Success Stories

How I Turned Over A New Leaf

East Valley Men's Center

Hello, my name is Robert. Thank you for letting me share my story with you today. I come from a good family. My dad was a counselor at a Mesa High School. I was a wrestling champion who traveled to six out of seven continents. My college degree is in history. I planned to teach and coach wrestling. I have also graduated from culinary school. 

I didn’t expect to have a car accident or to be sued. I didn’t expect to be laid off from my job. It was all part of the perfect storm. I knew about A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center and that it could help point me in the right direction. Within a few days, this was my home. 

This was a bump in the road of my life. It was unfamiliar, scary, structured and positive. Ms. Jackie assured me that I would be okay, I was not just a number and she was right. Some men come here and resist life, some embrace it, I did both. I knew I had to do what was expected of me and felt relief in knowing I now had the time to do it. If I hadn’t been here, I might not have developed such a positive attitude. I got to take care of challenges and work too. 

After working for only two weeks at an international food service company at the university, I got a raise and was promoted from a line cook to a sous chef. If all goes the way I hope, I may be cooking at the Olympics in London next year. There are so many directions I can go after that. From cooking for the state parks, on oil rigs and for international companies abroad, I’m considering it all. 

In the meantime, I have helped 20 of our EVMC men get full time jobs at my company. My name is my reputation and I am happy to refer those I feel will be a good fit.  All but one of the 20 still works there and some have already earned promotions. I am thankful not to be on the street during this bump in the road of my life. Even more so,

I am thankful to the staff here at EVMC for helping me make the positive transitions I needed. I stand here a changed person, my success is ongoing. 

If I could offer you, the supporters of the Men’s Shelter one thing to remember, it is a quote by Oskar Schindler from the movie “Schindler’s List,” originally from the Talmud. It goes like this:  “He whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” 

Thank you, not only from me but from the future managers, doctors and professionals living at EVMC.

- Robert S., EVMC resident

La Mesita

As new residents, I noticed my 13-year-old son had cleaned up after himself, showered and brushed his teeth without prompting. When I complimented him, he replied, "Well, you said that we are starting a whole new life coming here so I am also going to 'turn over a new leaf,' just like you!"

-Rachel L.
La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter Resident

Autumn House

It took all the determination and courage that I had in me, but I did it. I escaped from my extremely abusive, controlling husband. I didn't know I had the courage it would take to save myself but it came in the form of inspiration. One night I had a sudden flash of insight and knew that he would kill me. So, I left. I took my children and I fled from the physical and emotional pain.

The minute I found Autumn House, I felt safe, a feeling I hadn't had in years. My physical wounds began to heal. But the emotional wounds were much harder to recognize, understand and over come. Living in an abusive relationship for so long conditioned me to believe that my husband was my only life line and that created my deep desire to return. I knew I couldn't, not for me and not for my children, so I relied on the support if Autumn House staff to gain the strength and knowledge to end the cycle of abuse. Today, my children and I are out on our own in an apartment and life is good like a big juicy strawberry. Every day, every bite is sweet.

-Tami

Mayfield

I am thrilled with the difference I see in my 15-year-old son Andy through the programs offered at Mayfield. I was very worried about his aggression problems, lack of social skills, his appearance, and his grades in school. After multiple arguments and challenges, a counselor referred us to A New Leaf's teen program at Mayfield alternative youth center.

Mayfield has many ways to help families and teens like us. Together Andy and I went to family counseling and he agreed to go to an anger management group. Andy made a strong connection with the facilitator of the anger management program and flourished as he completed the 8 week program. My son continues to show great improvement especially since he has been asked to come back to serve as a mentor for other teens in the Mayfield program. Thank you Mayfield!

- Sydney

Alice Peterson Residence

Dear APR Staff and Peers,

Words cannot even begin to express the gratitude I have for every one of you. It is because of your dedication and support that I have completed this program. Without you, I know I would not have been able to go home with a changed life, and A New Leaf.

Before coming to the A New Leaf program, I had the impression that this was just another program that I would have to “BS” my way through so I could go home and continue my dysfunctional behaviors. It didn’t take long to realize I was completely wrong. Up until now, I had the belief that stealing from my family, hurting everyone around me, and getting high to get my way was just a way of life. I didn’t want to change and I thought that no counselor could change me. I found out that I was right. No matter what, Jared and the other staff couldn’t change me. But oddly enough, that wasn’t a problem. Within a matter of days, maybe even hours, I realized I truly did WANT to change. I was tired of watching my mom cry. I was tired of having my dad ignore me day after day. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Despite all my negative attitudes to what had happened in my past, I realized I wanted a relationship with my parents and future without drugs.

Now that I knew what I wanted to do, I needed help figuring out how I was going to do it. That’s where you guys came in. Everyone in the APR house supported me and showed me ways of how to become the man I wanted to be. I thank every one of you even if I forgot to say so at the time.

Jared, you showed me how to be a man. You showed me the importance of solving problems maturely with my father, something I had forgotten how to do somewhere down the line. You showed me the importance of family. I was so selfish in hurting my parents, because no matter what I thought, everything they did for me was because they loved me. I thank you for helping me realize my priorities as they should have been all along.

Michael, you have shown me how to be a leader and to stay dedicated in everything I do. You didn’t let me give up and you weren’t afraid to point out my flaws. You’re honest, strong, and you don’t let what people say affect your mood. Your workouts helped me learn discipline, something I never had before coming to this program. I thank you for making me strong physically as well as mentally, and I know you’ll help others after I leave.

