Welcoming a Familiar Face to Chambliss Center for Children
Chambliss Center for Children is excited to welcome Amy Hicks to our team as our new Foster Care Recruiter. Though new to this role, Amy is no stranger to Chambliss Center for Children. For the past eight years, she has been a dedicated volunteer, serving on the Bunny Hop Committee and, more recently, lending her talents to the Capital Campaign Committee. She’s also a familiar face at the Chambliss Center for Children Thrift Store - frequently donating, shopping, and even joking that she’s been known to buy back items she once donated!
From Counselor to Caregiver: The Beginning of a Foster Journey
Amy’s connection to foster care runs deep. Years ago, while working as a school counselor, she and her husband unexpectedly found themselves stepping into the role of foster parents. After learning about four children who had been left home alone, Amy and her husband welcomed them into their home - transforming their quiet household of two into a bustling home of six overnight. With bunk beds quickly purchased and hearts wide open, they began a life-changing journey.
A Home Full of Heart: Opening Doors to Sibling Groups
Over the next five years, Amy and her husband cared for nine children, primarily sibling groups, offering love and stability during times of uncertainty. While each child brought their own unique story, Amy and her family embraced the joys and challenges of foster care with prayer, patience, and compassion. Though none of the children were adopted by the Hicks family, each was reunited with their biological family - and each left an indelible mark on Amy’s heart.
Lasting Impact: A Family Forever Changed
Today, Amy and her husband are the proud parents of their 13-year-old biological daughter, who has grown up hearing the powerful stories of their foster care journey. Amy believes that those experiences were preparing her for something greater - this very opportunity to walk alongside others who feel called to foster.
A Career of Compassion: Experience That Matters
With more than 20 years of experience as a Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, School Administrator, Book Author, Reading Interventionist, Substitute Teacher, and founder of her own nonprofit - Helping Paws Healing Hearts (which provides pet therapy) - Amy brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and lived experience to her role at Chambliss Center for Children.
Full Circle: Giving Back Through Foster Care Recruitment
“I truly believe that life leads you exactly where you are meant to be,” Amy shared. “It’s an incredible honor to now support and inspire new foster families, helping children feel the warmth of a loving home - even if just for a season.”
We’re thrilled to have Amy on board and look forward to the impact she’ll make as part of the Chambliss Center for Children family!
Want to Learn More About Fostering?
If your church or community group is interested in exploring what it means to become a foster parent, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Amy Hicks to schedule an informational session: aehicks@chamblisscenter.org.
Let’s work together to support children and families in our community.