Meet Debbie Blair

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Blair and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, how does your business help the community?
At SECOR Cares, our mission is to care for people facing suburban poverty by restoring hope and dignity and guiding them toward a self-sufficient life. We offer a free food market, a mobile market, a weekend food program for children, senior outreach, and programs such as social work support, classes, community nights, and a Christmas Market. By combining healthy groceries with wraparound services, we not only fight hunger but also build relationships and empower individuals and families to create brighter futures.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After teaching for nearly 30 years, I wanted to continue serving my community in a different way. I started volunteering at SECOR in 2022. In February 2024, I became the Program Manager at SECOR Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those facing suburban poverty. Transitioning from education to nonprofit leadership wasn’t easy—it meant learning new systems, building new partnerships, and finding my voice in a public-facing role. But the heart of the work is the same: caring for people, creating opportunities, and making a difference in people’s lives.

I’m most proud of the changes I’ve helped bring to SECOR to better serve our guests—expanding programs, adapting to community needs, and ensuring that every person who walks through our doors feels valued and respected. Challenges like public speaking and stepping into leadership have stretched me, but I’ve learned that growth happens when you lean into discomfort and trust your purpose.

What sets me apart is a lifelong commitment to connection and dignity—whether with a classroom of children or a family searching for hope. My story is proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to take the skills you’ve built and apply them in new ways to serve others. I want the world to know that SECOR Cares is more than a food market; it’s a place where love, community, and hope come together to change lives, including my own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 – Welcome to Colorado

We’d kick things off with a delicious breakfast at Snooze, then I’d give my friend a behind-the-scenes tour of SECOR to show off the amazing work we do. Lunch would be at Cencalli Taqueria for some incredible tacos, and the rest of the afternoon would be spent relaxing and catching up in my neighborhood.

Day 2 – Nature & Local Flavor

We’d grab coffee and breakfast at Kujani Coffee before heading out to Castlewood Canyon State Park for a scenic hike and beautiful views. We would have an early dinner at Los Dos before heading downtown Parker for the Wine Walk.

Day 3 – Market Day & Broncos Spirit

The day would start at Fika for some coffee, followed by a stroll through the Parker Farmers Market and a wander around downtown Parker. In the evening, we’d cheer on the Broncos at a local brewery to wrap up the day.

Day 4 – Boulder Adventure

Our day trip to Boulder would begin with a hike at Chautauqua Park, followed by a walk through the beautiful CU Boulder campus (sko Buffs!). We’d enjoy a late lunch at Pupusa Lovers before walking Pearl Street Mall to shop and people-watch.

Day 5 – Denver Explorations

After a slow morning at home, we’d head to Denver for an early lunch at Blue Bonnet. The afternoon would be spent at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, followed by a walk along 16th Street Mall for some shopping. Dinner at Acova would end the day.

Day 6 – Colorado Springs Escape

Our final day would take us south to the Garden of the Gods for beautiful hikes and stunning rock formations.
We’d then explore Manitou Springs, enjoying lunch and a bit of window shopping.

Of course, if Red Rocks had a concert during my friend’s stay, we would take in the amazing views from this incredible venue.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To our guests, volunteers, donors, and staff: thank you for making SECOR Cares an extraordinary place of hope, dignity, and care for our community.

Website: https://secorcares.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secorcares/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/secorcares

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoutheastCommunityOutreach