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Joining forces to empower individuals facing homelessness through higher education

By Mesa Community College

Mesa Community Court and Mesa Community College (MCC) are collaborating to break the cycle of homelessness and foster greater autonomy and stability in Arizona. 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. 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.

This release was originally published here.

Mesa Community College

is located in Mesa, Arizona. It’s part of the Maricopa Community Colleges District.