Making A Difference That Matters

Stories that Inspire.

Victories to Celebrate.

Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!

After opening a bible for the first time, Nicolas wants to know more

Nicolas was born in Mexico and came to the United States when he was 15 with his brothers and his mother. “I started going to school and working at the same time,” he said. “I got to 12th grade, but didn’t graduate. I didn’t have enough credits.” Nicolas had started smoking marijuana toward the end…

Read More about After opening a bible for the first time, Nicolas wants to know more

Chuck owns his ‘bad choices,’ focuses on spiritual growth

When Chuck reflects on his upbringing in Santa Maria, he has nothing but positive things to say. The decisions he made are on him. “I grew up in a good family and had a good childhood,” he said. “I had every opportunity afforded to kids—I just made some bad choices.” Chuck start drinking in high…

Read More about Chuck owns his ‘bad choices,’ focuses on spiritual growth

Don stops running from himself and commits to lifelong change

Don’s issues with alcohol started early, in high school, but if anyone noticed, they turned a blind eye. “I grew up in Iowa in a lower- to middle-class family,” Don said. “I was baptized Episcopalian, but we went to church irregularly, on the holidays mostly. I was good in school, and when I got to…

Read More about Don stops running from himself and commits to lifelong change

Tony tires of disappointing his family, himself

Tony’s parents came from Mexico before he was born, and he was born and raised in Santa Maria. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said. “I’m the oldest, and have three younger sisters. I had a good childhood, and had everything I wanted. My parents treated me well and were both Christians, so I…

Read More about Tony tires of disappointing his family, himself

The Mission has ‘changed the way I see things’

It’s been a year since Fernando graduated the mission’s Life Recovery program, and looking back, he hardly recognizes the person he used to be. “This program has helped me realize that I can live a new life,” he said. “There’s something else, another kind of living. I don’t need any of that stuff (drugs) to…

Read More about The Mission has ‘changed the way I see things’

Witnessing change, recognizing rewards at the Mission

One of the joys of working at the Mission is that I can be myself around our clients. We have a comfy rec area where our clients can relax, watch TV, or play cards. I enjoy shooting the breeze with clients on the couches in this room, talking about stuff that doesn’t matter. One of…

Read More about Witnessing change, recognizing rewards at the Mission

Harrison wants change, became ‘too comfortable on the streets’

Harrison and his biological sister were adopted by the same loving parents. They adopted his older sister, and when Harrison’s biological mother got pregnant again three years later, she reached out to the family. Harrison joined his older sister with his new parents. They worked for the phone company and cared deeply for their children.…

Read More about Harrison wants change, became ‘too comfortable on the streets’

Denis feels ‘more dedicated’ this time through the program

Denis, now 27, is the oldest of four. “I’ve always had my parents to support me,” he said. Dennis and his family moved around a lot in the Central Coast area, but he considers Carpinteria home. He attended school there, but was behind in elementary school and didn’t pass the seventh grade. “They sent me…

Read More about Denis feels ‘more dedicated’ this time through the program

Robert sees miracles in his family restoration

When Robert reflects on his time in the Mission’s program, and the year-and-a-half since his graduation, he speaks of restoration. “I am a big believer in recovery and amends,” he said. “It’s God’s way of showing me he’s with me and loves me, and that this is his will for my life. I’m able to…

Read More about Robert sees miracles in his family restoration

Jesse looks forward to promising career, family restoration

Two years ago, Jesse entered the Mission battling alcohol and anger issues. Now, he’s looking forward to a promising career as an EMT and reuniting with his wife and children. “I don’t know what God has for me,” Jesse said. “But I know he’s got it all under control. I know he’s been preparing me…

Read More about Jesse looks forward to promising career, family restoration

David leaves drinking behind, starts fresh at the mission

David’s dad left his family when he was just 5, and David didn’t see him again until he was 18. They got drunk together and David never saw him again. He spent his childhood in Fresno with his mom and two sisters, eventually adding four stepsiblings to the family. “My grandparents took care of me…

Read More about David leaves drinking behind, starts fresh at the mission

After A Relapse In The Desert, Steve Builds On His Foundation At The Mission

Steve spent 15 years on the streets in the High Desert. He slept down by the Mojave River, and dropped into the Victor Valley Rescue Mission for meals and hygiene supplies. Shortly after his 52nd birthday, Steve had a change of heart. He decided it was time to quit using and drinking, and asked for…

Read More about After A Relapse In The Desert, Steve Builds On His Foundation At The Mission