A New Leaf

In an upsetting visit to the Arizona Capitol, a group of women discovered the memorial marker for their late friend, Cassie Parker, was unrecognizable due to years of dirt and erosion, leading them to hold a fundraising event to restore it. Cassie, a victim of domestic violence, was tragically murdered by her stepfather in March of 1998. The emotional weight of their visit and the difficulty in locating Cassie's marker spurred these women into action, causing them to initiate a fundraising effort aimed at restoring the hard-to-see markers at the memorial area. Towards the end of 2023, this group of six friends, bonded by shared grief and a common resolve, decided that the memories of those lost to such tragic circumstances deserved to be honored visibly and respectfully. Their commitment highlights not only their love for a friend lost too soon, but also their dedication to ensuring that all victims of domestic violence are remembered. A New Leaf stands in solidarity with these incredible women and all who seek to make a difference. Their actions inspire us to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and to continue our work in providing safe spaces and necessary resources for survivors. https://lnkd.in/gdZVc--z

In recognition of the challenging nature of careers in public safety, the 100 Club of Arizona has provided up to $1.2 million towards supporting the mental health of Arizona’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, and retirees. The 100 Club of Arizona understands that the daily responsibilities of first responders often involve exposure to traumatic events—from the loss of colleagues to the stresses of responding to critical incidents. These experiences, if left unaddressed, can lead to significant psychological burdens. Bryan Sockrider, a captain from the Mesa Fire Department, shares his personal experience: “I’ve had about 18 years on the job, and half of that has been as a captain. By seeking these mental health services and making my life better through resilience training, I really saw an opportunity to help our own membership.” This initiative highlights the crucial need for mental health resources that are readily accessible to those who face the front lines of public safety. At A New Leaf, we echo the importance of such support systems and are inspired by the proactive steps taken by the 100 Club of Arizona. Their work not only aids in coping with immediate challenges but also builds long-term resilience among our first responders. https://lnkd.in/guxuFQH9

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in yesterday's Senior Housing Roundtable. This important event brought together a remarkable group of panelists to discuss critical issues facing our senior population, including homelessness and the ongoing challenge of affordable housing. The insights and expertise shared by our panelists have deepened our understanding and commitment to addressing affordable housing for those who need it most: David Scott (Moderator) - Regional President of Meadows Bank and Co-Chair of the Mesa Chamber's Community Action Partnership Committee. Kathy DiNolfi - Chief Program Officer at A New Leaf. Michelle Albanese - Housing & Community Development Director for the City of Mesa. Sandy Dyk - All About You Placement, LLC. Lisa Glow - Community Activist & Former Director of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). TJ Reed - Senior Director of Housing Solutions for Solari, Inc. Deborah Schaus - CEO of Aster Aging, Inc. Barbara Micheletti - Area Agency on Aging Board Member. Tami Bohannon - CEO of Foundation for Senior Living (FSL). The conversation was vital in ensuring seniors not only have access to housing but also live with security. Thank you again to all the panelists and attendees for your participation and commitment to improving the lives of seniors in our community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference.

A New Leaf is thrilled to have Umpqua Bank as a continued champion for its BankWork$ Career Training Program! Eligible individuals can enroll in this free 8-week program that prepares and supports graduates with securing meaningful employment in the financial services industry that pays a livable wage, includes health benefits, and has opportunities for advancement. The BankWork$ curriculum covers essential skills such as financial service fundamentals, business etiquette, customer relations, banking regulations, cash handling, and employment readiness. As part of A New Leaf’s comprehensive array of Financial Empowerment Services that provides pathways to financial stability, BankWork$ assists graduates with job placement and provides ongoing coaching to assist with retention and career advancement. Assistance is also available for transportation, professional clothing, childcare, and other resources to help participants overcome barriers to gaining and retaining employment. Thank you, Umpqua Bank Charitable Foundation, for supporting A New Leaf’s mission of “Helping families, changing lives!”

"This program is a big deal. This is your stepping stone to get started in the banking industry. You are starting in the right spot, so don't stop now." — Mark Stebbings, CEO of National Bank of Arizona   Congratulations to the BankWork$ Class of A New Leaf in Phoenix! You’ve taken the first important steps in your banking career, and today, you celebrate the foundation you’ve built. Keep moving forward—your journey has just begun!   A special thank you to our partners who helped make this possible: Academy Bank, Bank of America, BMO U.S., Comerica Bank, First Citizens Bank, First Convenience Bank, First Credit Union, Flagstar Bank, Gateway Commercial Bank/Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, MidFirst Bank, National Bank of Arizona, Pacific Premier Bank, PNC Bank, Santander Consumer USA, State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Wells Fargo, Western Alliance Bank, UMB Bank, and Umpqua Bank. #BankWork$Success #CareerWork$ #ProfessionalGrowth #Graduation #ProfessionalDevelopment

