Soul of 78: Debra Quinn
Celebrate Recovery and Hope for Women
Words by Thomas Ingle | Images by Ryan McGill
Hope for Women's Debra Quinn can be likened to the Energizer Bunny she keeps going and going. Her journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and commitment, and she is unstoppable in her dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on the world around her.
As a pastor's child in the Pentecostal Church of God, Debra learned the value of serving and adapting to change. With her father frequently assigned to different churches, Debra experienced seven school changes by the time she reached adolescence.
"I never realized the impact of not having that stability. It truly impacts your adult life," she says.
When Debra was twelve years old, her spiritual journey took a significant turn when she moved to Birmingham, Alabama.
"Growing up in the church, there was so much of it that I couldn't even live up to. I acknowledged Christ, but I didn't live the lifestyle of that. In 1990, I rededicated my life to Christ," she says.
Her commitment of faith paved the way for her leadership role at Adamsville Church of God. Between 1990 and 1999, she dedicated herself to various roles, including working with the youth, serving on the Ladies Ministry Board, extending a warm welcome to visitors, participating in the prayer team, and contributing to the homeless ministry. In January of 2000, her family transferred their membership to Sumiton Church of God, where she continued her impactful service in the homeless ministry for an additional two years.
Over the years, she served as youth leader and currently holds the position of Ladies' Director. With an impressive tenure of 24 years on the women's board, she has been a consistent force in the church. In 2018, she organized and launched a Celebrate Recovery initiative at the church. This 12-step program addressing hurts, habits, and hang-ups, has thrived under her guidance, boasting a dedicated team of 20-plus volunteers and an average attendance of around 70.
In 2019, she broadened her horizons by acquiring a health and life insurance license to educate seniors on crucial Medicare decisions. Fast forward to September 2022, and Debra achieved a significant milestone by becoming the Executive Director of Hope for Women, an organization she has been involved with since 2014. Hope for Women caters to women battling addiction, providing accommodation for up to 15 women at a time in a supportive communal living environment. Debra's approach includes securing jobs for participants and facilitating educational opportunities, such as GED programs at Bevill State Community College, Ready to Work initiatives, and parenting classes.
Debra's commitment to empowering others has left a mark on those she has served. She has become a beacon of hope and transformation for countless individuals through her roles in various ministries and programs. She remains dedicated to fostering positive change by providing practical solutions and support, ensuring that her impact on the community continues to grow and flourish.
As her journey continues, one thing is certain: wherever Debra Quinn goes, positive change follows. 78