We Are Here To Serve You
Through a strategic combination of dedicated employees and impassioned volunteers, Valley Mission makes possible life transforming programs designed to meet the unique needs of our local homeless.
Susan became the Executive Director of Valley Mission in 2012. Prior to becoming Executive Director of Valley Mission, Susan was the Assistant Director of the regional Shenandoah Valley Head Start program. Susan has worked in leadership roles in many non-profit organizations.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? Obtaining sufficient funding for the operation of the programs that make Valley Mission guests successful after departure from our facility.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? We serve over 600 clients per year — every hour of every day. Rules for guests are necessary. We provide structure, safety, compassion and spiritual guidance. The primary goal for our guests is self-sustainability after departure from our ministry.
Beth came to Valley Mission in 2016. Prior to becoming one of our two case managers, Beth was a Mental Health Support Service supervisor at the Family Preservation Services, Inc. Beth also served as a case manager at the Valley Community Services Board PACT office. In 2021 Beth was promoted to Director of Client Services, supervising our Case Manager and our front line Client Services Associates.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? My greatest challenge at Valley Mission is adjusting to the frequent quick entry and exit of residents.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? That the residents have the option to look for housing and employment from the computer lab in the basement and aren’t “kicked out on the street with their belongings every day”, as some people believe.
Rachel joined Valley Mission in 2021, previously working for Sprint telecommunications in a business account capacity. Rachel and her family live in Augusta County where she spent several years developing a little league program, which led her to a passion for non-profit management, and subsequently, her role with Valley Mission.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? Is knowing that you cannot please everyone. Everyone has great ideas and strengths; the challenge is to seek out the greatness in everyone around me and hopefully I will learn something to hold onto along the way.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? I wish that the community understood what the Valley Mission really is. We are not just a homeless shelter. We encourage our residents to push for a better life outside of the Mission. We will be right there with them to watch them succeed. Whatever need they may have, it is our job to ensure that we strive to meet it. Sometimes people need help. We have a great staff that works hard to help our residents meet their goals for a better life.
Tim took over the Building and Grounds Manager position in 2018. Previously he had worked for 14 years at the Target Distribution Center. Prior to leaving the center Tim was a trainer. Tim lives in Augusta County.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? Tim said that the challenge at Valley Mission is also what he likes best about working here. There is no so-called typical day at the Mission for Tim. Tim’s day can include supervising cleaning, maintenance on the Mission’s washers and dryers, to ordering and picking up supplies and food. Tim’s latest project is the creation of a teen space here at the Mission.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Tim believes that all of us hit hard times, such as job loss or illness. Some of us have family and friends that provide us with the resources that we need to get through the bad times. But our guests at the Mission do not have access to these resources. shelter, support and hope is more than a slogan; these resources are what Valley Mission provides to our guests.
Kay started as our Case Manager in January of 2024. Previously, Kay worked as one of our Client Services Associates.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? My greatest challenge at Valley Mission is making sure that we meet the residents’ needs and help them become independent.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? The Valley Mission is an awesome place with awesome people (residents and staff), and we are here to help.
Tim joined Valley Mission in 2021 serving as Chaplain and Pastor. Tim, and his wife Lisa, live in Waynesboro, VA. Tim serves bi-vocationally working as Pastor at Church of the Way and as Regional Manager for Central Virginia Rental.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? The greatest challenge is actually a blessing as well of the Valley Mission … there are so many opportunities to serve and assist the residents and the many others from the community that this Ministry reaches to.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? Valley Mission’s Ministry reaches both shelter residents and people from the community with assistance in meeting their spiritual and physical needs. The resources provided train and help individuals to improve themselves and to become better citizens of the community.
Sherry has worked with Valley Mission since 2011 and officially joined the staff in 2014. Prior to joining Valley Mission, Sherry spent over 20 years working in public accounting.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION?
Since I normally only spend one day a week at Valley Mission, on days that I am not here I miss the interaction with the other staff, volunteers and residents.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION?
That we provide so much more than just a bed for the night and a hot meal. Whether it be life skill classes, after-school programs, pastoral services or counseling services, the goal is to provide the support each resident needs to succeed.
Denise began working at our Waynesboro Valley Mission Thrift Store when it opened in 2009. Denise is now the Manager of our Staunton Thrift Store. Prior to coming to Valley Mission, Denise was the owner and operator of Nearly New Consignments for twenty-two years.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? The greatest challenge as Manager is how to drive traffic into the stores. It is no secret that there are so many big box stores and online alternatives. These make it very challenging for local businesses.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? I wish that people knew that all of the money spent at our thrift stores stays in our local community and is used by Valley Mission to provide all the needed services to those we serve.
Jennifer began working at our Waynesboro Valley Mission Thrift Store when it opened in 2009. Jennifer served as our Assistant Manager for several years before being promoted to Store Manager after our thrift store changed locations in 2019. Jennifer takes pride in her store and enjoys making sure that customers have a good shopping experience. Jennifer loves spending time with her family and enjoys spoiling her pets.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE FACED AT VALLEY MISSION? One of the biggest challenges that I have found being here at Valley Mission is having to compete with other local stores. We have several lower priced discount stores close by that we have to take into consideration when pricing.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WISH THE PEOPLE OF THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY KNEW ABOUT VALLEY MISSION? I wish people knew that the Valley Mission not only provides food and shelter but also provides education, counseling, and job skills training so that our clients can be successful in the future.