MESA, Arizona -- Oct. 28, 2024 -- Mesa Community Court and Mesa Community College (MCC) are collaborating to break the cycle of homelessness and foster greater autonomy and stability. The new joint effort focuses on providing court participants with personalized support to earn college degrees and certificates that can help create a path to skilled work and self-reliance.

MCC's Office of Outreach and Recruitment launched a new, dedicated website tailored for Community Court Participants (mesacc.edu/court). The site features a streamlined form for exploring various resources and educational opportunities. MCC will work closely with Community Court navigators to provide personalized guidance for participants including the enrollment process and help secure funding for their 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 is a specialty court designed to address the root causes of homelessness, including substance abuse and unmet physical and mental health needs. By offering comprehensive social services, such as shelter, health care, substance abuse treatment referrals, help obtaining IDs and benefits, and employment and educational support, the Community Court aims to stop the criminality and legal troubles leading to or resulting from homelessness.

"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," said Natalie, a 22 year old recent Community Court graduate. "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."

The partnership between Mesa Community Court and MCC reflects their shared commitment to supporting individuals in overcoming barriers and achieving lasting success. By combining educational resources with comprehensive social support, the partnership aims to uplift those seeking a fresh start through Community Court.

For more information, please visit MCC's Community Court website mesacc.edu/court or contact City of Mesa Communications Director, Ana Pereira (ana.pereira@mesaaz.gov) or MCC Student Services Specialist Senior Tyler Oakes (tyler.oakes@mesacc.edu).

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Media contacts:
City of Mesa: Ana Pereira, ana.pereira@mesaaz.gov, 480-644-2069
MCC: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7283

Community Court History: Established in July 2018, Mesa Community Court is a specialty court that focuses on addressing the root causes of criminal behavior through comprehensive social services. The courts mission is to help participants break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and arrest by providing the necessary support to improve their lives and regain their independence. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) designated Mesa Community Court as an innovative model for other courts to replicate and provides a Community Court Toolkit on the MAG website. The City of Scottsdale created a Homeless Navigation and Resources Team in 2020, the City of Chandler started a Support Court in the fall of 2022, the City of Tucson started a Community Court in May 2023, the City of Phoenix started a Community Court in January 2024, and the Scottsdale Municipal Court started a Community Court in March 2024 all modeled, in part, after the Mesa Community Court. Community Court continues to collaborate with other court and innovate and expand our partnerships to better support our participants. 

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.