A New Leaf

The Assets To Opportunity (ATO) program was recently showcased at Mesa Community College. This presentation covered not only the ATO program but also the topic of Financial Literacy. The event was part of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s STEAM Scholars Project Family Night. At this event, 17 families had the opportunity to learn more about the ATO program while learning about the four pillars of financial literacy. STEAM students and their parents were given valuable lessons on the importance of saving, budgeting, investing and debt management. This presentation is part of our ongoing commitment to empower students and families with essential financial knowledge. A New leaf; Assets to Opportunity (ATO) program, is to empower individuals with low to moderate incomes through matched savings. The program primarily aims to promote asset building in two crucial areas: post-secondary education and small business development. For more information about the education match savings component of the program, please refer to the provided link. https://ow.ly/QLoK50SFslU

On Nelson Mandela Day, we pay tribute to the enduring legacy of a remarkable leader, a symbol of resilience, and a champion of social justice. Mandela once said, "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." These words remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of making a positive impact in our communities. At A New Leaf, we are committed to fostering unity and social change right here in our local community. We recognize that the work of building a more equitable society is ongoing. It involves addressing disparities, uplifting marginalized voices, and supporting our neighbors in need. As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, let us remember that each one of us has the ability to create change, no matter how big or small. Together, we can continue Mandela's journey toward a world where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Join us in honoring Nelson Mandela's spirit of resilience and compassion. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

We applaud Tucson for taking swift action to provide emergency relief for public housing residents amid record-breaking heat. The new program aims to subsidize utility bills, making it easier for residents to afford air conditioning during these extreme temperatures. With highs topping 110 degrees, this initiative is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Many residents in public housing have pre-existing conditions and disabilities that make them vulnerable to heat. A New Leaf is committed to supporting efforts like these to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every resident has access to a safe and comfortable home environment, especially during the scorching summer months. https://lnkd.in/guEazPrJ

I was a mother with one child and another on the way, having walked away from an abusive relationship and I was scared. I felt so alone, at least until I found A New Leaf’s Autumn House. The staff there welcomed me with open arms and smiles of encouragement. The first night I got there, I could not believe this was how my life was turning out. All I kept thinking is: "there is no way I can stay here. I would rather go back and live with my husband." When the night staff person came to do a night check, she saw me crying and asked if I was okay. I explained how I felt so low as a mother, and embarrassed that I was there. She sat me down and explained to me that this was to help me become a better mother for my kids and to keep them away from violence. I shouldn't be embarrassed to be here. I should be proud of myself for taking the first step to helping my family. I realized she was right. I didn’t want my children to grow up thinking it's okay for anyone to hit them or speak down to them. I held my head up, thanked the staff member for helping me, and promised myself to make the best of this situation. The next morning, I spoke with my counselor. We worked on three main goals for me, to get a job, find housing, and to get counseling to address my trauma. She was very understanding and helped me connect with many resources that I never knew existed. She also explained to me that this is not permanent, that I can get through this, and they are there to help me. And they did, every time I walked into the office, the staff had smiles on their faces and did their best to help me. I started to realize that this is how life should be: happy, positive, and bright. Every two weeks I had a meeting with my counselor and they helped me stay on track. Because of Autumn House, I am now living in an apartment with my two children. I owe a lot to Autumn House for helping me get back on my feet. They helped me build myself back up and I am so much better now.

A New Leaf wants to say thank you to Rack Law Group, PLLC for treating the children at La Mesita's After School Program to an exhilarating morning at Elevate Trampoline Park! This fun-filled outing a blast, and a wonderful way for the kids to escape the summer heat and enjoy some energetic indoor play. The children were treated to a delightful pizza party and cool, refreshing slushies! Activities like these provide our kids with cherished memories and the chance to just be kids—laughing, playing, and enjoying carefree moments. It is important for children of all backgrounds to have stress free playtime. It is critical for social and emotional growth, and we are so grateful that Rack Law Group was able to provide these young children with this amazing experience. Thank you so much for your consistent generosity. Rack Law consistently helps all of the children at La Mesita, and thousands of others across the Valley with their kindness. Your support brought smiles to many faces and offered a much-needed break from school activities.

