November 2026 Newsletter

James Vasquez’s life has been a journey shaped by love, loss, and perseverance. Born and raised in Arizona, James spent most of his life with his mother, who was his closest companion. Their bond was strong, especially after his mother divorced her first husband and became a widow after her second husband passed away. For years, it was just the two of them, navigating life together. 

James’ mother lived a long life, but her health began to decline in recent years. She suffered from kidney issues, which led to a series of surgeries and complications, including an infection that resulted in the amputation of her leg. Despite James’ efforts to care for her and support her financially, she passed away in September 2024, leaving James heartbroken and grappling with a sudden and overwhelming financial burden. 

After his mother’s death, James could no longer afford the $1,700 monthly rent for their home. With no other options, he packed his belongings and moved from Peoria to Mesa in search of stability. This marked the first time in his life that James experienced homelessness. 

James found refuge at the East Valley Men’s Center (EVMC), a place he describes as a safe haven. Unlike other shelters that require residents to leave during the day, EVMC provides a stable and supportive environment where James can focus on rebuilding his life. He appreciates the friendly staff, the comfortable beds, and the sense of community among the residents. The center has become a place where James can rest, reflect, and plan for his future. 

Currently, James is actively searching for employment, drawing on his past experience in retail sales at stores like Dillard’s. He dreams of securing a stable job that will allow him to regain his independence. In the meantime, he spends his days applying for positions, completing chores at the shelter, and enjoying simple pleasures like watching sports—he’s a big fan of the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

When asked about his hopes for the future, James speaks with quiet determination. He wants to rebuild his life, stay in Arizona, and eventually find a place to call home again. He’s grateful for the support he’s received at EVMC, which he describes as a place that not only provides shelter but also helps individuals rebuild their self-esteem and sense of purpose. 

James has a message for anyone facing similar struggles: “This is the nicest place to come to when you’re down. They take care of you and help you start fresh. But you’ve got to help yourself too.” His story is a testament to resilience and the power of community, reminding us all that with the right support, a brighter future is always possible. 

In October, employees from Wells Fargo stepped away from their usual days in banking to spend time together giving back to their community. Across two days of service, 50 volunteers contributed 240 hours to improving A New Leaf’s Desert Leaf Apartments, which provides stable housing and supportive services for veterans and other individuals who have experienced homelessness. 

The volunteers worked together to assemble 17 patio sets, paint 19 ceramic planter pots, and prepare 48 food kits and 76 laundry hamper kits for Desert Leaf residents. With music playing and plenty of opportunities to connect outside the office, Wells Fargo employees enjoyed a rewarding experience while making a lasting difference for people in need. 

And one of the best parts? A Desert Leaf resident treated the Wells Fargo volunteers to a homemade lunch as a thank-you for their hard work! The volunteers loved the unexpected treat, making an already fun day of giving back even more memorable. 

A New Leaf is grateful to Wells Fargo and its employees for their continued commitment to community service. Their generosity is helping create a more comfortable, welcoming environment where veterans and other residents can feel at home and continue building stability in their lives. 

Do you have a group interested in volunteering? Click below! 

Volunteer with A New Leaf At Waste Management 2027!

Want to experience one of Arizona’s biggest sporting events while making a difference in your community? A New Leaf is looking for volunteers to join us at the 2027 Waste Management Phoenix Open, February 8–14, at TPC Scottsdale! 

Each year, A New Leaf receives financial support based on the number of volunteers who participate on our behalf. That means the more people who sign up, the more funds we can raise to help local families and individuals move from crisis to stability and independence!

Volunteers will work approximately eight-hour shifts assisting with food and beverage concessions, cashiering, food preparation, restocking, and more. As an added perk, volunteers receive a complimentary General Admission pass to enjoy the tournament on a day following their shift, excluding Sunday volunteers. Volunteer perks are subject to confirmation by event organizers. 

Registration is now open! Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and join A New Leaf for a fun opportunity to give back while enjoying the excitement of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. 

Important: When registering, be sure to select “A New Leaf” under the “Committee” option so your volunteer hours count toward supporting our mission of Helping Families…Changing Lives. If you need additional assistance registering, please reach out to volunteer@turnanewleaf.org

Current Donation Needs

As Thanksgiving approaches, A New Leaf’s Donation Center is collecting food boxes to help families in our programs enjoy a holiday meal. Suggested items include: 

• Stuffing 

• Gravy 

• Instant potatoes 

• Cranberry sauce 

• 2 cans of vegetables 

• Jell-O mix 

• $25 grocery store gift card to help purchase a turkey 

Complete boxes and individual items are both appreciated! Grocery store and retail gift cards are also welcome as we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These gifts help families enjoy holiday traditions and give parents the opportunity to select gifts for their children. 

Our donation center also has an ongoing need for:

• New sheets and towels of all sizes 

• Nonperishable food 

• Feminine hygiene products 

These everyday essentials help provide comfort, dignity, and care for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after a crisis.  

Donate your new, unopened items to A New Leaf’s Donation Center at 2245 W. Ella Street, Building A, Mesa, AZ 85201. We are open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Kindly call ahead to schedule your drop-off at 480-464-4648. 

Did you know your retirement savings could help change lives while offering potential tax benefits? If you’re age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to A New Leaf.

This tax-smart giving option allows you to support a cause you care about while generally excluding the gift from your taxable income. If you’re required to take annual minimum distributions from your IRA, a QCD may also count toward that requirement!

As the end of 2026 approaches, consider whether IRA giving could be part of your year-end plans. 

Questions? Contact Carissa Sundeen, Major Gifts Officer, at csundeen@turnanewleaf.org or 480-314-2884.

Please consult your financial or tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you. 

Great things happen when organizations come together with a shared commitment to making their communities stronger! This Homelessness Awareness Month, A New Leaf is proud to recognize the Maximus Foundation for its generous support of our Shelter and Housing Programs. 

The Maximus Foundation believes in the power of nonprofits that are deeply connected to their communities and dedicated to addressing the root causes of social challenges. That commitment to giving back extends to Maximus’s own employees, whose charitable contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar by the company, doubling the impact of their generosity! 

Through its generous investment in A New Leaf, the Maximus Foundation is helping individuals and families overcome homelessness and build brighter futures. Their support strengthens programs offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, Rapid Re-Housing, and attainable housing, along with essential resources that help people achieve lasting stability and independence. 

A heartfelt thank you to the Maximus Foundation for believing in the power of community-based solutions and investing in opportunities for lasting change! Your partnership is helping more individuals and families find safety, stability, and a place to call home. 

Mark your calendar for a spectacular Monte Carlo-inspired evening with A New Leaf! Join us for lively entertainment, wonderful company, and a celebration of what your generosity makes possible for our community. 

Camaraderie is more than a memorable night out. Your support helps provide safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence, a place to stay for families experiencing homelessness, and the support people need to move from crisis toward stability. Together, we can help our neighbors build brighter futures. 

Saturday, February 27, 2027
Arizona Biltmore • Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom
2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016 

Registration opens in January. Mark your calendar—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Interested in sponsoring this special evening? Contact Kristan Drewes at kdrewes@turnanewleaf.org or (480) 254-6525 to explore opportunities for you or your company.