August 2024 Newsletter

For years, Tammy and her daughter were trapped in a dangerous domestic violence situation. They were left isolated and in fear, without any support. Tammy knew she couldn’t stay in this situation any longer. She had to create a better life for herself, and more importantly, her daughter.

“It all came to a head one January night. He assaulted me, and our daughter had to witness it. I reached out to my pastor, and her words were a lifeline for me: ‘Get your stuff, get in your car, go to the church, you’re going to be taken care of.’”

Following her pastor’s advice, Tammy and her daughter left the abusive situation with only a day’s worth of clothes and nothing else. Tammy wasn’t sure what the future held, but she knew that she had made the right decision.

Putting her trust in the kindness of others paid off, as the church gave her a motel to stay at for a week as she determined a path forward. During her time here, Tammy called A New Leaf for help and quickly was offered a wealth of resources for survivors of domestic violence.

“Staying in the hotel, it still felt like we were starting from scratch. No money, no clothes, nothing. But A New Leaf helped me get access to shelter, clothing, food, and childcare. It was life-changing.”

With just one phone call, Tammy was placed into A New Leaf’s Faith House Domestic Violence Shelter. Tammy and her daughter found not just safety, but a community of healing support as they recovered from the trauma of abuse. They were given a private room to themselves, and Tammy worked with a caseworker to get on a path towards long-term stability.

Tammy and her daughter were able to stay at Faith House for several months, giving her the chance to have a fresh start. As her stay at Faith House was coming to a close, Tammy entered the Rapid Rehousing program and was selected to stay at A New Leaf’s La Mesita apartments in Mesa.

“We won the lottery, so to speak. The Rapid Rehousing program got me into an affordable apartment at A New Leaf. Finally, my child would have some continuity and stability. I would be able to provide a real home to them again.”

After moving into her own apartment at La Mesita, Tammy made significant strides towards independence. She enrolled in CDL school, and was determined to build a stable and productive future for her child. At La Mesita, Tammy was even able to take her very own family photos for the very first time.

 “Walking away was hard, but it opened the door to a world I never thought was possible. If you’re out there struggling, take the jump. Help is waiting, sometimes in ways you’d never expect.”

A New Leaf is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to fill a variety of roles spanning across multiple locations in the Valley. We are looking for amazing community members like you who are committed to making a difference in the lives of thousands of families each year. By joining our volunteer team, you can contribute to the vital services that provide help and hope to those in need.

A New Leaf is immensely grateful to Camden Cares for their generous donation of school supplies to the children in A New Leaf’s shelter programs. This donation is making a real difference in the lives of children all over the Valley by ensuring they don’t have to worry about the cost of school supplies this year.

Thanks to Camden, many children will now have the essential tools they need to succeed academically. Whether it’s notebooks, pencils, or other educational materials, these supplies remove barriers to learning, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive in school, regardless of their living situation.

Thank you, for your dedication to furthering children’s education, and for your proactive approach to see the direct impact of your contributions. Your support not only enhances educational opportunities but also brings hope and encouragement to families striving for a better future.

You can help those experiencing homelessness this year. Our donation center is still looking for: 

A behind-the-scenes tour will give you a glimpse into the efforts and resources that are necessary to support those on their journey to a permanent home. Don’t miss out on this experience that promises to be as educational as it is heartwarming.

• October 4, 2024 – East Valley Men’s Center, Mesa
• November 1, 2024 – West Valley Housing Assistance Center, Surprise
• February 7, 2024 – La Mesita Family Shelter, Mesa

Invitations to these lunch and learn sessions will be sent out soon! 

A New Leaf is immensely grateful to have Nationwide on our side, and for providing incredible support for over 13 years. Nationwide is dedicated to protecting people and the things they care about most. This commitment shines brightly as they provide support that makes the entire Valley a better, safer place. 

The Nationwide Foundation aims to improve the quality of life in communities where their members, associates, partners, and families live and work. Over the past 13 years, Nationwide and the Nationwide Foundation have generously contributed more than $280,000 in financial awards, employee contributions, event sponsorships, and donated items. Their unwavering support has helped thousands of individuals and families in our community experiencing homelessness and domestic violence find shelter, safety, and hope.

The generosity of Nationwide, and the Nationwide Foundation, has increased A New Leaf’s capacity to offer more than just a bed and a meal. Thanks to their partnership, we provide comprehensive wrap-around services and a continuum of care that helps individuals move from crisis to stability. With their backing, A New Leaf is better equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. 

We’re also fortunate to have Eric Matthias, AVP Middle Market National Underwriting, serve on A New Leaf’s board of directors since 2021. Eric’s expertise and advocacy have been invaluable in shaping decisions and advancing our shared mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives” for those who need it most.

Thank you, Nationwide and Nationwide Foundation, for your incredible generosity and dedication to your community. Your support plays a pivotal role in ensuring that A New Leaf can continue to help families in need.

For more information about partnering with A New Leaf, please contact Laura Bode, Vice President of Philanthropy, at lbode@turnanewleaf.org.

Mark your calendars for a memorable evening! A New Leaf is thrilled to announce that our annual Camaraderie Gala will be held on March 8th, 2025, at the exquisite Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This elegant venue, located at 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, promises to provide the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to helping our neighbors in need.

Our Camaraderie Gala is an amazing opportunity to come together and support the families and individuals experiencing homelessness and domestic violence throughout the Valley. Your participation will directly provide safe shelter, warm meals, and a path towards stability for your neighbors in need.

While the theme of the gala will be announced soon, you can expect an evening filled with entertainment, inspiring stories, and exceptional opportunities to make a difference. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to our community, your participation will contribute significantly to our ongoing efforts to provide safety, support, and stability to those in need.

Stay tuned for more details, including how to secure your tickets and information about sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun!