Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Mission Graduate Finds Himself Back Again
When Shane is asked about starting the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast, he pushes back. “I didn’t do it, God did. He just used me,” Shane said. “Sometimes you’re a tool and you don’t even know it. That was 15 years ago. Now I’m back as a client.” Shane, born and raised in Santa Maria,…
After 30 Years Of Drug Abuse, A Life Is Changed
For Steve, it took some tough love to get him the help he needed. After doing drugs off and on for 30 years, Steve still wasn’t ready to change his ways. “My brother said, ‘You need help or you’re going to be out on the street.’ He has two little ones. He told me, ‘If…
Putting The Past Behind Him
Despite having only just turned 22 last month, Zachary has had a lot of life experience. His father was in the Air Force, so Zach was born in Germany and then lived in Idaho, Texas and Montana before settling in Santa Maria when he was in junior high. He excelled at school, earning a 4.0…
When a Sentence Turns Into a Blessing
It isn’t always by choice that people end up at the mission. Sometimes, as a result of a crime, part of sentencing will involve time in a recovery program. That’s how Steve ended up here. “It was court ordered that I come here for six months,” he said. Steve doesn’t have a scandalous story. He…
“Same Kind of Different as Me”
A major feature film hitting the box office this month will shed some light on what you already know—supporting rescue missions, helping the homeless, getting involved— can save peoples’ lives. “Same Kind of Different as Me” is based on the inspiring true story of Ron and Debbie Hall and their unlikely and life-changing friendship with…
Breaking the Cycle
Speaking from experience, Greg states, “You gotta get sober. You gotta find a good support group. You gotta surround yourself with good people. Don’t get caught out there. It sucks you in and soon you are on the streets and it becomes a cycle that is hard to break.” For Greg, that cycle broke. In…
