SE Valley Times

Mesa Community Court and Mesa Community College have announced a collaboration aimed at supporting individuals facing homelessness by providing access to higher education. This initiative is designed to help court participants gain college degrees and certificates, facilitating their path toward skilled employment and self-reliance.

The partnership has led to the creation of a dedicated website by MCC's Office of Outreach and Recruitment, specifically for Community Court Participants. The site includes resources and educational opportunities, along with a streamlined form for exploration. MCC will collaborate with Community Court navigators to offer personalized guidance through the enrollment process and assist in securing funding for education.

"In Community Court, we see people not for who they are today, but instead we see people for who they can become," said Mesa Community Court Magistrate Umi Novell. "As a first-generation college graduate and someone who faced housing and food insecurities, I understand firsthand how daunting and complex applications for college and FAFSA can be for new students. Our partnership with Mesa Community College provides Community Court participants a direct pathway to earning a college certificate or degree."

Mesa Community Court focuses on addressing root causes of homelessness such as substance abuse and unmet health needs by offering services like shelter, healthcare, treatment referrals, ID acquisition assistance, benefits access, employment support, and educational opportunities.

Natalie, a 22-year-old recent graduate of the program shared her experience: "In my sobriety I've been able to put together such a fulfilling life and I attribute that to all the people that have led the way and helped me help myself," she said. "I work in treatment now with a local provider and get to see daily reminders of the type of person I used to be. I'm not ashamed of my past and don't wish to forget it because I use it all as fuel to help those who are stuck in the cycle of addiction."

This collaboration reflects both organizations' commitment to helping individuals overcome barriers while achieving lasting success through educational resources combined with social support.