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A Nightmare Move to New City
The panoramic view creeping through the windows of the massive Greyhound, coupled with the excitement of a new construction job awaiting him in Colorado, kept Tom and his wife Marissa on the edge of their seat. The steady roar of the bus’s engine was just enough to lull their three-year old son, Lucas to sleep for much of the 22 hour trip.
CEO Blog: Six Myths of Homelessness Debunked
By Michael T. Hughes, Chief Executive Officer
Have you heard that homeless people come to Phoenix because of the warm weather? Or that the homeless choose to be homeless?
Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit Doubles
Governor Ducey recently signed legislation that doubles the Tax Credit for Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (formerly “Working Poor Tax Credit).
Bashas’ Campaign Kicks Off
A New Leaf and Bashas’ Family of Stores are partnering to provide shelter and support for victims of domestic violence and homelessness through an in-store fundraising campaign at Bashas’ Family of Stores locations statewide during the month of May (Food City and Bashas’ Supermarkets).
CEO Blog: Five Essential Factors that Motivate a Volunteer
By Michael T. Hughes, Chief Executive Officer
Volunteering can be a big task. Or small. It can be making root beer floats for your church potluck. Or teaching a youth group how to shoot hoops. It can be an apprenticeship for a large company. And it can even be leading an online campaign for your favorite charity.
A New Leaf’s Donor and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Celebrates 45 Years
Donors and volunteers across the Valley gathered at the East Valley Institute of Technology to celebrate A New Leaf’s 45-year anniversary.
Enjoying a delicious lunch and an inspiring program, attendees were treated to videos of long-term supporters telling their personal stories about the organization’s 45 year history.
CEO Blog: Elevating the Safety Net of Foster Care
By Michael T. Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of A New Leaf
The recent news that Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed HB2442 – “Jacob’s Law” – was met with great enthusiasm among foster families across the state. The new legislation will ensure easier, better access to behavioral health care for Arizona foster kids and families.
KTAR’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes at Camaraderie Gala
Popular radio hosts Pamela Hughes and Bruce St. James from KTAR News 92.3 FM Radio will host this year’s Camaraderie Gala on March 12. The pair will bring their high energy, on-air chemistry and love for causes to this year’s signature fundraiser for A New Leaf.
CEO Blog: Investing in the Valley’s Financial Future
By Michael T. Hughes, CEO
More than half of Americans say they would flunk a finance quiz regarding basic savings and economic concepts, according to the Motley Fool.
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!
A New Leaf Merges with Phoenix Day
A New Leaf is acquiring Phoenix Day in a merger to expand the school’s century-old legacy of protecting and caring for Arizona children.
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.
Marie’s Story – Escaping Domestic Violence and Finding Hope
“Where is it! Where is the gun Marie! You better give it to me, or you’ll regret this! You can’t leave me, you can’t leave us! You won’t!”
Marie was silently huddled with Lea, her four-year-old child, tucked inside the back corner of her daughter’s closet. She struggled to keep the stifling air of the small room from making Lea cough, for fear of sparking the attention of her boyfriend. Eventually the yelling died down. Her boyfriend, Mike, had fallen into a drunken slumber at last, after hours of terror and abuse. Marie calmly put Lea to bed and rolled Mike’s wheelchair to the bedroom, lifting him into bed for the night.