Miss Lindsay, I found it funny how you and only you could have the perfect combination of kindness and bluntness. I saw numerous times how people would come to you seeking advice and you would be compassionate, but at the same time you never told us just what we wanted to hear. Your guidance helped me realize I don’t need to be two faced, and that I can be brutally honest, without being mean. I hope others in the future will appreciate your honesty as much as I have.

Miss Jenny, I could go on all day about how good your food is but I would take up too much time. I thank you for making things as close to home a possible. You never treated us like criminals or delinquents but as equals. You gave us respect even though we didn’t earn it, and I was amazed by the quality of your character. I wish everyone had your patience and hopefully I will too.

Larry and Jerry, you two always had me laughing. You were always able to make light of the situation when things were getting heated. I often felt ridiculous when you described my bad behaviors, but that was good because I realized very easily what I needed to change. You always said what was on your mind and you guys never beat around the bush when you had a point to get across. I was growing very tired of authorities and people I looked up to doing one thing and saying another. You two never did that. You were consistent; something I know I need to work on.

David, taking someone to the movies never seemed so important before now. I felt like a normal person for those few hours we were at the movie theater. I know we did nothing to deserve it, but nevertheless, your acts of kindness were greatly appreciated. Thanks for showing me some more magic tricks to add to my act. Hopefully next time I won’t be showing my tricks in jail.

Last but definitely not least, I would like to thank JJ and Millie. You guys saw potential in me, even though I didn’t have the least shadow of hope for myself. You guys took me out of Durango so that when I went home I wouldn’t fall into the same routine. You two do a great job at what you do, and I, so grateful for how much you two do for the kids everyday you’re here.

As well as staff, there have been a few other individuals that I could not have succeeded throughout treatment without. Brad, Andy, Garry, Daniel, Chris, Brittan, Josh, Jacob, Aaron, Vincent, Robert, David, Larry, and Tanner, have all supported me in one way or another, even if I didn’t say so and if you didn’t realize it. You all are such strong, smart individuals, and you should never doubt yourselves. You had enough determination to do what you did to get in here, so I know you guys have the determination to get yourselves out of here and make better lives for yourselves. While you’re here, realize that this is an opportunity. Second changes don’t always present themselves the way we want or expect them to. But, A New Leaf is your last chance to start fresh. Some of you have reunited with your family. Some of you have conquered an addiction after years of imprisonment. No matter what your situation is, you can achieve your goals here at A New Leaf. Don’t take for granted what you’ve been given. Each and every one of you have someone outside that loves and wants you to succeed. Most of you have stolen, cheated, lied, and used. But you are NOT thieves and cheaters, liars, and addicts. You are good humans no matter what you think, because I have seen it. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. You are who you want to be.

All of you have contributed so much to who I know I have become. I cannot say enough or do enough to repay you, so I suppose words will have to do for now. You guys may not realize it, but you change lives every day you come to work. You definitely changed mine. Finally, after years of pain and tears, my family actually feels like a family. I can look my dad in the eye, I can talk to my mom, and I can do things for my brother to help make us happy. I have learned to be helpful in what I do and not harmful. I no longer feel hopeless for my situation and I know things are going to be brighter from now on. Thank you again.

Much Love,

Sean

*Names of client and staff have been changed for confidentiality purposes

Transitional Housing for Young Adults 

April Anderson lives in the 3rd bedroom at one of A New Leaf's shelters. She decorated it herself. "I had problems following my dad's rules," recalls April. When April's grades fell at ASU, her father told her she was on her own.

"I had to live in the desert for a few weeks and it was really hot moved in with a friend for two weeks then I moved in here," says April. She's lived there for almost a year.

Dorothy Corey, one of the mentors at A New Leaf, says, "Since she has been with us she has found direction and made some decisions about purpose in life."

Three other young homeless women live in the home. Dorothy helps the girls make goals and live by the rules of the house.

"The shelters are homes and apartments scattered in neighborhoods across the Valley, they don't stand out and that's the way they like it," says Dorothy.

The nonprofit gives these young women a chance to get their lives back on track in a home environment.

April plans to move into one of the shelter-approved apartments in the next few months, and then enroll at Mesa Community College 

MesaCAN

When I was 19 and pregnant with my daughter, I had nowhere to go and no money to support myself. I wanted to be a good mother to my baby but couldn’t even afford my doctors visits. I went to MesaCan because I heard they helped people in situations like mine. I can never express my gratitude enough.

The staff there helped me get into an apartment which was then furnished by a local church. As if that wasn’t enough, a resume writer helped me, for free, secure a higher paying job and financial assistance to establish a bank account. MesaCAN showed me how great our community is and how willing others are to help strangers like me turn over a new leaf.

- Karla, MesaCAN Client

Foster Care

Our family doubled in size this year to include two amazing children who we are fostering. Dillon and Katie have changed our lives and helped us remember that the small things in life are what matters. During the Easter season, we got eggs and colored them with the kids. They had a blast! They had never done that before, can you believe it? Since it was their first time coloring Easter eggs we had to show them all the different techniques. Green was their favorite color so naturally they made sure their fingers matched the eggs. Katie even asked if she could keep her eggs forever. It’s times like this that make all the work we do worth it.

- Susan, HCTC Foster Parent

Behavioral Health

A year ago my family of 3 grew to 5 through adoption of two special needs children. It has been quite a year as we were struggling to bond with our youngest. He has tremendous emotional attachment issues as well as ADHD and needed the right medication before we could even begin bonding. Dr. B. was assigned to us through the Dorothy B. Mitchell Counseling Center and has been working with us from the start. With his continuous help, he was able to find the correct medications for us to start the process. The change in our home has been like night and day.  My husband and I feel like we can once again be successful parents.

- Gayla, Parent of a DBMCC Client