A New Leaf

What an amazing time meeting such amazing BankWork$? graduates turned Banking Professionals at the A New Leaf graduation yesterday. It was a privilege to be Keynote Speaker for such a dedicated cohort! Huge shoutout to Instructors Trina Lopez, Richard Lopez and their team for putting on a great show for the graduates, their loved ones and the participating employer partners!

A New Leaf is grateful to our neighborhood Walmart for its support to provide safe shelter, basic necessities, and vital services for families facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other crises in Mesa. A New Leaf’s La Mesita Family Shelter not only offers refuge and essentials but also delivers comprehensive case management and wrap-around support services, empowering households to overcome obstacles, access resources, and pursue self-sufficiency, long-term stability, and well-being. Thank you, Walmart for your efforts to meet the unique needs of our local community, and for helping advance A New Leaf’s mission of “Helping Families, Changing Lives!”

AZ Family recently shared an inspiring story about 11-year-old Christian, an Arizona boy who founded a nonprofit to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Despite his young age, Christian recognized a need in his community and decided to take meaningful action by creating Christian’s Care Packages, a nonprofit aimed at providing essentials to those in need across the Valley. Christian’s organization distributes hygiene items, snacks, and other necessities, assembling care packages to bring comfort and support to the homeless population. His commitment to giving back at such a young age shines a light on the power of compassion and how one person’s initiative can impact many lives. This story is a testament to the importance of teaching empathy and civic responsibility from a young age. Christian’s Care Packages has not only raised awareness about homelessness but also encouraged others to get involved in helping those facing life’s toughest challenges. At A New Leaf, we are deeply inspired by Christian’s dedication and the difference he’s making for those in need. This remarkable effort serves as a reminder that kindness and action can start at any age, and through simple acts of generosity, we can all play a part in creating a more caring and supportive community. https://lnkd.in/g-m33krY

A heartfelt thank you to ABC15 Arizona for covering the inspiring story of Tim, Antoinette, and their son Elliott, residents of A New Leaf’s La Mesita Apartments. Their journey highlights the resilience of families facing housing insecurity and the life-changing impact of finding a safe, stable home. Tim and Antoinette’s story is a powerful one. After living apart—Tim even resorting to living in a tent—they never gave up hope of reuniting their family. Through A New Leaf’s La Mesita Apartments, they found a place where they could finally come together, rebuild, and create a home filled with love and stability. Stories like this are vital in shedding light on the realities faced by so many in our community. By sharing these stories ABC15 not only raises awareness but also inspires others to support life-changing programs like La Mesita. Thank you, ABC15, for amplifying this story and showing how compassion and resources can make a lasting difference. Together, we can continue helping families like Tim and Antoinette’s find the hope and support they need to thrive.

Today, November 20th, marks the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is a poignant occasion dedicated to remembering the transgender individuals who have lost their lives to violence and prejudice. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the challenges and discrimination faced by the transgender community and emphasizes the urgent need for acceptance and equality. Transgender Day of Remembrance is not only about mourning; it is also about reflection and action. It calls on each of us to advocate for a world where every individual can live authentically and safely, regardless of their gender identity. At A New Leaf, we stand in solidarity with the transgender community, affirming our commitment to support, respect, and uplift all individuals. By recognizing this day, we also highlight the resilience and courage of transgender individuals who continue to fight for their rights and well-being in the face of adversity. It's a time to educate ourselves and others about the issues they face and to strengthen our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. This day gives us the opportunity to honor those we've lost and to recommit to building a community that embraces diversity and cherishes every life. Together, we can foster a society that respects human dignity and nurtures the potential of each person.

