Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Erika is ‘walking into the light’ after years of darkness
She is excitedly welcoming Jesus into her life While her life didn’t go the traditional route, Erika was more or less “the responsible one” for most of her young life. She grew up in San Luis Obispo in a “dysfunctional family, so everything that comes with that,” Erika said, “verbal abuse, physical, visitation fights, substance…
Erik is in it for ‘the long run’ and committed to change
After 5 months in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program, he has a relationship with God for the first time Last year, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Erik decided he wanted to drive from his home in San Jose to Tijuana. “I hadn’t slept for days,” he said. “I was hearing voices. I…
Saul deepens relationship with God, finds love, purpose at Mission
ENGLISH SPANISH SAUL DEEPENS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, FINDS LOVE, PURPOSE AT MISSION February 16, 2024 | Sascha-Eden Preston He’s restoring his bonds with his children Saul had a relatively quiet childhood growing up in San Diego with his siblings and both parents. He graduated high school and then ITT Tech. At 19, he had his…
Sean focuses on transparency, building a lasting foundation at Mission
When Sean was 10, he was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin to help him stay focused in school. It quickly became a part of his everyday routine: wake up, take meds, go to school. It was this developed habit that Sean believes conditioned him to try other substances. “I was so used to taking…
Celia finds her perfect fit at the Mission
Celia never thought she would be leading other women in their recovery, but God had other plans. As Program Manager for the recently opened Women’s Life Recovery Program at Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast, Celia is excited to use her life, educational, and professional experiences in her role. Celia knows what it’s like to wrestle…
Director’s Note
A year for new Mission holiday traditions It’s Christmastime, and at the Mission that means large events, and our best efforts at sharing the hope of Jesus during this season. In past years, we’ve held a banquet and opened it to the community. The incredible folks at Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County would cook the…
After 30 years of drinking, Matt is ready to call it quits for good
He said he’s in recovery ‘for the long haul’ Matt was born and raised by his father on the Central Coast. His mom was in prison and then in and out of his life for years. After a custody hearing, it was determined that Matt would live with his father, and Matt’s sister would live…
Director’s Note
Graduation is celebratory, bittersweet We recently held a graduation event, where we honored four men who completed the Life Recovery Program! We also celebrated Dallas, who earned his GED earlier this year. If you’ve never been to a Mission graduation, we’d love for you to join us at our next one! It’s a humbling and…
Luis returns to the Mission with new focus, commitment
He is in college, and assisting with outreach efforts Luis has spent time at the Mission before-even graduated and interning in the past-but has struggled to find direction as it relates to independence, said Director Chris Rutledge. But as he enters the final phase of the Life Recovery Program this time, he’s focused on growth.…
Director’s Note
The season our residents spend in the Mission’s Life Recovery Program is wholly unique. They do and experience things they might never again have the opportunity to. About a month ago, our Program Manager Luke Johnson had the privilege of baptizing four residents in the waves of Pismo Beach. It started with Evan, who graduated.…
Eduardo commits to life change for himself, his family
When Eduardo was 15, he met a girl and started working for her uncle as a deejay. “He gave me my first turntables and taught me the first techniques I needed, that I still use today.” Eduardo got married and went to work for 100.3 FM. He got his own nightly show on the popular…
Mark sets goals and prays for full restoration with his wife, children
When he reflects on his upbringing as the youngest of nine siblings, Mark recalls chaos and a lack of affection. “There was a lot of fighting and confrontation going on,” he said. “There were never loving words expressed, or any hugging, or saying ‘I love you,’ or anything of that sort. “My father was an…
