About Us

Julita Sanders is a passionate servant leader and dedicated community advocate committed to empowering youth and strengthening families.

Her vision for Juvenile Outreach Advocate (JOA) began in 2006 while working with youth in an alternative education program. She witnessed firsthand how trauma, homelessness, abuse, limited parental guidance, and unmet mental health needs often contributed to behavioral challenges and academic struggles.

Later, while working in Juvenile Court, she encountered many of those same young people repeatedly entering the justice system. These experiences reinforced her belief that young people need more than discipline—they need understanding, guidance, accountability, and someone willing to advocate for them.

Driven by her personal experiences and professional journey, Julita founded JOA in 2020 to ensure that vulnerable youth and families have a voice, access to resources, and opportunities for a brighter future.

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"I firmly believe that the mistakes we make as teenagers should never determine the rest of our lives. Every young person deserves someone who sees their potential beyond their circumstances." — Julita Sanders

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Her passion is simple: Be a voice for the voiceless, advocate for the overlooked, and help young people turn their challenges into opportunities.

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Mrs. Sanders has a very diverse educational background which has focused on community service. Mrs. Sanders holds an Associates degree in Paralegal Studies, Bachelors in Criminal Justice, Masters in Forensic Psychology and Certification in Marriage and Family Therapy. Mrs. Sanders is an active member of the Athens-Clarke county community and member Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has also served on various boards and organizations including: 2024, 2023 Georgia Titan 100 Award Honoree ▪ 2022 ATHENA International Honoree ▪ Envision Athens "Chair Person" ▪ LEAD Athens Class of 2019-2020 ▪ United Way of Northeast Georgia "Impact Review Panel" ▪ Court Appointed Special Advocate ▪ Friends for Life "Mentor" ▪ Student Paralegal Association ▪ Solicitor General Campaign Committee ▪ National Association of Legal Assistants ▪ Citizen Advocacy "Board Member"▪ Foothill Charter School "Mentor" ▪ Advantage Behavioral Health ▪ Evelyn C. Neely Leadership Class "Inaugural" ▪ Toastmasters ▪ NAACP