Deborah Shelton moved to the Antelope Valley with her family in August of 1989. A wife and mother of three, she has always taken an active role in her community. Her community activities eventually lead to her leadership role on the Lancaster City Council.

Deborah has always remained committed throughout the years to her work with youth. While on the Council Deborah sponsored a Teen Task Force to do a feasibility study on a free standing “Teen Center.” Later this group became the Teen Supreme Club of the A.V. Girls and Boys Club.

Deborah has been active with the Children’s Planning Council since its inception creating the Teen Consumer Job Program, identifying teen issues, completing a violence prevention program at Highland High, serving as Administrative Co-convener and chairing the Youth Sub-committee for the Council.

Deborah has been employed as Executive Director for two local help lines originally sponsored by Lancaster United Methodist Church. Both help lines operate under a separate non-profit organization known as Youth Support Association. PhoneFriend is now in its sixteenth year and Teen Talk in its 9th year of operation.

Deborah is not a newcomer to the Antelope Valley Interfaith Council, but has been a member since its inception and has served as both president and treasurer in the past and is now serving again as president.