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Director’s Note – May

Life is busy here at the mission. But there are times, in between appointments and classes and meals, when the world seems to slow down. It’s in those rare, quiet moments when you catch things that you might normally overlook. I had one of those moments the other day and was lucky enough to ask…

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Submitting To God One Day At A Time

There was a time, not too long ago, that Anthony was on Skid Row in Los Angeles. “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. That’s how bad it was. And I’m still here. … I can’t believe…

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With 8 Daughters Looking To Him, Jairo Is Ready For Change

After serving six months in jail on burglary charges and then being transferred to the mission, Jairo was miserable. “I didn’t want to come here,” said Jairo. “I had so much guilt on me for basically putting my wife and all my daughters on the streets.” Jairo’s sister let his wife and seven of his…

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Ernie Strives To Be The ‘Papa’ His Grandkids Need

Third time’s a charm—that’s what Ernie’s proving. He’s nearing graduation of the Life Recovery Program, after spending time at the mission twice before. While Ernie acknowledged that he had a wild side as a young man—“I’ve been in gangs, gotten into trouble, but I grew out of that stuff,” he said—he was on the straight…

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Director’s Note – April

A few moments ago, I was walking through our office here at the mission, when I stopped and looked out the window. Three of our program participants were circled together on the front lawn praying. As they stood huddled, arms around one another’s shoulders, it was clear they were having an amazing moment with God.…

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David Finds Solace At The Mission While Grieving His Mother

David sits quietly considering how his time at the mission has been going so far. He’s tried many programs over many decades, and it’s always a struggle transitioning, he says. It hasn’t been easy, but he knows he’s supposed to be here, he adds. David grows silent and his eyes fill with tears. “I found…

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Rafael Looks To Promising Future After Graduation

Rafael has been getting in trouble for as long as he can remember, starting with being suspended and then expelled from his elementary school. “In fifth grade I would be smoking in the bathroom or cussing at my teachers or fighting. I acted out a lot, and I still have trouble figuring out why I…

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After Great Loss, Gary is Fighting for His Future

Not too long ago, Gary had it all. He grew up in Santa Barbara, went to college for dental technology, and got married. Instead of a honeymoon, Gary and his wife Darla got into ministry, working with Mercy Ships and traveling the world. After years of service, they moved to Seattle, thrived in their careers…

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David Looks to Follow in His Father’s Footsteps

Twenty years ago, David’s father had his last drink after a lifetime of alcoholism. The secret to his success was committing to God, something that David is now working toward every day. “My dad would end up in the hospital, that’s how bad his drinking was,” David said. “He struggled with alcoholism for so long.…

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David Jumps Back Into Recovery Following Relapse

After a successful career in construction working for the family business, David found himself faced with uncertainty. He had struggled with carpal tunnel for years, and finally had surgery on both hands. He needed a break from construction to heal, so he took a job in security at a high rise in San Diego. But…

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Staff Spotlight: Juanita Takes Helm Of Thrift Store

If you’re shopping at Central Coast Super Thrift or dropping off a donation, you may notice a new—and very friendly—face. Juanita is the new store lead at the Santa Maria store, and she is loving her new role. “There’s a lot to learn, but this is where I really wanted to be,” Juanita said. “I…

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Heartbreak Leads To Clean Life

April 6th. That was the day that changed Melissa’s life—the day she delivered her 1-pound baby boy at only four months pregnant. “He was just so small,” said Melissa, through tears. “I was still doing drugs. I wasn’t taking care of my body. That’s why it happened.” The months after her baby’s death were dark…

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