A dedicated team, driven by a passion for service and community impact, welcomes visitors to the Law Library Resource Center each day, offering guidance on courtroom processes and empowering individuals to navigate the legal process with confidence. 

During National AmeriCorps Week, celebrated this year from March 9 to 13, the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County recognizes the crucial role Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps members have played in promoting access to justice by assisting self-represented litigants at all four Law Library Resource Center locations throughout Maricopa County.

“My culture and academics have impassioned me to take action and ignite change in my community, whether that be in the Philippines or here in Maricopa County,” said (PACS) AmeriCorps Member Ryleigh Mangundayao. “When I am helping self-represented litigants, I want to make them feel heard and supported during a time in their life that is at the lowest of the lows. Showing empathy and compassion to people who are asking for my help has been a highlight of this role.”

From August 2025 through January 2026, (PACS) AmeriCorps members have made a powerful impact across all LLRC locations, logging more than 20,400 interactions with community members. During that time, they completed over 650 translations, personally escorted more than 580 individuals through the courthouse, and contributed more than 7,400 in-person service hours since the start of the grant year, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to expanding access to justice.  

“Members play a critical role in providing access to justice by providing correct information, timely assistance, and respectful service,” said (PACS) AmeriCorps Program Manager, Sonia Marquez. “They help bridge gaps for self-represented litigants by educating them on court forms and processes and providing available resources. Their help reduces the barriers that may otherwise prevent individuals from navigating the court system. By assisting with escorts, translations, scribing court forms, and explaining court processes, they help reduce confusion and anxiety for court users.”

While AmeriCorps members assist individuals with questions about court processes, they also gain valuable exposure to potential career paths within the justice system. After serving, some of them have been able to secure positions within our Judicial Branch. 

“Serving as an AmeriCorps member has helped me discover my true passion for the criminal justice field,” said (PACS) AmeriCorps member Sydney Whittal. “During my first two years of college, I struggled to choose a major that felt right, but through my AmeriCorps service thus far, I've realized this is where I belong. The experience has helped me better understand myself and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in this field.”

Throughout their service term, members receive a living allowance to help support themselves while serving their communities. Upon successful completion of the program, they earn an education award to further their academic or professional goals. The Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps program is funded by an agreement with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

For more information about the Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps program, please visit: https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/americorps/. 

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