A New Leaf

This past Saturday, our friends at The Matthew 25 Project brought warmth and nourishment to the East Valley Men's Center (EVMC) with their generous donation of meals. A New Leaf is incredibly grateful for Matthew 25's support, which began in 2016 and has continued to bring joy to our community each month. Every visit from The Matthew 25 Project means pre-made favorites like pizza and lasagna, accompanied by refreshing sodas, are served to the men at EVMC. These meals provide not only a sense of normalcy and community, which are invaluable to our residents. The Matthew 25 Project’s dedication to helping those in need is truly inspiring. Their commitment to providing monthly meals helps ensure that the men at EVMC have a delicious and hearty meal to look forward to, which makes a significant difference in their lives. For those who want to learn more about The Matthew 25 Project and perhaps support their incredible work, please visit their website at https://lnkd.in/eWftJTz2. They do remarkable things for the community, and your support can help them continue their mission.

ALERT: Evictions have surged by OVER 21% in Maricopa County, topping 83,000 filings in 2023. With eviction numbers surging, families like Heavyn Glascow's are being forced out of their homes, and individuals like Kristopher Aranda are left starting from scratch after losing loved ones and their homes. Evictions in Arizona are reaching record levels, causing immense pain, expense, and disruption to families and communities. This crisis affects parents and children the most, pushing them to the brink of homelessness with just one unexpected expense. It's far more effective to prevent evictions than to deal with the aftermath of homelessness. More resources are urgently needed to support families and keep them in their homes. A New Leaf is committed to preventing evictions and providing affordable housing solutions. We must invest more in these efforts to ensure stability and security for families across the Valley. Together, we can make a difference and keep our communities intact. https://lnkd.in/dHXUsc75

WOW! Meet Dr. Brenda Combs, who overcame 10 years of homelessness and addiction to earn her PhD, and who is now making a difference in our community! A New Leaf is proud to work alongside organizations like the Finding My Shoes Foundation in the fight to end homelessness. We believe that with everyone's engagement and support, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Join us in this important work to provide shelter, resources, and hope to our most vulnerable neighbors. Together, we can create a community where everyone has a place to call home. https://lnkd.in/gi6424yv

My name is Ivory, I am a single mother of 3 children, and found myself out of work for nine consecutive months. I am an independent person and do not like to ask for help from others, but I found myself in a position where I had no other choice. Upon looking for shelters or someplace I could stay with my children, and I came across the La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter. After reading about the type of family shelter La Mesita was, I thought that it would be a good option for my children and myself. I had been terrified of other options and considered living in my car to avoid traumatizing my kids by bringing them to an overnight shelter with strangers. But, the fact that I would have a private apartment unit for up to 3 months at A New Leaf made me willing to take a chance and bring my kids. I was thrilled when I was told that La Mesita could accommodate my children and myself, and even more so when the staff went above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable upon our arrival. The intake process was done quickly and when we arrived at our place it was decorated with care and compassion. There were stuffed animals for my children, all of my kitchen cabinets were fully stocked, and all the toiletries were fully stocked. For the last year I had been struggling to provide just basic needs for my children. At La Mesita, I was finally able to breathe and plan for the future instead of wondering where our next meal would come from. La Mesita offered amazing programs, support, and direction to my family. I had lost so much confidence and independence, I felt like I was struggling to be a good example for my children. La Mesita was able to help me heal family bonds that had been damaged during my struggle to get by. I am very thankful for what La Mesita did for me and my family and I think the program is extremely beneficial for families looking to restore their lives and build a strong foundation for a more positive future.

🍕📚 Big Thanks to Spinato's Pizzeria for Supporting Our Back to School Drive! 📚🍕 We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Spinato's Pizzeria for a back-to-school drive that promises to make a significant impact on children in need. Every donation collected during this drive will help ensure that each child can head back to school fully prepared and ready to learn. Throughout July and August, when you visit any of Spinato’s six locations, you’ll be greeted by coat racks adorned with backpacks, each representing a student who will benefit from your generosity. While enjoying your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about A New Leaf’s mission through educational materials provided at each restaurant. A New Leaf is dedicated to providing life-changing services to those facing domestic violence, homelessness, and other profound challenges. Guests will also have the chance to contribute to this cause by making a $25 donation upon closing out their orders—though donations of any amount are deeply appreciated. All proceeds from this initiative will go directly towards purchasing school supplies and other essential items to fill these backpacks. Thank you, Spinato's Pizzeria, for hosting this impactful event and helping equip our community's children for success. Your partnership helps us extend our reach and support more families, ensuring that no child starts the school year without the tools they need. https://lnkd.in/gSTFBQq6

