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Anita says the Mission makes her ‘feel like I have a family again’
Anita was born in Ghana and spent her life there until tragedy brought her to the United States. Her husband had been living in New York for three years, and brought their two children out to join him in September 2017. Just three months later in December, all three died in an apartment fire. “I…
Crystal and her 4 kids built foundation at the Mission
Crystal’s father died when he was just 24, leaving behind a 21-year-old wife and three young daughters, ages 3, 5 and 6.“He had a heart attack, and all of my sisters and I were present when he passed away,” Crystal said. “It was tough. There was a lot of trauma from the beginning.” At 15,…
Renewed Hope men’s program celebrates growth, success in second year
What a year. It is fair to say that no one really expected the year to turn out the way it has. A global pandemic, and an economic shutdown, and a contested election are just a few of the obstacles that our country, our counties, and our cities have faced over this year. The Mission…
‘Kritter Kim’ Makes Name For Herself Years After Mission Stay
In 2013, Kimra and her husband, along with their daughter and her son from a previous relationship, embarked on a new life, moving from Iowa out to Southern California. But Kimra, a recovering drug addict, noticed her addiction worsen when she came out west. Kimra got divorced the next year, and got into a relationship…
Corey Wants ‘A Better Life’ For His 8-Year-Old Son
Corey’s mother had him when he was 15, and he was put up for adoption at a young age. “I was given to my family, and I had a really good upbringing,” he said. “It was a good family atmosphere. I went to good schools. “One thing I didn’t know was any family history. I…
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…
