March 2025 Newsletter
A New Leaf
Dedicated to helping end homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and other community challenges in Arizona.
Happy Spring!
As the weather warms and the flowers start to bloom, I’m reminded of the fresh starts and second chances your generosity gives to those who need it in your community. People like George Nolan, who was able to move from addiction to advocate thanks to you.
After serving in the Marines, George had a hard time adjusting to life back home, leading into incarceration and addiction. But he knew he needed to change his life, and he joined A New Leaf’s Second Chance program. There, he got the help and tools necessary to thrive.
You’ll find George’s story in this month’s newsletter, and so much more! Learn about upcoming events, ways to get involved and give back, and read highlights from our incredible Camaraderie Gala. This isn’t an issue you’ll want to miss!
Also, on a more bittersweet note, this is the last newsletter that will be coming from me, as I move into retirement later in the month. I’m so grateful for the many years I’ve gotten to talk to you all, get to know you, and witness your generosity at work. It’s been such a privilege. Going forward, you’ll be in good hands with Laura Bode, who will be serving as Chief Philanthropy Officer and sending you these monthly newsletters.?
Thank you for your unwavering kindness. I will always continue to support the work of A New Leaf and be grateful of the generosity you’ve shown us,
Sincerely,
Joe Dulin
Chief Philanthropy Officer
March 2025 Impact News: George got a second chance thanks to you!
George Nolan had a childhood that made him believe he would never fit in anywhere. He joined the Marine Corps at a young age, but was still unable to find a place that he felt he belonged. After George left the military, he got into trouble with groups of people that he believed were his friends, and he ended up being incarcerated multiple times.
“I never felt connected to my family or friends… I was always uncomfortable.”
George was released from jail and moved around from place to place. He fell into a cycle of addiction and wasn’t able to find a way to improve his situation. He hung out with people that weren’t the best for him, and one night, George found himself incarcerated again.?
“What I thought was a party with my friends turned into a prison sentence. I was so lost… I had no idea who I was,”
George had a lot of time to reflect on the actions that led him to this moment. He thought about his family, and realized that the life that he was living was not the life he wanted to live forever.
“I tried really, really hard to be a drug addict, but I was not a drug addict. I tried really, really hard to be a liar, but I’m not a liar. I tried really hard to be a thief but I’m not a thief. These were all the things I put all my energy and action into because I was lost.”
George had a burning desire in him to change, and he began to take steps towards creating a stable life for himself. He found A New Leaf’s Second Chance program and was able to start making actionable steps towards finding housing, employment, and a path towards a brighter future.
Before he was released, George even started to give life skills and coping classes to other inmates, finding his purpose in helping others transform their lives as he was transforming his own.
Upon his release, George was able to complete his plan and gain employment quickly. He used his employment to get into his very own apartment. Today, he runs a successful podcast, “Outlaws to Advocates”, ?where he shares his journey and talks about recovery, redemption, and the importance of second chances. He is deeply involved in community service, particularly focusing on helping those who are still incarcerated or struggling with reentry.
“Having that knowledge that somebody’s solid, somebody consistent, somebody who’s not going to judge. Or make me feel any kind of way about whatever struggle I’m having, you can’t put a dollar amount on that.”
Contributed by:
Tanner Swanson
Communications Manager
A New Leaf
March 2025 Volunteer Update: Say hello to our new and returning interns!
The Volunteer and Intern Program is thrilled to announce the arrival of 10 new interns, alongside 13 returning students who are continuing their internships from last semester. This influx of talent and enthusiasm will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to the various programs across our agency.
The interns will be supporting a wide range of essential services, with each program benefiting from their skills and dedication. Participating programs include Autumn House, East Valley Men’s Center, Faith House, Foster Care, Homeward Bound, La Mesita, MesaCAN, Real Estate, West Valley Housing Assistance Center, and Housing & Shelter.
We are proud to provide these students with hands-on experience while simultaneously enhancing the impact of our programs. The presence of both new and returning interns demonstrates the strength of our commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals while serving the community. We look forward to the positive influence these interns will have as they work alongside our team members to make a difference.
Thank you to all of our interns for your hard work and dedication. We are excited for the journey ahead and the opportunities to grow together.
Keep an eye out for future intern opportunities. And remember, we always welcome new volunteers!
Contributed by:
Raven Jordan Yosick
Volunteer Program Supervisor
A New Leaf
March 2025 Donation Center Updates: Multiple Items Needed
A New Leaf invites you to make a direct impact in your local community by making a donation of new, unused items. Your gifts will help those facing homelessness, domestic violence, and other crisis situations.
?Located at A New Leaf’s La Mesita campus, our Donation Center plays a crucial role in supporting the individuals and families we serve. Generous donations of new, unused items from community members like you are essential in meeting the everyday needs of those who rely on our services.
Our most pressing needs right now are:
Donate your new, unused items to our drop-off donation center located at 2245 W. Ella Street, Building A, Mesa, AZ 85201. Our hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM, and Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. To facilitate a smooth drop-off, kindly call ahead to schedule your delivery at 480-464-4648.
Contributed by:
Sondos Musa
Community Engagement Coordinator
A New Leaf
March 2025 Major Gifts Update: Tax-smart giving options
Tax Season is Here!
Did you know that gifts of non-cash assets are smart ways to impact your 2025 tax returns while making a powerful impact on A New Leaf’’s work?
As you file your 2024 taxes, many donors are thinking ahead! Giving one of the gift-options below can make an impact on our mission, while also offering tax benefits for future returns.
Smart Giving
Contributed by:
Suzanne Percy
Charitable Giving Advisor
A New Leaf
March 2025 Community Partner Highlight: Mesa HoHoKams, Peoria Diamond Club, Scottsdale Charros, and Surprise Sundancers
With 10 ballparks hosting 15 Major League Baseball teams, many Cactus League games are hosted by volunteer groups dedicated to giving back.
Organizations such as the Mesa HoHoKams, Peoria Diamond Club, Scottsdale Charros, and Surprise Sundancers dedicate their time and effort to making each season a success.
These groups reinvest proceeds from their ticket and concession sales in local youth programs, educational initiatives, and family support services, expanding access to opportunities for underserved children and families to achieve stability and success.?
Their generous support has benefitted A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center, Autumn House Domestic Violence Shelter, and youth services at the West Valley Family Shelter by providing basic needs, critical support, and youth education and enrichment to individuals in need.
Thank you so much to these incredible teams! Play ball!
For more information about partnering with A New Leaf, please contact Laura Bode, Vice President of Philanthropy, at [email protected].
Contributed by:
Paula Kipp?
Director of Community Engagement
A New Leaf
March 2025 Event News: Camaraderie Gala was a huge success!
The 36th Annual Camaraderie Gala was an amazing success! Guests spent the night dining on delicious food, sipping our signature cocktails, and dancing to live jazz, all while raising money for A New Leaf’s domestic violence and homelessness programs.?
Thank you so much to our incredible sponsors, to everyone who attended and bid on auction items, to our staff who put together an amazing event, and to everyone who has supported our mission all these years. Your generosity is what makes achieving our goals possible. We are also especially grateful for our honorees Todd and Kathleen Skinner, as well as sponsor Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen, for their continued dedication to serving others in their community.
Save the date for next year’s gala, which will be on March 28, 2026!
Contributed by:
McCall Schnepf
Events Manager
A New Leaf