January 2026 Newsletter

Clarence has spent most of his life in Arizona, but the past decade has been the toughest. “I’ve been homeless for about 10 years,” he shares. “Drugs and drinking… that’s what really got me here. I was on drugs for 10, maybe 15 years. It was a long time.”

Three years ago, Clarence made a choice that changed everything and got sober. “I was just tired of living that life,” he says. “I welcomed the change because I needed it. Getting sober was the first step, and it helped me a lot.”

When Clarence found A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center, it felt like a turning point. “My aunt told me about this place,” he says. “I called, filled out the application, and here I am. What I like is that it’s not a year-long program. I’ve got about two months left here, and then I can keep moving forward, get my own place, and keep working.”

In his first few weeks, Clarence focused on finding work. “When I first got here, I was looking for a job. Now I’ve got one,” he says proudly. He’s been hired at a new restaurant and entertainment venue. “I’ll be dishwashing for now, but hopefully doing something else later on. It feels good to know I’ve got work lined up.”

For Clarence, the shelter means more than just a safe bed. “They’ve given me time and space to think about what’s next,” he says. “And the staff here? They’re pretty nice. It’s better than any other place I’ve been.”

When asked what advice he’d give someone still on the streets, Clarence doesn’t hesitate: “Come on in. They’ll help you get to where you need to be. This is the place to come. I recommend it highly.”

Clarence is now saving money and planning for his own apartment. His journey is proof that with the right support and determination, a fresh start is always possible.

This holiday season, our community showed up in a big way, and we’re so grateful for every person and partner who helped bring comfort and joy to the individuals and families we serve.

Because of generous donors and volunteers, many of our programs received gifts, stockings, food boxes, warm meals, and other essentials that helped families, children, survivors, and individuals experiencing homelessness feel supported during a season that can be especially difficult.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the organizations and community partners who made this possible, including Sundt, KTR, Back on Track Chiropractic, Kiwanis Club, O’Tahirah Foundation, Yoga Spot, TNT Fitness, and so many others who stepped forward with giving and service. We’re also grateful to donors who contributed meaningful meals, like Women of the Moose, bringing warmth and connection to our residents during the holidays.

We also want to recognize From the Ashes We Rise for hosting a Christmas Dinner at our East Valley Men’s Center (EVMC), a meaningful evening that provided more than a meal. It created a sense of community, dignity, and belonging for the men we serve.

Special thanks to Schnepf Farm for donating 200 tickets so residents from La Mesita and our shelters could attend Christmas at the Farm at no cost. And finally, we’re so grateful for the holiday shopping experience made possible by the Arizona Diamondbacks, which helped ensure children and families had what they needed to celebrate.

To every donor, volunteer, and partner who gave your time, resources, or support this season: thank you. Your generosity made a real difference across A New Leaf, and it carries hope into the year ahead.

Our Donation Center is currently in need of the following high-priority items:

Women’s deodorant

Full size sheets

Shaving cream

Canned chicken

Snack Bags

XL, 2XL Clothing for men and women

Plastic forks

Jelly

Condiments

All cleaning supplies

Towels

Hair products for curly hair

You’re Invited: A New Leaf Virtual Town Hall — January 29, 2026

A New Leaf invites you to join a special Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, January 29, 2026. This conversation comes at an important time for our organization and the communities we serve. With an upcoming CEO transition and significant federal funding reductions impacting programs that support vulnerable families, we are committed to full transparency, open conversation, and strong partnership with our donor community.

Your voice matters, and your support is more important than ever.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time Options: 10:00 AM or 6:30 PM (Virtual Only)
Location: Online (link sent upon RSVP)

A recording will be available after the event.

What We’ll Cover:

CEO Transition
Hear from Michael T. Hughes on his upcoming retirement and his confidence in the leadership, mission, and future of A New Leaf.

Federal Funding Cuts
Learn about federal budget changes affecting essential programs, and how these reductions impact local families and individuals who rely on A New Leaf’s services.

How We’re Adapting
Our leadership team will outline the multi-pronged sustainability strategy already underway, including grant diversification, program realignment, efficiencies, innovative philanthropy, new donor engagement efforts, and long-term financial planning to protect services.

How You Can Help
A clear, honest discussion about the tangible ways donors can safeguard critical programs and ensure families continue receiving shelter, safety, and support.

We hope you’ll join us and be part of this important conversation.

A New Leaf is proud to highlight its long-standing partnership with Bank of America. Through their charitable foundation, Bank of America focuses on expanding economic mobility and strengthening local communities. Their mission aligns with A New Leaf’s work to provide safety, stability, and opportunity for families in our community.

Over more than 10 years, Bank of America has been a key supporter of A New Leaf’s Shelter and Housing Stability programs and Financial Empowerment services. The impact of this partnership can be seen in the progress families make every day. Households facing housing instability have found safe shelter, parents have gained tools to manage their finances, and individuals working toward stability have received guidance and support during difficult times.

Beyond financial contributions, Bank of America employees volunteer at events, support donation drives, and give their time to projects that directly benefit the individuals and families served by A New Leaf. Their involvement brings hands-on support that strengthens programs across the agency.

This partnership is a reminder of what can be achieved when community-minded organizations work together toward a shared goal. Thank you, Bank of America, for standing with A New Leaf and helping create a future where safety, stability, and opportunity are within reach for every family.

Save the Date: A Night in New York City — A New Leaf’s 37th Annual Camaraderie Gala

A New Leaf invites you to be part of a truly special evening celebrating the remarkable legacy of Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf, as he retires after 50 years of dedicated service to our community.

Our 37th Annual Camaraderie Gala, A Night in New York City, will be an elegant, New York–themed event featuring Broadway-style entertainment, inspiring impact stories, and an unforgettable night of connection and purpose. Guests will gather alongside business leaders, philanthropists, and community changemakers to celebrate a legacy of leadership and help shape what’s next for A New Leaf and the neighbors we serve.

Registration is officially open and seats fill quickly, so be sure to reserve yours soon. Get ready for a night on the town you’ll never forget, filled with unforgettable moments, meaningful impact, and a celebration worthy of this extraordinary milestone. We can’t wait to see you there!