Valerie Jo Skiles was born in Des Moines, Iowa, February 2, 1947.  She is the mother of five:  Jay, Tanya, Michelle, Michael & Rebecca.  She has five biological grand children with four great grand-daughters and one great grand-son.

In 1984 Valerie became the founder and CEO of a national organization called Operation Outreach. She administrated over seventeen ministries under the umbrella of this organization commissioned to care for all people in need, and led hundreds of volunteers in the effort to change lives for the better. 

At her previous home in California, Valerie Jo was honored by the American Business Women's Association with the "Woman of the Year Award." Her California community nominated her in 1987 for the prestigious Edward D. Jones Sr. “National Heart of Gold Award" for her contribution and participation in Operation Outreach.

In 1994 Valerie became the author of a 100 volume book series that is presented in three parts entitled: Part I "Treasures out of Darkness" (The Healing of Valerie), Part II, "Beauty for Ashes” (The Healing Continues), and Part III, "Restoration of All Things" (Conclusion).

She received notable recognition and the highest humanitarian award given annually by the Southern California Motion Picture Council in 1993 for her story and how it relates personally into her contribution to society through Operation Outreach. She has also appeared as the featured guest of the Larry Covin Show in Hollywood, California, in 1994 and was interviewed by Life Time in 2007 regarding her Book Series.

Valerie has appeared on CBN's 700 Club television program three times (taped interviews), and was featured as live guest of "Light of the Southwest" and "Bless Your Heart" which aired on Prime Time Christian Broadcasting, Inc. out of Midland, Texas.

There have been numerous feature articles written about Operation Outreach, Valerie's Book Series, and in 2000 a feature article was written in the Lubbock Avalanche Journal about Valerie Jo's web site for women.