A New Leaf

Wiletra found herself in an abusive home, with a cruel and alcoholic boyfriend who threatened to hurt her on a daily basis. It was a terrifying situation that she had never experienced before and she desperately wanted help. One night when things got especially violent, Wiletra fled to her sister’s apartment and called the Maricopa County Domestic Violence Hotline. “As soon as I left, he had already started to look for me. He was calling my friends and family, promising he would kill me if he found me. I just thank god that I found A New Leaf, because all the shelters I called were full and I didn't think I would get any help.” A New Leaf offers emergency hotel placement for clients in imminent danger. After a brief conversation, Wiletra’s situation was flagged as extremely dangerous and she was placed in a free, confidential hotel room, far from reach of her ex-boyfriend. Once space opened up, she moved to A New Leaf’s Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter. Wiletra started planning on how to get a new apartment and achieve independence. She wanted a fresh slate to start over and begin building a better life for herself. “He had been in control of all of our finances, and once I had a chance to look through it all, it was bad. All of my savings had been spent away, my credit was completely wrecked, and on top of that I had gotten an eviction on my record while living with him.” With the help of A New Leaf’s staff, Wiletra applied for several affordable housing apartments that she could move into after leaving shelter despite her eviction. After a few months at Autumn House, Wiletra received the call that would give her the independence she had been seeking. “I was able to move into a one-bedroom apartment that I could afford, in a new area where he wouldn’t be able to find me. I kept going to therapy, because there was a lot of pain I still needed to process. Things are really starting to get better in my life.” “I was able to get away from that horrible situation and get a fresh start for myself. It was scary - but it was also worth it. So if you're a survivor and you're afraid you can’t do it, just reach out for help. You’re worth it.”

As we continue our series honoring our incredible board members, today we recognize past board member Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo. For Deanna, serving her community has always been second nature. From her early days working for the City of Mesa to her current role as a board member at A New Leaf, Deanna’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact. Deanna first encountered A New Leaf during her time with the City of Mesa, where she worked in neighborhood organizing and outreach. This exposure gave her a firsthand understanding of the vital services the organization provides, from housing and utility assistance to crisis intervention. "I was always having to refer people to A New Leaf for some form of assistance." Her initial involvement came at a pivotal time for A New Leaf, as the organization was planning a new project that sparked community concerns. Deanna witnessed the dedication of the staff and board members as they faced difficult neighborhood meetings. That commitment to doing what’s right for those in need inspired Deanna to take a more active role. When an opportunity to join the board presented itself, she didn’t hesitate. "I truly believe in the mission and the way the organization has developed over time," Since joining the board, Deanna has seen A New Leaf grow and evolve in remarkable ways. She’s especially proud of how the board operates, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued. "The organization has expanded significantly, both in the number of programs and in the size of its budget. The difference between when I started and now is astronomical." While Deanna has served on many boards throughout her career, A New Leaf holds a special place in her heart, in part because of the life-changing programs it offers. Above all, Deanna’s message to those who support A New Leaf is simple: "Thank you." Whether it’s donors, volunteers, or the clients, she knows the courage and generosity it takes to allow A New Leaf to provide vital resources to the community. Thank you for your amazing service, Deanna!

As we continue our series introducing you to some of our Board Members, we would like you to meet the incredible powerhouse that is Betty Lynch. Betty Lynch has been an invaluable member of the community for decades. She has been a member of A New Leaf's Board of Directors since 2010. Betty first encountered A New Leaf while serving on the Avondale City Council in 2006, where she focused on serving survivors of domestic violence in the West Valley. This was an important mission for Betty, as she had experience with domestic violence in her personal life. She became a fierce advocate for the expansion of resources and services in underserved areas. Betty saw A New Leaf open up shelters in Mesa, and knew that these resources needed to expand further, especially in the West Valley, to help even more survivors in need. A New Leaf eventually began managing Faith House, an existing shelter in the West Valley, which was working to help bring survivors life-saving shelter and safety. Betty was invited to a meeting at Faith House, and during that meeting she first connected with the organization's leadership and felt the profound need to be involved in helping her community even further. She began to partner with A New Leaf on numerous projects, she donated items to survivors in need, and continued to advocate for those in crisis. Betty was soon asked to bring her expertise to A New Leaf’s board In 2010, where she quickly became a driving force behind the organization’s growth and outreach efforts. Her leadership and dedication have also played a crucial role in supporting the financial stability and growth of A New Leaf. With her background in finance, Betty took on a role in the organization’s finance committee, helping to guide A New Leaf’s fiscal health through its expansion of programs and services. Throughout her many years of service, Betty has remained deeply committed to A New Leaf’s mission of supporting individuals and families in crisis. “Helping others is what drives me, and A New Leaf has been the perfect place to do that.” Betty’s impact has been felt across the entire organization, and she continues to be a vocal activist for survivors everywhere.

A New Leaf is honored to receive continued support from State Farm, helping ensure that reliable transportation is never a roadblock for individuals working toward stability. Thanks to this year’s generous investment, individuals served by A New Leaf’s Shelter & Housing programs, Domestic Violence Shelter programs, Workforce Development Services, and Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN) can access critical transportation assistance. From job interviews to medical appointments, having a safe and reliable way to travel is more than just a ride- it’s the key to opportunity. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there, helping families and individuals move forward. Thank you, State Farm for being a trusted partner in driving hope and stability in our community.

