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Annual backpack giveaway draws hundreds of families to SBC Fairgrounds in Victorville
By Rene Ray De La Cruz Staff Writer, VV Daily Press Sitting in the backseat of her parent’s Jeep, 7-year-old Emma Stevens watched curiously as masked volunteers handed out backpacks in SBC Fair parking lot. The annual back-to-school event on Thursday in Victorville was hosted by the Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley and Impact Christian…
Brandon: After 6 months, the Mission ‘has changed me so much’
When Brandon looks back on his childhood, he says it was a good one. His parents raised him and his brother and sisters in Lancaster, and Brandon said his dad brought them all up around the church. Brandon did have some trouble in school, however. “I was kind of shy and reserved, so I didn’t…
Sarah provides help and hope to her community
When people walk into the Rescue Mission Alliance Victor Valley—whether it be for resources, a hygiene kit, or even just a cup of coffee—they most often see Sarah first. She’s been volunteering with the mission for two years, and mans the front desk four or five days of the week. “I know most of the…
‘Moral mechanic’ reflects on life-changing time in the program a decade ago
Jim struggled with drugs for 30 years, starting when he was 17. His family moved from Bishop down into the city, where the offerings were more plentiful. “You could say I was hanging out with the wrong people, but the blame’s on myself,” he said. “There’s not a whole lot of that where I moved…
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…
