Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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David warns against being too prideful to ask for help
David grew up “basically with a single mom,” although he also had a stepfather for some of his childhood. He was smart, but avoided showing it at school. “I didn’t want to look uncool,” he said, “so instead of being the smart kid, I was more of a bully. Because of the problems going on…
Expanding our reach: Women’s program to open in the Fall
Since 1999, the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast has been a beacon of hope to the community, for those who have burned every bridge, tried dozens of times to quit, and are mere shadows of who they used to be. Our white and blue triplex at the North end of town has been there for…
After a stumble, Marco returns to the Mission
After nipping a drinking problem in the bud when he was young, Marco spent a decade as a music director and playing keyboards in the church band. He led praise and worship for years, and did well, until the pandemic hit. When church services ceased, Marco felt a shift in him. “I got really complacent,”…
Gregory calls Mission program ‘saving grace’
Gregory started drinking and smoking when he was just 12 years old. By 14 or 15, he was using amphetamines. “There was a gang of kids who always played together in the neighborhood-kickball, baseball, whatever,” he said. “We always hung out, just like brothers and sisters. Then all of us got addicted to drugs. We…
Looking forward to a new year at the Mission
As we enter 2022 at the Rescue Mission Alliance Central Coast, we’ve been considering the many peaks and valleys of 2021, and what’s coming up in this year ahead. We’ve become experts at pivoting when faced with challenges outside of our control. We wish the pandemic was over. All year staff and volunteers have risked…
Lives changed for good: Updates
Rickie’s divorce was a traumatic event in his life, and led to an increase in his alcohol use. He ended up with three DUIs in a year, and the final one resulted in almost a year in jail. When he was released in October 2020, the pandemic had been in full swing for months. “I…
Director’s Note
By this time of the year at the Mission, our emotions are high and our tanks are nearing empty. We served 1,000 meals at our annual Thanksgiving Banquet. And at our Christmas Banquet we’re gearing up to serve 1,200 meals and give out 600 Christmas gifts! We mourned another year of the to-go style banquets,…
Alex reconnects with his son, makes plans for the future
Alex was raised in Santa Maria with his older brother and sister, and initially, both of his parents. “My mom ended up leaving my dad to pursue another relationship,” he said. “A year later my mom was found dead in a motel room. It’s a cold case-no one has ever been arrested in connection to…
Luis putting ‘foolish mistakes’ behind him
Luis’ parents were together until he was 6 or 7 years old. “My dad was really smart and was a mechanic,” Luis said. “He was a terrible husband, but a great father to us. He was an alcoholic and a drug user, and was abusive to my mom.” The family, which included Luis’ twin and…
Hardworking Valentin is committed to getting back on his feet
Valentin said he had a typical upbringing in Mexico, which is a little different than childhood here in the Unites States. “Here you go to a park, but I grew up in a rural ranch area,” he said. “But I would get toys and balls and toy figurines and play. And at a very young…
Mark is focused and facing his missteps head on
Mark was born and raised on the Central Coast, primarily by his mom. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said. “I attended church here from a young age. I played sports-basketball and football in high school-and got my diploma.” Mark enrolled in college and attended for a couple semesters. He’s always worked, mostly in…
Luis works on ‘building up spirit and mind’
After two difficult years in and out of jail and seeing his relationship with his family suffer, Luis decided to ask for help. He had tried to battle his addiction on his own, and at just 21, recognized that he needed more support. “I’d try to bring myself up and out of it,” he said.…
