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Jim knows he’s ‘in the right place’
This is the eighth story in a series chronicling.” this year’s theme of “Rescue This month, we look into Jim’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. When asked what his future might look like, Jim said he’d like to work for the Mission as a driver. “I’d love to be part of the…
On skid row, Rick hears the Holy Spirit
“I was just surviving. I had no concept of the future,” Rick said when reflecting on his past. Rick was 12 when his parents divorced. His father struggled with alcohol and drugs, and Rick was raised by his mother. The divorce brought a new sense of freedom for Rick and, with it, he began testing…
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT – Joshua Leon, RMA VFB Warehouse Supervisor
For Joshua, serving others is more than a job, it’s a way of life. “I’ve learned that giving to the community, and serving others, is how God wants us to help. That’s why I do what I do,” he said. Joshua has spent 17 years serving at RMA, including the past three years at RMA…
Moises’ recovery has been a ‘team effort’
Originally from Georgia, Moises, 26, recently moved to California to “find new perspective,” he said. “I wanted to try a new atmosphere and get new direction in my life.” Moises grew up in what he described as a great home and had a “good life.” But a week after he turned 14, his mother died,…
Welcoming The City Center to RMA
We’re excited to welcome The City Center, a successful transitional living community for families in Ventura, to the Rescue Mission Alliance family. For over a decade, The City Center has helped families in crisis find stability and a path forward. Under RMA, its leadership and programs remain in place while gaining the support of nearly…
Rena decides: no more excuses
Rena was just 5 when her mother left due to her drug use. Raised by her father alongside her two siblings, Rena grew up knowing that addiction had changed her family. Her father worked hard to give his children a stable home, taking them to church every Sunday, praying before meals, and teaching them about…
‘It was God. There’s literally no other way’
When Jessica arrived at the Mission, her drinking had nearly destroyed her. She was drinking all day, every day, and had recently spent more than a month in the hospital. Her breathalyzer reading was almost 0.46, a potentially fatal level, and her doctor told her she needed a new liver. Jessica’s struggle with alcohol began…
‘God was with me the whole time’
This is the seventh story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into Anthony’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. Looking back from where he is now, Anthony can see that God was always at work in his life. “When I think about all that I went…
Marcos finds new perspective and a new life
When Marcos first came to the Mission, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be there. At 19, he was equally “excited” and “opposed” to joining the program. Today, after graduating, being baptized and finding employment, he sees the Mission differently. “It took a while,” Marcos said, “but I no longer see that part of my…
Karen leaves the Mission scared, but not alone
Karen is nervous. She’s preparing to leave the Lighthouse after recently graduating from the program, but her excitement of a new beginning is mixed with fear. “It’s scary and I’m nervous. I don’t want to end up stuck like I was before,” she said. “But I have goals and plans for when I’m there. And…
From hurting to helping, Ryan comes ‘full circle’
This is the sixth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into Ryan’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. Thinking back on all he has gone through and all that he has accomplished in the last few years still amazes Ryan. “I got sober, saved, and…
Justin finds home after a lifetime of rejection
Justin learned about rejection long before he knew the word. His father died before Justin was old enough to remember him. His mother struggled with addiction, eventually spending time in jail. Raised first by his grandparents, Justin was later shuffled between family members, before ultimately reuniting with his mother. By the time he turned 21,…
