A New Leaf

Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved people in the United States were informed of their freedom, marking a powerful moment in our nation’s history.

Today, we celebrate freedom, honor resilience, and reflect on the ongoing work to build a stronger, more just future for all.

This weekend, families from across Maricopa County gathered to celebrate Family Reunification Day, honoring parents who overcame addiction, completed treatment programs, met court requirements, and persevered through years of challenges to bring their families back together. Their stories are a powerful reminder that people can change, heal, and create a brighter future for their children.

At A New Leaf, we've seen this transformation firsthand. Many of the families we serve have faced homelessness, domestic violence, financial hardship, or other crises that placed enormous strain on family relationships. With the right support, stability, and determination, parents can overcome obstacles and reunify with the people they love most.

Everyone deserves a second chance. When we invest in services that strengthen families, we help children grow up with the safety, connection, and support they need to thrive. We congratulate every family recognized at this year's celebration and applaud the organizations, courts, and community partners helping make reunification possible. ❤️🏠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

'I got my kids back': Parents mark years-long journey to reunification at Phoenix celebration Families gathered for Maricopa County's 13th annual Family Reunification Day, celebrating parents who overcame sobriety programs, court requirements and separation.

"Domestic violence has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father was abusive to my mother, my siblings and myself. As an adult, I continued to choose relationships that were much like what I had always known."

"Each time I left someone who had hurt me physically and emotionally, I believed I could handle the new struggles. I was wrong. Homelessness, unemployment, a broken family, poverty, etc. were too much to handle, so I resigned to go back and suffer the abuse. What a terrible resignation to a life of pain and potentially my own death.”

It took Camila 50 years of struggling to realize that she could change the course of her life. She came to A New Leaf’s Faith House Women’s Center and committed herself to following the program that would set her up for success.

She found employment within less than a month, attended all of her case management meetings and applied the education and resources that were made available to her. Four months later, an empowered Camila moved into her own apartment, encouraged by the emotional support of her eight incredible children and five grandchildren.

A big thank you to the team from Whole Foods Market on Ash in Tempe for spending the day at A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center!

Their volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make 100 sack lunches for residents, deep clean the cafeteria, and take time to learn more about the shelter and the men we serve.

Support like this goes far beyond a single day of service. It helps create a welcoming environment, provides practical assistance, and reminds our residents that their community cares. Thank you for investing your time and energy to make a difference for neighbors working to overcome homelessness. 💙

It's that time of year again! It might be summertime, but our friends at Spinato's Pizzeria are helping us get ready for Back-to-School!

For a limited time, you can round up your change to the nearest dollar at Spinato's, with all proceeds benefitting A New Leaf! Help the kids in our programs go back to school with everything they need to start the semester off right, all while enjoying a delicious meal!

Visit Spinato's today and help a child succeed this school year!

A Phoenix woman who became a foster parent at age 39 has since fostered 10 children, adopted four, and helped advocate for more many more abused and neglected children through her nonprofit work. Her story is a powerful reminder that families come in many forms, and that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving home.

Perhaps the most important lesson she shares is this: children in foster care are not broken. They are not there because of something they did. They are there because adults and systems failed them. What they need most is not fixing. They need stability, belonging, and caring adults willing to stand beside them.

At A New Leaf, we are proud to help recruit, train, and support foster families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Foster parents play a vital role in helping young people heal, grow, and build brighter futures. Stories like this remind us that changing a life often begins with providing a child the safe place they deserve.

Single Woman Became a Foster Parent at 39. After Fostering 10 Kids and Adopting 4, She's Hoping to Pay it Forward (Exclusive) Darcy Olsen was single and almost 40 when she decided to become a foster parent. Several years later, she's fostered 10 kids and adopted 4 of her own, and is hoping to pay it forward by founding the Center for the Rights of Abused Children in Arizona.

We are incredibly honored to be recognized as the Greater Phoenix Chamber's 2026 Nonprofit of the Year.

This award reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters who make our mission possible every day. Together, we are creating pathways to housing, financial stability, health, and stronger futures for thousands of individuals and families across Arizona.

For more than 50 years, A New Leaf has been committed to helping people overcome challenges and build lives of self-sufficiency, strength, and hope. We are proud to stand alongside so many outstanding organizations and leaders who are making a difference in our community.

Thank you to the Greater Phoenix Chamber for this incredible honor, and congratulations to all of the 2026 Excellence in Business Award recipients and finalists.

A New Leaf was proud to participate in the West Valley Mavericks Foundation’s golf tournament, an exciting event that brings the community together to make a meaningful impact across the West Valley.

Thanks to renewed support from the Foundation this year, domestic violence survivors at Faith House Crisis Shelter will find safety, compassionate care, and a path forward.

A New Leaf is grateful for community partners like the West Valley Mavericks Foundation, whose commitment to strengthening and uplifting the West Valley community helps create lasting change for families in need.

Thank you for trusting A New Leaf and partnering with us to create a safer and more hopeful future for our community.