Stories

Beto, a father of four and grandfather of eight, has been fighting his alcohol addiction for years. “I found myself drowning in it,” he said.
Beto was an assembly worker in

After nearly 20 years in rescue ministry, Michael Gotschall is still excited about his most recent milestone: celebrating his first year on staff at the mission. “The team, the culture—the

John, 21, has been getting in trouble for most of his young life, but it wasn’t until his girlfriend died tragically last year that he started to envision his life

After graduating high school in Santa Maria, Rich and his girlfriend moved to the Central Valley, where he got a job welding in the oil fields. After a couple years,

Owen’s excitement for his growing relationship with God and his heart for service is palpable. “I want to get in, do everything, help everyone,” Owen said with a laugh. “It’s

Juan grew up in a religious household, but in his teens, he started clashing with his family on what Christianity meant to him. “My family is religious, but they don’t

As he nears his 50th birthday, Eugene reflects on his life spent wandering. “I was just drifting through this country like a tumbleweed,” he said. “I haven’t established any roots,

After graduating from the mission’s Life Recovery Program and over a year of sobriety under his belt, it was hard for Robert to return after his relapse. “I always knew

Victor said he’s always gotten bored quickly and was often seeking excitement, thrill, and recklessness. So in school, when Victor started noticing drugs, he was intrigued. “Drugs were always everywhere

Jesse grew up in a tough neighborhood in South Sacramento. His father was abusive, and he and his two brothers were often caught in the middle of a very volatile