?? A New Leaf’s Employee Appreciation Luncheon 2025! ?? We had an unforgettable afternoon at Rustler's Rooste in Phoenix, celebrating the amazing employees who make our mission possible every single day. With a stunning view overlooking the city, a delicious lunch including steak, grilled chicken, salad, potatoes, and apple pie, and plenty of laughter to go around — it was a well-deserved celebration of our incredible team! ???????? The theme this year was "Decades," and our team did not disappoint! From bell bottoms to flannel shirts and every retro trend in between, our staff showed up in style. We held contests, raffles, and shared countless smiles in appreciation of everyone’s hard work and heart. ?? At A New Leaf, our employees are the heart of everything we do. Their compassion, commitment, and drive are what make change possible in our community. We are so grateful for every member of our team! We also proudly recognized some outstanding individuals and teams with our 2024 Employee Awards: ?? The Dependable Defender Award: Suzi Strom, HR ?? The Heart Guardian Award: Kristina Gonzalez, Foster Care ?? Unity Maker Award: Matt Davis, LMSS ?? The Precision Protector Award: Hanna Coffin, DV/SV ?? The Truthkeeper Award: Terri Gonzales, Leadership ?? The Impact Igniter Award: Eva Felix, MesaCAN ?? Team of the Year Award: Michelle Boyle’s Team – Housing Support Services And of course, we celebrated some major milestones: ?? 5 Years Robin Bertolini, Jean Lind, Rachel Montoya, Jose Marin Osorio, Lucero Rojas, Julie Hernandez, Barbara Rosenberg, Bertha Tapia, Debbie Collins, Tisha Turner, Amanda Flores, Cecilia Pena, Taje Snead, Ana Garcia, Davis Flores, Yanira Poueymirou, Miquela Goodson, Laura Whitlock, Scott Revere, Gisselle Rivera, Cheryl Belcher, Michelle Lee, Christian Lewis, Maria Rodriguez, Nicole Olson, Felisha Abundis, Genesis Erazo ?? 10 Years Teresa Rodriguez, Nicole Yazdani, Cynthia Rodriguez, Gladys Perez Rodriguez, Amber Williams, Paul Bruney, Catherine Dyciewski, Lorraine Cherry ?? 15 Years Eva Felix, Pamela Arp, Sarah Rojas ?? 20 Years Christina Schroeder ?? 25 Years Dave Hughes Please join us in thanking and celebrating our incredible staff — we appreciate each and every one of you! ????

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For survivors of domestic violence, safety isn’t just about leaving but about staying protected long after. That’s why the Arizona Address Confidentiality Program is so important. This program shields survivors from those who would do them harm by keeping their addresses out of public records, helping them rebuild their lives in safety. This bill which will allocate $400,000 to this life-saving program has just passed the Senate Appropriations Committee. This is a crucial step towards ensuring more survivors have access to this protection. A New Leaf knows that leaving abuse is just the first step. True healing comes with long-term security, support, and the resources to reclaim independence. Every person deserves to live without fear. Every survivor deserves a fresh start. Together, we can create a future where safety and healing are possible. https://lnkd.in/gfvcYsEw

At 58 years old, starting over is going to be hard for Ken. As an incredibly independent and driven man, he never expected to find himself homeless. “It was a shock. You never expect it to happen to you.” As a certified mechanic, a drywall hanger, anda painter, he can fix or build about anything. “I’ve just always had a knack for using my hands, so I made a career out of it.” After a difficult season of work that left Ken financially stretched, Ken eventually found himself without a home. “It was the lowest point in my life. I had gotten by for 58 years, and then this happened.” Desperate to put a roof over his head, Ken called A New Leaf and was placed into the East Valley Men’s Center, a 94-bed shelter for homeless men. “When I got to the shelter, the staff worked with me to set goals. I was going to get back to work in my trade, get transportation – really just get myself together.” Ken started work with a good friend’s business called Expert Handyman, allowing him to buy a bike and save for an apartment.

Theresa, a mother of four, had been in a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship for years, but always hoped it would get better. When her partner’s work hours were reduced, the situation became increasingly violent until she was terrified for her and her children’s safety. The abuse intensified after her partner’s work hours were reduced from 40 to 15 per week. When he came home that day, he was furious and Theresa noticed he smelled like alcohol. She simply asked "Are you ok?" and he immediately lashed out, calling her names, belittling her in front of the kids, and saying she was useless. Theresa's partner began drinking more, punching holes in the wall, and screaming at her and the kids. Theresa wanted to escape, but was scared to reach out for help because he was monitoring her electronic devices. As the days went by, the violence escalated. He started shoving her, then a slap, then a punch in the face. Much of the abuse took place in front of the children, and Theresa knew she had to do something to protect them. When her partner fell asleep after a day of drinking, Theresa quickly looked for resources online. She found the phone number for A New Leaf’s SAFEDVS hotline and called. SAFEDVS hotline staff created a safety plan with Theresa to help the family escape right away. Because there was no space at any of the shelters in Maricopa County and Theresa needed immediate safety, staff offered temporary shelter in a hotel through A New Leaf’s DVSTOP Program. They advised her to grab important documents and provided transportation to safety. Once Theresa and her children were safe in a hotel room, DVSTOP staff provided food, clothing, items for the children, and other essentials, plus the support of a dedicated case manager. The family transitioned into a domestic violence shelter that would give them ongoing support and resources to heal from the trauma they had experienced. Now Theresa is safe and planning for an independent future.

What a great day supporting one of our favorite nonprofits A New Leaf! Thanks for the folks at Assurex Global for making this service project a reality! #nonprofits #service #reachout