Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Looking back…
As we reflect on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for the difference your support has made in the lives of our graduates. Your compassion has ignited a spark of hope in them. Here
are some updates on some of the men and women you’ve read about this year.
Together, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations: individuals finding stable housing, securing meaningful employment, reuniting with loved ones, and restoring relationships with
Christ. As we embark on a new year, we invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of these inspiring stories.
Your support will empower even more individuals to break free from adversity and build a brighter future. Thank you for your generosity.
Desiree
As a young mother struggling with heroin addiction, Desiree was neglected and eventually struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression as a child and young adult. She started using drugs, and eventually, did so with her mom.
Desiree became addicted to heroin, and ended up moving into the riverbed. “I wasn’t fighting with someone constantly. I thought, ‘This is perfect for me. Why didn’t I come down here sooner?’ But eventually people started to show their true colors.”
Desiree befriended someone who nearly got her into a human trafficking situation. She was ready to get help and came to the Mission. “I feel like the old Desiree has died and the new Desiree has been born again. I see God working in my life. I’ve never known God like I know Him today.
“I love my church, I love my accountability partner, I just love life. Nothing is going to stop me. The devil can try, but he’s not going to succeed.”
Update: While in her addiction, Desiree lost custody of her daughter when she was very young. She was adopted and moved out of state. Recently, her now 14-year-old daughter reached out and the two have reconnected. Desiree speaks with her daughter every day and has a relationship with her daughter’s adoptive parents as well. Desiree has also been working on her GED and is on track to complete it this month.
Jose
Jose’s daughter found the Mission and encouraged him to enter the program.
As a young mother struggling with heroin addiction, Desiree was neglected and eventually Jose, a Mexican immigrant, arrived in the U.S. at 15. He grew up with his grandparents. After school, he got a job and met a woman—they were married for more than 12 years.
“She left me for someone else. At the same time I lost her, my (grandma) was dying in Mexico. I couldn’t get back to (see her).”
Jose started drinking heavily. After years, he sought help. “I just prayed and said, ‘God, help me. I don’t want to drink anymore.’ He heard me say that and put me in jail.” Tragically, during this time, he learned of his son’s death. He came to the Mission after his release.
Jose graduated the program and spent time in the Mission’s transitional housing. “I feel at peace,” he said. “I just pray every day for (my family). I want to get a good job and help my kids however I can. I believe in one
God who forgives. When I came here, I had never held a Bible in my hands. Now, I just continue to believe in Him.”
Update: Since graduating in July, Jose has stayed in regular contact with the Mission. He works for a local nonprofit doing handyman and construction projects. He provides for his own housing, is connected with a church, and has resolved all legal issues. Best of all, Jose is still in recovery!
Tommy
Tommy, raised on a San Diego County reservation, began drinking at nine. By 11, he was buying hard liquor. Tommy met his wife on the reservation when she was 13 and he was 14. He entered the construction field, got married and had three daughters.
Tommy often worked 16 hours a day, seven days a week. “I lived on the reservation my whole life. We owned a home there. I thought I was providing in the right way by providing monetarily, but I wasn’t there to spend any time with my family. … Since I was never there, my wife started her own life I guess. I wasn’t paying attention.”
Tommy left the reservation and continued working. But after one of his construction jobs shut down, he struggled, and became homeless.
Finally, he found help at the Mission and through God. “I know I’m a sinner and I haven’t perfectly followed anything, but I know Jesus died for my sins. I know my sins are forgiven. … I just want to start over.”
Update: Tommy graduated in 2019 and moved into permanent housing. He usually comes by the Mission a few times a year to express his gratitude and proudly declare he’s still in recovery, working, and connected with a local church. His sister is so grateful to have her brother back and not worry about him anymore.
Be Inspired
Be Transformed
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