On December 25, 2023, local volunteers from From the Ashes We Rise Ministries dedicated their Christmas Day to providing a festive meal and community support for men experiencing homelessness at A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center in Mesa, Arizona. This marks the eighth consecutive year that the organization has organized this heartfelt event, ensuring that those in need do not feel forgotten during the holiday season.
The event brought together approximately 100 men currently residing in the shelter. Among them was Tyler Fannon, who has called the East Valley Men’s Center home for three months after previously living on the streets in Tempe. Fannon expressed gratitude for the sense of belonging fostered within the shelter. “It’s a family. I don’t want to say ‘like’ a family — it is a family,” he stated. His experience highlights the crucial role that community plays in helping individuals navigate challenging circumstances.
The East Valley Men’s Center not only provides essential services such as food and shelter but also offers a pathway to recovery and stability. Staff members, including Tanner Swanson of A New Leaf, work diligently to assist residents in finding jobs and addressing personal challenges, including addiction recovery. “We help them as best as we can — finding a job, maintaining sobriety, overcoming addiction, whatever challenges they may be dealing with,” Swanson explained.
Volunteers at the shelter spent the day preparing a full holiday meal that included turkey with gravy, smoked barbecue chicken, ham, and an array of side dishes. For dessert, guests enjoyed banana pudding, cupcakes, sweet potato pies, and peach cobbler. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by decorations that adorned the dining hall, creating a warm and inviting space.
As the day progressed, each resident received a Christmas gift, reinforcing the message of kindness and connection. “For somebody to be there for you, it makes life go around,” Fannon remarked. “That’s what makes a house into a home, and that’s what I cherish.” The impact of such gestures becomes particularly significant during the holiday season when feelings of loneliness can often intensify.
Pastors Tim and Toni Grimm from From the Ashes We Rise Ministries emphasized their commitment to serving the community during Christmas. “Christmas is not the time to be alone. It’s the time to show love and compassion,” Toni Grimm said. “There’s no better way to do that than to feed people and give them a Christmas gift.”
The collective efforts of the volunteers not only provide nourishment but also foster a sense of belonging and support, reminding those at the shelter that they are not alone during the holidays. The work done by organizations like From the Ashes We Rise Ministries and A New Leaf exemplifies the profound impact of community involvement, particularly during times of need.