branching Mother. out Survivor. A NEW L EA F 2 018 S PR IN G IS S U E
Thriver. Lonique finds a fresh start at Faith House
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE SAVES LIVES CLUB TATTOO GIVES LOCAL FAMILIES HOPE PHOENIX DAY JOINS A NEW LEAF
Mother. Survivor. T s a single mother of three young children, Lonique fought hard to build a safe and stable home for her family. “In Michigan, I was making over $15 an hour. I had a house, a car, and my credit score was over 700. We were happy.” But things were still hard as a single parent. When her daughter’s father Michael promised his job in Arizona could provide for them, she took a chance. “My family is the most important thing to me. I would do anything for my children. If they could have a father that was there for them, I had to try to make it work.” So Lonique and her children moved from Michigan to Arizona. “I left everything I had behind. Arizona was supposed to be a fresh start.”
“He dragged me out of the car and put his hands on me. The next day, he threatened to hurt our daughter.” But Lonique quickly learned Michael lied to her about many things. “He quit his job without telling me. We didn’t have anywhere to stay. I put all of us up in a hotel just to keep off the streets.” Soon, Lonique started running out of money. “It was terrifying. I was thousands of miles from home, with no family, no money, no job, and three kids to provide for. The closer we got to running out of money, the
angrier he got, and the more helpless I got.” Michael started drinking and stealing money from Lonique to pay for his habit. “He used the last $10 in our checking account to buy beer. I told him he couldn’t do that anymore. He dragged me out of the car and put his hands on me.
“It was a turning point. Lonique recalled, “When I first got to Faith House, I felt there was no hope… but every day got easier.” The next day, he threatened to hurt our daughter – I called A New Leaf’s Domestic Violence Hotline.” Lonique and her children were brought to A New Leaf’s Faith House that same night. This emergency shelter serves 200 women and children a year, and would provide safety and stability to Lonique’s family for the next several months. It was a turning point. Lonique recalled, “When I first got to Faith House, I felt there was no hope … but every day got easier. Now I feel free.” With A New Leaf’s Faith House providing a safe place to sleep, travel assistance, free child care, and attentive staff to help Lonique’s family recover from the trauma of abuse, things started to look a little brighter. She was able to secure a job, get a car, and begin planning for long-term independence.
Survivor Numbers You Made Possible
Thriver. Faith House’s staff was there to make sure Lonique knew she was never alone. “My caseworker was my emotional rock. She’d tell me, ‘Lonique, it’s okay to cry. But you get back up, and you keep going – for your kids, and for you.’ And I did.” After four months, Lonique was accepted into a 2-year housing program. Lonique knows A New Leaf’s Faith House saved her family – and her life. “Without Faith House, I don’t know where I’d be. I am so thankful.”
“My caseworker was my emotional rock. She’d tell me, ‘Lonique, it’s okay to cry. But you get back up, and you keep going.”
8,354
people helped by domestic violence services
20,492
calls to domestic violence hotline
14,282
nights of shelter for domestic violence survivors
959
people housed in hotels when shelters were full
600
Reflecting on her experience, Lonique feels strong. “If you need help, seek it. You will be okay. There were so many times I thought going to a shelter was the wrong choice for my kids. But I didn’t need to. Because of Faith House my kids are safe now, and I have a home.” On behalf of Lonique – and thousands more domestic violence survivors – thank you for supporting A New Leaf. Because of you, they found a safe place to turn during one of life’s most terrifying moments.
people assisted by court advocates
8 OUT OF 10
people found long-term safety through domestic violence services
Questions? Call us at (480) 464-4648 or visit TurnaNewLeaf.org
Domestic Violence Hotline Saves Lives
A New Leaf’s Domestic Violence Hotline is a lifeline for anyone experiencing domestic violence. From the moment a call is placed, dedicated staff starts to build a safety plan with the caller, guaranteeing safe, temporary housing for children and adults in danger of harm.
1-844-723-3387 CALL IF YOU NEED HELP
20,492 people in Maricopa County called for help in 2017
A New Leaf guarantees safe, temporary shelter to anyone in danger
Survivors gain independence through A New Leaf’s counseling, housing, and workforce support
Security, Stability, and Rapid Rehousing Michelle Alberti, Rapid Rehousing Manager
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE WORK YOU DO? Six years ago, I moved to Arizona to start my life over after a messy divorce. I had my children, a few hundred dollars, and the desire to start a new, happier life. I was blessed with amazing support from my family and was able to rebuild my life. My work is an opportunity to help those who need support – but do not have it – for whatever reason. WHAT IS THE RAPID REHOUSING PROGRAM? Rapid Rehousing keeps families and individuals housed and safe. It gives long-term security to those recovering from homelessness. How? We provide the necessary case management and financial assistance to help with move-in costs, rent, and utilities. WHAT MAKES RAPID REHOUSING SO IMPORTANT FOR THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE? It allows people the chance to start over. Paying to stay off the streets while saving for the deposits and
“Rapid Rehousing offers up to a year of secure and stable housing, making it easier to ask for help when you need it.” move-in costs of permanent housing simply isn’t possible for some people. Think of a single mother with three kids trying to afford food, transportation, daycare, AND a hotel. This program gives that mother the tools she needs to quickly get stable and stay in housing. HOW DOES RAPID REHOUSING CHANGE THE CHOICES CLIENTS MAKE? Without Rapid Rehousing, vulnerable families and individuals would face prolonged homelessness; bouncing from shelter to shelter, living in their vehicles, wasting hard-earned income on high weekly rates at hotels, and in the worst-case scenario, living on the streets. We break this cycle by empowering households to make choices that will improve their lives.
Your support is helping to house families who desperately need a safe home. You are a lifesaver!
joining forces A New Leaf is proud to have Phoenix Day join our organization.
Phoenix Day has been a staple in the Downtown Phoenix community for over 100 years, providing early childhood education, community development, and youth services to children six weeks to five years of age, helping them build a foundation for lifelong learning and healthy living. The combination of A New Leaf and Phoenix Day will ensure a safety net of supportive services and therapeutic programs for vulnerable children in the Valley. “We are delighted that Phoenix Day will be a vital part of our life-saving programs,” said Brad
Snyder, Board Chair of A New Leaf. “Together, we are committed to improving child welfare in our community. Phoenix Day is known for its innovative programs, certified care, and bold advocacy on behalf of children in our Valley.” Phoenix Day Board Chair Rebecca Lindgren added, “The addition of Phoenix Day to A New Leaf will bring a rich history of program excellence and close ties to the community. The synergies in missions and programs between the two organizations makes this a compelling match.”
you inspire us club tattoo gives local families hope Arizona born company Club Tattoo leads by example when it comes to making a difference in the local community it cares so much about. As owners Sean and Thora expanded Club Tattoo to four locations, they also watched A New Leaf’s impact expand to help some of the most vulnerable people in the Valley. Club Tattoo partnered with A New Leaf to expand this impact
further by giving families new hope. They started by adopting families in need served by A New Leaf’s programs. And they haven’t stopped. Why? Well, for Sean and Thora, the answer is simple: “While we are following our hearts with compassion, we know our fellow community members are watching. We hope to inspire others to give back to A New Leaf with time, donations, and financial contributions.” We appreciate the many ways Club Tattoo has partnered with A New Leaf to make our community a better place for everyone. We couldn’t do this without you!
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Did you know? If you are 70½ or older you can:
Avoid taxes on gifts of up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to A New Leaf Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions Make a gift that isn’t subject to deduction limits on charitable gifts
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LEGACY FAMILY To learn more, contact Deb: (480) 450-3028 or doberhamer@turnanewleaf.org