More than a court

When Alana was arrested for shoplifting in Olympia, it seemed like just another run-in with the law.

Homeless, struggling with addiction, and carrying the weight of past trauma from domestic violence, she felt trapped in a cycle she could not escape.

But instead of jail, Olympia’s Community Court connected her with housing, substance use disorder treatment, and support services.

Now, with a roof over her head and a bit of stability, she is taking things one day at a time.

“Ain’t got a clue how I got that low. But I ain’t there no more," she said. 

 For many, traditional courts offer little more than a revolving door back to jail. Olympia’s Community Court takes a different approach — helping participants address the root causes of crime through resources, education, and community support.

Case Manager Brett Riley acknowledges the challenges but also the rewards.

“Some days are tough. People relapse, disappear, or struggle with trust. But then there are the good days — when someone finds housing, lands a job, or just believes in themselves again. Those moments make it all worth it," Riley said.

 Community Court’s breakthrough progress is due to a holistic approach that combines legal accountability with comprehensive support services.

A key component of this approach is the Restorative Justice program, which includes facilitated family reunification, community healing and building circles, and opportunities for program graduates to become facilitators.

These restorative practices provide a way for offenders to understand the impact of their actions, rebuild relationships, and meaningfully contribute to their community. 

 Community Court helps participants build a foundation for long-term success.

On the last Friday of each month, the courtroom transforms into a classroom for Life Skills courses taught by various community organizations and businesses.

These courses offer practical tools for independence and stability. Peer Olympia provides self-efficacy, Washington State Employees Credit Union teaches financial literacy, Express Employment Professionals offers job readiness training, the Dispute Resolution Center strengthens conflict resolution skills, and Innovations HTC raises awareness about domestic violence and sex trafficking.

By integrating these lessons, Community Court ensures participants gain critical, life building skills as they complete their program.  

 A critical piece of Community Court’s success is its Community Advisory Committee, made up of business leaders, civic organizers, public servants, and community stakeholders. 

“This committee is a great opportunity (to) give the community a voice as to how we respond to the crisis Olympia faces in houselessness, mental health and substance use,” says Judge Pam Nogueira.

This committee ensures the program remains effective, responsive, and deeply connected to Olympia’s broader efforts to promote public safety and social stability.

Additionally, Community Court hosts resource fairs twice a year, bringing together service providers to connect participants with housing, employment, health care, and other critical and basic needs.  

 For many participants, like Alana, Community Court provides a path forward they never thought possible. Through the program, they connect directly with local resource providers who address needs such as insurance, medical care, treatment, peer support, housing, licensing, and employment.

These providers attend court weekly, offering unwavering support to ensure participants meet their needs and stay compliant with the program. Community Court relies on their dedication to help participants build a new future. 

 By addressing the root causes of offenses and strengthening community connections, Olympia’s Community Court is transforming lives — helping participants find stability, families reconnect, and our community is safer and thrives.

To learn more about this critical work, join us for the Municipal Court’s Report of the Court Address on April 11 at 2 p.m. at the Lee Creighton Justice Center, 900 Plum St. SE, where Judge Nogueira will highlight the court’s impact and its role in serving Olympia residents.