Debbe joined the Olive staff in 1998.  She worked for three years as an assistant to Jean Rea.  After Ms. Rea’s retirement in 2001, Debbe began her new position as Coordinator.  
 
As Coordinator of Church & Community Ministries her responsibilities include all areas of social work, administering client assessments and disbursing benevolence funds for those needing assistance, supervision of the food pantry, Suit Yourself, and Compucare ministries.  She teaches Bible study at the Escambia County Jail bi-weekly to female inmates and facilitates The Most Excellent Way at the Pathways for Change program on a weekly basis.  Her future vision is to begin GED preparation classes.  
 
Debbe is currently watching a long term vision become reality.  The ladies home “The Charis House” opened in April 2007. The vision is to create an environment for spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery for those in crisis of addiction, and homelessness.  The goal is to see lives changed, hope restored, and families reconciled through the power of Jesus Christ.
 
Debbe grew up in Brundidge, Alabama.  She is married to Jay and they have four sons, Trent, Gabe, Mark and Eddie and six grandchildren.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Our primary goal is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a practical outreach to the poor and needy in our community. Our standard is the Bible.
Our guide is the Holy Spirit. 

When someone is hungry, we want to feed them; when they are thirsty, we want to give them a drink; when they are stranded, we want to provide shelter. If they are naked, we want to clothe them; if they are sick, we want to look after them; if they are in prison, we want to visit them.—Matthew 25:35-40

CHURCH & COMMUNITY

We want to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."—Proverbs 31:8-9

We strive to see people empowered by Christ to break out of the cycle of poverty and learn to provide for their families.

In reaching the poor and needy, we want to point them to Christ. We believe that can best be done after their immediate needs have been met. If they are treated with cold indifference when they come to God's house seeking help, they will turn away more convinced than ever that God doesn't love them. Once they have been helped by a caring Christian, they are more receptive to hearing the truth of God's Word. Our ultimate goal is to bring the lost to Christ.

We try to be discerning and led by the Holy Spirit in dispensing God's resources. We attempt to uphold the standards set forth in God's Word.

Basic Need

We assist with rent, utilities, and life-sustaining medications for those who meet the qualifying criteria. To receive assistance, an appointment is necessary.

Food Pantry

We provide two types of food bags. 1. Family food bags are designed to feed approximately four people for four days. 2. Transient food bags are smaller and consist of foods that are easy to open.

Interstate Angels Ministry

We provide clothing, showers, food, and personal hygiene items for transients. They are shown love and treated with kindness. Referrals are offered to community drug and alcohol programs when needed.

Suit Your Self

This program is designed to help women return to the work place. We provide complete outfits of clothing as well as instructions on how to dress and apply for jobs. Fittings are by appointment only.

CompuCare

CompuCare is a ten-week program providing an opportunity for individuals to gain employment skills and improve their home situations by participating in a structured comprehensive learning program. Classes are conducted in basic computer skills and personal development to include self-esteem, budget/finance, communications, preparing for the workplace, job search, office etiquette and interviewing.