In Phoenix, one unique coffee shop and thrift store is making a remarkable difference in the lives of at-risk families and former foster youth. Through a blend of retail and community support, this local business is providing job opportunities, mentorship, and stability to young adults who have aged out of the foster care system, as well as families facing challenging times. The store offers more than just coffee and thrifted goods; it serves as a safe, supportive environment where individuals can gain essential life skills, grow their confidence, and start on a path toward self-sufficiency. By offering steady employment and hands-on mentorship, the coffee shop is creating real, lasting change for people who may otherwise lack access to these opportunities. As a community, supporting spaces like these is vital to building a foundation of resilience and belonging for young people transitioning out of foster care. Every purchase made at the shop and every visit contributes to a larger mission of empowerment, showing young adults and families that they are valued, supported, and part of a community that cares. A New Leaf applauds the dedication and compassion behind this initiative. This is a powerful reminder of how small businesses can create meaningful impact, bridging the gap for those who need a helping hand and helping them thrive. Together, let’s continue to support our local communities and uplift the lives of at-risk families and youth. https://lnkd.in/g9eAnP3j

This past October, the Town of Gilbert took a stand against domestic violence by amplifying awareness and mobilizing community support. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Gilbert launched several initiatives to educate residents, encourage solidarity, and provide resources for those affected. Local organizations, law enforcement, and community advocates joined hands to share valuable information, promote early intervention, and break down the stigma surrounding domestic violence. Together, they ensured that survivors have access to the resources they needed, from emergency shelters to counseling services, helping them rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment. Gilbert’s efforts also included a public campaign featuring symbolic displays and community events designed to create a space for open conversations around this critical issue. As community members came together, they fostered a collective voice that champions safety, respect, and support for every individual impacted by domestic violence. At A New Leaf, we’re proud to be part of a community that prioritizes the wellbeing of its residents. Our shelters and support services stand ready to help those experiencing domestic violence, and we’re inspired by Gilbert’s commitment to ensuring every resident has the safety and care they deserve. Together, let’s continue to spread awareness and support for those impacted. https://lnkd.in/gtnE3dAB

Tonight, we celebrate an incredible milestone—BACKYARD TACO, LLC’s 10,000th meal served at A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center! Backyard Taco, known for its dedication to the community, has been a beacon of hope for men experiencing homelessness. By serving 10,000 meals, they have provided nourishment, dignity, comfort, and encouragement to individuals striving to rebuild their lives. Homelessness is a significant challenge in our community, and it takes partnerships like this to drive real change. Backyard Taco’s unwavering support of A New Leaf demonstrates the profound impact that giving back can have on your neighbors in need. A huge thank you to Backyard Taco for your compassion, generosity, and commitment to helping those in need. Your 10,000 meals represent hope, care, and the belief in a brighter future. We can't wait to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you tonight!

A New Leaf is thrilled to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Giving Machines! These incredible giving-focused vending machines are a one-of-a-kind way to make a tangible impact on the community. Each Giving Machine is stocked with items local and global charities need to fulfill their missions—groceries, clean water, child vaccines, beds, hygiene kits, and so much more. With just a few clicks, you can make a real difference for those in need for thousands of families across the Valley! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints consistently demonstrates their commitment to lifting up those in need by supporting countless organizations making a difference. Congratulations on the launch of the Giving Machines, and thank you so much for everything you do!

The recent KGUN 9 article highlights a powerful domestic violence awareness initiative by the Tucson Police Department, which conducted a warrant sweep focused on bringing justice to domestic violence cases. As part of this operation, officers served warrants across Tucson’s east side, aiming to bring accountability to offenders and provide closure to survivors. This crucial effort underscores the ongoing dedication to tackling domestic violence in the community and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. During the sweep, a survivor of domestic violence courageously shared her story, offering a firsthand account of her journey to recovery and resilience. Her message, "Be Strong," serves as a source of hope and inspiration for other survivors, reinforcing the importance of seeking support and breaking the silence surrounding abuse. The Tucson Police Department’s focus on raising awareness and amplifying survivor voices during their sweep is a testament to the vital role community engagement plays in combating domestic violence. A New Leaf commends the partnership between law enforcement and survivor advocacy, which ensures that justice, support, and empowerment are prioritized in every step of the journey for survivors. This initiative demonstrates the profound impact that shared stories and community action can have in building a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Together, through awareness and collaboration, we can foster a community where survivors feel supported and empowered in their path toward healing. https://lnkd.in/gDaRqEbz