MESA, Ariz. — A New Leaf, the Valley’s largest domestic violence organization serving about 3,000 survivors each year, is facing a major federal funding cut that is forcing tough decisions about how it can continue offering support.
The $700,000 loss came through the federal Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA. A New Leaf leaders said the funding reduction impacts several programs. The nonprofit has scaled back shelter staffing and support services and reduced its team of court advocates from six to just two.
“That means we’re really limited on our hours that we can be in the courts when somebody comes in and really needs help and guidance,” said Laura Bode, chief philanthropy officer at A New Leaf…