Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 22 minutes ago
This week, 21 human service professionals across Utah completed a 10-week training program and are now provisionally certified as Community Justice Advocates (CJAs).
These advocates will begin a 10-week intensive supervision period under the direction of licensed attorneys, during which they will support people navigating legal challenges related to debt collection that often leave individuals without assistance and a clear path forward.
The development of this initiative was spearheaded by Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) in partnership with Nonprofit Legal Services of Utah (NLSU), Chair of the Utah Courts' Committee on Resources for Self-Represented Parties Judge Richard Mrazik, Utah Bar Foundation, and several lawyers, social workers, and other human service professionals.
The newly certified CJAs represent various roles – case managers, therapists, housing counselors, among others – in a wide range of service settings, addressing issues such as homelessness and housing, domestic violence, crisis intervention, and general mental health services.
“These helping professionals are already trusted service providers. Adding the CJA certification gives them another way to help their communities, and I think we will see an immediate positive impact from their efforts,” said Jaxon Didericksen, Access to Justice Program Coordinator for TCI.
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
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USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
This week, 21 human service professionals across Utah completed a 10-week training program and are now provisionally certified as Community Justice Advocates (CJAs).
These advocates will begin a 10-week intensive supervision period under the direction of licensed attorneys, during which they will support people navigating legal challenges related to debt collection that often leave individuals without assistance and a clear path forward.
The development of this initiative was spearheaded by Utah State University’s Transforming Communities Institute (TCI) in partnership with Nonprofit Legal Services of Utah (NLSU), Chair of the Utah Courts' Committee on Resources for Self-Represented Parties Judge Richard Mrazik, Utah Bar Foundation, and several lawyers, social workers, and other human service professionals.
The newly certified CJAs represent various roles – case managers, therapists, housing counselors, among others – in a wide range of service settings, addressing issues such as homelessness and housing, domestic violence, crisis intervention, and general mental health services.
“These helping professionals are already trusted service providers. Adding the CJA certification gives them another way to help their communities, and I think we will see an immediate positive impact from their efforts,” said Jaxon Didericksen, Access to Justice Program Coordinator for TCI.
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
