We build a world where we keep kids in school and out of prison.
The Transformative Justice Project of Colorado (TJP) provides free legal advocacy, mental health care, and community support to youth ages 10 to 25 who are navigating the legal system, along with a free food pantry open to any family in our community who needs it. Your donation makes sure young people are not alone in courtrooms, in schools, or in their communities.
Our Work
Every day in Colorado, young people—especially Black, Brown, disabled, and LGBTQ+ youth—are pushed out of school and into the criminal legal system. This pipeline is not inevitable. It is a set of policies and practices that we can interrupt.
TJP walks alongside youth ages 10–25 to make sure:
They know their rights
They have someone advocating for them
Their education, mental health, and access to freedom are protected
Their families have the resources they need
We do this through:
Community Cares, our flagship program: mental health support, legal and education advocacy, court accompaniment, resource navigation, and family support for system-impacted youth
LYRIC (Learn Your Rights in the Community): Know-Your-Rights workshops that teach youth their constitutional rights before they ever have contact with police
Believe in Youth: free legal representation for record expungement, plus job readiness and life skills support, so a past mistake does not define someone's future
Tony's Food Pantry: free food and household essentials for any family in our community who needs support, no questions asked
All of our support is free, culturally responsive, and community-rooted.