Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Debbie Hansen-bosse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Debbie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced with The Flora May Foundation was the significant lack of awareness about our services. Despite the urgent need for support among parents dealing with adolescent mental health and substance abuse issues, many people simply didn’t know we existed. This was particularly frustrating because we had seen firsthand the transformative impact our programs could have on families in crisis, yet our reach was limited.

This problem was especially disheartening during the early days of the foundation when, despite our efforts, it felt like we were invisible to those who needed us most. Parents were struggling, feeling isolated, and often didn’t know where to turn. Knowing we could help them, but realizing that many weren’t aware of our existence, was both frustrating and heartbreaking.

To tackle this challenge, I took a proactive approach by joining a leadership foundation and a giving circle. These were spaces where non-profit leaders gathered to share ideas, resources, and strategies. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but these groups proved to be incredibly valuable. Not only did they provide solutions to our most pressing issues, but they also offered a platform for networking and collaboration with other non-profits. I was able to connect with colleagues who had faced similar challenges, and their insights helped us think creatively about how to increase our visibility.

Through these interactions, we gained ideas we hadn’t considered before, such as leveraging partnerships, enhancing our outreach strategies, and aligning more closely with community needs. It was a learning curve, but it was also empowering to be part of a community of leaders who understood the struggles we were facing.

At the moment, it felt overwhelming, like we were shouting into the void. But through persistence and the support of this leadership community, we began to see a shift. Our name started to come up in conversations, parents began reaching out more frequently, and slowly but surely, our presence in the community grew. It was a reminder that sometimes, the solutions to our problems come from unexpected places and that the strength of a network can make all the difference in overcoming obstacles.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with me, my journey into the non-profit sector and, specifically, founding The Flora May Foundation, has been deeply personal and driven by a passion to make a tangible difference in the lives of families in crisis. My background is rooted in both business and social work, which has uniquely positioned me to understand the complexities of running an organization while remaining empathetic and focused on the needs of those we serve. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to supporting parents who are grappling with the overwhelming challenges of raising adolescents dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The Flora May Foundation was born out of a recognition that parents often feel isolated and helpless when their children are struggling with these issues. Traditional avenues of support, like school counselors or even family members, can sometimes fall short, especially when there’s a stigma attached to mental health or addiction. What sets us apart from other organizations is our singular focus on the parents themselves. We believe that by empowering and equipping parents with the right tools, guidance, and support, they can, in turn, create a healthier environment for their children to recover and thrive.

The Services We Provide

Our foundation offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each family we work with. These services include free counseling, both for parents and adolescents, transportation assistance to ensure families can access the help they need, parental support groups where parents can connect with others facing similar challenges, and a wealth of resources aimed at navigating the often confusing and stressful landscape of mental health and addiction services. We take a holistic approach, recognizing that every family’s journey is different and that one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.

The Problems We Solve

The problems we address are multifaceted. Parents come to us when they feel like they’ve hit a wall—whether it’s dealing with a child who has undiagnosed mental illness, substance abuse problems, depression, anxiety, or a host of other issues. These parents often feel isolated, ashamed, and at a loss for how to help their children. The Flora May Foundation steps in to provide not just practical assistance, but emotional support and a clear roadmap for recovery. We help families navigate the healthcare system, connect them with specialists, and create customized action plans that address both the immediate and long-term needs of the adolescent and their family.

What Sets Us Apart

What truly sets us apart is our deep commitment to confidentiality and trust. We understand that many parents are hesitant to reach out for help due to the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. That’s why we’ve built our organization on the principles of discretion, respect, and compassion. We don’t just offer services; we build relationships. Our all-women staff, volunteers, and board of directors bring a unique perspective and a nurturing approach that resonates with the families we serve. Additionally, our international recognition, including being named Non-Profit of the Year by The American Business Awards in both 2023 and 2024, is a testament to the impact we’ve had and the difference we continue to make.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the countless families we’ve helped—those moments when a parent who felt completely lost suddenly sees a path forward. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the transformation that occurs when parents realize they are not alone and that there are people and resources ready to support them. I’m also proud of the recognition our foundation has received, particularly the honors bestowed on me personally, such as being named 2023’s Thoughtleader of the Year and 2022’s Woman of the Year. These accolades reaffirm that we’re on the right path and making a real difference.

What We Want You to Know

At the core, what we want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that The Flora May Foundation is here for you. We’re not just another organization—we are a lifeline for parents who are struggling to find hope in a difficult situation. Our mission is to ensure that no parent ever feels like they have to face these challenges alone. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, compassionate community where families can find the help they need to build a brighter future.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most profound examples of resilience in my journey with The Flora May Foundation came during a particularly challenging time when we were just beginning to scale our services. The demand for our support was growing rapidly, but our resources were stretched thin. We were helping more families than ever before, but the financial strain was taking its toll. There were moments when it felt like the weight of the foundation was too heavy to bear, and the fear of not being able to sustain our mission was very real.

During this period, a family reached out to us in desperate need of help. Their adolescent son was struggling with severe depression and had recently started experimenting with drugs. The parents were at their wit’s end, terrified for their son’s future and unsure where to turn. Despite our limited resources, I knew we couldn’t turn them away. I personally stepped in to ensure they received the support they needed.

This meant late nights, countless phone calls to secure additional funding, and pulling together every resource we had to create a comprehensive plan for their son’s recovery. There were days when I was physically and emotionally exhausted, but I never let it show to the family. I knew they were looking to us for strength, and I was determined to provide it.

In the midst of this, I was also dealing with the foundation’s broader financial challenges. It was a period of relentless fundraising, networking, and advocating for our cause. There were setbacks—grants that didn’t come through, potential donors who turned us down—but I refused to give up. I kept reminding myself of the families we were helping, of the difference we were making, and that kept me going.

Through sheer determination and a refusal to let our mission falter, we managed to not only secure the necessary funding but also expand our services. The family we helped saw their son recover, and he’s now on a path to a healthy and successful future. That moment of victory wasn’t just about saving our foundation; it was a testament to the power of resilience. No matter how tough things got, I knew that giving up was never an option. We had too many lives depending on us.

This experience reinforced my belief that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times—it’s about finding strength in those moments to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting for what you believe in, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that being a good leader meant personally handling every task and being involved in every detail of the organization. Initially, I thought that in order to ensure everything aligned with The Flora May Foundation’s mission, I needed to oversee or manage all aspects of our work.

This mindset was driven by my commitment to our cause and a desire to maintain high standards. However, as the foundation grew, I realized that this approach was not only unsustainable but also counterproductive. My reluctance to delegate and trust others with responsibilities was inadvertently holding back the organization’s potential.

I had to unlearn the idea that leadership is about doing everything yourself. Instead, I came to understand that true leadership is about empowering others, trusting in their capabilities, and building a team that can work together towards a shared vision. Letting go of the need to control every aspect was challenging, but it was necessary for both my personal growth and the growth of the foundation.

By unlearning this belief, I was able to delegate tasks, invest in training, and ultimately foster a more dynamic and efficient organization that could achieve far more than I could have on my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefloramayfoundation.org
• Instagram: the_flora_may_foundation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.thefloramayfoundation.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-flora-may-foundation/?viewAsMember=true