Emergency housing remains a critical need in our community, with many families facing waiting periods for shelter. A New Leaf and many Valley nonprofits are working tirelessly to support those in need. Participating organizations manage a 'Service Prioritization List' through the '2-1-1 Hub.' Currently, over 200 families are on the list, with waiting times ranging from two to eight weeks. This highlights the ongoing demand for emergency housing solutions. A New Leaf provides shelter in Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Surprise, Avondale, and many other locations, offering crucial support to families during these challenging times. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and stable housing. As we continue to advocate for more resources and support, we recognize that the cost of homelessness far outweighs the cost of ending it. Together, we can make a significant impact in providing the shelter and care our community needs. https://lnkd.in/gV3e8bvG

The Assets To Opportunity (ATO) program was recently showcased at Mesa Community College. This presentation covered not only the ATO program but also the topic of Financial Literacy. The event was part of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s STEAM Scholars Project Family Night. At this event, 17 families had the opportunity to learn more about the ATO program while learning about the four pillars of financial literacy. STEAM students and their parents were given valuable lessons on the importance of saving, budgeting, investing and debt management. This presentation is part of our ongoing commitment to empower students and families with essential financial knowledge. A New leaf; Assets to Opportunity (ATO) program, is to empower individuals with low to moderate incomes through matched savings. The program primarily aims to promote asset building in two crucial areas: post-secondary education and small business development. For more information about the education match savings component of the program, please refer to the provided link. https://ow.ly/QLoK50SFslU

On Nelson Mandela Day, we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of a remarkable leader, a symbol of resilience, and a champion of social justice. Mandela once said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." These words remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of making a positive impact in our communities. At A New Leaf, we are committed to fostering unity and social change right here in our local community. We recognize that the work of building a more equitable society is ongoing. It involves addressing disparities, uplifting marginalized voices, and supporting our neighbors in need. As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, let us remember that each one of us has the ability to create change, no matter how big or small. Together, we can continue Mandela's journey toward a world where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Join us in honoring Nelson Mandela's spirit of resilience and compassion. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We applaud Tucson for taking swift action to provide emergency relief for public housing residents amid record-breaking heat. The new program aims to subsidize utility bills, making it easier for residents to afford air conditioning during these extreme temperatures. With highs topping 110 degrees, this initiative is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Many residents in public housing have pre-existing conditions and disabilities that make them vulnerable to heat. A New Leaf is committed to supporting efforts like these to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every resident has access to a safe and comfortable home environment, especially during the scorching summer months. https://lnkd.in/guEazPrJ

I was a mother with one child and another on the way, having walked away from an abusive relationship and I was scared. I felt so alone, at least until I found A New Leaf’s Autumn House. The staff there welcomed me with open arms and smiles of encouragement. The first night I got there, I could not believe this was how my life was turning out. All I kept thinking is: "there is no way I can stay here. I would rather go back and live with my husband." When the night staff person came to do a night check, she saw me crying and asked if I was okay. I explained how I felt so low as a mother, and embarrassed that I was there. She sat me down and explained to me that this was to help me become a better mother for my kids and to keep them away from violence. I shouldn't be embarrassed to be here. I should be proud of myself for taking the first step to helping my family. I realized she was right. I didn’t want my children to grow up thinking it's okay for anyone to hit them or speak down to them. I held my head up, thanked the staff member for helping me, and promised myself to make the best of this situation. The next morning, I spoke with my counselor. We worked on three main goals for me, to get a job, find housing, and to get counseling to address my trauma. She was very understanding and helped me connect with many resources that I never knew existed. She also explained to me that this is not permanent, that I can get through this, and they are there to help me. And they did, every time I walked into the office, the staff had smiles on their faces and did their best to help me. I started to realize that this is how life should be: happy, positive, and bright. Every two weeks I had a meeting with my counselor and they helped me stay on track. Because of Autumn House, I am now living in an apartment with my two children. I owe a lot to Autumn House for helping me get back on my feet. They helped me build myself back up and I am so much better now.