Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
Family Update: The Opportunity For A Second Chance
Early last year, we shared the story of Francine Lopez and her children, Moses, 18, and Helena, 10, who moved into the Mission in August 2016. Francine had taken her children and left a domestic violence situation, only to find herself homeless. In the midst of their struggles, Moses was in treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic…
Meeting Needs Through Relationships, Donations
Ivan Londono became a friend of the Mission a few years ago. After taking a tour of the Mission, he jumped right in. Through his professional connections, Ivan encouraged local businesses to run donation drives to benefit the Mission. Ivan would spend his free time dropping off donation boxes at local businesses and once the…
Home for the Holidays
The holidays can be a difficult time of year for families here at the Mission. Our guests sacrifice family traditions, big dinners, and gifts as they work to better their lives and get back on their feet. For that reason, our staff and volunteers work hard throughout the season to make the holidays special. Mireya…
Lightening The Load Through Hospitality
As a child, Scott Prewett would often bring strangers home for dinner. It started in junior high when he saw a man who was homeless. Scott approached him and said, “Hey, do you need a place to stay tonight?” This offer was repeated dozens of times and each time, Scott’s parents were gracious hosts. They…
Movin’ On Up
Here at the Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley, our small staff makes a lot happen, but that is only possible because of the essential services that are provided by our many volunteers. Carolyn Berger began volunteering with her “partner in crime,” Letty, about a year ago. She began serving faithfully every week, answering calls,…
She Believed She Could, so She Did
Unhappy at work and struggling to balance rent, bills, and mental health issues affecting her life and her six-year-old son, Jessica Reveles left her corporate job. For months she struggled to secure consistent freelance work that paid a living wage. A few months later she had exhausted most of her savings and back to corporate…
Every Child Deserves To Dream Big
It is hard to imagine what it must be like for a mother and her children to not know where they will sleep at night. Many will sleep in their car, if they are lucky enough to have one. Those who are not so lucky will sleep wherever they can. Last year with the help…
Time to Make a Change
The Lopez family is an inspiration to all of us at the rescue mission. Francine and her two children, Moses (age 17) and Helena (age 9), moved into the shelter in August 2016. After leaving a domestic violence situation, the family became homeless. Francine shared, “One day I realized I had to make a change…
Restored Confidence
Kimberly became homeless after leaving an abusive marriage of 20 years. She had never been on her own but knew she had to make a new start for herself and her daughter, Marzya. “When I first got to the mission I was a scared woman living in a very dark shell. I didn’t trust telling…
Pursing Big Dreams Through Small Business
This past year, through our partnership with The Pepperdine Microenterprise Program, several of our guests have been able to pursue their dreams of starting their own small businesses. The program, through Pepperdine University, is designed to help underprivileged members of the Los Angeles community find gainful employment and launch micro-businesses. In December of 2016, three…
A Place to Catch her Breath
Walking into the mission today, you will be greeted by one of our guests, Martha. Martha is affectionately called, “Grandma” by some of our younger guests. She and her daughter Denise became homeless after Denise was laid off. When the economy took a downward turn, Denise was unable to find a job. After going through…
I Had A Chance After All
In fall 2015, Lori faced a series of unfortunate events. While working as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman, Lori was injured on the job and had to have back surgery. Shortly after the surgery the woman she was caring for died. She found herself living in her car and unable to work. During…
