From Willing Friend to Captured & Generous Heart, Meet another of our co-founders, Brandy DeFord

In continuing the introductions of the incredible women behind Village of Grace, today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Brandy DeFord.…

If Elissa is the heart of Village of Grace, Brandy is definitely the head. She brings with her years of service volunteering for different charities and is the brainwork that makes sure we are dotting all our I’s and crossing all our Ts. Village of Grace would not work without her…

Brandy DeFord is a loving wife and mother to four incredible children. (By now you may be noticing a pattern in that four children seems to be a thread tying all three VOG founders together.) Brandy is blessed with three incredible daughters and an energetic son. Brandy and her husband are incredibly generous and have brought a lot of knowledge and gifting to Village of Grace.

Brandy and Elissa were family friends in middle school and re-acquainted after Elissa had begun a charity, which was benefiting the people of DRCongo. Elissa was looking for help in solidifying her charity status and Brandy was not only a willing heart, but also had the knowledge and expertise to make it happen. Brandy didn’t know much about the Democratic Republic of Congo at the time, but she was drawn to Elissa’s passion, vision, and tenacity to help this beautiful country she too would learn to love. Brandy knew she could help, and was quick to jump all in to get things off the ground.

Brandy spent 15 years in the private sector before looking to apply her skills and experience to a non-profit. She was uniquely gifted and the perfect candidate to help Village of Grace put down roots and begin our growth. Brandy says she realizes where her weaknesses are filled by the strengths of her team, Elissa and Nicole. I definitely agree that Brandy fills many gaps where we are weakest also! This is what makes a great team. The ability to cover for one another's weaknesses with our own unique gifting. Our small three-women team embraces the strengths of one another to do what is best for the Village of Grace Foundation. Our commitment joins with the depths of our passion and tenacity, to take what was once just a vision, and turn it into reality.

VOG first started supporting five children, and we have since grown to support eighteen! Brandy shares: “Throughout the years I have had the privilege of witnessing the growth of each of these children. I have also witnessed the positive impact our presence is making in their lives. It brings so much joy into my life to be a part of this.

I have felt blessed to use my skills and experience in helping others. It is the daily challenges faced by VOG that keep me inclined to commit to our cause. Prior to VOG I never had the desire to help others outside of our own country, thinking there was so much here that first needed to be helped. But through my years with VOG, I have learned how vital our contribution to these children abroad

is, and how without our work and our supporters these children would most likely not be helped at all. Wherever you are and whatever gift you may be able to offer, whether here at home or abroad, your gift is needed, and your gift will bless.”

Elissa adds, “Brandy’s attention to detail and perseverance are major assets to VOG. Her love for the vulnerable is truly inspiring.”

What an incredible reminder for all of us to do our part. How can we join with others and offer our unique gifting to leave this world a better place? What strengths do you possess to help cover the weaknesses of others? How can you join together to make a difference in the lives of those around the world? How have you been uniquely prepared? What expertise do you bring? How are you

being called to offer up yourself for the good of others? We hope Brandy’s story has inspired you to make a difference in the lives of those around you.