As the Valley endures more triple-digit temperatures, mobile medical care units are crucial in providing relief to those experiencing homelessness. A New Leaf lauds Circle the City for their work to ensure our most in-need neighbors receive the care and relief they need. We partner with Circle the City at several shelter locations across the Valley. Circle the City’s five mobile medical units rotate through locations in Phoenix and Glendale, treating general, urgent, and behavioral healthcare needs. With resources like antibiotics, topical treatments, and even the ability to perform small procedures, these units are lifesavers in this extreme heat. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat strokes and exhaustion, are common during this time. The mobile units, equipped to provide necessary treatments, are on the front lines, aggressively treating burns and wounds to prevent infections and more serious complications. At A New Leaf, we are committed to breaking down barriers to medical care for the homeless. Through our collaboration with Circle the City, and their many other partners, we strive to bring essential healthcare services directly to those who need them most, ensuring no one is left without the care they deserve. https://lnkd.in/eedGjkTt

We are immensely grateful to Camden Property Trust for their generous donation of school supplies to the children in A New Leaf’s shelter programs. Your commitment to supporting education is making a real difference in the lives of children facing homelessness. Thanks to Camden Cares, many children will now have the essential tools they need to succeed academically. Whether it's notebooks, pencils, or other educational materials, these supplies remove barriers to learning, ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive in school, regardless of their living situation. The team from Camden Cares also had the opportunity to tour our La Mesita Family Shelter. This visit allowed them to see firsthand the community and the lives they are positively impacting with their support. Thank you, for your dedication to furthering children's education, and for your proactive approach to see the direct impact of your contributions. Your support not only enhances educational opportunities but also brings hope and encouragement to families striving for a better future.

A New Leaf is profoundly grateful to Central Christian Church of Arizona for their incredible generosity and support towards the men at East Valley Men's Center (EVMC). This wonderful group has committed to prepping a week's worth of meals every month, including dishes like chicken, meatloaf, and pasta, bringing much-needed comfort and stability to the lives of many. For the men at EVMC, these meals eliminate the daily stress of securing food, allowing them to focus on other parts of their life. It is common for those experiencing homelessness to have to choose between eating, and paying for a place to stay. Central Christian Church’s efforts ensure that every evening, these men don't have to stress about their next meal. These meals are a reminder to those we serve that they are not alone, that their community cares and supports them through their challenges. Thank you, Central Christian Church, for your dedication to serving and uplifting others. Your compassion and commitment are truly making a difference at the East Valley Men's Center, providing both sustenance and encouragement to those working towards a brighter future.

Carlos is over 60 years old, and he’s spent a lifetime doing hard work in construction and landscaping for very little money. Now he’s facing serious health challenges that have drained what savings he had, and left him without a home. “I’ve had five serious surgeries in the past year. It’s a miracle I’m alive to be honest. I can easily pass out if it gets too hot or I get overwhelmed. It’s definitely made life hard for me, and I can’t work like I used to.” Carlos has had operations on his heart, his liver, and his gall bladder that have left him disabled. Unable to afford his medical care or work a job due to his condition, Carlos found himself homeless through no fault of his own. He would often go from the hospital to the streets, with little time to recover. One day Carlos passed out at a bus stop. It was the middle of the summer in full heat, he hadn’t eaten for days, and hadn't been able to pay for the medication he needed. If Carlos had been left on the streets for much longer he may not have survived. “Before I got here, I didn't know what my future held. I honestly didn't think I had a future, everyone seemed fine with me just fading away. But here I’ve found a family, I found a home, and now I have a future that I look forward to.” When Carlos first arrived at A New Leaf’s men’s homeless shelter, he had been released from medical care and needed consistent rest. His caseworker helped him get on a schedule, take his medications regularly, and apply for disability. “I felt like someone cared about me for the first time in a long time. Thanks to my caseworker, I was able to get on disability and find an affordable apartment. That was life changing, I finally have an income to support myself. To know that I’ll never be homeless again, that’s just… life-changing. I am so thankful and plan to pay it forward for the rest of my life.”

We are incredibly grateful to Adam Kidd of Savage Bicycles for his extraordinary efforts and generosity. Adam took on the Great American Wheel Race as a mission to give back, raising over $4,000 during his journey. Thanks to his determination and kindness, every child at A New Leaf's West Valley Housing Assistance Center is receiving a brand new bicycle! We also extend our heartfelt thanks to ABC15 Arizona for spotlighting this inspiring story. Your coverage helps highlight the positive impact of community initiatives and spreads the word about the importance of giving back. The excitement and joy that a new bicycle brings to a child cannot be overstated. These bikes offer freedom, foster independence, and encourage physical activity. Adam’s dedication throughout the grueling Great American Wheel Race exemplifies the profound effects of combining passion with purpose. Thank you, Adam, for your incredible spirit and commitment to making a difference. And thank you, ABC15, for sharing this heartwarming effort with the wider community. Together, we are helping to brighten the lives of children across the Valley, showing them the power of giving and the strength of our community.