December 2024 Newsletter

Kristin was incarcerated for three years and her wife Megan for seven—each emerged from incarceration with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Upon their release, they realized getting their lives back on track would be a more difficult challenge than they ever expected. 

“When I got out of prison, I was lost. I didn’t know who I was or what I was going to do,” – Kristin

After her release, all Kristin wanted was to be with her children and start to rekindle their relationship. She moved in with her parents, who were also caring for her children at the time. The living situation soon proved untenable, pushing Kristin back to sleeping on couches away from her children. This created even more roadblocks for Kristin both mentally, and physically.

“That was very difficult at that time because I really wanted to be with my children. I needed us to all be together.”

With Kristin being away from her children, and Megan still incarcerated, Kristin knew she had to create a stable place for her family so they wouldn’t have to worry about ever being split apart again. That’s when Kristin found A New Leaf, and quickly applied for the Second Chance Program.

The program provided Kristin and her family with safe shelter, meals, and an opportunity to get back on the path towards stability. Megan was released from prison, and was able to finally join her family in a stable living environment. Together, they viewed their acceptance into the program as a pivotal moment to turn their lives around. 

“Receiving this voucher was like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we couldn’t waste it,” – Megan

Motivated by this chance at a new beginning, Kirstin and Megan were able to gain employment, save money, and eventually become fully independent, buying their first car and finally purchasing their very own home. Both Kirstin and Megan are now enrolled at Glendale Community College (GCC), where Kristin pursued degrees in Business and Exercise Science while Megan focused on Business.

Beyond personal and financial independence, Kristin and Megan felt compelled to give back to communities similar to those they left behind. They started a nonprofit aimed at supporting incarcerated women, combining their resources and experiences to offer hope and practical assistance.

“We created a program that we run at the prison, trying to change mindsets and provide the kind of support we found crucial in our own journeys,” – Megan

“We want our programs to be part of the release process for prisoners. What we’ve developed not only set me on the right path but proved successful for Megan as well—twice proven means we have something valuable to offer,” – Kristin

We deeply appreciate the tremendous impact our interns have on thousands of families and individuals across the Valley. Each semester, we are fortunate to work with a diverse group of talented students pursuing degrees in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Industrial Engineering, Software Engineering, Family and Human Services, and Marketing.

This holiday season, you have the opportunity to make a real difference for families in crisis. Help us brighten the season by donating essential items for kids, teens, and adults. Every gift you give will help families facing tough times feel the joy of the holidays. 

We are inviting you to help by giving back to your community in need. Here is an idea for some gifts you can give to your neighbors this holiday season. 

For Kids: Toys like cars, action figures, stuffed animals, learning kits, puzzles, sports equipment, and pajamas.

For Teens: Wallets, cologne sets, makeup kits, journals, skateboards, books, and gift cards.

For Adults: Sheets, pillows, pots and pans, silverware, bath towels, and cleaning supplies.

Please ensure your donations are delivered by December 13th to our drop-off donation center located at 2245 W. Ella Street, Building A, Mesa, AZ 85201. Our hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. To facilitate a smooth drop-off, kindly call ahead to schedule your delivery at 480-464-4648.

You can help those experiencing homelessness this year. Our donation center is still looking for: 

As you make your plans for year-end gifts, you may want to make note of these dates to ensure that your gift will qualify for a federal tax deduction in 2024:

Checks sent by U.S. mail must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, December 31. Checks sent via other carriers must be received at our administrative office by noon on Tuesday, December 31st, and the shipping documentation must also be dated on or before Tuesday, December 31st.

Credit card gifts online must be made on or before Tuesday, December 31. Be sure to keep the emailed gift receipt showing the date and time of the gift.

Gifts of appreciated securities should be transferred by Friday, December 20 so the shares will be received by Monday, December 30. Please notify us of the number and type of shares when your brokerage transfers the shares. That will enable us to link the shares back to you and provide a timely and accurate gift acknowledgment for tax purposes.

This year, A New Leaf has had the privilege of partnering with 90 corporations, foundations, and community organizations, receiving grants and contributions totaling nearly $4,000,000. These partnerships have been instrumental in providing comprehensive support and services to thousands of individuals and families across the Valley.

Our partners have contributed in diverse areas, reflecting a broad commitment to addressing urgent community needs:

• $2,125,000 was directed towards emergency homeless shelter and housing support services, providing safety and stability to those facing homelessness.

• $810,000 supported our domestic and sexual violence services, offering refuge and recovery for survivors.

• $330,000 helped bolster our general operations and capacity building, ensuring our ability to respond effectively to community needs.

• $275,000 funded financial empowerment services, helping individuals and families build and maintain economic stability.

• $255,000 enhanced our early childhood education programs, laying a foundation for lifelong learning and success.

• $170,000 supported the diverse services offered at Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), including access to basic needs and resources.

Our partners don’t just give monetary donations, they also provide invaluable in-kind donations, volunteer support, leadership on boards and committees, community engagement opportunities, and other essential organizational and program assistance.

A New Leaf wants to extend a heartfelt thanks to each of our community funding partners for making 2024 a year of hope and positive change. Your continued support not only impacts lives and creates a better future for your neighbors in need.

For more information about partnering with A New Leaf, please contact Laura Bode, Vice President of Philanthropy, at lbode@turnanewleaf.org.

Mark your calendars, dress in your jazz-inspired best, and prepare to be a part of a spectacular night of fun, that also gives critical resources thousands of families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

A New Leaf is excited to unveil the official date for A New Leaf’s 2025 Camaraderie Gala: “The Jazz Lounge.” Taking place on March 8, 2025, at the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this gala promises to be a night full of fun, entertainment, and meaningful giving. This enchanting evening will transport you to a premier jazz setting, complete with live jazz musicians and a decor that echoes the timeless elegance of the Jazz Age. 

Stay tuned for more details, including how to secure your tickets and information about sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun!