Stories that Inspire.
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After 15 years in and out of jail, Miguel just ‘let God take over’
Miguel’s rock bottom came in August of last year. He had recently been released from jail. “I was on the train tracks,” he said. “I was homeless, stinky, and had no food. I was doing badly and using a lot of drugs. I was losing my mind. I had an awakening. I needed a program.…
Abel looks forward to being there for his 10 grandchildren
Abel grew up in Guadalupe, and moved to Santa Maria at 10. In school, he didn’t have trouble making friends, and enjoyed playing sports. “In high school, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd—you know how that goes,” Abel said. “I dropped out after the 10th grade. “After that, I found the love of…
Rickie looks to squash for good his battle with drinking
After Rickie finished high school in Lompoc and got his music degree from community college, he married, and the couple moved to New Orleans. Rickie’s wife was earning her law degree and he got a job at Tulane. The couple had three kids. But in 1998, Rickie and his wife divorced. “Going through that, it…
Robert craves stability after jail time and ‘losing everything’
When Robert’s parents divorced when he was 16, things started to change for the teenager. Robert had enjoyed an uneventful childhood, growing up in Santa Barbara, and then Lompoc, with his parents and two little sisters. His dad was in construction and his mom was a secretary. But after the divorce, Robert came back to…
Two years after graduation, Jairo’s family of 10 is settled together
Back in April 2018, Jairo ended up at the Mission—and he wasn’t happy about it. He was coming off of a six-month sentence for burglary charges, and was court-ordered to come to a program after completing the jail time. “When I first got here, I really didn’t like it,” Jairo said. “I didn’t like the…
While to-go meals will replace banquet, we still seek to reach people
Although COVID-19 has caused us to shift our plans a bit as we consider the safety of those we serve, we remain committed to provide Thanksgiving meals during a time when food security is impacting more families in our community than ever before. On Nov. 20th, we will host our Thanksgiving event in a to-go…
After opening a bible for the first time, Nicolas wants to know more
Nicolas was born in Mexico and came to the United States when he was 15 with his brothers and his mother. “I started going to school and working at the same time,” he said. “I got to 12th grade, but didn’t graduate. I didn’t have enough credits.” Nicolas had started smoking marijuana toward the end…
Chuck owns his ‘bad choices,’ focuses on spiritual growth
When Chuck reflects on his upbringing in Santa Maria, he has nothing but positive things to say. The decisions he made are on him. “I grew up in a good family and had a good childhood,” he said. “I had every opportunity afforded to kids—I just made some bad choices.” Chuck start drinking in high…
Don stops running from himself and commits to lifelong change
Don’s issues with alcohol started early, in high school, but if anyone noticed, they turned a blind eye. “I grew up in Iowa in a lower- to middle-class family,” Don said. “I was baptized Episcopalian, but we went to church irregularly, on the holidays mostly. I was good in school, and when I got to…
Tony tires of disappointing his family, himself
Tony’s parents came from Mexico before he was born, and he was born and raised in Santa Maria. “I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said. “I’m the oldest, and have three younger sisters. I had a good childhood, and had everything I wanted. My parents treated me well and were both Christians, so I…
The Mission has ‘changed the way I see things’
It’s been a year since Fernando graduated the mission’s Life Recovery program, and looking back, he hardly recognizes the person he used to be. “This program has helped me realize that I can live a new life,” he said. “There’s something else, another kind of living. I don’t need any of that stuff (drugs) to…
Witnessing change, recognizing rewards at the Mission
One of the joys of working at the Mission is that I can be myself around our clients. We have a comfy rec area where our clients can relax, watch TV, or play cards. I enjoy shooting the breeze with clients on the couches in this room, talking about stuff that doesn’t matter. One of…
