Stories that Inspire.
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See the latest stories of transformation made possible by your commitment to the mission
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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…
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…
Rogelio finds hope and a “new beginning” while in program
He is happy to change his ways and embark on a new life “Ten years is a long time,” Rogelio recalled, releasing a long breath. “For the last crime I did, they wanted to send me away to prison for a long time. Ten years. The longest I had been in prison before is 35…
Hector is thankful, feels “transformed” after graduating program
When Hector was 22, his father died. “He was my best friend. It was a real tragedy for me. I was the only one he could really talk to, and he was the only one I could really talk to,” Hector shared. After his father’s death, Hector spent years traveling. “I was out trying to…
Desiree can’t quench her ‘hunger and thirst for Christ’
Desiree struggles to describe her difficult childhood. “It was very … dark. It was sporadic as far as stability. It was a lot of bouncing around to friends and family.” Her mom, who had her at 16, was a heroin addict and in and out of prison. “She wasn’t really present for most of my…
Joshua is baptized, finds acceptance while at Mission
Joshua recalled having an “unstable” childhood. After the deaths of both his grandparents in quick succession, Joshua, his mother, and two younger siblings found themselves living in their van and sleeping in motels. At 6 years old, Joshua tried methamphetamines. By middle school, Joshua was regularly smoking meth, getting into fights, and skipping school. In…
