Rescue 180 wins non-profit of the year in Jefferson County

Rev. Debra Shultz and Sheila Wiggins

Jefferson County’s Substance Abuse Coalition, Rescue 180, was awarded Non‑Profit of the Year for 2025–26.

“We proudly honor Rev. Debra Shultz and Rescue 180, Inc. for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and transformative impact in Jefferson County,” shared Sheila Wiggins, President & CEO of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.

Executive Director Rev. Debra Shultz said she was beyond grateful for the organization’s recognition.

“We were so shocked, but humbled by such a prestigious award in the community we serve.”

Rescue 180 was established as a community organization nearly 17 years ago. Shultz explained that she founded the ministerial grassroots foundation of Rescue 180 as a jail program for women in 1998 in the Jefferson and Grainger County jails. She said watching the vision come full circle has been the result of community stakeholders and her staff’s hard work.

“We are grateful that the vision grew outward into our community to provide evidence‑based prevention education for our youth, as well as intervention and recovery programs, along with a crisis center and a reentry program in the Jefferson County Jail to help our vulnerable population. We give God all the glory for the favor and opportunity to help save lives in Jefferson County.”

Shultz also expressed her respect and admiration for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and President Sheila Wiggins.

“We are blessed to have the integral leaders we have here in this county, and Sheila Wiggins is one of those. We are so thankful for the honor.”