The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division has selected Jane Hickman of Greenbrier as the 2015 CASA Volunteer of the Year.
Hickman was selected for her long service to CASA – volunteering for eight years, during which time she reunited 18 families and found safe permanent homes for 31 other children – and her fierce advocacy on behalf of her clients. At one point, Kathy Williams, former Executive Director of CASA of Robertson County, writes in her nomination form, Hickman was handling seven cases at one time. While the agency rarely gives a volunteer that many cases, Williams said they were confident that Hickman could carry the caseload without sacrificing the quality of representation.
Given her significant experience, Hickman now mentors new volunteers and represents the agency during the “CASA Day on the Hill” legislative day. Williams also made a point to emphasize that Hickman has a special place in her heart for teens and those who are about to “age out” of the foster care system, and often advocates for alternative education options for this demographic so they have a chance at a successful and productive life.
Hickman also has become known as the “CASA Chef” – regularly catering meals for volunteers, community meetings and the agency’s annual appreciation dinner for its partner organizations. This year, she also took up the challenge of hosting a CASA table at a local community chili cook-off. She designed, sourced and decorated the table and made all of the chili. Thanks to her efforts, the agency won second place in the contest and had a great opportunity to publicize its work. At the heart of Hickman’s service, however, is an unwavering commitment to kids. “She just does not give up on kids, no matter what,” Williams says. And for that, the YLD is honored to present her with the 2015 CASA Volunteer of the Year Award.
Excerpt taken from tba.org article published on 12/30/14 by Stacey Shrader Joslin
