In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sit down with retired Florida Circuit Judge Tonya Rainwater, a trailblazing leader who presided over every division of the 18th Judicial Circuit from 1991 to 2019 and helped establish Brevard County’s first drug court. Twice elected chief judge, Rainwater spearheaded programs like the Rainwater Center for Girls, offering a lifeline to juvenile girls in crisis and reshaping approaches to justice with compassion.

She reflects on the moment she chose law as her path and how years on the bench taught her that listening with empathy can be a judge’s most powerful tool. From witnessing children torn between unsafe homes and the hope of adoption, to celebrating the joy of “forever families,” her stories reveal both heartbreak and healing. She speaks candidly about addiction and incarceration, sharing why drug courts and education offer a way forward when prison alone cannot. And she recalls the powerful moments when former juveniles returned years later to thank her—proof that compassion, second chances, and community support can truly change lives.

This episode dives deep into justice reform, equity, family bonds, and the human side of the court system. Whether you’re passionate about juvenile justice reform, drug court innovation, or community mentorship, Judge Rainwater’s wisdom and heart will inspire you to see the humanity behind the headlines.

Three Key Takeaways

Compassion and Listening Matter

Judge Rainwater’s career shows that every case is unique, and true justice begins with hearing each person’s story with fresh ears. Her approach to listening with empathy reminds us that fairness isn’t just about the law—it’s about humanity.

Support Systems Change Lives

From mentoring programs to relative adoptions and diversion courts, Rainwater highlights how community support can break cycles of trauma and crime. Providing resources and guidance gives individuals and families the chance to build stronger, safer futures.

Community Action Is Powerful

Rainwater emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in creating a more just society. Whether volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters or mentoring children of incarcerated parents, small, local efforts can create lasting change.

Why Listen

If you care about criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, family resilience, or restorative practices, this conversation offers actionable hope and a rare, compassionate look into the courtroom.

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This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" and when her new book, The Hope Club, publishes here.

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If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

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Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.