ATHENS, GA – August 27, 2024—The Georgia Commission on Family Violence (GCFV) is thrilled to announce that Charles Sperling has been awarded the prestigious Catalyst for Change Award. This accolade recognizes Mr. Sperling’s exceptional dedication and relentless commitment to advancing the efforts of family violence intervention programs in his community.

Recipients of this award are chosen based on their history of increasing safety for victims and survivors of domestic violence, enhancing the accountability of batterers, and making systemic changes to laws in Georgia – all to eliminate gender inequality.

The Catalyst for Change Award is bestowed upon those who demonstrate extraordinary innovation and unwavering dedication as Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) providers or facilitators. Recipients of this honor are celebrated for their ability to go above and beyond, holding offenders accountable and driving positive change within their communities.

Sperling, an expert in behavioral health and family violence intervention, has made significant contributions through his leadership at STAND, Inc. Founded over twenty years ago, STAND has become a cornerstone in Metro Atlanta for providing behavioral health services and support. Mr. Sperling holds a Master’s from National-Louis University’s College of Management and Business. He is a board-certified addiction counselor, clinical supervisor, researcher, author, trainer, mental health professional, and family violence intervention facilitator.

His influential work includes authoring two domestic violence intervention manuals, "Provocation" and "Root Solution," which have been peer-reviewed and approved by Georgia’s Commission on Family Violence. In addition, Mr. Sperling serves as a gubernatorial appointee on the Commission.

Mr. Sperling’s dedication has also been recognized with the Heritage Award for Excellence in Leadership by Georgia State University and the Distinguished Alumni Award from National-Louis University, acknowledging his exceptional commitment to improving the quality of life within the Metropolitan Atlanta community.

“I am honored beyond words that my friends, colleagues, and the selection committee thought of me as worthy to receive such a prestigious award...Together, we are making a difference one step at a time,” said Mr. Sperling. 

“Charles Sperling embodies the spirit of the Catalyst for Change Award through his unwavering commitment and innovative approach to accountability,” said Judge Paige Whitaker, Chair of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. “His leadership at STAND, Inc. and his contributions to the field of family violence intervention are truly inspiring. Charles’s work holds offenders accountable and drives positive systemic change, profoundly impacting his community and state.”

The Commission’s 30th Annual Family Violence Conference was held in Athens from August 25 to 28, 2024. This year’s theme is “Learning From the Past, Forging Ahead Together.” Over 600 local and national stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates, survivors, faith leaders, counselors, and community members, attended the conference.

About GCFV: The Georgia Commission on Family Violence, created by The Georgia General Assembly in 1992, is charged with developing a comprehensive state plan for ending family violence in Georgia. If you or someone that you know is being impacted by domestic violence, call 1-800-334-2836 to speak with a domestic violence advocate.


Press Contact: April Ross, [email protected]