I’m Debbie Murphy, a Texas-licensed paramedic. After witnessing the devastating impact that on duty injury, end of duty loss and toxic workplace environment can have on families and careers, I founded the Debbie Murphy Foundation to turn that experience into action. I started this foundation to create a place where those who serve - and the families that stand with them - can get practical help, confidential support, and pathways to meaningful work.

The problem is first responders and military members face unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Access to immediate financial relief, trauma-informed counseling, and continuing education is often limited - leaving providers and families vulnerable and disconnected from career and community supports.

At DMF, we support first responders, military service members, and community members affected by the end of duty deaths, on duty injuries, or service related trauma. Through emergency relief, trauma - informed mental health care, training scholarships, and mentorship, we help people recover, rebuild careers, and regain stability.

A little about the founder

Standing with first responders and military - peer-led support from someone who’s been there.

Our mission is to support, empower, and restore dignity to survivors of sexual and physical violence through trauma-informed care, survivor-led advocacy, and community centered prevention.

We exist to stand with survivors of sexual and physical violence - providing trauma-informed counseling, practical resources, legal advocacy, and peer-led support so every person can heal, reclaim safety, and build a future free from violence. Guided by survivors and rooted in community, we work to prevent harm, hold systems accountable, and create pathways to long-term stability and wellbeing.

Debbie Murphy Foundation’s vision is a community where survivors are believed, supported, and able to thrive; where prevention is prioritized and every person has access to the resources needed to rebuild their life.

DMF’s core values are:

• Survivor-centered: survivors’ choices, autonomy, and voices guide our work

• Trauma-informed: we create safety, predictability, and dignity in every interaction.

• Equity & inclusion: services are culturally responsive and accessible to all

• Accountability: we pursue restorative justice and systemic change alongside direct support

• Community-rooted: we partner with neighbors, agencies, and survivors to prevent violence and strengthen support.

Real people. Real Stories. Real change.

We are a foundation led by people who live the same challenges as the people we represent. The Debbie Murphy Foundation partners with individuals and families around Texas to provide resources, education, and community based support so they can rebuild and thrive. Founded by Debbie Murphy after her own many life altering trials and seeing how timely, targeted help can change the course an individual and family’s life, our programs focus on emergency aid, family stabilization, and long term opportunity.

We believe in dignity, full and complete transparency, and community led solutions. Our services include short term emergency grants, programmatic support for children and parents, and volunteer-driven outreach that connects families with lasting resources. Since our founding, we’ve helped families, mobilized volunteers, and partnered with local schools, clinics and businesses to extend our impact.

Our team is a small core of staff working alongside dozens of volunteers and community partners. The Debbie Murphy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Join us: donate to support direct assistance or volunteer your time. Together, we turn hardship into hope.

Our Community