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Young Jace holds on to his dad’s hand like a bolt; his curious eyes sweep the sidewalk, and he carefully watches the other children playing next to the building. He has a hard time making friends, says his dad, Jim, and though he is sharp as a whip, he shies away from people he doesn’t know.

One of A New Leaf’s most beloved supporters, Thunderbirds Charities, is well respected for its dedication to Valley nonprofits. But did you know that The Thunderbirds are also responsible for one of golf’s most prestigious events, the Waste Management Phoenix Open?

A New Leaf received a large donation of bottled water this summer to benefit individuals and families staying at A New Leaf’s shelters and affordable housing units from Western Refining. With 1,000 cases of water, A New Leaf will be able to help homeless individuals outside in the heat with life-saving water, and provide water to residents of our shelters.

“He planted a tree and watched the community grow.”

Those were the words of a parent, whose son recently completed his Eagle Scout project planting trees at A New Leaf’s shelter.

A New Leaf is receiving a record number of back to school items this year to benefit 150 children staying at A New Leaf’s shelters and affordable housing units – all because of a generous donation from International Cruise & Excursions (ICE), Inc.

Chris Miner is an optimist – and his positive outlook is changing lives at A New Leaf.

As a newly elected Board member and donor, Chris is bringing a compassionate “can-do” energy to the organization.

“Sometimes we demonize people in a bad situation,” says Chris. “In reality, most of us are two paychecks away from crisis. You don’t plan to be homeless or hungry; it happens, and you have to rely on the generosity of others. But with hard work, you can always find a way to succeed.”

A New Leaf has received a reservation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Arizona Department of Housing connected to development of additional housing on the La Mesita Campus in Mesa.

This means that Phase 3 of the campus will move forward, a $7.5 million project with 30 units of permanent housing for those transitioning from homelessness.

Twenty people in one house. Erica Martinez, mother of three young children, ages 2 to 7, was living with her mother, sibilings, and cousins in a very small home in Phoenix. The family was squeezed into tiny rooms, sleeping on the floor.

“It was very difficult,” says Erica. “With that many people in the house, there was no room to do anything. We would eat on the floor, taking turns sitting outside when it got too crowded. Ultimately, there was just no room for my family.”