Meet Deborah

Deborah started advocating for those who could not advocate for themselves, as well as caregivers that want to support their loved ones but have little rights to do so. Through Deborah’s own experiences and the situations she saw while advocating, she knew something had to change. While there is an abundance of funding for those struggling with Serious Mental Illness, the services provided lead to a revolving door of instability. 

In 2015, Deborah and Matthew Geesling founded P82 Project Restoration with two desires in their heart - bring practical hope for caregivers and open a permanent shelter for men struggling with SMI. They wanted to share the love of Christ to those who desperately needed to feel it. Deborah and Matthew have used the suffering they endured to shine a light of hope to people who have none. 

Deborah has done amazing things for both caregivers and people with SMI. God has given her favor with influential people that see the good she is doing for people who cannot advocate for themselves. Deborah's influence has reached both state and national levels, where her advocacy has led to transformative policy changes. In Arizona, she co-authored and successfully lobbied for SCR1005, a resolution recognizing the rights of family members, caregivers, and guardians of individuals with SMI. She played a key role in passing state legislation to improve communication between healthcare providers and families, ensuring greater transparency and collaboration in care. Nationally, Deborah joined families in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act and spoke at key events, such as the Parents for Care dinner and Johns Hopkins’ Symposium on Schizophrenia. Her efforts have amplified the voices of caregivers across America, bringing much-needed attention to the gaps in mental health care. 

Deborah's fierce care for those with SMI and caregivers extends beyond advocacy to building strong community networks and resources. She has served in key roles, such as Chair of the East Valley Behavioral Health Coalition and a founding member of the Association for the Chronically Mentally Ill. Deborah has also organized conferences and initiatives that equip churches and communities to better understand and address SMI through compassion and faith. Her commitment to creating lasting change is reflected in her leadership of the "I Have Purpose" campaign, which seeks to incentivize employers to hire individuals with SMI. Recognized for her groundbreaking contributions, Deborah was honored with the Arizona Psychiatric Society’s Mental Health Public Service Award in 2022. Her work continues to transform lives, bringing hope and restoration to countless families.

Deborah has recently moved out of advocacy (thanks to the amazing work by AZ Mad Moms) to focus on directly serving people affected by SMI. Her heart is to show caregivers that they are not alone in their burdens, and give them hope through the gospel. Her dream and goal is to open permanent shelters for men suffering with SMI. Many who struggle with SMI cannot live a life of independence even after gaining stability. Deborah has seen that the stability they gain is a direct result of the consistent care and safe shelter they receive. If that is taken away, those with SMI are bound to relapse. Permanent shelter means they do not have to leave once they feel stabilized. Deborah has seen her son thrive through the community they have built, and the care they received through their church. Deborah desires to replicate that for every man experiencing SMI. Deborah wants everyone struggling with SMI to feel the love and care of Christ that she and her family have experienced through their trials. Deborah is reminded daily that this is God’s work, and she is a faithful vessel that pours out sacrificial love (as she has been given through Christ’s work on the cross) to those who are loved by few others.