A grateful goodbye and a lasting legacy in Victorville

As we close the doors on one chapter of ministry in Victor Valley, our hearts are full-not with sadness, but with deep gratitude. What began as a bold step of faith grew into a movement of hope, healing, and transformation. And while Rescue Mission Alliance will no longer operate directly in Victor Valley, the legacy of this ministry is far from over.

We give thanks to God for the faithful leadership of Penny and David Heflebower, whose tireless dedication laid the foundation for everything that followed. Their legacy lives on in the lives touched, the souls restored, and the community built.

We also want to thank the incredible team who made ministry possible every day: Bill Edwards, Dawn Quigg, John Schmidt, and Amalia Hernandez. Your service has been nothing short of heroic.

And to our faithful church and community partners-High Desert Church, Redeemer Church, and High Desert Second Chance-we are deeply grateful. Your prayers, generosity, and commitment have sustained this work through every season.

A well-known theologian once said, “He who dives into God resurfaces next to the poor. There is no awareness of God without awareness of the poor.” To all of you who have taken that awareness a step further-into action, compassion, and radical generosity-we say thank you.

Because of your generosity, thousands of lives have been changed over the last 25 years. You’ve loved the lost, the lonely, and the overlooked. And these men and women are now living productive, healthy, and faith-filled lives all over the country. Their families are whole again. Their spirits are healed.

If the homeless in Southern California remain a ministry God continues to press on your heart, we invite you to become a sustaining partner. Tonight, more than 300 men, women, and children will arrive at a Rescue Mission Alliance door, hoping for a second chance. Click here to join this kingdom-building work and continue writing stories of hope across California.

With gratitude,

Rescue Mission Alliance