branching out A NE W LE AF 2017 SP RI NG I SSUE
FANTASY FLIGHT FULFILLING DREAMS
Gabriel’s family’s journey out of homelessness.
A NEW BRAND IDENTITY FOR THE HEART OF OUR MISSION 2016 OUTCOMES SAN TAN STAKE: VOLUNTEERS GIVE HOPE & INSPIRATION
a real home van in a parking lot is not what most families would call home. But at the time, it was the only option for Daisy, her husband and their four young boys. When she looked at her children scrunched up in the back of the van, she felt the stab of emotional pain as any loving mother would.
HOPE STARTS HERE
“Sleeping in the van broke my heart,” Daisy recalled. “The kids didn’t understand what was going on. They would always ask, ‘When are we going to bed?’ Going to sleep in the van wasn’t going to bed.”
La Mesita has 80 units of affordable housing, with 30 reserved for those who are homeless. It offers an umbrella of support services, including case management, goal setting, referrals, a computer lab which is an Arizona@Work Access Point, and a Health and Wellness Center. For children, there are the After School and Head Start programs.
Like many homeless families, their crisis began with a single unforeseen event. Her husband lost a goodpaying job at College America. When they couldn’t make the rent on their apartment, they were evicted, with nowhere to go.
In late 2014, Daisy and her family found their way to A New Leaf and La Mesita Apartments. Finally, the start of something that looked like hope. “Getting here at A New Leaf was our Christmas present,” Daisy said.
“Life seems more stable and the boys feel it. They have been involved in so many campus activities. It’s been so good for them,” Daisy said.
EVERYTHING WENT DOWNHILL
Christine Frank, lead teacher for the After School program, watches both boys blossom each day. “Gabriel just loves it in here. He is in kindergarten now, but he is doing first grade work. He’s one of our pride and joys. David is very artistic. I saw him smile for the first time after one of our field trips.”
“Everything went downhill from there.”
LIFE IS BETTER NOW
They moved around at night to different parking lots, worried the police would tell them to move.
Today Daisy goes to work at a local motel and to a second job through a temporary employment agency. She is also enrolled in GED classes to obtain her high school degree.
“If it wasn’t for A New Leaf and the donors, we’d still be living out of our van.”
To make matters even worse, they lost most of their possessions in storage to the Phoenix flooding in 2014. “It was really stressful.” The children paid a price. While they were homeless, her oldest boy, David, missed kindergarten. His next youngest brother, Gabriel, grew sullen and angry. He threw tantrums. Daisy knew deep down this was no way for her precious boys to grow up. They needed a real home. A New Leaf gave them that.
“Life is so much better now. It’s really good. I’m thankful for the support they give us here. If it wasn’t for A New Leaf and its donors, we’d still be living out of our van. It’s a miracle for our family.” Thanks to supporters like you, her family not only has a home, they have a future.
fantasy flight
fulfilling dreams
We are beyond grateful to Captain Bob, his wife Keirene, and amazing volunteers for creating an unforgettable day for the kids living in our shelter this past December. Let us paint a picture of this day: It begins as the children travel to the airport for a United Airline’s flight to the “North Pole.” Hanging lollipops and garland evoke a Christmas celebration. Anticipation rises as the kids are seated by flight attendants dressed like Minnie Mouse. Imagine the wonderment filling the minds of these children, many who have never even experienced the movie theater or a bowling alley. A 45-minute voyage fills the cabin with “oohs” and “aahs” as children soar over fluffy white clouds and buildings resembling tiny insects. Finally, they arrive and are greeted by ASU students, who charge up the plane stairs to meet the kids. The terminal has been transformed into the finest North Pole experience. Mr. and Mrs. Claus, along with a huge crowd of people, await the children with waves, hugs, and armfuls of gifts. Like lightning, the kids race each other in their new running shoes (a gift from Sole Sports Running Zone). Face painting,
Disney characters, games, cookie decorations, a photo booth, music, and gifts make this one incredible day. Captain Bob says, “What the kids take home from this is a lot more than a one-day experience with Santa and presents. I see the children at the end of the flight going home happy.” The hearts of parents fill with joy as they welcome their children back from the United Fantasy Flight.
