Commissioner Lacey Fisher and other judicial officers in Maricopa County have participated in a community service project to help build a home for a local family. The initiative was organized by R.O.B.E.S (Reaching Out and Building Engagement Through Service), a committee of eight judicial officers that arranges public service events for the Superior Court.
The group partnered with Habitat for Humanity to construct the house, which is located in Peoria. Volunteers spent half a day working on the site, helping to raise framing and hammer nails. The home will take several months to finish, at which point a family of eight is expected to move in.
“Working together as a team alongside the Habitat volunteers was rewarding. Not only did we learn new skills and use power tools, but we also had the chance to see tangible progress take shape right in front of us,” said Commissioner Fisher. “The best part of the experience was the shared sense of purpose -knowing that every nail we hammered and every board we placed was directly contributing to a future home for a family in need.”
R.O.B.E.S aimed to connect with community members outside their courtroom roles through this volunteer effort led by Commissioner Fisher.
“It was gratifying to be part of the initial phase of construction, but our plans are to return to volunteer again – both to see the progress of the home and to continue supporting the family and the Maricopa County community. The chance to witness the transformation over time, and to contribute to it firsthand, would make the experience even more meaningful,” Commissioner Fisher said.
Habitat for Humanity selects homeowners based on need, willingness to partner with them, and ability to repay an affordable mortgage.
“I’m very proud of the collective effort, paired with the camaraderie that developed throughout the day on the Habitat for Humanity project,” Commissioner Fisher said. “But I would also like to thank Arizona Supreme Court Justice Maria Elena Cruz and members of the Judicial Branch Security Team who were there to help.”
Volunteers included Judge Brian Palmer, Commissioner Lindsey Coates, Commissioner Jackie Ireland, Commissioner Keelan Bodow, Judge Kevin Wein, Judge Jim Knapp, Judge Frank Moskowitz, Judge Elizabeth Bingert, Judge Monica Edelstein, Commissioner Christian Bell, Commissioner Lacey Fisher, Judge Justin Beresky, Commissioner Therese Gantz and Commissioner Sabra Siedare.
During this holiday season R.O.B.E.S plans further engagement by partnering with the Juvenile Department for the Department of Child Safety’s 10th Annual Giving Tree campaign. Last year judicial officers from Superior Court sponsored 150 youth through this campaign.
R.O.B.E.S seeks not only positive interactions between residents and judicial officers but also aims at strengthening connections within Maricopa County through ongoing volunteer service.
