Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
Juan Searches Out—And Finds—A Strong Relationship With God
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 know that Christianity is actually a relationship with God.” Juan had started attending a different church. “I could see God in other people. I had…
Eugene Leaves Drifter Lifestyle Behind, Looks To Establish Roots
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, which was cool because there was no responsibility. But I see there are downsides to that. I never established real long term relationships. Having friends,…
Putting Pride Aside And Asking For Help
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 I could come back, but I didn’t want to,” he said. “It was my pride. Whenever God would convict me to call the mission, to…
Victor Graduates With Peace, Joy That He Never Thought He Would Find
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 if you were paying attention,” Victor said. “It’s more accessible than you think. Everyone was talking about it, and I was seeing a world I’d…
Jesse Quells His Anger Issues With A Focus On God, His Kids
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 marriage. “There was always fighting, always chaos,” Jesse said. “There was never really a calm moment growing up.” When Jesse was 7, his father left.…
Looking Forward to a New Chapter After a Life Behind Bars
Kevin, 52, has spent the majority of his adult life incarcerated, starting with a five-year sentence when he was 18, to several two-to-three-year stints over the last 20 years. “I don’t have many trips left in me,” he says, with a heavy sigh. “I’m getting old.” Tiring of prison isn’t the only reason why Kevin…
Andrew Is Letting God Lead The Way Now
Andrew has been getting in trouble since he was a kid, but he doesn’t want anyone blaming his family. “I came from a really good family. My aunts and uncles were all close, and we’d go to grandma’s on Sundays for dinner. My parents were always there for me. My dad was at every (sports)…
He Cried Out, and God Listened
Not more than a year ago, Cody was in prison, away from his kids, and on the outs with his girlfriend. He was, however, praying for himself and his family, and working on strengthening his relationship with God. Now, Cody is excelling in the Mission’s program, married, and just welcomed a baby girl into this…
Staff Spotlight: Chris Rutledge
As the mission’s program manager, Chris Rutledge serves as a mentor and source of encouragement for the men on their journey to recovery. It helps, he says, because he can identify with some of their struggles. Chris grew up in a Christian home in the Denver area. His parents divorced when he was young. “Father…
Director’s Note – June
Being a part of the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast team affords me many blessings—the greatest is seeing real change happen in our clients’ lives! Today we had the honor of reuniting a husband to his wife, bringing restoration to his family. Beginning a new life is never easy. He had to face some major…
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…
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…
