More About Debra

Debra Stoenner grew up in Hamilton, Montana. She attended Montana State University and Pacific University College of Optometry. Fresh out of school in 1981, she took over a fledgling optometric practice in Hayden and has provided eye care to Hayden and surrounding areas for 40+ years.   She and her husband of 36 years, Jack Jenkins, have four wonderful adult children and six grandchildren. 

Debra is a longstanding member of Women’s Gift Alliance (WGA), having served on the board and the Grant Committee. She also coordinates with the UGM Center for Women and Children to provide eye exams and glasses.

Maggie Lyons introduced Debra to the principles of Charity Reimagined when Debra became a Business Partner (along with the larger optometric community) to provide eye care and glasses as part of the Christmas for All program. It was truly “eye opening” (pun intended!) to understand that well intentioned giving is often done in ways that perpetuate dependency, undermine self-worth, and stall the potential for positive life changes. 

With retirement on the horizon, Debra is looking forward to being a part of Charity Reimagined. Kootenai County is blessed to have so many dedicated non-profit organizations, programs and ministries already doing such good work. Just “imagine” what building relationships, coordinating resources, providing education and adjusting methodologies will do--EVEN MORE-- to encourage and equip those in need, fostering personal growth, self-worth and independence. . .ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty.