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Amanda Finds a Better Tomorrow

In November, 2015, Amanda came to A New Leaf struggling to save her home and in desperate need of a job with insurance to help care for her son’s unique needs. She was also in a toxic marriage, and the emotional and psychological trauma had already caused major damage to her self-esteem and confidence.

Meet Chef Jennifer

Chef Jennifer Johnson has been cooking as a pro for almost 23 years, but she had an unusual start in the industry.

Jennifer never intended to make cooking her career, but when her 2nd grade son wrote a loving Mother’s Day card full of all the reasons he loved her, it included a side note… he hated her cooking. The perfectionist in her decided to go to culinary school, and 23 years later, Chef Jen has never looked back.

Best Charitable Gifts to Make in 2018

With the introduction of tax reform, you may be looking at your finances and wondering how you can continue to be charitable. There are many ways you can make a difference at A New Leaf while enjoying financial benefits for yourself!

Abraham’s Story – Getting Help to Get Ahead

Abraham has always been a hard worker. In high school, he always pushed himself to add one more class, extracurricular, or club. Anything to give him an edge on his college applications. Abraham’s parents dreamed of providing him with a college education, but they knew the only way to afford it was through scholarships. So Abraham learned to excel in everything he did.

A Tax Credit Gift for the Holidays

The end of the year brings with it the holidays, gift giving, and time for renewal among Valley residents. It also is the time to consider an extra special gift of which many people may not be aware.

It’s the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, or what has been known as the Working Poor Tax Credit.

Cary’s Story – Helping Households in Need

Cary Peskin came to Phoenix in 2008, after retiring from a long career of public service in his hometown of New York City. He had worked there for many years as Associate Commissioner and Chief Information Officer of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Only a year into retirement, Cary knew that he couldn’t sit still. He wanted to do more for the community that he now called home, so he began to search for opportunities to use his skills to help people. It was then that he came upon A New Leaf’s West Valley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which provides cost-free tax preparation services to low-income households.

Recognizing National Child Safety and Protection Month

Welcome to November! Halloween is over, and November brings with it the scent of pumpkin pie, cranberries and of course, delicious turkey. But one thing you may not know about November is it is also recognized as National Child Safety and Protection Month.

Rachel’s Story

My name is Rachel and I have two daughters, Jesse, 3 years old and Megan, 4. I have had the incredibly unfortunate experience of being homeless. I have been fighting with everything I have to get myself, and my children off the streets. A New Leaf helped me win that fight.

Bashas’ Family of Stores Partners with A New Leaf

The month of May will be full of giving thanks to Bashas’ Family of Stores! Beginning May 1, Bashas’ and A New Leaf will partner to launch A New Leaf for A New Start, an in-store donation campaign designed to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence and homelessness.

Cocktails and Clothes Unites Fashion and Fundraising

An evening of delicious cocktails and fabulous festivities brought together supporters of Arizona Women’s Education & Employment (AWEE) to benefit the program’s Clothing Boutique on March 5. The event raised critical funds to support the mission of AWEE. A record donation of clothing – nearly five tons of clothing – was received by AWEE to help individuals in job interviews and finding employment.

Tax Credit Time Arrives

The end of the year brings with it the holidays and time for renewal and celebration. It also is the time for Arizonans to consider their tax liabilities as they head into the 2019 tax season.

End Childhood Homelessness with the AZ Charitable Tax Credit

       As adults, we often reminisce on our childhood and teenage years. We remember waking up at midnight to open presents on Christmas, or how we watched the same episode of a children’s cartoon over and over again. We remember family dinners shared at the dining table. It is difficult to acknowledge that terrible things can happen to people at this tender age. An age during which instability, homelessness, and more can impact so much of who you are today. Truly, there are children right now in our community that are experiencing tragedies far beyond their years.

A New Leaf Joins Forces with The New Foundation

A New Leaf is joining forces with The New Foundation, a 48-year residential treatment center located in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in the treatment of 11-17 year-old adolescents. The combination will benefit Valley residents through a widening network of supportive services for children and families, ranging from on-site therapeutic care to multiple outpatient counseling centers to diverse family stability and crisis programs. The newly formed organization goes into effect October 1, 2018. 

Charitable Tax Credit for Domestic Violence Relief

The Charitable Tax Credit is an Arizona Tax Credit that is also known as the Credit for Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (1). After choosing a charitable organization that qualified, you can donate money to them and file the amount donated under the AZDOR Form 321 (2). The state will refund your donations dollar for dollar when calculating the State Income Tax, you owe, during the next Tax Return Period. However, there is a $400 limit for singles and a $800 limit for couples to donate (3), do not lose or throw your donation receipt.

The Arizona State Charitable Tax Credit: What is it?

The Charitable Tax Credit is an Arizona Tax Credit that is also known as the Credit for Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (1). After choosing a charitable organization that qualified, such as A New Leaf, you can donate your tax credit contribution and file the amount donated under the AZDOR Form 321 (2). However, there is a $400 limit for singles and a $800 limit for couples to donate (3). The state will reimburse your donations, dollar for dollar, when you file for your state tax returns, during the next Tax Return Period. All you need is a simple donation receipt, supplied by A New Leaf.