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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…
A Mother’s Gratitude
I was referred to the Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley and that’s where the miracle happened. Instead of feeling like the world was against me, I saw people giving their time unselfishly, bringing food for us, and taking time to just sit and talk. It was amazing to see that; just when I felt…
The Long Walk Home
Ezabela Makarosyan and her three children were one step away from being homeless. Ezabela remembers walking past mothers and small children sleeping on the sidewalks in the San Fernando Valley. Her fear pushed her onward. She called 2-1-1 and was told again and again that there were waiting lists for shelter. She still pressed on,…
Briefly Homeless, Always Hopeful
Nora had a plan; when the lease expired on her apartment, she lined up a new place to live and a roommate to share the costs. Everything was perfect until the roommate backed out in the last minute. Nora and her four young teens were homeless. With no place left to turn, they lived in…
Stranded in West Los Angeles
Today I had a meeting in West Los Angeles, and with the forecast calling for rain, I got up while it was still dark outside and made my way on the 405 to Olympic Boulevard. Since I arrived early I looked for and found a coffee shop where I could stay warm and catch up…