Jackie Davis
Supervisor
Dallas CASA

​Jackie entered foster care at eighteen months old. His parents struggled with drug and alcohol addictions. While in foster care he rotated through several homes, shelters, and experienced a failed adoption at the age of five. He experienced traumatic transitions and abuse from a system that was supposed to protect him but failed. Although his experiences seemed hopeless, he had a successful adoption at the age of thirteen. Jackie now speaks publicly about his experiences in foster care, adoption, and abuse. He has used public speaking as a platform to advocate and create awareness in various communities about the needs of youth in foster care. Jackie states, “He was able to surpass the initial prospects that were set before him- failure or imprisonment, by using hope as a lodestar.”

Jackie recently graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT), receiving a Bachelor's in Social Work. While attending UNT, Jackie was one of the co-founders of an award winning organization called Persevere Until Success Happen (PUSH). He served as President and Vice President of the student organization that is now a university program. This organization was the grassroots effort to establishing a program to meet the needs of foster care alumni at the university level. This student program is focused on being an educational support group for foster care Alumni on the UNT campus. Jackie has been invited to speak at several conferences and panels in Texas and other states to educate and train those who advocate and work with children in the foster care system.

Jackie has received awards for his community service and advocacy. In 2014, Jackie was voted by his classmates and peers to receive the UNT Social Work Student award. In January 2015, he received the prestigious Fanny Bell Gaupp award and scholarship; a UNT Social Work award that recognized the community work of students. Jackie was also recognized by State Representative, Pat Fallon, receiving a resolution that was shared with the House of Representatives. After his much success at UNT, Jackie was selected to be the Commencement Speaker for his 2015 graduating class. 

While seeking his undergraduate degree, Jackie was offered to work directly with children in the foster care system at Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home as a Youth Care Worker. In 2015, Jackie worked for MHMR Tarrant County as a Youth Transition Specialist. He directly helped youth from the ages of 16 to 21 transition into adulthood. He continues to have strong relationships with the children he has served. Jackie strives to be a symbol of hope for youth in the foster care system with similar experiences he faced telling them that they matter. 

Today, Jackie is a Supervisor at Dallas CASA. He serves on a workgroup for the Texas Supreme Court, Children's Commission, a board member for Educate REACH for Texans, and various other committees in Texas. In August 2017, Jackie completed his Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

Jackie’s passion is mentoring, advocating and volunteering; he continues to be a voice that uplifts, encourages and educates youth across the state.