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Jose feels ‘at peace’ after graduating program
He’s now working full time with a Mission partner Jose grew up in Mexico and came to the United States when he was 15. “I grew up with my grandparents,” he said. “I didn’t have my dad with me and my mom was always at work. My grandparents recognized me as a son-they even gave…
Brandy works on overcoming trauma
She’s committed to healing through God Brandy is focusing on the positive. Despite having a lot of hard work ahead of her, she is happy to have found a safe place to live, a supportive sisterhood, and a blossoming relationship with God. “I’m just starting the Genesis Process, but I already know that I have…
Victoria will fight for all human trafficking victims
She’s currently on full scholarship studying criminal justice It took Victoria years to realize she was trafficked by someone she loved. Victoria grew up in a household where she “knew she wasn’t wanted.” Her teenage mother was forced to marry an abusive, alcoholic man, creating a toxic home environment, and at the age of 9,…
With new position, Robert is ‘being guided to a better future’
He’s also helping others in the program find purpose As a combat veteran who spent 14 years in the Marine Corp Infantry, RMA VC’s new Ministry Resident Robert has many stories of close calls. On a recent night, while taking a break from working with volunteers, Robert recounted the time when he and his platoon…
A full work week is still not covering the bills
Aurora is grateful for weekly assistance with groceries she receives Aurora lives in the city of San Fernando. She needs to work seven days a week to cover her expenses, but even with all of that effort, she falls short. “I heard about the food bank at the Lighthouse of San Fernando and came to…
Gael and his grandma are blessed by the La Voz pantry
The two of them visit each week for supplies Earlier this year, Gael and his grandma, Maria, were walking home from school and passed by the pantry at La Voz Sylmar Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Maria saw a few people waiting in the parking lot and decided to inquire about the line. She was told that…
After 3 days without food, Oscar finds pantry, church
He now volunteers and is part of the Oasis congregation Oscar came to the pantry at Oasis Foursquare Church around the end of September 2022. Before he arrived, he had gone three full days without food. Oscar didn’t have a job, had been hurt, and had no family around him. He started congregating at Oasis,…
‘Life is more beautiful this side of recovery’
A year of sobriety brings peace “I grew up thinking I wasn’t really part of my family,” Javier said, when asked about his childhood. “I didn’t think my stepdad loved me, because I wasn’t his, but my siblings were. I felt like I didn’t belong.” By 13, Javier was using drugs. By 17, Javier was…
Trevor overcomes addiction, becomes house manager at Mission
He’s also working on his college degree Moe was loose again. The 500-pound black bear had made it past two electric fence barriers to escape and now the staff at the zoo was attempting to get him safely back to where he belonged. Trevor and others on ATVs had corralled Moe near the gate and…
Meet RMA VC Chaplain Reed Gibson
In 2022, Reed Gibson joined the RMA Ventura County team as a chaplain. After 20 years as an engineer, Reed decided to focus more on his heart for ministry and community. Reed uses his prior experience as a youth pastor to now “live his dream” of full-time ministry. He’s also excited to share his love…
Susan is planning to ‘take God with her’
In 2003, Susan and her then-9-year-old daughter, Paula, were thrilled with the opportunity to move in with Susan’s son in Oxnard. Susan loved that she would be closer to her older children, and she was excited to explore an area she’d never been before. However, shortly after relocating, her son’s landlord told them they could…
Maria plans to help others after graduation
She was living on the streets before her arrival “It wasn’t a really good childhood,” Maria recalled. After relocating from Mexico to Santa Maria at the age of 7, Maria and her family – 10 people in total – lived in a single hotel room for 10 years. Maria’s mom and dad worked in the…
