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Thank you Deb Landry for joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast.
A woman of many hats.
To begin with, Deb is an author, certified parenting coach, podcast host, professional operational consultant, and activist for children’s rights. She has authored a memoir and three children’s books. Yankee Go Home, The Snapdragon Princessco-authored with Kim Parrish. And, the bestselling award-winning Sticks Stones and Stumped.
Her new book, Independence was released in August 2020. A new children’s book, Summer’s Shadow, will be released in late 2020.
Independence.
A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery & Forgiveness.
How old does this little girl look to you? If you said 7, you would be correct. This is when Deb’s life took a difficult turn. Born on the 4th of July, she was searching for her Independence. When asked, she would tell you, that she was an adult for as long as she can remember. Childhood was elusive. She lived in survival mode because of the relationship she had with her unstable mother. Deb didn’t know what it meant to have a “normal” childhood. She felt shame and wanted to escape. She described that it felt like living in a glasshouse.
It wasn’t until she reached the age of 60, that she decided her story needed to be told. It took much soul searching and therapy when the “secret” was discovered. The man she grew up believing was her father, turned out through DNA testing, was not her biological dad. It’s a long and winding journey of Secrets, Discovery, and Forgiveness.
As a result of all the trauma Deb dealt with throughout her youth, she understands that children need a place where they can feel safe. Enter the Crossroads Youth Center.
Crossroads Youth Center.
Deb is the co-founder, President-Chairman of the Board, and Executive Director.
Located in Saco, Maine, the Crossroads Youth Center is a 501c3 youth organization. Their programs include Unite Against Bullying ME, Maine Academic Scholarship Program, and the Crown CARES. All organized and operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
Just this past week Deb was award recognition from the Maine Legislator for 22 years as a volunteer to the children of Maine. Pictured here with Senator Justin Chenette and Representative Maggie O’Neil.
This just in!
Skyla Libby of Jonesport, Maine, was recognized as a 2020 Myra Kraft Community MVP Award winner. In honor of her dedication to volunteering, the Kraft family and the New England Patriots Foundation will make a $10,000 donation to the Crossroad Youth Center. Skyla has been volunteering with the organization for the past 8 years. She started the Skyla’s Buddy Bench Project for Maine, raising funds to donate benches to schools for kids to sit on if they are having a bad day or need a friend, encouraging other students to offer support to their classmates.
In closing from Deb:
“I don’t wish to change anything, only to leave it in the past, live for today, and look forward to the future. I am thankful I was able to escape and recover. I thought I didn’t know who I was, and through discovery and forgiveness, I found that I am still me. The specifics are just so many tiny pieces of a puzzle that don’t need to define me, only to hold me together as the strong woman I am.”
“I am free. Safe. Loved. A survivor.”
Deb has a compelling story to share about resilience.
Making the world a better place. One Story at a time.
What’s Your Story? Let’s talk!
