April 2026 Newsletter

Nicholas had been searching for a better job for years, and even enrolled in a 9-month training program to become a caregiver for patients living with memory-care needs like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even working full time, he fell behind on rent and struggled to get back on top of things. After a few months of playing catch up on his bills, he was threatened with eviction.

“You feel kind of embarrassed and guilty because no one wants to be behind on their responsibilities. Definitely not me, that’s just not how I was raised. But sometimes it’s just outside of your control, and that’s what happened to me.”

Even after Nicholas finished his training and was working full-time as a caregiver, he was somehow facing the prospect of eviction and homelessness. He had worked so hard to find a more stable career, and yet it had somehow cost him his stability.

“It’s a hamster wheel sometimes man. It makes you feel like no one cares, and that you’ll never get ahead. But I chose to keep my head up and see what I could do to fix things, which meant asking for help. Not something I usually do.” 

That’s when Nicholas started looking for resources. He quickly found A New Leaf’s rental assistance program, and after qualifying for the program he was able to secure assistance to get current on his rent again. This help was an enormous relief for Nicholas, and it actually made him feel good about his situation.

“There wasn’t a shred of guilt sent my way, everyone was just so respectful and understanding. Coming here, I felt like I could breathe. I can get my rent paid and start to save up some money for a rainy day. I felt good about myself for the first time in a while.” 

After getting some stability back, Nicholas sees how close he came to a crisis. Things could have really gone badly without the rental assistance he found at A New Leaf. It’s given him hope that more people reach out for help before the worst happens. And he hopes that assistance is available for others in the future. 

“To me, it really opened my eyes. These programs are so important. If I didn’t get the help I would have been evicted, homeless, and working to dig myself out of that hole for years maybe. Getting a little bit of help, saved a whole lot of time and pain. I’m deeply thankful for that.” 

Creating spaces where families feel comfortable, supported, and at home is a community effort. On March 14, Hands On Greater Phoenix helped bring that vision to life at Thunderbird Apartments through a day of meaningful service.

Hands On Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit organization that connects volunteers with real community needs, brought together a dedicated group of volunteers for a day of service that made an immediate and meaningful impact. Inside and outside the property, volunteers worked on a wide range of projects that will benefit residents every day.

Together, they assembled durable outdoor chairs and benches for shared spaces, painted a mural in the garden area, and repaired and built new garden beds for residents to grow their own plants. They also cleaned and organized three large storage areas, refreshed the community room with new paint and artwork, and updated the children’s area in the laundry room to create a more welcoming space for families.

What makes this work even more remarkable is the coordination behind it. Hands On Greater Phoenix managed every aspect of the project, from purchasing supplies to organizing volunteers and ensuring each project was completed successfully. Their ability to bring people together and execute large-scale service projects makes a lasting difference for the communities they serve.

We are incredibly grateful to Hands On Greater Phoenix and every volunteer who gave their time and energy that day. Their efforts have helped create a stronger, more welcoming environment at Thunderbird Apartments for the families who call it home.

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

General purpose cleaning supplies

Clorox/Lysol wipes

Paper towels

Mops and brooms

Bottles of water

Pots and pans

Forks

Non-Perishable Food

Twin, Full, Queen sheet sets

Laundry Detergent

XL/2XL Women’s and Men’s Shirts, Pants, and Sweatshirts

Curly Hair Products

Thank you to all the guests at our Camaraderie Gala who helped us honor the legacy of our CEO, Michael Hughes, as he prepares to retire after 50 years of service to the community. While celebrating Michael’s legacy, we are reminded of the amazing donors who have created their own legacy by leaving a gift in their will or estate plan to A New Leaf. These donors are making a life-changing investment to support individuals and families on their journeys to overcome homelessness, domestic violence, and other crises.  

Not only are they making an impact at A New Leaf, they are also making plans to support their futures and their families. Having a will or estate plan in place is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones when the unexpected happens. That’s why we partnered with FreeWill, an estate planning tool that helps you create a will online.  

FreeWill’s self-help solutions for common estate planning needs help you create a legal will completely free of charge, and make it easy to create other important estate planning documents so you are prepared for your future. FreeWill can also be paired with an attorney for more complex needs. If you choose to create a legacy with A New Leaf, you can easily add the necessary language in your will to memorialize your gift intentions.  

For questions about leaving a gift in your will or estate, contact Suzanne Percy, Senior Charitable Giving Advisor, at spercy@turnanewleaf.org.  

Something big is happening, and it’s worth celebrating! A new chapter begins as the property long known as Homeward Bound in Phoenix is officially renamed Thunderbird Apartments, a name that honors both its legacy and the partners helping shape its future.

For many years, the campus has provided safety for families facing homelessness and instability and served as a place to rebuild and move forward. Since joining A New Leaf in 2024, it has become part of a broader vision where everyone has access to the support needed to stay housed and thrive.

That vision is more important than ever, as rising costs and evictions and limited affordable housing stock create more barriers to stability for working families. Thunderbird Apartments is part of the solution, offering affordable rental homes with utilities included and onsite supportive services to help families thrive.

This progress would not be possible without the support of dedicated community partners. The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, Del E. Webb Foundation, State Farm Insurance, and the Metro Phoenix Affordable Housing Collaborative Fund have played a critical role in moving this project forward. Thunderbirds Charities also holds a special place in this story. Their Life Members helped establish this community and continue to invest in the services that make it so impactful today. The name Thunderbird Apartments honors that lasting commitment.

Because of this collective support, families will have the opportunity to reset, rebuild, and move toward a more secure future. This is what community impact looks like and it’s just the beginning!

For more information about partnering with A New Leaf, please contact Paula Kipp, Senior Grants Manager, at pkipp@turnanewleaf.org.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Camaraderie Gala! With nearly 600 guests in attendance and more than $1 million raised, it was an incredible evening made possible by a community that continues to show up in meaningful ways for families and individuals working to rebuild their lives.

This year’s 37th Annual Gala, A Night in New York City, brought the energy and elegance of Broadway to the evening, with memorable entertainment, meaningful connections, and inspiring stories of impact. Guests gathered alongside business leaders, philanthropists, and community partners, all united by a common purpose: creating stability and opportunity for neighbors facing homelessness and crisis.

The evening also offered a special opportunity to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf, as he prepares to retire after 50 years of dedicated service. His leadership has shaped the organization and expanded its impact across the Valley, helping thousands of individuals and families find safety, stability, and a path forward.

Most importantly, the night was a reflection of what this community makes possible. Every conversation, every donation, and every show of support helps open doors for those who need it most. Because of you, A New Leaf can continue this work and look ahead with confidence, building on a strong foundation while preparing for what comes next.

We can’t wait to see you at the 2027 Camaraderie Gala! In the meantime, stay tuned for more exciting upcoming events!