A New Leaf

The issue of food insecurity is increasingly affecting older adults, not only nationwide but also right here in Arizona. As reported by the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA), this worrying trend has been escalating, with older residents finding it challenging to meet their nutritional needs, particularly in the wake of economic changes and ongoing health crises. Debra Artega, CEO of TCAA, emphasizes that the struggle among older adults to secure adequate food has intensified over the years. Even prior to the pandemic, there was a noticeable rise in the number of seniors reaching out for help. The demographic most affected tends to be older adult women, who may not have had access to well-paying jobs earlier in life and now live on constrained budgets. With housing costs on the rise, many find their already limited funds being stretched further, forcing them to cut back on meals. "The average monthly Social Security benefit is just over $1,900, which hardly covers living expenses in today's economy," adds Artega. At A New Leaf, we are reminded of the critical need to support services that directly assist vulnerable populations like these. We stand committed to enhancing food security and ensuring that no one has to choose between essential utilities and a nutritious meal. https://lnkd.in/gNMAz6nx

We are incredibly grateful to all who participated in the Pinal County Domestic Violence Walk, a vital event that not only raised awareness but also united us in our commitment to supporting survivors. This gathering was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, offering hope and strength to those affected by domestic violence. A special thank you to the Pinal County Attorney's Office , MovementForward, Inc., and the Apache Junction Police Department for their leadership and dedication in organizing this impactful event. Your efforts are crucial in our fight against domestic violence and in building safer, more supportive communities. We also want to acknowledge the numerous organizations that contributed to the success of this day, including United Way, Stand Up AJ, State Farm , Casa Of Pinal County, and so many more. Each tent, each volunteer, and every piece of information shared helped to educate and engage our community, and will make a difference in the lives of thousands of survivors. Events like this are essential in showing survivors that they are not alone and that an entire community stands behind them, ready to offer help and hope. By coming together, we reinforce our collective resolve to eradicate domestic violence and support those on their journey to healing and empowerment. Thank you once again to everyone involved—your participation adds so much to our mission to support and empower survivors.

?? Trunk or Treat at Homeward Bound – Volunteers Needed! ?? Get ready for a spooktacular evening! Join us at A New Leaf's Homeward Bound for our annual Trunk or Treat event! This fun-filled event is geared towards bringing joy and Halloween spirit to the children of our residential programs. We are calling on all spirited volunteers to help make this event a smashing success! Decorate your vehicle and bring along plenty of candy to delight approximately 180 children. Your decorated trunks and cheerful spirits will create a memorable experience for our young residents. ?? Volunteer Info: Date: Tuesday, October 29 Time: 5-6 PM Location: 2302 West Colter Street, Phoenix, AZ 85015 Requirement: Decorated vehicle and candy for 180 children Interested in volunteering? Please contact Stephanie Flanagan at: [email protected] Let’s make this Trunk or Treat a magical night for the kids at Homeward Bound. Your involvement means the world to us and the families we serve!

Introducing our latest limited-time dish – the Chick-A-Tore! Savor a sauté of onion, green pepper, mushroom, black olive, and stewed tomato in an aromatic garlic sauce. Served over spaghetti noodles with our homemade marinara and shredded Cajun chicken. Our take on a family favorite, no bones here! And here’s the part we’re most proud of, for every Chick-A-Tore sold, we’re donating $1 to A New Leaf – Helping families, changing lives.

A New Leaf is grateful for its continued partnership with Avnet Cares, who strives to meet the needs in its local community. Their support will benefit residents at A New Leaf’s La Mesita Shelter and Housing Community, which meets the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty, including veterans, and households that experience chronic homelessness, or other barriers to housing stability. Support Services at La Mesita provide comprehensive and personalized support to address each individual’s needs and goals for achieving overall wellness. Individuals and families also have access to services to help them remain stable in their housing and that help children succeed academically and socially. Thank you, Avnet for supporting A New Leaf’s mission of “Helping Families, Changing Lives”!

This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite you to join us and our friends at Verizon's More Thank a Phone program in a meaningful act of solidarity. On Thursday, October 17th, wear purple—the color of courage, survival, and honor—to show support for survivors of domestic violence. Gather your friends, family, and coworkers to wear purple and capture the moment. Share your group photo on social media to spread awareness and demonstrate your support. Make sure to tag More Than a Phone in your posts to highlight the collective effort in raising awareness and empowering survivors. Wearing purple is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a public pledge to stand with survivors and advocate for their safety, dignity, and independence. Every photo shared helps to break the silence surrounding domestic violence, shining a light on the strength of survivors and the resources available to aid their recovery. Let's paint social media purple to show that no one is alone and that together, we can foster a community of support and change. Your involvement sends a powerful message that we are all part of the solution in ending domestic violence.

Observed every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and promote inclusive hiring practices. This month highlights the importance of creating equitable opportunities and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Disability inclusion is not just a matter of accessibility; it’s about valuing diverse talents and perspectives that enrich our communities and businesses. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can break down barriers and ensure that all individuals have the chance to succeed. Let’s celebrate the achievements of workers with disabilities and commit to building workplaces that prioritize diversity and inclusion.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a powerful reminder to honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous communities. Observed on the second Monday in October, this day encourages us to reflect on the profound impact Indigenous peoples have had on our society and the ongoing struggles they face. Indigenous cultures are woven with deep connections to the land, traditions, and community. This day is an opportunity to uplift Indigenous voices, recognize their resilience, and acknowledge the injustices they have endured throughout history. Let’s commit to learning about Indigenous histories and supporting their rights and initiatives. By fostering understanding and respect, we can work together towards healing and reconciliation. Join us in celebrating the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures and advocating for a future that honors their legacy.

Perched in the cab of his truck on the wide-open road, it sometimes occurs to Rodney how far he has traveled. A few years back, he was down and out after a bout with drugs and alcohol cost him his life. “I was drinking and drugging,” he recalled. “Things just got out of control, and I lost my wife of 24 years.” He fell even further, winding up in a downtown Phoenix homeless shelter. “That was the lowest, the bottom of the barrel,” he recalled feeling at the time. The turning point began when Rodney entered A New Leaf’s Desert Leaf Apartments in Mesa. Slowly, but surely, with lots of help from A New Leaf’s staff, Rodney began to put the pieces of his life back together. “Desert Leaf is a stepping-stone,” Rodney said. “It is geared to get you on the way to where you need to go.” "I had lost his commercial driving license after a knee injury from my Army service, I gave up driving, but that was my best shot at a job." Staff drove him two hours to a Motor Vehicle Department CDL test facility. He passed. And so, Rodney has been back in an 18-wheeler for a year. A little more than a year ago, Rodney took a final step toward independence, buying a house southeast of Phoenix. Congrats Rodney.

A teen was arrested by Phoenix police after allegedly issuing mass shooting threats to 12 different Valley schools. These threats, posted on social media, were reportedly made as part of a dare. The teen now faces multiple felonies, including terroristic threats and computer tampering. Phoenix police emphasize the importance of immediate action if threats of any kind are observed. They urge the public to report such threats directly to law enforcement and strongly advise against sharing or reposting the information on social media. Misinformation can spread rapidly online, complicating criminal investigations and causing unnecessary panic. The police also remind us that making terroristic threats is a zero-tolerance issue. Those involved face serious consequences, including arrest, felony charges, and potential financial liability for the costs related to the incident and the ensuing investigation. At A New Leaf, we stand with our community in promoting safety and awareness. Together, we can maintain a safe environment for our students and all residents. Let's work together to prevent violence and support the wellbeing of our community. https://lnkd.in/gTTpiex2