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‘I have been given so many good things in return for how much I’ve lost in my life’
Chevelle felt trapped. For a year, she endured domestic violence, turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with the fear and pain. Eventually, her three children were removed from the home, and she found herself without a place to live. That was her rock bottom. She was sleeping in her car, separated from her kids,…
A mother’s prayer answered: her son is safe
May is when we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor the women who gave birth to us. But even when the relationship between mother and child is strained or near breaking, Michael’s story demonstrates that with time and God’s grace, even difficult relationships can be restored to love. When asked about his relationship with his mom,…
After lifetime of addiction, Renee surrenders
From the outside, Renee’s life once looked normal-she grew up in Santa Maria in a middle-class home with both parents and a brother. But behind closed doors, her childhood was marked by instability, addiction, and pain. Both of her parents struggled with drugs, especially her father, and the environment left her feeling isolated and unsafe.…
Volunteers like Logan are ‘vital’ to RMA AV
RMA Antelope Valley is honored to partner with many incredible organizations and volunteers who generously give their time and talents-like Logan, who serves weekly in the warehouse alongside his Blue Livin’ Supports Coach, Victor Arnold. Blue Livin’ Supports is a dedicated agency that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live more independently, build…
Mission gives Mario faith, family and freedom
Mario always wanted to be part of a family. “I have had family problems since I was little. I thought the drugs that I was using would help me forget all my childhood pain. I started to use cocaine and methamphetamines to help me escape all my trauma.” Before drugs, Mario struggled with alcohol starting…
“I believe in giving”: Celebrating 10 Years of Faithful Service
Yolanda has been a dedicated volunteer at the shelter since 2015. She began her service in the pantry, carefully labeling and dating food items to ensure families received safe and organized meals. In 2022, when another volunteer stepped away, she stepped up without hesitation. She began picking up fresh food donations and delivering them to…
A box of hope, a heart full of gratitude
Humberto has been connected with the food bank program at La Voz Seventh Day Adventist Church in Sylmar for three years. A friend first told him about the program, and over time he asked if there were opportunities to volunteer. Now, he finds “great joy” in being part of the team that distributes food to…
Mission stay helps Sean find the right focus
Sean was diagnosed with ADD at a young age and prescribed medication to help him focus. Looking back, he sees how early patterns formed. “Taking Ritalin was a catalyst for me in creating the mindset that I needed to take something to focus.” High school was difficult. Although he had friends, he often felt like…
Easter renewal: Men made whole in God’s love
This is the third installment in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into the stories of six men, recounting their journey to a new life. As Christians, Easter is a time of profound meaning as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge the price that was paid…
‘I’m in a very, very good place in my life right now’
Christy describes her childhood in one word: chaos. Growing up in the projects of Bakersfield with three siblings, she remembers constant screaming from her parents-especially her mother-and a deep sense of neglect. “My parents ate first and we ate last,” she recalled. “I remember the hunger. I remember it made me feel like they didn’t care…
Like many at the Mission, Felipe’s rescue began with a hot meal
This is the first story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into Felipe’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. What does it mean to rescue someone? With some variation, dictionaries define rescue as to save someone from a dangerous or difficult situation. This implies a one-time…
Family of 5 finds safe place to start over
Until recently, Susan and Jose had stable housing and Jose was employed full-time. When the company he worked for unexpectedly went bankrupt, everything changed. Despite his efforts to find consistent work, employment became sporadic and the family strsuggled to make ends meet. Without steady income, they were unable to keep up with rent and eventually…
