MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Chaney, Dawkins, Dearing, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Posey, Williamson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND CIVIC DEDICATION OF CLAIRE NOWLIN AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, Claire Nowlin, ACSW, LCSW, who was recognized for her energy and support of children, youth and families as a licensed social worker in Mississippi, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2007; and
WHEREAS, Claire was a native and lifelong resident of Rankin County, and a graduate of Millsaps College. She also received her Master's of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University. She achieved the distinction of becoming a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers through her membership in the National Association of Social Worker, and she was licensed to practice social work at the highest level in Mississippi, the Licensed Certified Social Worker position; and
WHEREAS, she began her practice career as a Social Worker at the Mississippi Baptist Children's Village in 1972, where she organized the Department of Social Services. In 2002, Claire began work for the Hinds Behavioral Health as a School-Based Therapist for the Jackson Public Schools, where she was employed until her death. She was a truly tireless, cheerful and dedicated social worker on behalf of children, youth and families in Mississippi throughout her career; and
WHEREAS, she was currently serving as President of the National Association of Social Workers, Mississippi Chapter (NASW, MS), and had been a member of the Board of Directors of NASW, MS and served as Registration Committee Chairperson for many years. She also served as a member of the Governing Boards of the National Council on Accreditation. She was a member of the Hinds County MAP Team, where she assisted in reviewing child abuse reports in Hinds County, and was a founding member of the MS Association of Child Caring Agencies, through which she also contributed time and talent to the statewide "Looking to the Future Conference," focusing on training professionals to address the service gap for those of late adolescent/early adulthood age who are displaced/homeless, and in need of transitional living, education and social services; and
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Claire acted as Field Instructor to many social work students. She also taught as an Adjunct Professor for one semester in the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Family Studies at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Council on Accreditation (COA), the National Social Service accrediting body, had the pleasure of partnering with Claire Nowlin since 1987, first as a Peer Reviewer. Then in 1996, she became a Team Leader and has conducted well over 20 site visits on their behalf. Claire was later nominated to their decision-making body, the Accreditation Commission, and all agree that Claire was the epitome of southern charm, grace and spirit. Claire was later named Peer Reviewer of the Year in 2001 and awarded the Consuelo Foundation Peer Reviewer Award due to her work and dedication to the accreditation process and our goal to ensure quality services to children, families and individuals. For this distinguished organization, Claire will be missed but will never be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, Claire was a very active member of Brandon First United Methodist Church. Her involvements included being a member of the choir, working with the youth, serving as Secretary for the Administrative Board and being a member of the Wesley Sunday School Class; and
WHEREAS, Claire was the ultimate advocate, colleague, mentor, professional and friend to all. Claire provided support and advocacy for those vulnerable children and families in need. She also cared for and advocated for the needs of the elderly and infirm. She supported traditional family values in settings where this was not popular, and did not back down in the face of opposition or ridicule. Her faith in her religious belief system upheld her social work values of the worth of the person, and she directed her energy to address all persons' needs even if their values were different from her own. Throughout her career, Claire supported equality and social justice for vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this inspirational Mississippi citizen, whose professional energy and dedication will be sorely missed by all who knew her:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life and civic dedication of Claire Nowlin and express to her surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on her passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to the surviving family of Claire Nowlin, the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.