PHOENIX (Sept. 17, 2026) — The Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps program was announced as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Service Program Award at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC hosted by America’s Service Commissions (ASC) on September 15. The awards program is held each year to recognize the accomplishments of state and territorial service commission staff, commissioners, service programs, and champions of national service throughout the United States and its territories.

“Most people who come to our courts are facing one of the hardest moments of their lives, and many of them are doing it without a lawyer,” said Presiding Judge Pamela Gates. “Our AmeriCorps members meet them at the door and walk with them through a process that can feel overwhelming. This national recognition confirms what we see every day - that service changes outcomes for real people in Maricopa County.”

Service programs are organizations that commit themselves to making a difference in their communities by leveraging the power of national and/or community service. The Outstanding Service Program Award winner must perform meaningful service, maintain a strong record of compliance, and demonstrate a lasting impact on their members, community, and state. The (PACS) AmeriCorps Program was one of eleven awardees.

“We are incredibly honored by this recognition, which would not be possible without the full support of our Branch and the Governor’s Office for Youth, Faith & Family,” said the Law Library Resource Center’s Department Administrator Jackie Traher. “This partnership has allowed us to create and deliver meaningful programming and training where it is most impactful. I am deeply grateful to our phenomenal AmeriCorps staff, whose wholehearted dedication empowers our members every day so they can focus entirely on helping our community navigate the court system with clarity, empathy, and the resources they need.”

The Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps Program was created to expand access to justice programs at the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County. Members help individuals representing themselves in court navigate the system. A majority of those requiring court services cannot afford an attorney and are forced to proceed on their own to obtain child support and custody orders, establish guardianship of an aging family member, probate an estate of a deceased loved one, and more. Members provide a welcoming, customer-centric environment for those intimidated by these unfamiliar legal processes. They help them find court forms and, for those who cannot write, scribe their answers. AmeriCorps Members escort customers throughout the buildings to file their forms or find their courtroom. They strive to make sure the customer leaves with the information they need to understand their next steps.

“The recipients of ASC's 2026 Innovation & Leadership Awards exemplify the very best of national service,” said John Kelly, CEO of America’s Service Commissions. Through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to strengthening communities, they are finding innovative solutions to complex challenges and inspiring others to serve. We are proud to recognize these outstanding individuals and organizations whose work is advancing our mission and creating lasting impact across the country.”

Learn more about the awards and awardees.

For more information, go to the Providing Access to Court Services (PACS) AmeriCorps Program's webpage.

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