A Conversation with Commissioner Nichols Part 1
Herbie and Rick are joined by Jennifer Nichols, commissioner of the department of children's services of Tennessee. Part 1
GUEST
Jennifer Nichols is the Commissioner of the Department of Children's Services for the state of Tennessee. Commissioner Nichols was appointed by Governor Bill Lee in January 2019. Under Commissioner Nichols’ leadership, in 2021 the Department implemented the Family First Prevention Services Act, the most comprehensive legislative child welfare reform in 25 years that will provide evidence-based prevention services for children and youth at risk of entering foster care.
Jennifer Nichols is the Commissioner of the Department of Children's Services for the state of Tennessee. Commissioner Nichols was appointed by Governor Bill Lee in January 2019. Under Commissioner Nichols’ leadership, in 2021 the Department implemented the Family First Prevention Services Act, the most comprehensive legislative child welfare reform in 25 years that will provide evidence-based prevention services for children and youth at risk of entering foster care.
HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.
RESOURCES
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court justices released their ruling, finding favor with Mississippi’s right to significantly limit abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. As a new day dawns across the United States, many women are waking up with paralyzing fear. Buried under the burdens of difficult circumstances, more women than ever are facing an unknown future. We want them to know they are loved and valued. We want them to know life-affirming options. Join us as we open arms and doors to care for women across this country.
Vessels of Hope is our faithful community of monthly donors. This ministry to orphaned and vulnerable children is only possible because of the Body of Christ that we walk hand-in-hand with. Those people give of their time, knowledge, and resources.
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
CO-HOST
Rick Morton is the Vice President of Engagement at Lifeline Children's Services.
RESOURCES
On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court justices released their ruling, finding favor with Mississippi’s right to significantly limit abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. As a new day dawns across the United States, many women are waking up with paralyzing fear. Buried under the burdens of difficult circumstances, more women than ever are facing an unknown future. We want them to know they are loved and valued. We want them to know life-affirming options. Join us as we open arms and doors to care for women across this country.
Vessels of Hope is our faithful community of monthly donors. This ministry to orphaned and vulnerable children is only possible because of the Body of Christ that we walk hand-in-hand with. Those people give of their time, knowledge, and resources.
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.
Creators and Guests
Host
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
Host
Rick Morton
As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!