United States, Virginia, Debbie Keeney

Debbie Keeney is a Church and Community Worker with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as Administrative Director with Community Outreach Program of Roanoke, Va., Virginia Annual Conference.

The Community Outreach Program is a ministry that seeks to meet the physical, spiritual and educational needs of inner city children and youth who live in at risk environments on the Roanoke area.

Born in Iowa, Deb attended Iowa Western Community College, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa and majored in education. Before joining Community Outreach Program Deb was the Program Manager/Outreach Coordinator for Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) in Omaha NE. JFON is a program of UMCOR providing free legal services.  Deb continues as a member of the National JFON Advisory Board. In 2000 Deb served as District Administrator for the Omaha District UMC and as Program Assistant with United Methodists for Mission and Justice.  Prior to that she served as Youth Director at First UMC and Rockbrook UMC in Omaha, NE.  Deb served on the Nebraska Conference Disaster Committee and Hispanic Committee.

An avid supporter of Justice Deb supports many social causes being the voice of the “voiceless.”  Reflecting on her journey to serve Debbie shares, ”My mother raised five children as a single parent. I saw the struggle she endured and at the same time the love of those who helped our family. Having been the ‘less fortunate’ and now very fortunate, my heart is very large to give a hand up to those most vulnerable.”

Deb gives credit to her mother for her faith journey. ”I grew up in the church and witnessed the faith that my mother modeled for our family. Although she is gone now she is always with me challenging me in my faith.”

Mother of two daughters, Stephanie and Annie, and grandmother of  3-year-old Dell, Deb enjoys traveling, reading and quilting.

Available for Covenant Relationship, Advance  Debbie Keeney #982014.