Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Childress.
Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m honored to share a little about Valor Ranch – who we are, what we’re building and why it matters so deeply to the men and women who’ve served our country. Valor Ranch was born out of a simple but powerful idea – that no veteran should have to face homelessness, hopelessness or isolation after giving so much for our freedom. We exist to help transform lives by offering a stable home, purpose and community to those who have served and now need a hand up.
Our mission is to transform veterans’ lives through housing, healing and hope. When veterans come home, some face struggles that most of us can’t see. Physical injuries, invisible wounds from trauma, difficulty reintegrating into civilian life – all of that can lead to unemployment, broken relationships, and too often, homelessness.
Valor Ranch offers a safe place to land – a structured environment where veterans can rebuild their lives. We provide transitional housing and connect them with the resources they need: job training, counseling and most importantly, a supportive community that reminds them they’re not alone.
At its heart, Valor Ranch isn’t just about a place to stay, it’s about restoring dignity and hope. The ranch is a beautiful property, and we’ve been working steadily to bring it to life as a welcoming home for veterans. We’ve had incredible volunteers, donors and community partners step in to help with everything from construction and clean-up to donating materials and meals. Every nail, every coat of paint, every donated hour is helping us move closer to opening our doors.
When the men walk through the door for the first time, they’ll find a warm bed, a meal, and a team ready to walk alongside them. They’ll also find hope – and that’s something priceless.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any non-profit can truthfully say that it has always been a smooth road. I do feel like God has been leading us every step of the way, opening doors, leading volunteers, donors and veterans to find us.
The bane of existence for every non-profit is fundraising. We are always knee deep in the fundraising lane, making sure that we will not run out of money as we work to help veterans find their way and rebuild their lives.
Finding volunteers can sometimes also be an ongoing battle. Getting the word out when we have work days, fundraising events and things like that are some of the challenges we are always working to overcome.
We raise a lot of our money though annual fundraisers: poker tournament (January 31 at Side Pockets North), Golf Tournament (May 8 at Paradise Point in Smithville, 5k (September 12 at English Landing Park in Parkville, and a holiday market coming up in just a couple weeks at North Star Church on November 22.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder of Valor Ranch and also now the Executive Director. I have known for a long time that I was being called into ministry. Not the preaching every Sunday kind, but serving and devoting my time and passion to serve others and be a resource in their challenges. I try to follow where I feel like God is leading me and if I stay true to that path, life goes much more smoothly!
What I’m most proud of is that Valor Ranch is changing lives. I don’t care if anyone ever remembers my name. I only want them to know that Valor Ranch is a safe haven for veterans.
I don’t know that I’m set apart. I’m just a child of God doing the best I can to serve His children. I do think my faith is my guiding light and that has always kept me strong in the face of things others tell me they couldn’t get through themselves. I think most people are stronger than they think, though, especially when there’s no other choice. One example is losing my son to suicide 5 years ago. Many people expected that a trauma like that would make me question God or turn my back, but I just never went there. I can’t imagine turning my anger onto the only One who was able to get me through it. My faith has definitely brought me strength through many trials and traumas.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success for me is doing what God has called me to do, even when the results seem to be unseen. My first goal is faithfulness, not fame. I follow where He leads, trusting His timing and provision. Success is finding gratitude and purpose in each season – even the hard ones. It’s about obedience, stewardship and faithfulness to the mission God has entrusted to me. Feeling peace – even amid challenges – is validation that I’m rooted in God and staying grounded in His guidance. Pressure rooted in comparison or control is a signal to recalibrate.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,ValorRanch.org
- Instagram: @ValorRanch22
- Facebook: ValorRanchInc
- LinkedIn: Valor Ranch
