September 2024 Newsletter

“I got out of prison a few months ago, and I knew I wanted to change my life. I’d overcome a crystal meth addiction and I just couldn’t live the way I was anymore. I had to make some big changes, so I joined a program that A New Leaf offered to people being released.  That changed everything for me.”

“A New Leaf would help me pay for my halfway house for up to three months while I got myself together. It would give me some support, which I really needed. I was starting over completely, and I don’t have any family here to help me. That was step one.”

“Second, I knew that finding a job after I got out would make or break me. When you can’t provide for yourself or afford a roof over your head, you start making bad decisions. So I got a job at a local addiction treatment center and worked as many shifts as I could. If I wanted to stay involved in A New Leaf’s program, I had to work.”

“The last big obstacle people don’t think about is a car. You want a job? You better have a car. You want a car? You better have a job. So most of the time, people like me end up without a job and without a car. Again, that can lead people to make poor choices.”

“A New Leaf changed the game by guaranteeing transportation if I found a job. They help me book rideshares that take me to and from work, until I can save up for a car. I cannot tell you what a huge difference it makes knowing that I’ll be able to get to work every day on time.”

“Even if you manage to find a job, you’re still an ex-convict. If you show up late a few times because you had to take three buses to get there, you’re gonna get fired. Any little misstep and my whole life could collapse on itself, you know.” 

“Everything is so fragile when you first leave prison, so it’s important to remove all of those small barriers that can prevent your success. If I can just focus on working every day, staying sober, and staying out of trouble, then I will be successful. Thankfully, I’ve been able to do that and it’s changed my life.”

A New Leaf is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to fill a variety of roles spanning across multiple locations in the Valley. We are looking for amazing community members like you who are committed to making a difference in the lives of thousands of families each year. By joining our volunteer team, you can contribute to the vital services that provide help and hope to those in need.

A New Leaf is immensely grateful to Dr. Kevin Ross from The Power Company and Dr. Kevin LeBlanc from Rooted Chiropractic for their incredible generosity and commitment to helping their community. Their recent delivery of essential items to our donation center, including towels, pots and pans, diapers, and food, has made a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.

Dr. Ross has been a steadfast supporter of the community through his “Christmas in July” initiative, which has been brightening the lives of A New Leaf’s shelter residents for nearly 25 years. His dedication to including new doctors like Dr. LeBlanc in this effort exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion that drives positive change.

These essential supplies are crucial for the families and individuals in our shelter programs, providing the necessities of daily living, and a sense of stability and care. Thank you so much for all that you do for your community in need.

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

Did you know that August was Make-A-Will Month? I wanted to share the importance of creating a will and planning your estate, and wanted to remind you of the significant impact you can make on your community.

A behind-the-scenes tour will give you a glimpse into the efforts and resources that are necessary to support those on their journey to a permanent home. Don’t miss out on this experience that promises to be as educational as it is heartwarming.

• Security by ensuring that your financial and healthcare decisions are written and clearly communicated to the people you love.

 

• Peace of mind by providing clear instructions for the people and pets you love, allowing them to be cared for well into the future.

 

• Impact through a lasting legacy gift to a cause that you believe in as a powerful way to sustain life-changing services.

A New Leaf has invested in FreeWill, a free, online platform that guides you through the process of creating a will. Over a million people have already used this resource, and you can be one of them!

I invite you to take the next step in securing your future. Consider including A New Leaf in your will to help continue our compassionate support, empowering individuals and families to move from crisis to stability. Create your will online and be part of our lasting legacy.

If you have already included a gift to A New Leaf in your legacy, please fill out this form. We would love to thank you for your generosity. 

Now that back to school season is almost over, A New Leaf wants to give a special thank you to PNC Bank and its Grow Up Great initiative that helps prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life.

The PNC Foundation offers support to nonprofit organizations with a focus on early childhood education and economic development. PNC Grow Up Great is the Foundation’s signature program that seeks to positively impact school readiness and contribute to stronger, smarter, and healthier children, families and communities.

PNC supports A New Leaf’s Phoenix Day Early Childhood Education program. Phoenix Day offers high-quality bilingual education to help kids grow up without having to worry about a lack of access to a great education. With PNC’s help, the children we serve have their unique developmental and academic needs supported, and have a stable foundation for success in school and in life.

Economic development, including housing, job training, and community services, is another focus area for the PNC Foundation. Since 2020, the PNC Foundation has provided more than $120,000 in support for Phoenix Day and A New Leaf’s economic development programming.

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

A New Leaf is excited to unveil the theme for A New Leaf’s 2025 Camaraderie Gala: “The Jazz Lounge.” 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. Scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, this gala promises to be a night full of fun, entertainment, and meaningful giving.

Immerse yourself in the sultry sounds of live jazz as you mingle with people who are passionate about making a difference in their community just like you. Every ticket purchased, every auction item bid on, and every donation made during the evening will directly go towards helping your neighbors in need.

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. 

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!