Who We Are

Serving Northeast Florida Since 1995

The Justice Coalition has quite an impressive and intriguing history! It was founded by Ted Hires and a group of passionate individuals who were determined to make a difference in the community of North Florida and to uphold the values of justice, fairness and equality. The Justice Coalition has a strong presence not just in the local community, but has also been displayed on a national scale. They have been involved in countless initiatives aimed at promoting justice for victims, reducing crime, and supporting law enforcement. Furthermore, they frequently collaborate with other organizations, think tanks and institutions to explore new ideas, share best practices, and build relationships to drive positive change. Through impactful programs and initiatives, the Justice Coalition continues to make strides towards a safer community.

Ted Hires

Founder

"One person CAN make a difference"

In February of 1995, Jacksonville restaurant owner Ted Hires was the victim of an armed robbery at his South Lane Avenue office. It was hardly his first experience with the criminal element, though. In fact, it was the eighth time he had been robbed. This time, however, he was violently attacked, but he and an employee managed to pursue the fleeing assailants and both robbers were eventually apprehended. It was then that Hires discovered, to his dismay, that the justice system was weighted heavily in favor of the perpetrators of violent crime instead of their victims. Vowing to do his best to remedy what he described as a “humiliating and devastating” disparity, Hires founded the Justice Coalition five months later.

The Justice Coalition was created to ensure that the innocent victims of violent crime have their rights observed and respected. Navigating the complex vagaries of the court system is no easy task, so the Justice Coalition enlisted the role of specialty trained advocates to go through the legal process beside the victims, all the while providing moral and spiritual support as well as knowledge of the legal system and its internecine workings. Immediate crisis intervention, education about victims’ rights, assistance in applying for victims’ compensation, and grief counseling are just a few of the services provided by the Justice Coalition to clients from eight counties in Northeast Florida (Duval, Putnam, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, Bradford, Baker, and Flagler)

Over the years, the Justice Coalition has assisted thousands of victims and survivors of violent crime. They have also been instrumental in the passing of several key pieces of legislature to expand and amplify victims’ rights, such as Marsy’s Law in 2018, which ensures that victims of crime have equal, constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes.

Serving Northeast Florida Since 1995

Ted Hires

"One person CAN make a difference"

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Staff

Volunteers

Serving Northeast Florida Since 1995

Ted Hires

"One person CAN make a difference"

Board of Directors​

Advisory Board

Staff​

Volunteers

Board of Directors

Staff