Third Branch eNews

A community closet inside the Vel R. Phillips Youth & Family Justice Center in Wauwatosa is helping families and youth who visit the Children’s Division of the courthouse meet basic needs with dignity. The closet, which opened in June, offers free clothing, shoes, and hygiene items and has been very well received in its first few months.

The initiative was spearheaded by Court Staff Attorney Robert Mochel and Court Coordinator Christine Mochel, who partnered with local organizations to gather donations and personally oversee restocking and organization of the shelves as part of their regular duties.

“We often see firsthand the struggle that the people we serve face when it comes to meeting even basic needs such as clothing, and this was our small, but meaningful way of addressing that problem in a dignified and judgment-free way,” said Robert Mochel.

The closet is situated in a common area of the courthouse and designed for easy access. “It was important to us that the community closet was open and accessible to everyone in a relatively discreet way that didn’t require the attention or assistance of anyone in the building,” Robert Mochel added.

Christine Mochel said the closet also serves as a visible reminder of compassion within the justice system. “We know that coming to the courthouse can be difficult for people for many reasons,” she said. “We hope that the mere presence of this community closet shows people that our community here at Children’s Court cares.”

Since its launch, the community closet has been continually restocked with donations and seasonal items; from swimwear in the summer to Halloween costumes in October. Winter wear, hats, gloves, and boots are expected to be available in the coming months.

The community closet is a reminder that justice systems also deal in human needs, not just legal ones. By combining legal work with service, the effort helps reduce barriers for families and supports access with dignity.