From Wilderness to Purpose: Cheri DeBree's Journey of Faith, Leadership, and Redemption

Cheri DeBree's life is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness Her journey is one marked by unexpected turns, profound challenges, and ultimately, a powerful return to purpose. From a young woman leaving her Battle Creek roots for Arizona, to navigating the challenges of lifting roots a second time, and now leading a vital non-profit while caring for aging parents, Cheri's story is one of resilience, divine guidance, and transformational leadership.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Cheri ventured to Arizona at six months pregnant, building a career and raising her children there for 28 years. Her professional path, initially as a therapist working with vulnerable families and later transitioning to the administrative side of nonprofits, honed her skills in program development, quality management, and operational efficiency. She became known as a 'fixer,' moving from agency to agency to tackle complex problems and implement lasting solutions. This diverse experience, though seemingly disparate at the time, was divinely orchestrated, preparing her for the unique leadership role she holds today.

Cheri's Faith Journey and Divine Calling

Cheri's faith journey, while rooted in childhood exposure to church through her grandmothers, truly blossomed after an overwhelming experience of unconditional love at a women's retreat. This new faith blossomed as she served in AWANA Ministry at her church for over a decade. Following a divorce, a time she describes as a 'low point,' she attended a women's retreat in New Mexico. It was there, amidst the majestic mountains, that God spoke clearly, telling her it was time to return home to Battle Creek. This divine prompting, coupled with a the move back to Michigan, led her back to faith and ultimately, to a new chapter in her life.

Her return to Battle Creek was initially driven by the declining health of her parents. What she didn't realize was that God had a much larger plan. While she envisioned starting a non-profit to support foster children, a vision born from her own seven years as a foster parent, God led her to CityLinC Ministries. As the Executive Director, Cheri now leads an organization deeply involved in foster care and adoption, a full-circle moment that aligns with her heart for children in need. CityLinC-Youth Guidance Foster Care and Adoption oversees the certification of foster parents, manages adoption processes, and case manages foster children within the child welfare system, extending their reach to surrounding counties with limited resources.

Transformational Leadership at CityLinC Ministries

Beyond foster care, CityLinC Ministries engages in several impactful initiatives.

• Second Wind: Support for individuals in drug court through resources, groups, and guidance.
• Stuff the Bus: Back-to-school ministry distributing backpacks and supplies to hundreds of children.
• Angel Tree: Partners with prison ministries to provide gifts for children of incarcerated parents.
• CC LinC: New initiative uniting ministries and pastors across Calhoun County, to foster collaboration, where all local ministries can shine a brighter light for Jesus together than they can alone.

Cheri is spearheading CC LinC as a return to CityLinC's 1968 founding mission, demonstrating God's enduring vision for the organization to create a unifying collaborative network of pastors and faith-based organizational leaders to serve alongside one another in Calhoun County; to engage the organizations in a like-minded Biblical worldview. With the goal to share resources and information to create more effective outreach and impact to meet the needs of those in the community.

Leading CityLinC has been a season of intentional growth and refinement. Cheri stepped into a time of transition that required thoughtful leadership, courageous decision-making, and a deep commitment to strengthening organizational culture. Guided by a focus on excellence, compassion and faith, she has prioritized building a ministry environment where staff feel supported, valued, and equipped to serve well. Her leadership centers on the belief that when staff are cared for and empowered, they are better able to pour into the children and families CityLinC serves.

Faith, Family, and God’s Perfect Timing

Amidst the demands of her leadership role, Cheri is also navigating the complexities of caring for her aging parents. Her mother recently suffered a broken hip and is experiencing cognitive issues, while her father is rapidly declining with vascular dementia. This personal trial, though immensely challenging, is another example of God's perfect timing, as her return to Battle Creek placed her in a position to help care for them. The support of her sisters, and the planned move of her nephew and his wife into her parents' home, are testaments to the power of family and community in times of crisis.

Cheri's journey is a powerful illustration of how God weaves together life's experiences, both joyful and challenging, to prepare us for our ultimate purpose. Her story is one of redemption, not just for herself, but for the organizations and individuals she now serves. Through it all, she leans on her faith, finding strength in prayer, the wisdom of mentors, and even unexpected sources like AI-generated encouragement. Cheri DeBree embodies transformational leadership, demonstrating that with God, even the most arduous wilderness experiences can lead to profound impact and a life lived with unwavering purpose.