December 2023 Newsletter

Sheriel had a five-week-old newborn when she became homeless for the first time in her life. She had moved in with family to help care for her new child and was excited to become a mother. Things were going well through her pregnancy, but when she brought Elijah home, her father in-law relapsed into alcoholism. 

Soon the house became chaotic, with constant fighting, shouting, and unpredictable behavior. It was a bad situation, but she needed help until she could go back to work. One night, Sheriel’s father in-law got tired of hearing her baby cry and kicked her out on the spot. She didn’t even have time to gather her diaper bag or formula.

“I didn’t have no thirty day warning or nothing, they just shut me out then and there. I asked for a few days at least to figure things out, but they didn’t want nothing to do with us anymore. It felt so wrong, but there was nothing I could do.”

Sleeping in her car and on friends’ couches, Sheriel desperately called every hotline she could for help. All she wanted was a stable home for her son. This was when Sheriel was connected to A New Leaf and within a few hours was placed into the La Mesita Family Homeless Shelter. 

“This place gave us a roof over our heads when we needed it, but it’s so much more than that. It feels like me and Elijah have a home here. My son is comfortable here. He recognizes everyone’s faces and lights up when he sees Debbie, our case manager. Everybody that works here greets you with a smile every day and that’s what Elijah and I needed to get this fresh start.”

In just a few months, Sheriel has turned her entire life around so that she can provide a stable home for Elijah. She found a job, secured childcare for her son, and worked with A New Leaf to receive Rapid ReHousing support. With this extra bit of help, Sheriel will now be able to move into her own apartment.

“Because of A New Leaf I can have that fresh start I wanted. But I can also say I got here because of me. I put a lot of work in to make the most of this opportunity. I wanted to find a good job and to get my own place, but there were too many obstacles.”

“Here I was able to make the choices I wanted for me and for my baby, Elijah. It made me feel like I was going to be a good mother again, because I had really felt horrible after everything that had happened. My soul needed a lot of healing too, and I got that here. I truly could not be more grateful.”

A New Leaf is thrilled to share the success of our recent Intern Mixer, an event dedicated to fostering growth, learning, and networking for our exceptional interns from across the Valley. At A New Leaf, we’re committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector through our robust internship program. This event was a testament to our dedication to their growth and development.

The event brought together interns from a diverse array of programs, providing them with a unique opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. It was inspiring to see so many young, enthusiastic individuals in one place, all united by a common goal of making a positive impact in their community. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy and ideas, as interns exchanged stories of their experiences and aspirations. 

• Front Desk Support at shelters and offices
•  Lead Donation Center Volunteers
•  Shelter Support Volunteers
•  Administrative Volunteers
•  Project and Events Chair

We are also looking for groups, churches, corporations, or anyone willing to serve meals in our shelters – especially during the holiday season ! This is one of the most direct ways to get involved with your community and give back to those in crisis. We are happy to work with you to find a convenient date and time to donate or serve a meal to those in need.

As the holiday season approaches, a time of warmth and family gatherings, A New Leaf invites you to extend your generosity to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This year, we are focusing on collecting essential household goods – items that many of us often take for granted, yet can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. Your donations will not only provide comfort but also a sense of dignity and normalcy to those transitioning into new homes. Urgently needed items include:

For families and individuals moving out of homelessness, the challenge doesn’t end with finding a place to stay. Turning an empty apartment into a comfortable, livable home, can be daunting, especially during the holiday season. This is where your help becomes crucial. Imagine the relief and happiness your gift of fresh bed sheets, clean towels, or essential cleaning supplies can bring. These items are more than just goods; they represent a fresh start, a clean slate, and the caring embrace of a community that looks out for each other.

For your convenience, our donation center (2245 W. Ella Street, Building A Mesa, AZ 85201) is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to call us at (480) 464-4648 or email us at donationcenter@turnanewleaf.org.

As you make your plans for year-end gifts, you may want to make note of these dates to ensure that your gift will qualify for a federal tax deduction in 2023: 

Checks sent by U.S. mail must be postmarked on or before Saturday, December 30. Checks sent via other carriers must be received at our office on or before Friday, December 29, and the shipping documentation must also be dated on or before Friday, December 29. 

