Who We Are
The Transformative Justice Project (TJP) disrupts the school-to-prison pipeline by providing holistic support to system-impacted youth and families across Denver. Through four core programs, we address root causes — poverty, trauma, lack of mental health care, and educational barriers — rather than treating symptoms.
Founded: 2010 as Colorado Juvenile Defender Center | Rebranded 2023 to TJP
Leadership: Co-Executive Directors Barbara Garza, LCSW, and Erin Pier, Ed.S.
Budget Growth: $100K (2023) → more than $1,000,000 (2026)
Our Programs
TJP addresses the root causes of the school-to-prison pipeline through four core programs:
Community Cares — Intensive case management and mental health support (90 youth + 60 families annually)
LYRIC — Constitutional rights education (2,500+ youth annually)
Believe in Youth — Expungement services (approximately 12 youth annually)
Tony’s Food Pantry — Food and basic needs access, launched November 2025 (50+ families monthly)
2025 Impact at a Glance
2,500+ youth and families served across Denver
50+ people attending monthly Community Nights
8 incarcerated youth receiving ongoing communication, commissary, and family support
90%+ success rate in positive outcomes for youth
100% of attorneys who worked with us would refer future clients
100% of youth reported feeling fully supported by TJP
100% of families reported feeling completely supported by TJP while their loved one navigated the system
What People Say
Youth:
“TJP has been my biggest support through this tough time in my life. They showed up from day one to the last hearing and always made it a point to check in with me regarding not just the case but my mental wellbeing also.”
Family Member:
“Having TJP there through this process made it easier. TJP has touched our family’s lives & I hope they will be able to be there for other youth & their families. TJP are amazing & extraordinary & special people!”
Attorney:
“I am 100 percent confident that we would not have received the plea offer we did without the support of TJP. Their support was vital to the DA making a modification to probation and the judge accepting the plea offer.”
What's Next for TJP
Looking ahead, TJP is:
Expanding LYRIC constitutional rights education under Program Director Tiera Brown’s leadership
Hiring a new Community Cares case manager to support our growing caseload
Deepening volunteer engagement to build community power
Sustaining Tony’s Food Pantry, launched in November 2025
Stay tuned: TJP is preparing our first-ever Annual Report, covering the 2026 program year in full. We expect to publish it here by the end of 2026 — in the meantime, you can read our latest Financial Accountability update.