Valley nonprofit A New Leaf has earned the 2022 America Saves Savings Champion award, an honor reserved for organizations, nonprofits and government agencies that achieved remarkable impact during the annual America Saves Week campaign.

With a mission statement of “helping families changing lives,” A New Leaf is one of 35 recipients honored with this distinction out of nearly 3,100 participating organizations of America Saves Week, which took place in February, according to a release.

During a one-week timeframe, these organizations helped to encourage nearly 415,000 individuals to deposit more than $1 billion into new and existing savings accounts and establish automatic savings.

“Currently, Americans are burdened with many economic challenges like inflation and rising home costs, all while still attempting to rebound from the effects of the ongoing pandemic. There’s a fundamental need for companies, agencies, employers, and organizations to step up and take action to support the people they serve in extraordinary and unique ways, helping everyday Americans build financial resilience. These organizations have answered that call,” Kia McCallister-Young, director of America Saves, said in the release. “Our Savings Champions went above and beyond to amplify a positive, shame-free approach to saving that truly meets people where they are on their individual savings journey.”

“The strategies, resources, and messages shared during America Saves Week — like saving automatically, for emergencies, and short-term and long-term financial goals — contribute to the overall financial confidence of Americans and gives them a trusted starting place to jumpstart or restart their saving goals,” McCallister-Young said.

“Our financial literacy courses have gained momentum the last 10 years,” Doreen Pollack, a certified financial education instructor for A New Leaf, said in the release. “Whether it’s budgeting or boosting your credit score, our financial wellness mentors are helping those who seek out assistance through MesaCAN’s community action network, A New Leaf’s LaMesita shelter or workforce development offices. It’s never too late to practice good financial habits. It’s a skill that will last a lifetime.”

About a New Leaf

A New Leaf’s 30-plus programs in the Phoenix Metro area address households’ immediate and longer-term needs through a continuum of care that promotes social and economic health and stability. Services include emergency shelter, supportive housing, domestic and sexual violence support, financial empowerment, behavioral and primary health care, foster care, early childhood education, and family preservation.

Go to turnanewleaf.org.

About America Saves

America Saves is an initiative of the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America that uses the principles of behavioral economics and social marketing to motivate, encourage and support low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.

Go to americasaves.org and americasavesweek.org.