 

Credit card gifts online must be made on or before Sunday, December 31. Be sure to keep the emailed gift receipt showing the date and time of the gift.  

 

Gifts of appreciated securities should be transferred by Thursday, December 21 so the shares will be received by Friday, December 30. Please notify us of the number and type of shares when your brokerage transfers the shares. That will enable us to link the shares back to you and provide a timely and accurate gift acknowledgment for tax purposes. 

 

For other types of assets or property, please contact one of our charitable giving advisors to discuss deadlines and documentation needed to complete the gift. They are ready to assist you and your financial advisors with identifying the right strategies to meet your charitable and financial goals.  

 

Does giving from your IRA make sense for you? Did you know you can give to A New Leaf directly from your IRA? If you’re age 70½ or older, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA is a tax-smart way to give.  And, if you’re age 73 or older, you can use a QCD to satisfy your required minimum distribution without adding to your taxable income, up to $100,000 annually.

For more information about giving from assets, year-end deadlines, and other charitable strategies, please contact Suzanne Percy, Charitable Giving Advisor, at (480) 708-1358 or email spercy@turnanewleaf.org.

As the holiday season arrives, A New Leaf is delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our most valued corporate partners, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). This partnership, championed by Carolyn Iacobelli, a dedicated member of our Board and a PwC Partner, exemplifies the profound impact that corporate responsibility and community involvement can have.

Over the past five years, PwC has generously donated over $100,000 to A New Leaf. This significant contribution has been instrumental in supporting children struggling with the effects of homelessness, domestic violence, poverty, and family instability. Their commitment extends far beyond financial aid; it embodies a deep understanding of and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing social issues our community faces.

PwC’s dedication to social responsibility aligns seamlessly with A New Leaf’s mission. Their Corporate Responsibility page reveals a broader commitment to community giving and making a positive difference in society. This commitment is not just in words but is evident in their actions and initiatives. It’s inspiring to see how PwC’s values and A New Leaf’s objectives come together to create meaningful change.

One of the most impactful collaborations has been the integration of PwC’s Access Your Potential K-12 curriculum in A New Leaf’s After School Programs. This innovative curriculum focuses on building technology skills among children, equipping them with essential tools for success in the digital age. In today’s rapidly evolving world, such skills are more than just educational assets; they are vital for personal and professional growth. This program is a clear example of how PwC’s vision and resources can enhance the learning experiences of children, giving them a better chance at a brighter future.

As we celebrate the holiday season and reflect on the year gone by, we are immensely thankful for PwC’s unwavering support. Their contributions have not only aided in immediate relief but have also paved the way for long-term positive outcomes in the lives of countless children. We look forward to continuing this partnership, united by a shared vision of nurturing and empowering the next generation. For more information on how to get involved, please contact Laura Bode, Director of Community Engagement, by clicking below:

We are thrilled to invite you to A New Leaf’s 35th Annual Camaraderie Gala, themed “A Night in Positano.” This enchanting evening is set to be an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy, filled with exquisite experiences, all for a meaningful cause. You’ll be treated to a wine pull, silent and live auctions, exciting raffles, and more. Each element of the night is carefully curated to transport you to the charming streets and breathtaking vistas of Positano, Italy.

Date and Venue:

 

Mark your calendars for March 23, 2024, and join us at the luxurious JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, located at 5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054.

 

Schedule of the Evening:

 

• 5:30 pm: Begin the night with a Cocktail Reception and a chance to browse our Silent Auction.
• 7:00 pm: Enjoy a sumptuous Dinner followed by an engaging Program.
• 9:00 pm: The celebration continues with an After Party, featuring dancing and live entertainment.

 

Dress Code:

 

The attire for the evening is Black Tie optional. We encourage you to dress in your finest, ready to be whisked away to the Italian coast.

Registration will open soon, so keep an eye on your inbox! And don’t forget that each moment spent enjoying the food, entertainment, and ambiance is also a moment contributing to the greater good. Your presence supports A New Leaf’s efforts to provide shelter, food, and support to families experiencing homelessness. To get more involved, or for any questions please contact McCall Schnepf at mschnepf@turnanewleaf.org!