Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
Crystal overcomes isolation, embraces community of women
After witnessing multiple family members struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, Crystal was “very cautious about using drugs. I was never going to,” she said. At 19, Crystal moved out of the house she shared with her sister as partying, drinking, and drug use became the norm. At 20, Crystal started taking college prerequisite classes…
Eileen breaks generational abuse cycle, celebrates one year of recovery
She’s finally done living in ‘survival mode’ “It was a real, rough, dark situation,” said Eileen when asked about her childhood. “My dad was an alcoholic. There was just a lot of chaos and confusion and abuse, mentally, physically, emotionally. “I grew up in survival mode. I was my own parent or my older brothers…
Rudy focuses on ‘patience’ and ‘letting God be in charge’
He recently graduated the program and continues to use the tools that helped him Rudy was finally beginning to feel at peace. Representing the Rescue Mission at a recent volunteer service fair, it occurred to him that he had started to spend more time thinking about others than about himself. “I felt that God had…
Meet Josie Casarrubias, Director at RMA San Fernando Valley
Tell us a little bit about what you do at the Mission. As Program Manager for many years, I was fully responsible for the operation of Home Again (RMA SFV’s family shelter). I supervised the staff onsite: case managers, intake coordinators, shelter staff, chef, and volunteer coordinator. Recently, I took over as Director of the…
Stratton leaves Vegas, finds God, while in Victorville program
Stratton, 26, was born and raised in Las Vegas with his parents and younger sister. Although Stratton said his upbringing was “pretty good,” his drug use started early in adolescence. “I’ve been usings drugs since I was 12 years old. I started getting arrested at age 16. I got into fentanyl and heroin and a…
Camille credits pantry with changing her life
With the help of food, clothes, she’s found employment, housing, and a stronger relationship with God Camille stopped by First United Methodist Church in Reseda wearing the clothes she received from the “Clothes Closet,” a ministry that offers donated clothes to those in need for free. Camille had utilized the services when she was seeking…
2 women, 2 stories: filling a need at the La Voz food pantry
Here are the stories of two women who recently visited the food pantry at La Voz Sylmar Seventh Day Adventist Church, which operates with help from the Valley Food Bank. Danniella Danniella first came to the La Voz Sylmar food pantry, when her family, which includes Danniella, her husband, and their two daughters, began struggling…
Renewed Hope rooting on the Rams
The residents of the men’s Life Recovery Program were blessed to receive tickets to the Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys football game. With a packed lunch, the guys headed to SoFi Stadium. None of the men had been to the stadium before. In fact, many had never watched an NFL game in-person before. They…
With program’s help, Josue identifies, heals from past trauma
“I’m almost 30. This is not how I pictured my life,” Josue recalled, when asked what led him to the men’s Life Recovery Program at RMA San Fernando Valley. In 10th grade, Josue began smoking marijuana. “I never thought I’d be doing that and then more and more you try to chase that high. I…
VIP volunteers
BAOF They call themselves “Being About Our Father’s Business” and have been coming to serve with the Rescue Mission for 12 years. Though members have come and gone over the years, the core group remains committed to “doing God’s work” and to “ministering to those that we are called to love.” Anna, who has been…
Ministries can’t operate without committed volunteers
Have a passion to share or a skill to teach? Join us! On a recent Saturday morning, students and staff from Pepperdine University joined the Rescue Mission for a few hours of volunteer service. They prepped food in the kitchen, served meals, and put together hygiene kits for homeless neighbors. They ended the day by…
Director’s Note: Celebrating 1 year of women’s lives changed
We will continue to grow these services with your help Next month will mark a year since Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast opened our women’s program. The program was designed for women experiencing homelessness and addiction, and those escaping domestic violence and sex trafficking. For me, this journey has been a constant reminder of how…
