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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‘This is my Bible College’: How donors help women like Rosemary transform their lives
When Rosemary arrived at the Lighthouse, she brought with her decades of pain, loss, and longing for a new beginning. But what she found was more than a program. It was healing. It was restoration. And for her, it was the beginning of a whole new life. “I came in expecting,” Rosemary said, “I came…
Ralph relishes in ‘God’s masterplan’ for his life
This is the fourth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Ralph’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. As the on-site manager of The City Center, a transitional living center for homeless families with children in Ventura, Ralph spends a good part…
From broken to blessed, program residents give back
At 8 a.m. on a brisk Friday morning, RMA San Fernando Valley’s shower trailer quietly enters the Van Nuys Home Depot parking lot. Though the sun has barely risen, a small line has already begun to form – people waiting not just for a warm shower or a fresh haircut, but for a moment of…
Jasmin finds her voice, begins to heal from life-long trauma
“My past has been very complicated. It’s been quite a journey,” Jasmin shared. “I came from a broken home – very toxic, very dysfunctional. I never grew up with my dad and my mom was an alcoholic and a workaholic. She worked and she partied. I was always having to take care of her. There…
Rafael finds missing puzzle piece in quest to stay sober
Rafael’s story is one of strength and change. He grew up in Glendale, California, with his parents hailing from El Salvador. His dad wasn’t around, and his mom and grandma worked hard to raise him and his siblings. Like many kids, school had its ups and downs. His mom didn’t speak much English, so learning…
RMA food warehouses unite, help bring relief to LA fire victims
Rescue Mission Alliance Antelope Valley and Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank partnered together to donate over 1,000 prepared sandwiches, chips, hygiene kits, water bottles and boxes of clothing to North Valley Caring Services at their donation hub at North Hills United Methodist Church. These donations will go directly to families affected by the Los…
Leonce appreciates “everyone whohelps make food pantries happen”
He now volunteers at the church pantry In 2023, Leonce relocated to the United States from Ghana, West Africa. Upon arrival in Van Nuys, Leonce and his fiancée were married. They became members of Rock of The Valley Church of God in Christ and began working in the Missions Ministry. Finding steady work with his…
A decade after graduating, Michelle has “never left” the Mission
She’s been working at RMA for over six years Michelle’s parents divorced when she was just 2 years old. Although her mother remarried, it was a “very abusive” relationship. “I grew up in a home surrounded by domestic violence-both verbal and physical,” Michelle shared. “It wasn’t towards me, but to my mother. Eventually, she succumbed…
Conrad leaves a lifetime of crime behind him,finds acceptance at Mission
This is the third story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Conrad’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. He’s learned to listen to God’s voice “I’ve tried to be a tough guy my whole life,” Conrad said. “Whether as a rebellious kid,…
Mission helps Juan find his purpose, relearn his worth
Growing up in Guadalupe, CA, Juan was surrounded by a loving family and a tight-knit community. His childhood was filled with sports, school, and days spent at the beach. With parents from Mexico, he was raised with strong values and a deep sense of community. However, despite his supportive upbringing, life took an unexpected turn.…
Noeli discovers it’s “never too late” while at Mission
Due to an abusive upbringing, Noeli began using heroin at 16. At 17, after a heartbreaking stillbirth, drugs became her primary coping mechanism. In 2014, Noeli went to prison for five years for armed robbery. Six months after release, she went back to prison for two years for grand theft auto. By late 2021, Noeli…
With Mission’s help, nothing is “out of reach” for Joee
This is the second story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Joee’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. The way Joee sees it, doors are opening, and his future is bright. “I just got hired as a driver at our thrift store,…
