When Jamie Lackey (BSW ’00) thinks back on what led her to social work, the path feels almost inevitable. Raised by a single mother who often brought her along to nonprofit board meetings, she grew up observing the impact of community work from behind the scenes.
“I got behind-the-scenes knowledge into how important nonprofits were and how important social work was,” she recalled. “I remember in middle school or high school, I had to do a paper on a career I wanted to choose, and I chose social work… and never wavered from it.”
Today, Lackey is the founder and CEO of Helping Mamas, a baby supply and period supply bank that distributes essential items to families across Georgia and East Tennessee. What began 11 years ago out of Lackey’s garage has since grown into a multi-location organization that served around 160,000 individuals last year.
The idea for Helping Mamas emerged while Lackey was overseeing a parenting program and noticed a troubling trend: caseworkers were spending most of their sessions searching for basic needs, leaving little time for actual parenting education.
“They couldn’t teach parenting education because the kid didn’t have diapers or the right car seat or even bottles or pacifiers,” she said. “Families were using plastic grocery bags for diapers. I was like, we have to be doing better than this.”
Although food insecurity had long been addressed through food banks, pantries, and federal assistance programs, there was no equivalent system for diapers and baby essentials.
“It didn’t matter what population you were serving; everybody’s basic needs were the same,” she said. “And there was no public assistance program that allowed for the purchase of those items.”
With her own children out of the baby stage, Lackey suspected many parents had extra supplies they’d gladly donate. So, she began collecting items out of her garage alongside her best friend.
“I just loved being a mom and loved the nonprofit world and saw a gap in services, so I started Helping Mamas.”
A Mission That Grew Into a Movement
Helping Mamas now operates much like a large-scale food bank but with diapers, wipes, clothing, and period products instead of food. Warehouses in metro Atlanta, South Georgia, and Knoxville receive donated or purchased items, volunteers sort and inventory them, and partner agencies pick up exactly what their clients need. Helping Mamas Knoxville also leads several mobile distribution events to ensure families in low-income communities can access emergency supplies quickly.
Beyond distribution, Helping Mamas has become a significant voice in policy change. The organization has played a role in Tennessee’s efforts to make diapers available to Medicaid families from birth to age two and in establishing the state’s diaper budget that allows diaper banks to contract for statewide distribution. On the federal level, diaper banks’ collective advocacy, including Helping Mamas, contributed to the creation of the first federal diaper distribution program. The organization has also been recognized through the University of Tennessee’s Rocky Top Business Awards as one of the top alumni-led businesses, ranking as the top nonprofit and placing twelfth overall.
Rooted in Her UTCSW Experience
Lackey credits her years at the UT College of Social Work with helping shape her foundation as both a social worker and a leader. She recalls having strong connections with faculty who took time to invest in her growth, helping her understand her strengths and develop her professional identity.
Her field placements also played a major role in preparing her for practice. They offered real responsibility and meaningful engagement with clients — experiences she still draws on today.
“I learned really young how to jump in and be a social worker, and that was huge,” Lackey said.
As she reflects on her journey, Lackey offers advice for students and new graduates about grounding their ideas in real need while remembering they don’t have to have every answer.
“Always start by making sure there’s truly a need,” Lackey explained. “Do the research, and if someone is already doing the work, find out how you can support them rather than create another entity. You’re not supposed to figure it all out; you’re just supposed to walk alongside people. The most important thing you can do is give them a chance to be seen and heard.”