Arizona's education crisis deepens as the state returns $29 million to the federal government, jeopardizing vital resources for Arizona schools. This decision comes after schools across the state missed the deadline to spend these critical funds, which were designated for school improvement grants aimed at supporting struggling students. Marisol Garcia, the president of the Arizona Education Association, expressed concern over the situation, noting, "From what we understand from our colleagues, this did come out of the blue. School districts are now scrambling with how they are going to back up this bridge to offer students the support that they need." The sudden loss of these funds poses a substantial challenge to our educational system, particularly in its efforts to provide additional academic support to students who need it most. In light of this development, A New Leaf is committed to collaborating with educational institutions and community partners to explore alternative solutions and strategies to support these students. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the necessary resources to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. As we move forward, it is more important than ever to advocate for effective management and utilization of educational funds. Together, we can work towards ensuring that such financial opportunities are not lost in the future and that our students receive the support they deserve. https://lnkd.in/gmdbxhPs

Jenee was incarcerated, and upon release, she was left without a safe place to call home. You can read about how your kindness helped Jenee find shelter, as well other ways to help your community in the September edition of A New Leaf's newsletter.

A New Leaf is excited to invite you to the Senior Housing Roundtable, an important community event focused on addressing housing, homelessness, and heat-related issues impacting our senior population. Hosted by Representative Greg Stanton this pivotal discussion will take place Thursday, 9/5 at the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center at 10 am. This roundtable will bring together a distinguished panel of experts who are deeply involved in senior housing and community welfare. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in shaping solutions that directly affect our local seniors. Panelists Include: David Scott (Moderator) - Regional President of Meadows Bank and Co-Chair of the Mesa Chamber's Community Action Partnership Committee. Kathy DiNolfi - Chief Program Officer at A New Leaf . Michelle Albanese - Housing & Community Development Director for the City of Mesa . Sandy Dyk - All About You Placement, LLC. Lisa Glow - Community Activist & Former Director of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS). TJ Reed - Senior Director of Housing Solutions for Solari, Inc. Deborah Schaus - CEO of Aster Aging, Inc. Barbara Micheletti - Area Agency on Aging Board Member. Tami Bohannon - CEO of FSL. This roundtable is a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. We encourage all interested in the welfare and support of our senior community to attend and participate in this meaningful discussion. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of seniors across the Valley.

With fears of an economic downturn growing, economist Jim Rounds evaluates current economic indicators such as inflation, employment rates, and consumer spending to assess the likelihood of a recession affecting Arizona. Jim Rounds provides a nuanced perspective on Arizona's economic climate. He acknowledges the presence of economic uncertainties but suggests that the situation might not be as dire as some anticipate. "If you polled economists two years ago, almost two-thirds of them were expecting a recession to occur in 2023 that never occurred. That kind of got pushed to 2024 and again, we’re having positive employment growth. We’re having positive GDP growth. Maybe it is showing signs of slowing down, but not entering into recession," Rounds commented. At A New Leaf, we closely monitor these economic discussions as they significantly impact the communities we serve. Understanding the economic landscape helps us better prepare and adjust our services to meet the changing needs of our community, especially in times of economic stress. https://lnkd.in/g2TzyQ7n

As Arizona faces another summer of scorching temperatures, the dangers of extreme heat that torment the homeless has extended to those in seemingly safe housing situations like RVs or trailers. This poses a great threat, especially for the older residents in these communities. Many older adults in our community reside in mobile homes, trailers, or RVs, which often lack adequate cooling systems and proper insulation. These conditions can make these dwellings particularly dangerous during the hot months. Dana Kennedy, state director of AARP Arizona, highlights the affordability of mobile homes as a significant factor for their popularity among older adults. "Yeah, they're definitely more affordable," Kennedy noted. However, the affordability often comes with increased risk during extreme weather. Older mobile homes, in particular, are more likely to encounter issues due to aging materials that do not effectively deflect the heat. "But mobile homes just generally don't have the insulation that a home does. You know, sometimes they could be made with materials that may not help deflect the heat," Kennedy explained. This situation underscores the need for community awareness and intervention to ensure that all residents, especially the elderly who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, have access to safe and adequately cooled living environments. At A New Leaf, we are committed to supporting initiatives that improve housing safety and advocating for resources that help protect our community from the severe impacts of Arizona’s summer heat. Let’s continue to support our neighbors and work towards comprehensive solutions that address the unique challenges posed by extreme temperatures. https://lnkd.in/gqpwG6XH