A New Leaf

A heartfelt thank you to Arizona's Family and the talented Micaela Marshall for spotlighting an inspiring journey of courage and empowerment. Your feature on Karina, a survivor, advocate, and former client of A New Leaf, has brilliantly illuminated the significance of supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence across the Valley. In this short story, you will hear about Karina and her family. Karina's story is one of resilience and showcases the profound impact of community support and dedicated advocacy in the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Thank you, AZFamily and Micaela Marshall, for your compassionate approach and commitment to making a difference through your stories. Your work plays a crucial role in educating the public and fostering a supportive environment for survivors everywhere. We are immensely grateful for your dedication to sharing these vital stories and for being a voice for thousands of survivors.

Today, as we observe Purple Thursday, we wear purple to stand in solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. Purple symbolizes the courage, resilience, and strength of those who have faced such adversity. It’s a color that unites us in the cause to support and empower survivors as they rebuild their lives. By wearing purple, we send a message of hope and support, showing survivors that they are not alone and that their community stands with them. This collective gesture of support is crucial in continuing to bring awareness to the challenges faced by survivors and the resources needed to help them thrive. We also extend our gratitude to Verizon's More Than a Phone campaign, which has been instrumental in providing survivors with vital communication tools. These resources ensure safety and independence, key components in the journey to empowerment. Let's take a moment to honor the resilience of survivors and renew our commitment to fostering a world free from domestic violence. Your support today is more than just wearing a color—it’s a lifeline of hope and a step towards change.

Today marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a vital occasion to reflect on the ongoing fight against poverty and advocate for change. Observed every October 17th, this day highlights the importance of promoting sustainable solutions and empowering communities around the world. Poverty affects millions, limiting access to essential resources like education, healthcare, and employment. It’s crucial that we amplify the voices of those living in poverty and support initiatives aimed at creating equitable opportunities for all. Let’s come together to raise awareness, share resources, and promote actions that can lift individuals and communities out of poverty. By fostering collaboration and compassion, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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: sflanagan@turnanewleaf.org 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.