Celebrating Deb Parent – Women in History Month
Deb Parent, Longtime Volunteer & Impactful Leader
Thirty-five years ago, a talented local woman started volunteering with LUM participating in the Grow-A-Row program (1988 – 1991) and providing refreshments for the Financial Assistance Program (2000 – 2003). Today she is one of the most impactful volunteer leaders at LUM.
Deb J. Parent is that person and the current president of the LUM Board of Directors. She shared that,
“LUM is the vehicle through which I can live my Christian faith in lifting up those in our community who are struggling with life’s burdens.”
Throughout those years, Deb has been involved in LUM fundraising events including Port of Hope, LUM Follies, and Hunger Hike; volunteers with the Westside Food Pantry, Jubilee Christmas, and After School Program; provided Emergency Shelter meals regularly; is a member of the Social Justice Team and Finance Committee; and for more than eight years was a case manager to shelter guests. As a LUM leader, she has served on the Board of Directors since 2006, been a member of the Executive Council since 2016, and served as the Board president twice.
Deb is excited about her work with LUM. She shared that,
“As with the leadership on the board, the staff and volunteers bear witness to all God’s people in our community through their “withness” together. As a team, we serve with each other as we walk with our neighbors to bring them to the health, happiness and wholeness God desires for all his children.” She is most proud of, “Being part of a fantastic team of people coming from many different ecumenical practices and possessing a variety of unique and incredible gifts, but all sharing the same vision and drive to live out our faith by serving those in need.”
Deb grew up in Greater Lafayette, graduated from West Lafayette High School, and lives in West Lafayette with her life-partner, Tom. They have four children: Andre’ (wife, Allie) Marie (husband, Sunny), Monique, and Luc (partner, Rose). Deb attended Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI), earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Purdue University, and is currently the director of operations with Concordance Health Solutions.
Deb enjoys cooking every evening for her family and friends because they don’t mind when she tries new recipes. She enjoys “learning about anything – always hungry to know the ‘whys’ behind things.” Deb shared that she enjoys God’s creation through her dog, Cody (a Collie), and Fabby, her horse. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, exploring the NICHES Land Trust properties with family, meeting new people, and a good cup of coffee with a friend.
In addition to her work with LUM, Deb has served as a spiritual care volunteer with Franciscan Health Alliance, a volunteer leader with the Lafayette Catholic Schools, and a member of the Racial Equality & Justice committee at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Center (West Lafayette).
Deb shared that,
“I am blessed to have been taught servant leadership early in life. I am blessed to be able to live that out through my social justice home in LUM.” Please join us in celebrating Deb Parent, this Women in History Month. LUM is fortunate and grateful to have such a talented professional working with LUM as a volunteer, advocate and leader.
Please join us in celebrating Deb Parent, this Women in History Month. LUM is fortunate and grateful to have such a talented professional working with LUM as a volunteer, advocate and leader.
Deb’s Favorite Bible Passage – Romans 8:26-28
“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Romans 8:26-28 MSG
Deb’s Personal Mission Statement
To fulfill God’s creation in me by realizing the gifts He has given me, accepting who I am and where I am, and making the world better where I can.