Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Celebrating second chances, new beginnings, big wins
At RMA SFV, it’s been a time of incredible celebration and deep gratitude as we honor six courageous men and five resilient families who graduated from our Life Recovery Program and successfully transitioned into stable housing. These individuals have not only completed an important chapter in their recovery journey, but they have also stepped into…
‘The shelter didn’t just save my life, it helped me rebuild it’
Candice never imagined herself in a shelter. “I was in a relationship, living with my partner, and everything seemed okay-until it wasn’t,” she said. “Things got toxic. I was thrown out. Suddenly, I had nowhere to go, and I was pregnant.” Candice found herself living in her car during her pregnancy, each day more uncertain…
Rodolfo is reborn, renewed, and ready to live
In May 2024, Rodolfo walked into RMA SFV’s Men’s Life Recovery Program broken, tired, and fully aware that he needed help. “I was an alcoholic. I was a man who had lost patience, lost perspective, and lost hope. Addiction had robbed me not just of years, but of the ability to see life in a…
From broken to blessed, program residents give back
At 8 a.m. on a brisk Friday morning, RMA San Fernando Valley’s shower trailer quietly enters the Van Nuys Home Depot parking lot. Though the sun has barely risen, a small line has already begun to form – people waiting not just for a warm shower or a fresh haircut, but for a moment of…
Director’s Note
As the Director of RMA San Fernando Valley, I am continually inspired by the incredible work we do and by the generosity of our donors, who help change lives for good. During the recent Los Angeles County wildfires, we witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of support from our community. Your generosity was nothing short of amazing.…
Jasmin finds her voice, begins to heal from life-long trauma
“My past has been very complicated. It’s been quite a journey,” Jasmin shared. “I came from a broken home – very toxic, very dysfunctional. I never grew up with my dad and my mom was an alcoholic and a workaholic. She worked and she partied. I was always having to take care of her. There…
Rafael finds missing puzzle piece in quest to stay sober
Rafael’s story is one of strength and change. He grew up in Glendale, California, with his parents hailing from El Salvador. His dad wasn’t around, and his mom and grandma worked hard to raise him and his siblings. Like many kids, school had its ups and downs. His mom didn’t speak much English, so learning…
Family flees persecution, finds safety, support at Mission
They feel like they’re among family Living in fear of persecution was not the life Perla and Byron wanted for themselves or for their children. Facing deadly threats, the family was forced to flee to escape the violence and unrest in their home country. When they arrived in Los Angeles, Perla and Byron were left…
Jason “washes” his old life away, embraces the new
He was baptized at the Mission When Jason was in junior high, his mother and him were kicked out of their apartment. They lived in his mother’s car for years. “My childhood, I didn’t really get to see,” Jason said. “I grew up pretty quick bouncing around from friend’s house to friend’s house, trying to…
Roger “gives thanks to God” for overcoming 17-year drug addiction
He recently celebrated 7 months sober Roger, 37, has had a life marred by drug addiction. When he was 4 years old, his brother overdosed on heroin. In his teens, Roger started using marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and eventually, moved on to heroin and fentanyl. At 19, Roger and his girlfriend had their first child. Over…
Mission throws wedding for Monica, Felix, their 5 children
Community partnerships made the day special Monica’s childhood was full of domestic violence, abuse, and neglect. “I grew up in a really toxic family. It was really hard; it was very abusive towards my mom and (us) kids. My dad would always hit my mom every day,” she recalled. “It was really traumatic to see…
Looking back…
As we reflect on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for the difference your support has made in the lives of our graduates. Your compassion has ignited a spark of hope in them. Here are some updates on some of the men and women you’ve read about this year. Together, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations:…
