Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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YEARS LATER, ANTHONY IS ‘PROUD’ TO HAVE BEEN PART OF THE MISSION PROGRAM
When Anthony arrived at the Mission a few years ago, he was coming off a long time on the streets, including on Skid Row. “If I saw a needle on the ground with a little something in it, I would pick it up and stick it in my arm,” he said. “That’s how bad it…
DIRECTOR’S NOTE – Let’s talk about alumni
This month I connected with five past graduates of our Life Recovery Program, and three clients who didn’t complete the program. These connections fill my heart and encourage me. They remind me to show grace to current clients, especially the troublemakers! In recent years, the Mission has been focusing intently on alumni. We do this…
VICTOR RECOMMITS TO THE PROGRAM, EXPERIENCES THE DIGNITY OF WORK
After being recently dismissed, Victor returned to the Mission’s Life Recovery Program to give it another try. He was welcomed back by the other guys in program, got his things unpacked, and set up near his old bed. Then he said he wanted to head to the thrift store for his vocational training. He was…
Victor is taking advantage of his second chance at life
Victor was born in Mexico, but took off for the United States when he was just 16. “There was no work over there, so I came here in 2004,” said Victor, who is a painter by trade. “When I started working, I also tried cocaine, and started using. I would work, get off work, and…
Drugs help Zach numb emotional wounds from his youth
When Zach looks back on his childhood, he sees a kid who had everything he needed, but who dealt with some challenges along the way. “I never went without, but I felt alone,” he said. “My dad treated me differently. I was the only son that was his (others were stepchildren). My dad spoiled me—everything…
After 10-year sobriety streak is broken, Marco looks to the mission for help
Marco has been a Christian his whole life, he said. “I was saved when I was 10 and went to church every week.” After high school, Marco went to college and got a degree in music and worship. Despite his commitment to God, Marco found himself struggling with alcohol. “I would drink sometimes on the…
Dallas focuses on healing from traumas, growing spiritually
Dallas’ parents made only rare appearances in his childhood. He grew up in Oklahoma, primarily with his grandparents, until his grandfather died of a heart attack. Dallas was just 13. “I gave him CPR, but I couldn’t resuscitate him,” he said. “Shortly after, my grandma overdosed. I got her to the hospital. Two to three…
After 15 years in and out of jail, Miguel just ‘let God take over’
Miguel’s rock bottom came in August of last year. He had recently been released from jail. “I was on the train tracks,” he said. “I was homeless, stinky, and had no food. I was doing badly and using a lot of drugs. I was losing my mind. I had an awakening. I needed a program.…
Abel looks forward to being there for his 10 grandchildren
Abel grew up in Guadalupe, and moved to Santa Maria at 10. In school, he didn’t have trouble making friends, and enjoyed playing sports. “In high school, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd—you know how that goes,” Abel said. “I dropped out after the 10th grade. “After that, I found the love of…
We’ve endured the unexepected. Now on to 2021!
In January 2020, in one of the first devotions of the year, I talked with the participants in our Life Recovery Program about being grateful. My New Year’s resolution was to be more grateful, and I knew our participants would benefit from that mindset as well. “So much of recovery is about having an attitude…
Hot Christmas meals will still be served to those in need
I want to say how grateful I am to our donors, volunteers, participants and staff who are committed so dearly to feeding people during the holidays. Our Thanksgiving banquet was a success! We didn’t foresee every problem we’d encounter, and everyone was exhausted by the end, but it was inspiring to see how dedicated our…
Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast serves hundreds during annual Christmas dinner
By Razi Syed / Santa Maria Times – December 20, 2019 Photos by Lynn Wood (To read entire article CLICK HERE) Hundreds of hungry people sat down to a traditional holiday meal on Friday during the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast’s annual Community Christmas Banquet, which aims to serve the area’s needy and low-income community…
