Help us build a safe, welcoming space where children in foster care feel seen, supported, and loved.
The DEB Project: A Place to Belong
The DEB Project was founded in 2012 in honor of Deborah, the childhood best friend of our founder, Sammy Laney. Deborah was adopted at age 10 and brought immense joy, courage, and light to those around her. Tragically, she died by suicide as a young adult—an event that deeply shaped the mission behind the DEB Project.
She was bold, compassionate, and the kind of person who naturally stood up for others—especially those who felt unseen or overlooked. She carried strength, light, and a deep sense of empathy that made people feel safe around her.
But like so many children who experience early trauma, there were battles others couldn’t always see. After losing Deborah, everything changed.
What began as unimaginable grief became a calling—to create something meaningful in her honor. Something that would carry forward the love, confidence, and belonging she gave so freely.
The DEB Project was born from that purpose.
Today, her legacy lives on through action—serving children in foster care, supporting families, and creating a place where every child can feel what Deborah made others feel so naturally: seen, supported, and deeply loved.
This isn’t just a building.
It’s a continuation of her story.
Before there was The DEB Project, there was Deborah.
We’re Building More Than a Building
This new space will become a home base for hope — serving children in foster care, foster families, school social workers, caseworkers, and more than 40 nonprofit partners. It will also serve as a center for continuing education and learning opportunities for foster and adoptive families—offering training, support, mentorship, and community connections that help families feel equipped, encouraged, and never alone in the journey.
A place where
children feel safe
A place where foster families find support
A place where
healing begins
A place where partners can collaborate
Because Healing Doesn’t Happen in Chaos
Children entering foster care often arrive with very little — sometimes without basic clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, or a consistent place to turn for help. This building will create a centralized, reliable space where needs can be met with dignity, urgency, and love.
Your Gift Helps Build a Place of Hope
✓ Essential Resources: Clothing, hygiene items, school supplies, and immediate care items.
✓ Family Support: A welcoming place for foster families to find encouragement and practical help.
✓ Partner Collaboration: A central hub for nonprofits, schools, and child welfare professionals.
✓ Child-Centered Spaces: Rooms designed to help children feel safe, valued, and seen.
Give. Name. Build. Belong.
This is your opportunity to help turn Deborah’s story into lasting love for children in foster care. Together, we can build a place where every child feels safe, supported, and seen.