Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Blair.
Hi Debbie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a retired Douglas County school teacher who, upon retiring in 2022, felt a strong calling to continue giving back. After volunteering at various nonprofits, SECOR Cares was the one that truly felt like home. I started in the market and quickly fell in love with the culture—from the dedicated staff and volunteers to the wonderful guests we serve. What began as filling in on small tasks to support the team eventually blossomed into a much larger role. After six months of volunteering, I was thrilled to accept the position of Program Manager. It has been a joy to turn my passion for service into a career at SECOR.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am committed to a simple standard: everything we do must be what is best for our guests. This philosophy required us to rethink some of our processes, and as we all know, change is rarely easy. I’ve found that the most effective way to navigate that friction is to focus on our ‘why.’ By clearly communicating the heart behind our decisions, I’ve seen our team move from hesitation to a deeper understanding, working together to evolve in service of our mission.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Today, I am proud to serve as the Program Manager at SECOR Cares. We support our neighbors across Douglas, Elbert, and Arapahoe counties who are facing food insecurity. Transitioning from a classroom to a nonprofit market was a natural shift for me; I love working with our guests and our dedicated staff. In my role, I focus on making sure our guests are the priority in everything we do. Change can be a challenge, but when we remember the ‘why’ behind our mission, it brings us all closer together to do the best work possible.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I am deeply passionate about the ‘guest-first’ philosophy we uphold at SECOR. Beyond daily operations, I focus on expanding our impact through innovative programming and strategic community partnerships. I thrive on collaborating with local businesses and other nonprofits to create a holistic support system for our guests. What started as a post-retirement volunteer opportunity has blossomed into a career I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://secorcares.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secorcares/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoutheastCommunityOutreach
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/secorcares/
