Meet Our Staff

 
 
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Husband and wife co-directors, Victor and Deborah La Valla

 
 
 
 

DEBORAH LA VALLA

A Virginia native, Deborah (Astin) La Valla has been affiliated with the American Rescue Workers since the late 1970s when her father went to work for them full-time, and their entire family got involved. She has served in various capacities and in different corps over the years, sometimes as a volunteer and sometimes as an employee. Deborah attended Liberty Baptist University, Pennsylvania College of Technology and Bucknell University, achieving an Associate degree in Communications, and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Anthropology. Prior to entering full-time ministry with the American Rescue Workers, she worked in the marketing and advertising field and then held the position as Communications Manager at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania in Williamsport, PA. Deb and her husband, Victor, share a very large family and love to spend time with them when they are not working. The couple also enjoys gardening and learning new things.

 

VICTOR LA VALLA

In 2004, Victor La Valla, a New York native, was one-third owner of a prominent printing company called Integrity Graphics in Connecticut. A graduate of Albertus Magnus with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, he has spent over 30 years in the printing business, but in 2005 he accepted God’s call into full-time ministry with the American Rescue Workers. He and his wife, Deborah, spent 2006 going through training at the various corps and assisting with disaster relief efforts for the organization. Part of their training included a six-week stay at the Hollidaysburg facility as well. Victor received his pastoral ordination through the American Rescue Workers, and the couple also studied through the American Association of Christian Counselors, receiving ordinations through one of their affiliates as well. In 2007, the couple was commissioned to Canton, OH to oversee the American Rescue Workers’ shelters and programs there. In 2015, the couple was reappointed to Hollidaysburg, PA to serve as directors.

 
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SUE SHAW

Sue was hired as Office Manager in November, 2017, during the very busy holiday season. She quickly learned how hectic operating the food pantry and running the office can be when the CHRISTmas4Kids Program and the Secret Santa for Seniors Program are happening. Sue has learned a great deal in a short amount of time, and she looks forward to a wonderful year in her position here.

When not working, she takes care of her fur baby kitty, Zada.