Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
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…
Director’s Note – January 2019
I look back at 2018 with great excitement and a sense of awe! With your help, we have created programs that result in sustainable life change, and that is humbling. Men come to us and their circumstances are not pleasant. They find refuge where they don’t need to worry about their next meal or shelter.…
Beto Is Taking Advantage Of His Second Chance At Life
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 the auto industry for 31 years. His drinking started early on. “When we first started, that’s what we did—we drank,” he said. “We went…
Troubled Youth finds God, Lifelong Work in Rescue Ministry
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 mission is making a difference,” he said. “We’re all sold out for Jesus, and we really have the best interests of the program men at…
After a Tragic Death, John Looks for Help
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 differently. “She showed me God’s grace,” John said. “She showed me Christ-like love—love that I didn’t deserve and that I had always wanted.” John was…
Rich Explores A Growing Relationship With God
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, they married and had a daughter. “The marriage lasted 10 years,” Rich said. “I started drinking at the time—I’d have a beer or two and…
After Struggle With Gangs, Then Homelessness, Owen Finds Refuge
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 because I love and appreciate what’s going on. I just have so much gratitude for what God’s done for me that I want to help…
