Youth involved in the juvenile court system will now experience a more efficient and welcoming visit at the newly launched Hope Closet at Juvenile Probation. Hope Closet provides clothing and other basic living essentials in a new setting designed to promote dignity, choice, and confidence.
The Community Hope Closet was previously located in a small office in the Durango Probation building. The refreshed space is now located in a larger, repurposed space that has improved capacity, organization, accessibility, and privacy when needed.
“We now have separate rooms for feminine, masculine, and baby/toddler clothing,” said Innovations and Communications Manager Laura Eller. “We also have a sorting room, a changing room, and an accessory room. Additionally, we can dedicate space to toiletries and resources such as school supplies and community resource information. Because of this expansion, we can provide more items in a space that resembles a true shopping experience for our youth and their families.”
With assistance from a juvenile probation officer, youth can schedule a visit to the Hope Closet and personally select the items they need. For those unable to visit in person, probation officers can complete an on-line “style” request form, shop on their behalf, and deliver the requested items as part of their supervision activities.
“Many of our youth and their families are in need of clothing, essential toiletries and school supplies,” said Eller. “The Hope Closet allows our department to provide these essentials to our youth and their families in a dignified and respectful manner.”
Numerous youths begin the process of completing the GED requirements while in detention and are released prior to completion. The new space also includes a new certified location for youth to test and complete their GED in preparation for community reentry.
The Juvenile Probation Department operates two smaller Hope Closet locations managed in large part by volunteers and interns. The Hope Closet is supplied through a variety of community partners including the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Catholic Ministries, the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department, Labor’s Community Service Agency, Arizona State University, and the generosity of Judicial Branch staff. Since opening in August 2025, 40 families have been served.