“What the kids take home from this is a lot more than a one-day experience with Santa and presents.” We are blessed to partner with kindhearted individuals who capture a dream and turn it into a reality for children who hunger for joyful moments. Thank you, Captain Bob, Keirene, and the United Fantasy Flight, for your selfless ways and for making dreams take flight at A New Leaf. A video of Fantasy Flight can be viewed on A New Leaf’s YouTube page at http://bit.ly/UnitedFantasyFlight
turning a new leaf A new brand identity that visually expresses the heart of our mission FROM THIS TO THIS
A New Leaf’s brand identity has been a source of strength to us for many years. As we evolved from a very local footprint to a diverse and far-reaching entity, the need for a more relevant and unique identity has become apparent. “We believe that A New Leaf’s brand is the cornerstone of our outreach to Valley residents, donors, businesses, and organizations,” said Joe Dulin, A New Leaf’s Chief Philanthropy Officer.
“The best design is a simple one that harnesses the personality of the organization and that appeals at the individual level. We are very excited by this initiative.” A New Leaf’s marketing partner Scott Allen Creative designed the logo using research that included interviews with supporters and volunteers, surveys, competitive benchmarking, and industry information.
The new look — bright, bold and personal — will be a part of all branded communications. In an effort to create a deeper understanding of what A New Leaf does, we are incorporating “Housing, Health, Community Services” to communicate our core program areas. This rebranding effort is an exciting and momentous time for A New Leaf and we are looking forward to having an identity that truly represents the heart of what we do.
2016 outcomes 22,047
2,469
5,344
14,234
individuals served
people helped by housing services
people helped by health services
people helped by community services
46
28
5,737
87%
years of service
program locations
people volunteered
of clients were satisfied
you inspire us you’re invited San Tan Stake: Giving Hope & Inspiration San Tan Stake is a volunteer group we can count on when we need volunteers, picking up in-kind donations, or require meals for A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center. Their kind-heartedness compels them to respond whenever possible. San Tan Stake is part of JustServe, a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints service that connects people to volunteer opportunities. Last year, JustServe groups supported A New Leaf by donating, renovating, cleaning, and entertaining to save us over $34,700 plus labor costs. The hope and inspiration they have brought to residents in our shelter has been incalculable. Our heartfelt thanks for all that they do for us and others.
A New Leaf Appreciation Luncheon April 26, 12-2 p.m. East Valley Institute of Technology
AWARD RECIPIENTS Individual Volunteer Cathy Bergman Youth Volunteer of the Year Gilbert Classical Academy – STEM Girls Volunteer Group of the Year San Tan Stake Gift In-kind Phil Calihan, Outfront Media Special Recognition CoBiz Financial Board Donor of the Year Deb Smith Corporate Donor of the Year Discount Tires, Driven to Care Foundation Donor of the Year Richard & Elaine Morrison
you can help
Please RSVP to Jen by April 14 (480) 464-4648 | jbarraza@turnanewleaf.org
SPECIAL EVENTS Sponsor or participate in our unique events throughout the year.
MAKE A GIFT A gift of money online or by check is a simple way to make a difference. PROGRAM TOURS Learn more about our programs through a personalized tour.
DONATION DRIVE Lead a donation drive to contribute basic need items for our shelter services.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES We have volunteer opportunities for your business, church, and groups. Questions? Call us at (480) 464-4648 or visit TurnaNewLeaf.org
b ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (480) 464-4648 TurnaNewLeaf.org 868 E. University Drive Mesa, AZ 85203-8033
plan your will or trust Our FREE Estate Planning Guide is now available. This 48-page guide makes the process easy and understandable so you can provide for those you love and protect. Record your family information and learn ways to achieve your goals for family and charity. To order, please visit ANewLeafLegacy.org or call Deb at (480) 450-3028.
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