Who We Are
At 1st Place Care, we believe that every individual deserves compassionate, communicative, and high-quality support—delivered the right way, every time.
Founded by a devoted mother of a child with special needs who teamed up with her friend, a life-long educator, our agency was born from lived experience, deep empathy, and a shared vision for doing things better. As a Direct Services Agency (DSA)* serving participants in the Medicaid Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) waiver program, we specialize in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and the families who love them.
We know firsthand the challenges of navigating complex systems and caring for individuals with special needs. We’re here to simplify, uplift, and advocate. Our name reflects our promise: to be 1st Place in service, in integrity, and in the care of those we serve.
Whether you're seeking guidance, resources, or direct support, 1st Place Care is committed to helping clients and their families access what they need for happy, healthy, and independent living.
Located in Fort Worth, 1st Place Care will serve participants in the Fort Worth catchment area (Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties)
*pending completion of final licensing requirements
Meet our Team
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Edward Hicks IV, M.Ed.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
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Sandra "Sandy" Evans
Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer (COO)
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Shannon Bird, RN
Chief Registered Nurse
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LeAnne Bailey, RN
Registered Nurse

