At Family Promise of Greater Wichita, we are incredibly grateful for the dedicated volunteers who make our mission possible. These compassionate individuals give their time, talents, and energy to help families experiencing homelessness find stability and hope. One of these remarkable volunteers is Deb Shirkey, whose heart for serving others has been a vital part of our community for the past eight years.
Deb’s journey with Family Promise began in 2016 when she met Carrie Corliss at a church presentation just before the organization opened its doors. Something about the mission spoke to her deeply, and she knew she had to be involved. “The thought of children sleeping in cars is my biggest motivation,” Deb shares. “I also have a personal connection—my husband, at the age of six, and his entire family lived in a car for a period of time. I feel like I am here on this earth to do what God puts in front of me each day, and this is a cause He has placed on my heart.”
Since then, Deb has been a committed volunteer, wearing many hats. She currently serves as a Day House volunteer, is a co-coordinator at West Ridge Community Church, and plays a key role on both the Congregation Recruiting Committee and the annual Star Gala team. Her leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact, and her presence is a source of encouragement to families, staff, and fellow volunteers alike.
Finding Joy in Serving
When asked what she loves most about being part of Family Promise, Deb doesn’t hesitate: it’s seeing the transformation in the families. “Watching them grow through the program and seeing their lives change is amazing,” she says. But Deb has also experienced her own transformation through volunteering. The friendships she has formed—whether with graduate families, other volunteers, or staff members—have enriched her life in countless ways.
For Deb, hope is at the core of everything. Early on, Family Promise used the phrase “Hope changes the story,” and that message continues to resonate deeply with her. “This program gives families such hope for a different future,” she says. That same hope has also been her anchor through personal hardships. In October 2024, Deb experienced the heartbreaking loss of her husband of 40 years. “Without hope, I’m not sure where I would be,” she shares. “In my personal circumstance, it’s the hope I have in Christ, the hope and belief I have in heaven, and the hope that there is more than what we can see in the present.”
A Life of Hard Work, Commitment, and Cherished Memories
Outside of Family Promise, Deb has had an impressive 33-year career with Tupperware. Her team has consistently ranked in the top 100 in the country, and through her dedication, she has earned countless rewards—including the opportunity to travel. One of her proudest accomplishments is qualifying for trips that allowed her to make precious memories with her husband, from Europe to Hawaii. Looking back, those experiences are even more special now. “Those memories will be treasured until I am in heaven with him.”
Encouraging Others to Get Involved
To those considering volunteering with Family Promise, Deb offers this heartfelt encouragement: “If you have the opportunity to give your time, your talent, and your treasure to Family Promise, it will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. The work I’ve been part of here is truly one of the best things I’ve ever done. The families we serve are some of the strongest people you will ever meet, and you will never regret the time you spend helping them. In fact, you’ll be surprised how much YOU get out of the experience.”
When she’s not volunteering, Deb enjoys time with her incredible support system of friends, relying on their love and encouragement as she navigates this new chapter of life. She’s also a big fan of Carlos O’Kelly’s, so if you ever want to grab a meal and talk about Family Promise, she just might be up for it!
Thank You, Deb!
We are beyond grateful for Deb’s servant heart, dedication, and the light she brings to Family Promise of Greater Wichita. Volunteers like her make our mission possible, and we celebrate the impact she has made in so many lives.
If Deb’s story has inspired you, we invite you to get involved with Family Promise. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your contribution will make a difference. Just like Deb says—you will never regret it!
Interested in volunteering? Learn more about opportunities here: [Volunteer]
