Board Member Spotlight: Nicholas Lichwick
Nicholas Lichwick joined the Fairfax CASA Board of Directors in 2018. Executive Director Darcy Hubbard jokingly refers to Nicholas as “the Rainmaker,” as he has helped CASA grow its donor base, created fundraising events, secured thousands of dollars in sponsorships, and has even run races on behalf of CASA. Adopted from an orphanage in South Korea at a young age, Nicholas experienced firsthand the challenges many CASA children face.
“During my stay in an orphanage, there was a college student who used to come every month and take us out. Those are the fun memories of an unfortunately sad and tragic past. Those are the things I remember the most,” said Nicholas.
Nicholas grew up in upstate New York with his biological sister and adoptive parents. He graduated with a degree in psychology and a double minor in teaching and child psychology. Nicholas later went to California to work for Mercy Corps, a Catholic charity that builds transitional housing for the unhoused. Here, Nicholas would learn about the nuances of working with the unhoused population and securing housing, knowledge that would later serve him well when getting involved in causes that support vulnerable populations.
Two years later, Nicholas began working for the state of Texas as a social worker, where he was recruited by Dallas CASA.
“That was the first time I really got introduced to what CASA did. As a social worker, I appreciated what they did because they took some [cases] off my caseload,” said Nicholas. At Dallas CASA, Nicholas served as a Supervisor of Volunteers but also worked some cases on his own, as a CASA.
Every summer, Nicholas would sponsor two children from his caseload to attend Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys camp. To fund the two-week camp sessions, Nicholas needed to raise over $500 per child. Determined to provide a meaningful experience for the children, he reached out to his friends, seeking financial support and resources to make the camp a reality for the children. Recognizing Nicholas’ skills in fundraising and sales, Nicholas’ friend Jeremy offered to pay for the children’s camp if Nicholas considered joining him and his boss at their mortgage lending company. Although Nicholas never thought he would work in the for profit sector, he was unable to deny the positive impact he could make for others as a corporate employee.
“I quickly realized finance is the key to resources. That’s why corporate sponsors are important. That is something I learned because of that transition…When I left CASA to work in the corporate world, I stayed on as a CASA volunteer so that I could keep working with eight of the kids. I made a promise I would be there with them till the end. Till they aged out or got adopted.”
After moving to Virginia in 2012, Nicholas joined SCAN of Northern Virginia, where he had the opportunity to meet Darcy. Nicholas expressed his interest in being involved as a board member. In 2018, Nicholas formally joined the Board of Directors, bringing his journey with CASA full circle. With his background as a social worker and a passion for CASA, Nicholas knew he could bring valuable experience and unique qualities to the board
“Because of my past experiences, I feel like I come in with a lot more knowledge than typical board members. I understand the nuances and day to day activities of the things that CASA volunteers have to do,” Nicholas emphasized.
Reflecting on CASA’s broader impact, he added, “I really do think that when a CASA speaks, the judges and attorneys lean in to listen. Our volunteers actually see more than what attorneys and social workers can see…It’s impossible to be perfect, but I think CASA makes the system as perfect as possible.”
Nicholas’ journey brings a wealth of experience to Fairfax CASA. His professional background in social work coupled with the essential skills in sales and corporate relations he’s picked up along the way have proved vital to the organization. His dedication embodies what CASA advocates provide for their CASA children every day. In securing additional funds and personal connections for the organization, Nicholas helps contribute to Fairfax CASA’s continued success, ensuring no child slips through the cracks.