Stories that Inspire.
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Aaron praises the way Mission has helped his recovery
He’s closer than ever with his 10-year-old son While Aaron says he grew up in a Christian family, he endured his father’s alcoholism, his parents’ divorce, and some abuse. He “became part of the streets at a young age,” he said, around 14. Next, Aaron said, came methamphetamines. For 20 years, the drug had a…
Volunteer’s commitment has led to restoration for many
Monica will now help lead community outreach events at the Mission After a deep hurt, Monica encountered Mike Meyer, the Mission’s late outreach coordinator. She knew him from previous involvement in the community and upon seeing her, Mike said, “You know you need to be at the Rescue Mission. I have a job for you.”…
Ron seeks help, puts lifetime of drinking behind him
6 months into program, he feels like a changed man A lot of Ron’s early memories of drinking were centered around family trips, where his parents and his four siblings would pack up and go camping. “I started drinking at an early age- about 6 or 7,” Ron said. “On the weekends, we went camping…
Post-program, Joe enjoys watching the other men grow
He is serving as a vocational resident and is looking into truck driving school Joe recalls a nice upbringing. “My mom and dad were married forever,” he said. “I had an Air Force dad and my mom stayed at home and raised us. I played baseball and other sports and, to me, I had a…
Director’s Note: Moving through seasons of sowing
How many of you have planted a garden or grown something in a pot? I am sure most of you are saying, ‘Yes, I have sowed seeds and grown amazing things.’ Here at the Mission, we are constantly sowing, sharing the Gospel with so many of our unhoused guests, and sometimes we get to harvest…
Sara ‘never knew’ help was available until program stay
Now she’s graduated and is looking to the future “I just looked up one day and I was homeless,” Sara said when asked how she came to the Mission. Sara, originally from Mississippi, moved to California, but when her mother became ill, she moved back to help her parents. “My family is incredibly close, we’re…
Men’s program manager relishes in residents’ transformation
John Schmidt has worked for RMA Victor Valley for over 15 years. After being saved at 21, and completing a recovery program himself, John was a pastor for 17 ½ years before he came to the Mission. Now, he uses his experience and his heart for people and relationships as the men’s program manager. When…
Beloved volunteer retires after 15 years of service
Joyce shares her story to help others For the past 15 years, Joyce Rothschild faithfully came to the Mission to serve our guests. Joyce’s heart for serving our unsheltered neighbors and friends was joyfully obvious. Joyce distributed meals, hygiene kits, blankets, emergency clothing, bus passes, and more. She memorized our informational guide to better help…
Phillip stops addiction cycle, graduates program
‘Alcohol kept intervening’ throughout his life Phillip was raised “European in America,” he said, as his French parents had immigrated and had him and his brother in the U.S. He was a “straight-A student, and a hard worker. That was the number-one emphasis in our family, was that you work hard. I took on too…
Kenneth is sober, employed, and engaged, 7 years after graduation
Looking back on his childhood in Compton, Kenneth feels like he “raised himself.” His father was in the military and was often away, and his mother died when he was just 4 years old-a fact that was kept from him for years. “I didn’t know my mother passed away until I was 6. No one…
Saying goodbye to a faithful Mission servant
Outreach Coordinator Mike Meyer passed away on March 10 The Mission has said goodbye to one of its most loyal supporters. Outreach Coordinator-and Life Recovery Program graduate-Walter “Mike” Meyer passed away on March 10. Mike came to the Mission through the Survival Outreach Services (SOS) Shower Program in 2012. He was long-unsheltered and in need…
Elena gets baptized, finds hope and excitement for future
Elena was born in Guatemala City and moved to Los Angeles with her mother before she was 10. They eventually moved to Apple Valley, where they lived for 20 years. When Elena’s mother began to have “personal problems” with family members, she planned to move out of the city, and told Elena that she could…
