are incredibly thankful for the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s dedication to making a difference in our community and for their compassion towards those in need. Thank you, Love of Christ Lutheran Church, for your ongoing commitment and for bringing smiles to so many faces each year. Your generosity truly changes lives.

On this International Day of Friendship, we're reminded of the profound impact that meaningful connections can have on our lives. At A New Leaf, we understand the value of fostering relationships that bridge divides and bring people from diverse backgrounds together. In our community, we celebrate the richness of diversity. We recognize that by coming together and supporting one another, we can address the challenges that affect us all. Friendship knows no boundaries, and neither does our dedication to serving those in need. We provide essential support and resources, creating a safe space for connections to flourish. This International Day of Friendship, let's honor the bonds we've built, acknowledge the beauty of our diverse community, and commit to the ongoing work of creating a more connected and compassionate world.

Gratitude post! A New Leaf greatly appreciates support from Two Pups Wellness Fund for bringing attention to pets who need care and treatment while in A New Leaf’s domestic violence pet program. In an effort to expand access to safety for domestic violence survivors and their pets, A New Leaf’s Autumn House now provides shelter for dogs and cats, which are housed in units with their families. Survivors should not have to choose between safety and family -- it is vital that people experiencing domestic violence and their pets can escape abuse together. Thank you, Two Pups Wellness Fund, for ensuring that four-legged survivors of domestic abuse receive the medical care and treatment they need while in A New Leaf’s shelter. If you also would like to support individuals, families, and their pets fleeing domestic violence in our community, please contact donations@turnanewleaf.org.

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we turn our attention to an urgent issue close to our hearts. Human trafficking, a sinister and hidden crime, is a distressing reality in The Valley. At A New Leaf, we stand firmly against human trafficking and want to focus on providing support to survivors who have endured this unimaginable ordeal. We offer shelter, counseling, and resources to help those affected heal and take back their life. This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let's remember that this issue is not just a global problem but also a local one. By acknowledging the prevalence of human trafficking in Arizona, we can educate our community about staying safe from traffickers and offer our support to survivors.

A New Leaf wants to thank the Mesa Independent for their coverage of our recent laptop giveaway event! This important event, made possible through our collaboration with AT&T and Compudopt , provided 150 laptops and backpacks to students in Mesa, ensuring they have the essential tools needed for their educational journey. The generosity of AT&T and Compudopt, is bridging the digital divide and supporting the academic success of thousands of children across the Valley. This laptop giveaway empowers students to explore new opportunities for learning and growth, and ensures they won't have to worry about being behind in school. We encourage everyone to read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gddcMGAi to learn more about the event! Thank you once again to Mesa Independent for capturing this impactful event and to AT&T and Compudopt for their consistent support and generosity.

A New Leaf, and the children at La Mesita are incredibly grateful to Amy and Craig Ahlstrom for hosting an exceptional Back to School shopping trip at JCPenny! Thanks to their generosity, over 80 children were able to pick out their very own clothing for the upcoming school year, enjoy a nice meal with their friends, and even get a few extra gifts! Amy and Craig have hosted this event for years, helping hundreds of kids get ready for the new school year. The children were picked up by two chartered buses and taken to JC Penney where they enjoyed a delicious Chick-fil-A Restaurants breakfast to start the day. Each child was then paired with a personal shopper who helped them select brand-new clothing. To top off this wonderful experience, every child also received a stylish Owala water bottle! Amy and Craig’s commitment to ensuring that the children at La Mesita go back to school prepared and proud of their new outfits is truly inspiring. This annual event not only provides essential school clothing but also boosts the children’s confidence and excitement for the upcoming school year. Thank you, Amy and Craig Ahlstrom, Owala, and JCPenny for creating such a memorable and impactful experience for the children. Your kindness and dedication make a significant difference in their lives, and we are profoundly thankful for your continued support.

On National Disability Independence Day, we come together to celebrate the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of the disability community. At A New Leaf, we believe in the power of every voice and the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We recognize that the journey to independence is unique for each individual. It's a journey that can be filled with obstacles, and we understand that those with disabilities often face even greater challenges, including higher risks of homelessness, difficulties accessing healthcare, and financial burdens. Our commitment is to stand beside those with disabilities, offering unwavering support as they navigate these challenges. Through our comprehensive services and resources, we empower individuals with disabilities to live life on their own terms. We are proud to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Yesterday, A New Leaf had two amazing groups visit East Valley Men's Center (EVMC). Filled with community spirit and generosity, A New Leaf partnered with Salad and Go and Mercy Care to deliver 800 salads to various shelter programs across the East Valley! These meals allow the families and individuals at our shelters to enjoy nutritious meals, and not have to worry about what their next meal. It is common to take the food we eat every day for granted, but for those we serve, these donated meals remove a ton of stress that comes with experiencing life's toughest challenges. The volunteers from Mercy Care had the opportunity to tour the East Valley Men’s Center, giving them a firsthand look at the impact of their efforts and the community they are supporting. This collaboration between Salad and Go, and Mercy Care shows just what the power of community can do when we come together to support one another. Thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to making a difference and for ensuring those in our shelters receive the support they deserve.