Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
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…
Harrison resets his priorities as he re-enters program
When Harrison thinks of how he ended up with his loving parents, he chuckles. “It’s a funny story, actually,” he says. “My parents were unable to have kids and they both had well-paying jobs. They were at a house party in the 80s and my mom saw a pregnant lady with a drink, so she…
Joseph revels in the restoration of his family relationships
“My life was for the most part very difficult,” said Joseph. “I grew up in a house with a gang member as a father. But my mom loved God and took me to church, so I knew God cared about me and was working in my life.” Joseph doesn’t have many memories of his dad,…
LUIS IS LEARNING ‘TO BE CONFIDENT IN GOD’ AND HIS LOVE
When Luis was 7 years old he moved from Mexico to Lompoc with his family. He grew up in a loving and supportive family and valued his relationship with his father. But in 2000, Luis’ father died leaving Luis with a “hole in his heart.” To fill the void of his father’s passing, Luis turned…
ABEL GETS OFF THE STREETS AND BACK ON TRACK
Abel is no stranger to overcoming life’s challenges. A severe accident left Abel’s mom injured to the point where it was difficult for her to hold a steady job. Abel and his brothers ended up living in a hotel room where the boys cared for their mother. Abel’s main weekly chore was the family’s laundry.…
