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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After 10-year sobriety streak is broken, Marco looks to the mission for help
Marco has been a Christian his whole life, he said. “I was saved when I was 10 and went to church every week.” After high school, Marco went to college and got a degree in music and worship. Despite his commitment to God, Marco found himself struggling with alcohol. “I would drink sometimes on the…
Drugs help Zach numb emotional wounds from his youth
When Zach looks back on his childhood, he sees a kid who had everything he needed, but who dealt with some challenges along the way. “I never went without, but I felt alone,” he said. “My dad treated me differently. I was the only son that was his (others were stepchildren). My dad spoiled me—everything…
YOU HELPED GEORGIA OVERCOME THE UNEXPECTED
Georgia was born and raised in Texas. She now lives alone and takes care of herself. On the surface, it is a peaceful image, but if you look a little deeper, you will find this gracious lady worried. She has had to survive alone on a fixed income and navigate the COVID pandemic on her…
NEIGHBOR WHO FACED HUNGER AS A CHILD GIVES BACK
Nearly 70 years ago when Annie was just 9, she would wake up early, walk into town — rain, snow or shine — and peel potatoes at a local restaurant. “They would give me a meal and something to take home to my mom,” she said. Annie’s mom was a hardworking waitress, but there often…
Victor is taking advantage of his second chance at life
Victor was born in Mexico, but took off for the United States when he was just 16. “There was no work over there, so I came here in 2004,” said Victor, who is a painter by trade. “When I started working, I also tried cocaine, and started using. I would work, get off work, and…
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
New or longtime supporter, we want you to know that our eight newsletters throughout the year are not designed to be self-absorbed sales brochures or a clever tool with sensational headlines or boring statistics to which most cannot relate. Our hope, however good or bad, is to provide you with updates on how we are…
Erin graduates, starts anew with 3-year-old daughter
As a new Lighthouse graduate, Erin is optimistic about her future, as well as that of her nearly 3-year-old daughter, Brieanne. She is making plans for a new career and has settled into the Transitional Living Program. “It’s now about trusting in the Lord, and handing it all over to him and knowing he has…
Recent graduate Bridgette finds confidence, peace at Lighthouse
Bridgette’s childhood was chaotic, moving between her parents’ houses in different states and experiencing difficult trauma at a young age. She was born and raised in El Paso, Texas until she was 7, and her family—her mom, stepfather, and two brothers—moved to Pismo Beach. Bridgette was molested from age 5 until she was 10, at…
Mission, Lighthouse celebrates graduates
We are so proud of our graduates! Last month we celebrated five Mission graduates: Francisco, Joseph, Jesus, Harry, Marshall; and two Lighthouse graduates: Liz and Bridgette. These dear people all worked so hard to change their lives and now they all move on the next stage of victorious living. In the above photo, Lighthouse Director…
Mission, S.O.S. Volunteer Finds What He Was ‘Missing’ In Life
It was about two years ago when Ken started to feel like he was missing something. He had a successful career, working at an aerospace company in Chatsworth, and enjoyed kayaking, hiking or motorcycle riding during his downtime. He loves spending time with his niece and nephew, and adores his two Australian Shepherds. “Like most…
JUAN COMMITS TO BREAKING THE CYCLE WITH HIS 8-YEAR-OLD SON
Juan admits that if he didn’t have a son, he may not be doing the hard work on himself that he knows he needs. “He’s like the main motivation for me making changes,” Juan said. “I grew up with an alcoholic dad. It sucks. It definitely shapes you. I don’t want him to grow up…
ROCKY PEAK VOLUNTEERS CONTINUE TO GIVE WITH THEIR HANDS AND HEARTS
Volunteers from The Church at Rocky Peak came out in full force to support the Mission, lending their hands at the Home Again family shelter and at Renewed Hope properties, home of the men’s Life Recovery Program. At the shelter in Northridge, a group of 30 volunteers cleaned up the patio and playground areas, washed…
