A warm handoff:
When someone arrives on campus, the situation is often stressful – from adults and children seeking mental health treatment to families receiving case management services.
For Thomas Williams, those moments of vulnerability are where his work begins.
As campus ambassador for LifeView Group’s main campus in downtown Pensacola, Thomas spends his days walking the grounds, building relationships and stepping in to help those in need. “I need to be in the action,” he said. “I need to be on the front line all day.”
In this role, no two days look the same. He responds to calls from staff, checks in on individuals across campus and connects people in need with mental health care. His goal is to meet people where they are and guide them toward support whenever possible.
Much of his work centers on connection. He often serves as a first step, someone who can listen, build trust and help individuals feel safe enough to accept help.
“You’ve got to have an open mind and an open heart,” he said. “People on campus share with me, and then I can do a warm handoff to where they need to go.”
That might mean walking someone to the mental health screening center or simply talking through what the person is experiencing in the moment.
Decades of helping people
Thomas’ approach is shaped by decades of experience helping people. Before joining LifeView Group, Thomas built a successful career in the private sector, where his work centered in negotiating with community partners, communicating effectively, building trust and finding common ground—skills he now uses daily.
“My career has really just been one big learning experience,” he said
Thomas joined our nonprofit family of companies in 2018, first working in foster parent recruiting for FamiliesFirst Network.
“Right from the very beginning, I knew this was going to be a special culture.”
Thomas found fulfillment in helping children while simultaneously raising his own.
He later transitioned to the adoptions team before serving with Lakeview Center’s Mobile Response Team, in addition to helping as a behavior technician, floating between Lakeview Center’s Meridian, Cabot Heights, Crisis Stabilization Unit and Short-term Residential Treatment.
Becoming familiar with so many of our programs made Thomas the perfect match to serve as LifeView Group’s first campus ambassador – helping others feel welcomed and connecting those in need with vital services.
Building a welcoming campus
Thomas’ role has built a more welcoming, accessible campus. By growing relationships with team members and those we serve, he has become a familiar and trusted presence.
“People know me now,” he said. “They’ll call me when they see something. It’s about connection. It’s about people. It’s about relationships, helping them trust you and know that you’re doing what’s best for them.”
Looking ahead, Thomas says he is guided by purpose—continuing to support others and make an impact however he can.
“It’s really my pleasure to do this,” he said. “It’s just all about paying it forward.”
To work with compassionate team members like Thomas, visit our careers site.