FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 August 25, 2025

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) is honored to announce Jim William Mejia as a 2025 Moving the Work Forward Award recipient. The award was presented at GCFV’s 31st Statewide Conference, recognizing Mejia’s outstanding commitment to advancing safety, justice, and culturally responsive services for survivors of domestic violence in South Georgia.

A proud Tifton native, Jim Mejia is the Legal Advocacy and Latino Outreach Programs Manager at Ruth’s Cottage & The Patticake House (RCPCH), where he leads legal advocacy efforts across the Tifton Judicial Circuit, serving Irwin, Tift, Turner, and Worth counties. Since joining the organization in 2019 as a part-time legal advocate, Jim has steadily grown into a leadership role, building a bridge between legal systems and marginalized communities, predominantly immigrant and Spanish-speaking survivors.

“Jim Mejia’s work exemplifies the spirit of the Moving the Work Forward Award,” said Commission Chair Judge Paige Whitaker. His expert advocacy, cultural outreach, and strategic leadership have opened doors for survivors who felt isolated or unheard for far too long. Through compassion, collaboration, and vision, Jim is changing lives in South Georgia—and his work is a model for the entire state.”

Under Mejia’s leadership, the Legal Advocacy Program at RCPCH provides trauma-informed, court-accompanied services to hundreds of survivors each year, helping them navigate the legal system and obtain temporary protective orders for family violence, stalking, or dating violence. The state and local courts recognize his team of trained legal advocates for their professionalism and client-centered approach.

In 2021, recognizing the unique challenges faced by the region’s Latino community, Mejia helped develop and implement a dedicated Latino Outreach Program, funded through a specialized grant. The program’s goal: to reduce barriers, educate immigrant survivors, and create pathways to safety and healing. Through bilingual outreach, community engagement, and culturally appropriate resources, Jim has led efforts that have significantly increased the number of Spanish-speaking survivors seeking help across the circuit.

“Jim’s leadership has shifted how his Circuit responds to domestic violence in immigrant communities,” said Judge Whitaker. “He doesn’t just serve—he listens, builds trust, and creates sustainable, inclusive, and transformative solutions.”

The Moving the Work Forward Award is presented annually to an individual or organization demonstrating innovation, vision, and lasting contributions to the domestic violence movement in Georgia. Jim Mejia’s work reflects all these qualities and more. Whether connecting a survivor with legal protection, navigating cultural barriers and systemic gaps, or building outreach that educates and empowers, Jim is truly moving the work forward.

 

 

Contact:
 Georgia Commission on Family Violence
 Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.gcfv.georgia.gov