June 2026 Newsletter

Janet has spent most of her life as a single mom, doing everything she could to raise her two sons. It wasn’t always easy, but she worked hard, made sacrifices, and succeeded in building a life for her family.

As Janet got older, however, she began facing serious health challenges that eventually left her disabled. Forced to retire earlier than she had planned, she relied on disability benefits to make ends meet. For a while, it was enough.

But as housing costs continued to rise, Janet found herself falling further behind. Year after year, her rent increased while her income remained the same. What had once been manageable slowly became impossible.

“I did everything I could to stay afloat. But every time my rent went up, it felt like I was losing ground.“

Eventually, Janet could no longer afford to live on her own. With few options left, she moved in with her sons. “It was hard,” she recalled. “We were all doing our best, but truly I just felt heart-broken and embarrassed that I had found myself in such a challenging place.”

Hoping to live independently again, Janet was reached out for help and found A New Leaf. After speaking with some financial coaches and case managers, she charted out a new path for her life.

“What meant the most was finding part-time work. A New Leaf helped me find an employer that was willing to work with my disability.”

Within only a few short months, everything changed in Janet’s life. She was connected to rental assistance, food boxes, and disability friendly employers.

Today, Janet is living independently in a two-bedroom apartment she is proud to call home. After years of uncertainty, she has regained the stability she feared she had lost.

“I found freedom and independence again thanks to A New Leaf. I found purpose and work. I found myself, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

Her story is one that has become increasingly common across the Valley. Older, often disabled, single adults pushed into homelessness due to rising housing costs. It’s a trend that Janet is proud to have pushed back on.

By connecting Janet with temporary rental assistance to get into an apartment and part-time employment to boost her income, she will have a stable home for years to come. That’s transformative.

The East Valley Men’s Center recently welcomed a dedicated team of volunteers from Bank of America and Merrill as part of their annual Make a Difference Day.

Seventeen volunteers spent the day serving the shelter and the men who call it home. The group prepared and served lunch, assembled sack lunches, and tackled several projects to help keep the facility welcoming and well maintained. Volunteers deep cleaned the cafeteria, washed windows, and completed landscaping work around the property.

Their efforts made an immediate impact, creating a cleaner, brighter environment for residents while helping staff focus on serving those working to overcome homelessness. Beyond the work completed, the volunteers brought energy, kindness, and encouragement to the shelter community.

The East Valley Men’s Center is grateful for the continued support of Bank of America and Merrill. Their team returns each year to lend a helping hand, and their commitment to giving back makes a meaningful difference for the men served through the program.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Make a Difference Day for sharing your time, talents, and dedication with the East Valley Men’s Center. Your support helps create a welcoming space where individuals can focus on building stability and moving toward a brighter future.

Our Donation Center is currently in need of the following high-priority items:

Body wash

Plates, cups and bowls

Bottled water

Deodorant (men’s and women’s)

Pillows

Hand soap

Size 5/6 diapers

Cleaning wipes

Paper towels

Pasta sauce

Dental floss

Instant ramen

Lotion

Sunscreen

Did you know you can sell your life insurance policy?  

Life insurance policies provide a reassuring safety net for many individuals, ensuring that their loved ones are taken care of after they pass away.

But sometimes there comes a point when that life insurance policy is no longer needed, or even becomes a burden due to expensive premium payments. Every year, about 500,000 seniors let their life insurance policy lapse, and 2 million more surrender their policy. However, with a life settlement, you can sell your life insurance policy for a cash payout.  

Here is an example: A 79- year-old gentleman has a $450,000 universal life policy that is becoming very expensive. The next year’s premium is $28,000 with the premium increasing every year. He is also looking for ways to pay for assisted living. The policy sold for $150,000, giving him the money he needs. Plus, he has $28,000 in cash flow from no more premium payments. 

You can sell:  

• Universal life policies 

• Whole life policies 

• Term policies 

• First-to-die 

• Second-to-die 

• Group policies, if convertible to individual  

The proceeds from selling your policy can be used for anything, such as paying medical expenses, supplementing income, or making a charitable donation.  

Interested in learning more? Email Suzanne Percy, Senior Charitable Giving Advisor, at spercy@turnanewleaf.org. 

When community partners stay committed year after year, their support becomes part of the foundation for lasting impact. A New Leaf’s long-standing partnership with Arizona Public Service (APS) reflects the power of sustained investment in families, housing, and community stability. For 22 years, APS has supported A New Leaf’s mission through more than $800,000 in funding for programs, volunteer efforts, and community-centered support.

This investment has touched many areas of A New Leaf’s programs, including Housing and Shelter Support Services, Domestic Violence Programs, and Financial Empowerment Services. Through this support, families have been able to access safe shelter, rebuild after crisis, and take meaningful steps toward long-term stability.

APS’ partnership has also extended beyond grant funding. Through the APS Community Tree Program, families at A New Leaf’s West Valley Housing Assistance Center benefited from new trees that helped create a more welcoming outdoor space. APS leadership has also supported A New Leaf through volunteer service, including John Hernandez, VP of Site Services, who serves as a member of A New Leaf’s Board of Directors.

A New Leaf was proud to nominate APS for the 2025 Arizona Housing Coalition’s Business Partnership of the Year Award, where APS was selected as the winner. This well-deserved recognition celebrates APS’ long-standing commitment to partnering with nonprofits to help advance safe, affordable housing for Arizonans.

After more than two decades of partnership, APS leads by example in their commitment to helping families find safety, stability, and hope. A New Leaf is grateful for APS’ continued investment in the community and proud to celebrate this recognition!

Looking for a fun way to beat the Arizona heat while making a difference in the community? Join Corporate Interior Systems for Bags & Brews 2026: A Toss for Tomorrow, an indoor charity cornhole tournament benefiting A New Leaf.

This exciting afternoon will bring together friendly competition, great food, cold brews, and community spirit, all in support of programs that help individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other life challenges throughout the Valley.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Duce in downtown Phoenix. Participants can gather their teammates, test their cornhole skills, and enjoy an afternoon filled with fun and connection, all while supporting a meaningful cause.

Teams are encouraged to participate in the Dynamic Duos Costume Contest. Grab a partner and come dressed as your favorite iconic duo for a chance to win a prize. Whether you channel Barbie and Ken, Han Solo and Chewbacca, Sonny and Cher, or another unforgettable pair, creativity is encouraged.

Not interested in competing? Spectator tickets are available, making it easy to join the fun and cheer on the teams. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations and businesses looking to support A New Leaf while gaining visibility at the event.

Gather your teammate, perfect your toss, and join us for an afternoon of fun, community, and impact. Click the button below for registration, spectator tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event details. Thank you Corporate Interior Systems, for putting together such an awesome yearly event!