Meet the Founders

TISH HAYWARD

Tish was born in Perry, Houston County, Georgia on September 30, 1970 to her loving mother, Sara Duncan and father, Lurry Brown. She was loved and nurtured in a close-knit family reared by her grandmother, Ms. Lula Mae Duncan and her aunts, whom she lovingly referred to as her sisters. In 1995, Tish married the love of her life, Casey Hayward, Sr. and together, they raised three wonderful sons to know Jesus Christ.

Tish was known for her love and faithfulness to Christ. If to love is to live, then she embodied life itself. She loved unconditionally and prayed always. Tish had a great sense of humor and embraced everyone she met.

Mrs. Hayward generously served her community in various ways including: hosting a Back to School Bash providing school supplies to local children, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner that served dinner to over 350 families, promoting a healthy life style and physical fitness to young people by engaging them in activities such as cheer and football camps, basketball tournaments, and serving as a facilitator for career and college preparation. She believed in preserving her community and was a member of the Perry Downtown Development Authority. Tish was also instrumental in providing Christmas gifts for families in the Perry Community and serving families through the Ronald McDonald House partnership. She adopted families in need by securing shelter, furnished goods, and clothing for them, as well.

Tish's memories will be forever cherished by her devoted husband of 20 years, Casey Hayward, Sr.; sons, Casey Hayward, Jr., Jecavesia Hayward, and Casey J. Hayward; along with many other family and friends. Tish was loved by all and will be truly missed.

CASEY HAYWARD

Native of Perry, Georgia, Casey Hayward was born to Casey and Tish Hayward, the middle of three boys. He attended Perry High School, where he was a three-sport star in football, basketball and track & field.

In football, Hayward was a three-year starter at quarterback playing minimal games at cornerback.  Named Regional Player of the Year, All-State defensive back and an All-middle Georgia player, Hayward was also a member of the team's leadership council and a starting guard in basketball.  As an outstanding track & field athlete, Hayward excelled in sprints and jumps. He recorded a personal-best leap of 22 ft, 3 in. in the long jump, where he took gold, while also recording a personal best of 22.75 seconds in the 200-meter dash.

Hayward would commit to Vanderbilt University on a full football scholarship. Playing as a true freshman in the SEC, he made his permanent move to cornerback. By his senior year, he was named midseason All-American by Sports Illustrated and second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, becoming the first Vanderbilt All-American in four years. Participating in the 2012 Senior Bowl, Hayward completed his stint at Vanderbilt graduating with a degree in Sociology.  

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Hayward in the second round (62nd overall). In his first season, he won NFL defensive Rookie of the Month for October, having intercepted 4 passes in 3 games. He finished 3rd for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the NFL All-Joes team.

In March of 2016, Hayward signed a three-year deal with the San Diego Chargers. Named All Pro in 2016 and 2017, he finished first in the league with seven interceptions, second in the league with 20 passes defensed, and named a Pro Bowl selection both years. He was also ranked 64th on the NFL Top 100 Players list.

Off the field, Hayward is devoted to strengthening the community. Co-founder of Hayward’s Hands, Casey and his mom, Tish, founded the organization with the simple mission to pray, teach, encourage, give, help and inspire people of all ages to make their dreams come true.  In 2016, Tish lost her battle to breast cancer, only inspiring Casey to become more involved community initiatives while carrying out his mom’s legacy.