Debbie Gallacher
From the time Debbie Gallacher acquired her degree in Sociology, Debbie Gallacher knew she was destined for community and public service. Over the past 15 years, she has fulfilled her destiny. She has worked in Suicide Prevention, has been a substance abuse counselor and worked in food pantry management. For the past five years, she has served 94 residents as a service coordinator for Biltmore Properties. Her activities there have included: coordinating visits by Mayo Clinic student nurses, organizing community Christmas parties for residents, and organizing Brown Bag educational lunches and various food programs including visits from Gregory Fresh Market. Debbie says, “Gregory’s Fresh Farmers Market helps the 94 residents of the Arizona Retirement Homes by delivering the freshest and best quality produce to seniors who are not able to get out. The produce keeps for many days longer than store bought produce saving the residents money because they can use all the produce without any waste. The produce helps the seniors stay healthier than they would without it. It also saves the seniors money by not needing a cab to get to and from the store.”
Debbie’s other projects include: working to add a bus stop closer to Biltmore and soliciting local support to purchase a van to transport her residents to and from the Tempe Adult Community Center. A few of her major accomplishments include: helping 50 residents gain financial assistance on their utility bills and helping her residents give back to the community by utilizing time, effort, and skill to quilt blankets and knit hats for area hospices and shelters. Her team also sponsors holiday toy drives and cards for local school children.
Debbie Gallacher takes great pride in her accomplishments and helping to restore seniors a sense of independence and pride in the seniors. In this and other ways, she is the consummate social worker, giving back in service to our community. Congratulations on receiving the Advocacy award. Thank you Debbie Gallacher for your service to our seniors and to our community.
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