Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Mission is doing!
Inspired By The Mission’s Work, Jane Takes On Nonprofit Career
Jane started volunteering at the Mission in fall 2016 through her Gender and Women’s Studies class at CSUN. She would spend four to six hours a week helping with reception and intake. “I literally fell in love with the work that’s done here,” Jane said. “I fell in love with the families and the staff.…
Joshua Strives to be a Strong Role Model
It has been five months since Joshua, his wife, and their four small children had to vacate the room they were renting in Los Angeles because the owner was selling the property. In the spirit of celebrating Father’s Day, we have chosen to highlight a father in our program who counts his kids as his…
Volunteer Aims to Provide Dignity and Joy to Clients
Mike Binkow, a volunteer with our mobile shower unit, focuses on providing care—and respect—to those who visit. “The most humbling thing about volunteering with the shower unit is the personal connection you make with the people you meet,” Mike said. “You realize these are real people in real tough situations. They are our brother, sister,…
Keeping the Focus on Helping Clients Thrive
One of our primary goals at the mission is to help our clients thrive, no matter what their family looks like. They are single moms and dads, couples, and sometimes even grandparents raising their grandchildren. We also serve families in the reunification process through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). For various reasons…
A Letter To Mom, My Rock, Provider, And Best Friend
Every day at the Mission, we get to see moms in action. We are humbled by their strength, courage, and the sacrifices they make as they work hard to build a better life for their children. In honor of Mother’s Day, Sarah, a former guest, has written this letter to her mom to show her…
Hard Work Pays Off For Sasha And Her Family
Sasha* and her two children didn’t have a home to call their own. They were renting a room when their landlord gave them three weeks’ notice to move out. Sasha was fleeing a domestic violence situation and didn’t have anywhere else to go. She began making phone calls and found the Mission. “I was scared…
Jackie and Family Gain Stability, Support at the Mission
Many residents of Los Angeles County live paycheck to paycheck and it was no different for Jackie and her two children. After losing her job in December 2015, Jackie struggled to find work and was eventually evicted from her home. She feared that her family would have to live in their car, but was able…
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,…
