August 2026 Newsletter

Kerlanda and Leon both know what it feels like to lose stability. Before finding sobriety, they each experienced homelessness, addiction, and long stretches of uncertainty that made it difficult to imagine a different future. 

“There were times where I was sleeping wherever I could and just trying to make it through the day,” Leon said. “When you’re in constant crisis, it feels almost impossible to escape it. Everywhere you turn, you’re surrounded by the same people, the same bad situations, and the same choices pulling you backward.” 

Eventually, both entered separate rehab programs determined to change their lives for the better. It was during recovery that they realized they wanted the same things: sobriety, stability, and a better future for their children. 

“We realized our goals were the same,” Leon said. “We wanted something better for our families.” 

As their relationship grew stronger, so did their determination to stay sober and build a stable home together. But even with that progress, finding affordable housing for their family when working minimum wage jobs felt overwhelming. That’s when they found A New Leaf and were connected to La Mesita Apartments. 

“We applied, got approved, and moved everyone in,” Kerlanda said. “It was a huge relief to have an actual home again.” 

For the first time in years, the entire family had a safe and affordable place to live together. Their four-bedroom apartment gave their children room to play, make friends, and experience the kind of consistency both parents had worked so hard to create. 

Now, both parents are working toward those goals every day. Kerlanda works as a medical assistant with HonorHealth Primary Care, while Leon works part-time at Amazon and attends school full-time studying electrical applications and HVAC.

“I never thought I’d be going back to school,” Leon said. “Or sitting here saying I’m over two years sober. And having my kids back in my life? That means everything.” 

Today, their lives look completely different than they once did. Their children are thriving, both parents are working toward long-term careers, and the family is dreaming of the day they can purchase a home with a yard. 

“It’s worth the work,” said Leon. “Sometimes you just need a real opportunity and people willing to help you move forward. Then you make the most of it.” 

Pat Chambers, affectionately known as “Mr. Pat,” has never been someone who enjoys sitting still. After nearly 20 years working for a medical imaging company, he retired expecting to enjoy a slower pace of life. Instead, he quickly realized retirement wasn’t for him. He missed having a purpose and wanted to spend his time doing something that truly mattered.

When Pat interviewed to become a volunteer, he had one simple request. He loved to drive and wanted to help however he could. A New Leaf quickly found the perfect role for him.

“I told them, ‘Whatever you need, I’ll do it. But I really like to drive. I’ll go anywhere you want, pick up anything you want. I just like to drive.'”

Today, Pat serves as one of A New Leaf’s volunteer drivers, connecting programs across the Valley by transporting donations and supplies. On any given day, he might be delivering food, clothing, bicycles, or other essential items between locations.

“I’ve just always had a special place in my heart for people in need. It could be any of us living on the streets. It could be me. It could be you.” For anyone considering volunteering, Pat doesn’t overcomplicate his advice. He believes making a difference starts with simply showing up. “Come in. Get an interview. You’ll be working with some of the nicest people you’ve ever met, and you won’t regret it.”

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!

More than 150 members of Arizona State University’s Alpha Chi Omega chapter came together at A New Leaf’s La Mesita Community Campus in Mesa for a major day of volunteer service supporting survivors of domestic violence and families across the community. They also dropped by hundreds of donations by A New Leaf’s donation center.

For more than a decade, Alpha Chi Omega has been one of A New Leaf’s most dedicated community partners, contributing well over 12,000 volunteer hours. Their commitment has also included significant financial support, with lifetime donations expected to surpass $300,000.

This annual day of service is a powerful example of what long-term community partnership can look like. Year after year, Alpha Chi Omega members continue to give their time, energy, and resources to help survivors and families move toward safety and stability.

A New Leaf is deeply grateful to the women of Alpha Chi Omega for choosing to spend their Day of Action serving our community and standing alongside survivors of domestic violence.

Current Donation Needs 

Our Donation Center is currently in need of new or gently used towels and bed sheets to help provide comfort and dignity for individuals and families rebuilding their lives. Every donation goes directly to neighbors in need and helps ensure they have the essentials to feel safe, cared for, and at home. 

A will is one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people and causes that matter most to you. It allows you to protect your loved ones, make your wishes clear, and create a lasting impact in your community.

During Make-A-Will Month, A New Leaf is partnering with FreeWill to offer a simple online tool that allows you to create or update your legal will in about 20 minutes, completely free of charge. As you make your plans, you can also consider giving back by including a future gift to A New Leaf.

A gift in your will can help ensure that generations of Valley families continue to have access to safe shelter, affordable housing, safety from domestic violence, and the support they need to build brighter futures.

Every legacy gift helps carry A New Leaf’s mission of Helping Families, Changing Lives into the future. Take this important step for the people and causes you love. Create your free will today.

Visit A New Leaf’s Free Will page today and discover how your generosity can make an even greater impact. If you have questions, please email Suzanne Percy, Senior Charitable Giving Advisor, at spercy@turnanewleaf.org. 

This month, A New Leaf celebrates Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) for its longstanding partnership and commitment to strengthening communities across Maricopa County.

VSUW has brought nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, donors, and community members together to address Maricopa County’s most pressing challenges for just over 100 years. Its current plan, Mighty Change (MC) 2026, focuses on four closely connected areas: health, housing and homelessness, education, and workforce development.

Through MC2026, VSUW is working to reduce food insecurity and homelessness, expand access to affordable healthcare, improve third-grade reading proficiency, reconnect young people with school and employment, and help more community members secure higher-paying jobs.

As one of VSUW’s key partner agencies, A New Leaf plays a direct role in bringing MC2026 to life. We advance many of these goals through shelter, housing assistance, affordable housing, food assistance, financial coaching, employment services, workforce training, and youth support. Together, our programming recognizes that stable housing, good health, education, and economic opportunity are deeply connected.

A New Leaf is grateful for Valley of the Sun United Way’s leadership and commitment to measurable community change. This partnership helps more of our neighbors access the resources and opportunities needed to build greater stability and a stronger future.

Thank you, Valley of the Sun United Way, for helping us turn shared goals into real change for the individuals and families we serve in Maricopa County!

Save the Date for A New Leaf’s 2027 Gala on Saturday, February 27, 2027!

Join us for a Monte Carlo-inspired evening filled with lively entertainment, great company, and unforgettable moments, all in support of A New Leaf’s mission to help individuals and families across our community build brighter futures.

Mark your calendar now and plan to be part of one of A New Leaf’s most special nights of the year. More details about tickets, sponsorships, and the evening’s festivities will be coming soon.

We can’t wait to see you on February 27, 2027!

If you’re interested in sponsoring the gala, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Kristan Drewes at kdrewes@turnanewleaf.org or (480) 254-6525 to get started.