Women Inspiring Nevada: Valerie Hicks, Executive Director, SAFY of Nevada

Valerie Hicks

Valerie Hicks believes family and community are the cornerstone for the success of our children. Determined to be part of the solution, she has dedicated her entire career to working with children and families.

At SAFY (Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth), Hicks leads a statewide team of social workers and clinicians to strengthen families and communities through therapeutic foster care, adoption, behavioral health, family preservation and older youth services. As a licensed social worker herself, she is passionate about serving more than 3,000 young people experiencing foster care in Clark County, responding to their unique needs within the context of the social issues they face.

Hicks is involved with many organizations promoting the well-being of children and families in Southern Nevada, including Nevada Youth Care Providers, Family Focused Treatment Association and Clark County Health and Human Services. She also participates in the legislative process, advocating for funding for child welfare and mental health services.

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