Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
Cecil Works Through Childhood Trauma, Starts New Life At The Mission
His parents’ contentious divorce—and the difficult aftermath—shaped much of Cecil’s life. He was young when they split, and he and his siblings were first placed with their mother. “That wasn’t a safe situation,” he said. “We struggled for food. We were living in rat- and cockroach-infested places, people were doing drugs. It was horrible.” Things…
Albert Gets Help, And Isn’t Looking Back
Albert grew up locally with two brothers, his mom, and his dad, the latter of whom was very strict. “My dad was always really tough, so even though I knew people using weed in seventh grade, I didn’t do it,” he said. “But by the time I was 16, I wasn’t doing too well in…
Fernando Leaves Best Friend Behind To Finally Get Help
Fernando doesn’t have much family left, nor does he have many important personal relationships in his life. But when he talks about his dog, Fernando’s eyes light up. Kiko, a 6-year-old blue heeler, is his best friend. And leaving him behind for several months, while Fernando gets help at the mission, has been tough. “I…
Program Assistant Reflects On His Journey To The Mission
Mike Ruiz, the program assistant at the mission for nearly a year, still seems in awe of where he’s ended up. “I never would’ve imagined this. If you would’ve told me in 2004 that I would be a minister of the Gospel, providing hope to guys in broken situations just like mine, I would’ve said you…
Director’s Note – April
The end of my work day is my favorite part of my time at the mission. Yes, I get to go home, but that’s not the draw. It’s the time of day when the men in program are done with their scheduled day. The house comes alive with laughter, play and community. Today, I ventured…
Leonard faces his fears and begins to trust
Leonard and his older sister were raised by a single father, and the family moved around a lot. Leonard didn’t meet his mother until he was 13. “I was nervous because I had wanted to meet my mom so bad for so long,” Leonard said. “She was the most wonderful person I’d ever met in…
Jeff ‘sacrificed everything’ for his addiction
Jeff grew up in Santa Barbara in a middle class family, and he was always acting out. “I have three sisters, and I was always the rebel, since kindergarten,” he said. “I believe it just snowballed out of control my whole life. Whether it’s negative or positive, I just wanted attention. I was always smart…
Director’s Note – March 2019
Today we celebrated Ernie, the first graduate of our improved Transitional Living Program at the mission, one with enhanced job placement and leadership training opportunities. After our traditional house ceremony, Ernie stopped by my office to thank me for being part of his life change story. With tears in my eyes, I congratulated him on…
After Bout With Homelessness, Anthony Embraces Growth at the Mission
After living in Santa Maria for years, Anthony’s father fell in love with Hawaii. “He went there and really liked it, so he wanted us to live there,” said Anthony, who was a freshman in high school at the time. But the family’s move to paradise was short lived. After less than two years in…
“VW Joe” Finds Compassion From Mission Staff, Clients
Joseph, a self-described motorhead, wrote for car and motorcycle magazines for 25 years. “I went all over the world,” he said. “I saw some of the great races and great tracks. I wrote about any racing you want. If it had been invented, I’d seen it.” Joseph says he was a “professional gypsy. I did…
A Look Back At A Joyous And Successful Year For The Mission
2018 was an amazing year at the mission! The Life Recovery Program was revamped with a third phase, so staff can be assured that graduates have a plan in place for sobriety, finances, housing, and community, and that all of their physical, health, mental, and spiritual needs are met before leaving the mission. Ten graduates…
Doing the Work, Reaping the Rewards
We are proud of all the men we serve in our programs. Here are two who have overcome, graduated, and moved on to live productive, fruitful lives: Kevin (pictured above) struggled with an addiction to alcohol, opiates and meth for 12 years. He came to the mission with these priorities: work on his faith, tackle…
