Tommie DeGonzague
Tommie DeGonzague, Legal Program Director
770-479-1804 x201
Tommie DeGonzague has been employed at Cherokee Family Violence Center since 2005. Prior to her position at CFVC, Tommie served as the Director of the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Program at the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. She has over 16 years of experience providing advocacy for survivors and is regularly utilized as an expert witness in legal proceedings. Tommie is passionate about providing assistance to all victims of family violence, and is an active member of the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force and serves as the current Chair of the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Tommie attended the State University of New York at Albany obtaining her Masters of Social Work degree. She enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid fan of the New York Giants.
Describe your role at CFVC
My primary role as the Legal Program Director is to continue to enhance and implement services that address the legal needs of victims of family violence. The focus of the legal program is to empower and educate our clients to make the best decisions for their situation and to provide support as they go through the legal process.
How did you come to work at CFVC?
Meg Rogers, CFVC Executive Director, called and asked if I would in interested in the part time Victim Liaison position. In 2007 a full time position became available in the legal program as a Legal Advocate, in 2011 I was promoted to Legal Services Coordinator and in 2017 I was again promoted to Legal Program Director.
What has made you remain committed to CFVC since then?
I enjoy working in Cherokee County. I do believe there is a commitment to keep victims of family violence safe. Community Stakeholders may not always agree on the strategies used to hold abusers accountable but there is an opportunity for open discussion. The Board and staff continually demonstrate their individual commitment to our mission. I do value strongly our client focused services.
What has been your favorite memory with CFVC?
There are many in the 11+ years I have worked for CFVC. Several victims that I have worked with have felt lost, defeated, and very alone. What I remember most is when they look me in the eye after accomplishing their goals and feeling stronger and empowered.
Why do you think people should get involved with CFVC?
There are many opportunities to get involved with CFVC, so people can decide if they want to immerse in our organization or start small with one project or activity. The biggest reason people get involved is because we do great work and they want to be a part of it.
What’s the biggest proof that you’re good at what you do?
The open decision I can have with community partners and agencies in this community.
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
That the leaders and staff in the legal community know who we are and know what we stand for.
What problems do you consistently solve for your clients?
Meeting their safety needs through legal remedies while dealing with limited resources.
What do you most look forward to in your work?
Continuing to build relationships with community leaders and have open decision to ensure safety of victims and holding abuser accountable in Cherokee County. Also setting standards for best practices within each agency in our community.
Certifications or professional memberships:
Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force
CPR and First Aid Certified
List of CFVC events you have run or participated in:
Candlelight Vigils
Football Frenzy fundraisers
Poker Run fundraisers
Race for Empowerment
Galloping Against Violence fundraiser