Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Post-graduation, Landon reflects on mission’s ‘hope, light’
It’s been more than six months since Landon graduated from the mission’s Life Recovery Program, and despite all that’s going on in the world, Landon feels stable and content. At the time of his interview in last month, we were in the thick of the COVID-19 crisis. “Things are going so well—they are really exceeding…
Five years after entering the mission, Raymond is a community leader
Raymond was born in Los Banos, and grew up in the projects with his mom and three sisters. “We were poor,” he said. “The neighborhood I grew up in was pretty much gang-infested. My mom was an alcoholic at the time. … We used to steal food stamps from the neighbors’ mail.” Raymond was also…
Jesse abandons dark, dangerous life for spiritual happiness
Even though Jesse’s dad walked out on him and his mother when he was just 8 months old, he still reflects on a happy childhood. “I had an awesome mom,” he said. “She was my mom and my dad. She brought me up in the church. She was really an amazing mother.” But things took…
Years after graduation, Jared reflects on dark times
In 2011, Jared and his wife and young daughter were driving. His wife was pregnant with their son; he was due in three weeks. “There was a road rage incident,” Jared said. “The guy got out of his car and came up to my window and put a gun 10 inches from my face. He…
Robert Battles Ptsd, Cancer, And Finds God In The Fight
Robert was against the Vietnam War, but after graduating from high school, he was drafted. And despite his feelings about it, there was never a moment that he considered making a run for it. Robert’s dad was career military, and the family—including his five siblings—moved all over the United States. “My dad was in Korea…
Where Will Their Help Come From?
The Lord has promised good to you! The old hymn says it all: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” The Lord saved me, saved you, and the Lord will continue to save the lost. The rescue mission is a rest stop for so many lost souls in our community.…
Justin Leaves Unstable Life Behind, Looks Ahead To A Happy Future
Justin’s goals for his future aren’t elaborate. He wants stability. He wants a steady life free of surprises. He never wants to worry about having a roof over his head again. A year and a half after graduating from the mission’s Life Recovery Program, Justin is reaching his goals. “I’m doing the best I can…
Tony Begins Recovery After Early Start With Drugs
Drugs took hold of Tony early. In middle school, he was already using and felt out of control. He asked for help from a teacher and entered a rehabilitation facility in Orange County. “I couldn’t control myself anymore,” Tony said. “I couldn’t handle it. I was 12 or 13 years old.” Tony was born in…
Joe Follows In His Little Brother’s Footsteps, Gets The Help He Needs
When Joe felt like he had nowhere to turn, he reached out to his younger brother, Bert. Bert was getting help with his addiction, and had a place to stay. He encouraged Joe to join him, and that’s how he ended up at the Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley. “I told my brother I needed…
Angel Overcomes Addiction, Finds True Happiness In God
At just 22, Angel has already experienced homelessness, addiction, and hunger. He became hooked on fentanyl quickly. He started stealing to support his habit, and ended up on the streets, once going four days without food. “It wasn’t the life I wanted,” Angel said. “That’s what made me even worse on the drugs. I was…
The new decade is here… 2020!
The mission has accomplished so much. In this last year we celebrated 20 years of service to the Victor Valley community, and the number of lives that have been changed in that time is amazing. All of this work has been made possible by the grace of God and the partnership of our donors. After…
Years After Graduation, Billy Keeps On Trucking
Billy was born in Ohio and moved to California when he was 6 months old, where he has lived ever since. Billy describes his upbringing as “kind of rocky. My dad was a truck driver. He was never home. He was there, but he wasn’t. It was just me, my mom and three sisters.” Billy…
