Small Group of Volunteers Makes Large Impact

by Donna McBride, Pinal County Juvenile Court Program Administrator II

The Pinal County Community Advisory Board is one of those small groups of volunteers that most won’t recognize, but you most likely feel the impact they make in our communities.

A small group of citizen volunteers, they represent diverse professional, cultural and community backgrounds.

The main purpose of the group is to evaluate and enhance services provided by the Pinal County Juvenile Court Services. The common interest is to ensure that Juvenile Court practices continue to reflect the best interest of youth, families, victims and the community.

Whether youth are involved in the justice system on probation, diversion, detention or foster care, this group has a long standing history of being champions of youth in Pinal County.

Established over 20 years ago, the Community Advisory Board members represent Florence, Casa Grande, Gila River Indian Community, Superior and San Tan Valley. Their backgrounds in education, law enforcement, faith, small business and ranching help the department have a broad scope of public opinions when it comes to juvenile justice.

The group financially sponsors several events popular among local schools and organizations: the annual Mock Trial Competition, Student Scholarship/GED Program, Character Counts Essay Contest, National Adoption Day and Family Reunification Day Celebration.

The group even funded the Kids Zone at Pinal County Superior Courthouse – a special playroom/waiting area for child victims. Additionally, the group hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas events for the youth detained at the Youth Justice Center.

This is a working board that meets every other month. To find out more about the Community Advisory Board and to help their cause contact me at DMcBride@courts. az.gov or 520.866.7094.

Community Advisory Board Members

Pastor Roy Edwards, Co-Chair

Deborah Martinez, Co-Chair

Steven Sekrecki, Secretary/ Treasurer

Lisa Flores

Carmen Duarte

Carson McWilliams

Greta Edwards

Trudy Keenan

Manny Ruiz