Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
See the latest stories of transformation made possible by your commitment to the mission
- All
- Central Coast
- San Fernando Valley
- Valley Food Bank
- Ventura County
J.R. is “breaking chains” as he becomes a leader to program men
His path from graduate to house manager is inspiring This is the seventh story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” For this month’s profile, we sat down with new House Manager and Life Recovery Program Graduate J.R. His life was consumed by drug abuse, broken relationships, and lost opportunities;…
After years of volunteering, Darlene joins the team
In March 2025, Darlene joined the RMA Ventura County team as the Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator. After 20 years as an executive in women’s footwear, Darlene was longing for something more “meaningful” and “impactful.” Initially only volunteering at the Lighthouse, Darlene ultimately learned that ministry “is where my heart beats the loudest,” she said.…
Fighting hunger, feeding hope, fueling change
It all starts with a meal In April 2024, a stark reality was unfolding in Santa Maria. From the 101 overpass, visible on the dirt paths of the riverbed between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, a sprawling encampment had taken root. Old tents, rusty, stolen bicycles, and dirty tarps stretched over dying plants…
The one message that changed Jocelyn’s life
Jocelyn’s early life was chaotic; her parents separated when she was young, and she primarily lived with her mother. “I wasn’t normalized into having a family. I was separated between holidays and weekends between my parents,” she said. “I mostly stayed with my mom, taking care of her. My mom was into partying, clubbing, drinking,…
Three decades later, Javier finds it’s never too late for hope
His new life begins now For nearly 30 years, Javier’s life was consumed by addiction, chaos, and broken relationships. Starting at just 12 years old, he fell into a deep cycle of drug and alcohol use that eventually left him estranged from his wife and children, homeless, and hopeless. “I didn’t believe in anything, not…
Patti, her two sons, find safety, community at shelter
She never expected to need the Mission When Patti walked into the shelter with her two young sons, Jonathan and Nathan, it was with a heart full of hope and a fierce determination to find safety. Life had taken a sharp turn. Though Patti once had steady employment, losing her job meant losing their home.…
Cesar appreciates support, accountability at the Mission
The youngest of 13 children, Cesar was raised by a single mother after his parents separated shortly after his birth. He never saw his father again. That early abandonment became the root of much of the trauma he would carry throughout his life.”I started drugs at a very young age. My mom wasn’t around very…
Director’s Note
This year we will center our goals around the following theme: Engage Have you ever found yourself at a social function only to realize that you don’t know anyone? For some, this is no big deal-you’re the naturally gregarious type who thrives on working the room, telling great stories and leaving with 20 new life-long…
Director’s Note
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month It might surprise you to hear that in Ventura County alone, there were about 7,000 domestic violence allegations made in 2020, according to the Ventura County Family Justice Center. Domestic Violence is a massive problem in our area that often goes unnoticed and unreported. The violence often includes…
Graduation allows opportunity to celebrate residents’ wins
Families find stability after stays at Home Again Home Again, Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley’s family center, was able to celebrate families recently that have transitioned to stable housing. Months ago, they found themselves without a home and seeking help at the Mission’s doorstep. Now we come alongside them, lift them up, and celebrate…
After relapse, Ron discovers he has ‘more to learn’
This is the sixth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Ron’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. It was long after dark and Ron was alone on the beach in Santa Barbara. He was supposed to have checked into a recovery…
Celebrating second chances, new beginnings, big wins
At RMA SFV, it’s been a time of incredible celebration and deep gratitude as we honor six courageous men and five resilient families who graduated from our Life Recovery Program and successfully transitioned into stable housing. These individuals have not only completed an important chapter in their recovery journey, but they have also stepped into…
