Six years ago, Victor Escalona left his home in Venezuela with the dream of starting a new life in the United States. Like the majority of our clients, he arrived to La Posada with few possessions and hope in his heart.

Last January, La Posada received an exciting call from an overjoyed Victor informing us that on January 20, 2017 he had become a United States Citizen.

Monica Peña-Rasmussen, La Posada’s client coordinator, recalls when Victor resided at La Posada.

“He was a very good resident; a very helpful and educated man who always gave a helping hand when it was needed,” Monica says. “We are very proud of him realizing his dream of becoming a U.S. Citizen.”

The following is a special message from Victor:

I came to the United States 6 years ago. Like all beginnings, it was tough; but with perseverance, I have been able to overcome most obstacles. In 2011, I moved from the Rio Grande Valley area to western Pennsylvania to start my new life. My immediate goal was to improve my English skills and immerse myself into the American culture. Today, I continue to have an accent, but I do my best to improve it every single day.

In 2015, I applied to and was hired as a bilingual Customer Service Representative for a health insurance company in downtown Pittsburgh that serves Medicare and Medicaid recipients. I love helping others and giving back, so this job has been a perfect match for me.

I always remember everything La Posada did for me and I will forever be thankful.

On behalf of everyone at La Posada, we want to wish warm congratulations to Victor! We are all very proud of his accomplishments. May God bless Victor and may all his dreams continue to become a reality.