September 2026 Newsletter

Nicholas had been searching for a better job for years, and even enrolled in a 9-month training program to become a caregiver for patients living with memory-care needs like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Even working full time, he fell behind on rent and struggled to get back on top of things. After a few months of playing catch up on his bills, he was threatened with eviction. 

“You feel kind of embarrassed and guilty because no one wants to be behind on their responsibilities. Definitely not me, that’s just not how I was raised. But sometimes it’s just outside of your control, and that’s what happened to me.” 

Even after Nicholas finished his training and was working full-time as a caregiver, he was somehow facing the prospect of eviction and homelessness. He had worked so hard to find a more stable career, and yet it had somehow cost him his stability. 

“It’s a hamster wheel sometimes man. It makes you feel like no one cares, and that you’ll never get ahead. But I chose to keep my head up and see what I could do to fix things, which meant asking for help. Not something I usually do.”  

That’s when Nicholas started looking for resources. He quickly found A New Leaf’s eviction prevention program, and after qualifying for the program he was able to secure assistance to get current on his rent again. This help was an enormous relief for Nicholas, and it actually made him feel good about his situation.

“There wasn’t a shred of guilt sent my way, everyone was just so respectful and understanding. Coming here, I felt like I could breathe. I can get my rent paid and start to save up some money for a rainy day. I felt good about myself for the first time in a while.”  

After getting some stability back, Nicholas sees how close he came to a crisis. Things could have really gone badly without the assistance he found at A New Leaf. It’s given him hope that more people reach out for help before the worst happens. And he hopes that assistance is available for others in the future.  

“To me, it really opened my eyes. These programs are so important. If I didn’t get the help I would have been evicted, homeless, and working to dig myself out of that hole for years maybe. Getting a little bit of help, saved a whole lot of time and pain. I’m deeply thankful for that.” 

There was plenty of food, laughter, and even a little singing at A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center recently, thanks to an incredible group of volunteers from TJX and Marshalls. 

Each year, this dedicated team returns to the East Valley Men’s Center to make the day a little brighter for the men staying there. This year, volunteers purchased, prepared, and served lunch, spending time talking, joking, and connecting with residents throughout the meal. 

What makes their visit so special is that it goes far beyond serving food. The volunteers genuinely enjoy getting to know the men at the shelter, and they regularly share how meaningful this day of service is to them. In return, their warmth, humor, and kindness create a meal that nourishes much more than the belly — it nourishes the soul.

We are incredibly grateful for partners like TJX and Marshalls who continue showing up year after year — not simply with resources, but with their time, energy, and genuine care for the people A New Leaf serves. 

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved? We currently have several immediate volunteer needs, including donation center assistants, meal sponsors and servers, and more! Click the button below to sign up to volunteer today!

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to get involved? A New Leaf is seeking volunteers for our Trunk or Treat event on October 29! Help create a festive Halloween celebration for families at Thunderbird Apartments by decorating your vehicle and handing out candy, snacks, or small prizes to children attending the event. 

We’re expecting at least 150 children, so come ready with plenty of treats — and feel free to dress up in a fun, family-friendly costume to make the evening even more memorable! 

Ready to sign up? Contact Marie Sanyang at msanyang@turnanewleaf.org to get involved.

Current Donation Needs 

A New Leaf’s Donation Center is currently in need of twin-size sheets and bedding, bath towels, and tampons to help provide comfort, dignity, and essential care for individuals and families rebuilding their lives. 

With Halloween just around the corner, we are also collecting Halloween candy, goodie bags, and children’s costumes in a variety of sizes. These donations help families in A New Leaf’s programs enjoy the fun and traditions of the season while navigating difficult circumstances. 

A New Leaf’s Women’s Giving Circle just wrapped up its first year, and the collective impact was incredible! In just one year, this Circle of philanthropic women raised almost $25,000 to support A New Leaf’s mission of Helping Families, Changing Lives. And they didn’t stop at raising money. They also: 

• Volunteered at the annual “Boo Bash” Halloween celebration at our La Mesita affordable housing campus 
• Decorated journals and made Valentine’s Day goodie bags for A New Leaf’s domestic violence shelters
• Learned about A New Leaf’s housing and shelter programs, and our Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
• And made countless memories, connections, and friendships  

The Women’s Giving Circle is a growing community of women who are passionate about helping families experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and other life–changing crises. At our quarterly meetings, you will find opportunities to learn about A New Leaf’s work, build meaningful relationships, and inspire the next generation of philanthropists.  

Interested in learning more? Join us for the Women’s Giving Circle’s first Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 20th from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. at The Narwhal Taproom and Bottleshop in Gilbert. Please RSVP here or contact Carissa Sundeen at csundeen@turnanewleaf.org for more information.  

This month, A New Leaf is proud to recognize Capital One for its longstanding partnership and commitment to expanding economic opportunity across Maricopa County. 

Since 2018, Capital One has supported A New Leaf programs that help individuals and families strengthen financial knowledge, pursue education, build savings, and create greater stability for themselves and their families. 

This year, Capital One is investing in economic empowerment services at MesaCAN, including the Assets to Opportunity matched savings program and GED assistance. Through Assets to Opportunity, participants can receive an 8:1 match toward eligible post-secondary education expenses, while GED support helps cover testing fees and preparation materials that can otherwise create barriers to completion. 

Together, these programs help community members continue their education, increase earning potential, and pursue stronger career pathways. During the coming year, MesaCAN expects to support 54 participants pursuing post-secondary education through Assets to Opportunity and 50 adults working toward their GED. Capital One’s continued investment helps make these opportunities more accessible to individuals working toward greater financial independence. 

A New Leaf is deeply grateful for Capital One’s longstanding support and commitment to economic empowerment. Thank you, Capital One, for helping individuals and families across our community build stronger, more stable futures! 

In August, Merrill employees came together at Main Event in Gilbert for an afternoon of food, games, entertainment, and team-building while making a difference for families and individuals in our community. 

The Merrill Annual Picnic is a private employee event that has become a meaningful tradition, giving Merrill employees an opportunity to connect with one another while supporting A New Leaf. Through this annual gathering, Merrill demonstrates how a company can turn time spent together into an opportunity to give back. 

Funds raised through the picnic help A New Leaf provide shelter, safety, and critical support to individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other life challenges throughout the Valley. 

Your company, organization, or group can make a difference, too. 

Third-party events are a great way to bring people together around a cause you care about while raising awareness and funds to support A New Leaf. Whether it’s a company picnic, restaurant fundraiser, community gathering, sporting event, or another creative idea, your event can help change lives. 

Interested in hosting your own event to benefit A New Leaf? Visit turnanewleaf.org/events/third-party-events to learn more and get started.  

Together, we can turn connection into action and help create a stronger, safer community for everyone.   

Register for With One Voice!

Registration is open for the 2026 With One Voice Breakfast! Join A New Leaf for a meaningful morning dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence find safety, stability, and hope. 

Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 7:30–9:00 AM 

The Farm at South Mountain 

6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85042 

Hear powerful stories of survival, learn how A New Leaf supports nearly 3,000 survivors each year, and discover how you can help ensure families have access to safe shelter, legal advocacy, emergency services, and ongoing support. 

Registration is free, with guests invited to make a donation during the event. 

Register today: https://turnanewleaf.org/events/fundraising/withonevoicebreakfast/ 

Questions? Contact kdrewes@turnanewleaf.org or (480) 254-6525.