August 2025 Newsletter

Micah was a new mother and was in the process of turning her life around when a crisis struck. She had just achieved a year of sobriety, a huge milestone in her life, and was living full-time in a sober living home. But when the home suddenly closed, she and her son were left with nowhere to go. 

“I was horrified as a mother. I mean I thought I had done everything right and was living in a safe environment where I could focus on my son and my sobriety. Then I come home one day and the doors just shut, no notice or anything? I just had no idea what I was going to do.”

On her own to find a new home, Micah was terrified. She had some savings, but not enough to get an apartment yet. She had just finished paying her medical bills from having her son and was barely making ends meet already. She decided she needed somewhere temporary and booked the cheapest motel she could find in the area. 

“I could barely afford it, and the motel wasn’t in a good area. Definitely not a place I would want to bring my baby, but I didn’t have a choice. I knew my money was going to run out fast in a hotel and I needed somewhere to go to get back on my feet.” 

Desperately calling around for help, Micah was finally connected with A New Leaf. Her son Cyrus was only a few weeks old, so Micah was placed on a top priority list for a family shelter unit. Within a few hours, Micah was able to move into her own private, apartment style unit with A New Leaf. 

“It was such a huge relief to have a safe place for my son. And the staff have just been amazing, they really wrapped around us and gave us all the support we needed. I was able to get childcare for my son, and now I got a job at a call center. It’s not the best job in the world, but it’s what I need to do right now to save for an apartment, so I’m doing it.” 

With two months left during her stay at the shelter, Micah is entirely focused on her future and what she wants for her son. She is planning with her case worker on how to find better work, where she can find affordable housing when she exits, and more. After so much uncertainty, she just wants a brighter future for her family more than anything else.

“Terrible things happen sometimes, but when someone reaches out and gives you a chance, you need to make the most of it. So Cyrus and I are making the most of this. And I have to say, A New Leaf really did give us a chance to start over. It’s given me hope that I can build a strong and stable home for my son so that this never happens again.”

At Homeward Bound, every act of kindness brings our families one step closer to stability and hope. This month, we are thrilled to highlight two incredible partners who went above and beyond to make our affordable housing community feel even more like home.

John Moore & Associates sponsored two of our units, contributing not only their valuable time but also a generous $600 donation. Their dedication is helping ensure that families and individuals have safe, welcoming spaces to rebuild their lives. We are so grateful for their compassion and commitment to giving back!

We also had the joy of welcoming First Key Homes back for a second round of painting! With plenty of smiles and laughter, their team rolled up their sleeves to paint cabinets, shelves, and drawers in six of our units. Their hard work and positive energy made the day feel like a celebration of community spirit.

Thanks to partners like John Moore & Associates and First Key Homes, Homeward Bound continues to grow as a warm, supportive place for families and individuals who need it most. Together, we’re building brighter futures.

Our most pressing needs right now are:

• Paper towels 
• Toilet paper 
• Cleaning supplies (Lysol spray, Clorox wipes, disinfectant, dish soap, etc.)
• Men and women’s body wash 
• Men and women’s shampoo/conditioner 
• Men and women’s deodorant 
• Men’s underwear, all sizes
• Bath towels/washcloths 
• Twin and Queen bed sheet sets
• Water bottle cases
• Instant oatmeal
• Canned fruit, chicken, and tuna
• Baby wipes/diapers, sizes 4-7

August is “Make-a-Will Month”, the perfect opportunity to reflect on your legacy and ensure your wishes are honored. While it might seem like a task for “someday,” creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your assets.

Why is having a will so important?

• Protect Your Loved Ones: A will allows you to designate guardians for your minor children, ensuring they are cared for by someone you trust.
• Control Your Assets: Without a will, the state decides how your property is distributed, which may not align with your intentions. A will gives you the power to decide who receives your assets, from cherished heirlooms to financial accounts.
• Minimize Stress and Delays: Having a clear will can significantly reduce the emotional burden and legal complexities for your family during an already difficult time. It streamlines the probate process, making it smoother and more efficient.

Support Causes You Care About: A will is also a powerful tool for philanthropy. It allows you to designate specific gifts to organizations that are meaningful to you, ensuring your values continue to make an impact long after you’re gone.

Consider leaving a legacy of hope with A New Leaf

At A New Leaf, we are deeply grateful for your continued support, which empowers us to provide vital services to individuals and families in our community. By including A New Leaf in your will, you can leave a lasting legacy of hope, helping us to continue our mission for years to come. Your planned gift, no matter the size, will make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve, offering a beacon of hope and a pathway to a brighter future.

Create your free will today with FreeWill!

We understand that creating a will can seem daunting, which is why A New Leaf has partnered with FreeWill, a trusted online platform that makes the process simple, fast, and completely free. You can create your legally valid will in as little as 20 minutes from the comfort of your own home.

Click below to get started and secure your legacy while supporting A New Leaf.

Sometimes, the first step toward healing is knowing you don’t have to leave anyone you love behind. This month we celebrate the extraordinary impact of the Domestic Violence Pet Program, which is redefining what safety and healing look like for survivors of domestic violence.

Too often, survivors fleeing abuse face a heartbreaking choice: protect themselves or stay with their beloved pets, who are also at risk. Thanks to the DV Pet Program at Autumn House no one has to choose.

All residential units are pet-friendly, and the newly developed onsite Pet Care Center offers dedicated shelter space for pets including larger dogs and multiple pets.

This life-changing addition was made possible thanks to the generous support of several compassionate community partners, including the Sunrise Foundation, Mayo Family Foundation, LB Charitable Foundation, Lanter Family Foundation, William Dean Charitable Foundation, and Greater Good Charities.

A New Leaf also recognizes long-time board member Frank Bennett, whose support helped make the project a success. Special appreciation goes to Frank’s son-in-law, Tony Perez with Ventura Home Services, who contributed valuable construction management expertise to bring the Pet Care Center to life. Finally, thank you to Mary Lou Hapner and Darlene Hagan for your generosity in supporting this endeavor. 

Together, this generous support, both philanthropic and hands-on, turned a bold vision into reality. Their investments led to the creation of a dedicated pet care center where pets have safe, comfortable shelter, along with nurturing care while their families access the critical services needed to heal and build self-sufficient futures.

To all who contributed, thank you for helping ensure that survivors no longer have to choose between safety and family. Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call 211 to be referred to an appropriate service provider.

With One Voice Breakfast – Raise Your Voice for Survivors

You’re invited to join us for the 2025 With One Voice Breakfast, a morning of hope and action dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence in our community.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and hear a powerful, inspiring message about the impact of domestic violence and how we can come together to create safety, healing, and hope. 

Event Details:
Thursday, October 23, 2025
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042

While the event is free to attend, a donation will be requested, with all proceeds directly supporting A New Leaf’s domestic violence programs, including shelters, legal advocacy, and support services for nearly 3,000 survivors each year.