The Gift of Showing Up: Debbie’s Story of Service
During this Season of Gratitude, New Life Community Alliance (NLCA) is celebrating the people who show us what it means to care for our neighbors. This care can show up in different ways, both in big moments and through the simple act of showing up, day after day.
For Debbie Mooney, that journey began in 2016, when she and her late husband were searching for a church to call home. After leaving another church where she didn’t feel spiritually fed, New Life Church was the first place they visited. “When we came, we couldn’t stop coming,” Debbie remembers with a smile. “We’ve been here ever since.”
As Debbie settled into New Life, she began to learn more about the NLCA and the many ways it served neighbors throughout South DeKalb.
“First, I was intrigued,” she shares. “Then, I was so excited to find a church that cares so much for the community, and I wanted to be a part of that.” Debbie’s intrigue and excitement drove her to find out how to get involved.
Showing Up, Again and Again
Debbie started in the Food Distribution Center, packing boxes for neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Soon, she was doing a little bit of everything, from packing and distributing food to unpacking boxes, helping in the kitchen, and volunteering in other areas.
When NLCA operated its Warming Station, Debbie arrived early in the morning to help prepare food for neighbors who experienced homelessness during the cold winter months.
“I would come in early in the morning with the other volunteers to get their food ready and to get them out for the day, so we could clean and get the space ready for the night,” she explains.
This commitment to helping those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness has marked Debbie’s journey with NLCA. Now, she serves at the South DeKalb Day Center at New Life, helping to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch under the direction of Head Chef, Cassie Gay.
But Debbie’s presence isn’t isolated to the kitchen. “I help out with the Day Center, serving breakfast and lunch, and of course mingling with our neighbors who come in.” More than passing out meals, Debbie spreads warmth and care through conversations with Day Center guests. “I enjoy them and listening to their stories,” Debbie shares. “I really enjoy doing this.”
A Simple Thank You That Meant So Much
For Debbie, it’s hard to pinpoint just one memory that resonates most deeply with her. However, there is one family that highlighted the impact of her consistently showing up.
A mother staying at the Warming Station was searching for a job while receiving support from NLCA. “This person came up to me and handed me something. When I got home and opened it up, the card said:
‘I appreciate your presence.
Every single day, you’re always smiling.’”
The woman had a son who would go up to Debbie and give her a big hug every single day. Debbie would make sure she had a Prime drink in hand, ready to give it to him. This created a powerful bond between the two of them that the boy’s mother deeply appreciated.
Recently, Debbie saw the family again at church. The mother had found a job, and when her son spotted Debbie, he hugged her as he cried, saying, “I miss you so much.”
Moments like these really stand out for Debbie. “It’s really great to know you have an impact on people,” she says. “It’s wonderful. I love it.”
We’re Grateful for the People Who Show Up
Debbie’s story reminds us that meaningful service isn’t always found in the biggest moments. Sometimes it looks like remembering someone’s favorite drink, listening to a story without rushing, or offering a warm smile.
Those moments may seem small, but together, they tell our neighbors something important: You matter. You are remembered. You are cared for. That spirit of care is at the heart of NLCA’s work throughout the year, and it takes on special meaning during the Season of Gratitude.
For Debbie, food has always been part of her service from the very beginning, from packing and unpacking boxes at the Food Distribution Center to preparing breakfast at the Warming Station, and now serving meals at the Day Center. During the holiday season, some of our neighbors experience food insecurity, presenting a barrier to their full enjoyment of holiday meals.
That’s why, as Thanksgiving approaches, we have another opportunity to show up for our neighbors: providing meals and offering the warmth and genuine connection that Debbie has brought to her service all these years.
This Thanksgiving, you can show up, too. Join NLCA’s Thanksgiving Foodbox Giveaway and help make this season one where every neighbor feels cared for.
