How it all began.
The DEB Project was established in 2012 following the tragic loss of Deborah, a childhood friend whose story of adoption and resilience continues to inspire our mission. Deborah’s life, filled with both hardship and strength, is the heartbeat of this organization. Her legacy lives on in the work we do each day to bring hope, dignity, and love to children entering foster care and to the families who courageously step in to care for them.
From the beginning, the DEB Project has focused on filling immediate needs that often go unmet. Many children enter foster care with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. We respond quickly—providing new and gently used clothing, hygiene items, backpacks, bedding, and toys within hours of placement. Over time, we have expanded our programs to meet both urgent and long-term needs, including, the Unleashed program - awarding therapy dogs to schools; Christmas Tree program, which ensures children not reached by other agencies still experience the joy of receiving gifts during the holidays; and our Scholarship/Intern Program aids in funding our students’ education needs.
Our reach has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, we served 16,086 clients with 24,184 items. In 2024, that number grew to 19,330 clients with 56,101 items provided. By 2025, despite shifting community needs, we continued to serve 6,401 clients with 14,762 items—proof of our ability to adapt and meet families where they are. To date, we have partnered with more than 40 nonprofit organizations, 5 local schools districts, social workers in Benton and Washington Co, churches, and community organizations to ensure children never feel invisible.
The DEB Project is more than a resource—it is a source of hope. Our programs help restore a sense of dignity to children who have endured trauma and provide foster families with the practical support they need to focus on love and healing. The impact ripples beyond individual families, strengthening the fabric of our community by showing that every child is valued and every story matters.
At its core, the DEB Project exists to make sure no child faces hardship alone. We are committed to building brighter futures, one child, one family, and one act of kindness at a time.
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