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The intersection of homelessness and human trafficking
How RMA is battling this crisis with prevention and recovery programsFor over half a century, Rescue Mission Alliance has been a beacon of hope, offering refuge to those struggling with homelessness and addiction. Now, we’re illuminating a darker corner of our community: human trafficking. This month, we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month; it’s an opportunity…
Meet Josie Casarrubias, Director at RMA San Fernando Valley
Tell us a little bit about what you do at the Mission. As Program Manager for many years, I was fully responsible for the operation of Home Again (RMA SFV’s family shelter). I supervised the staff onsite: case managers, intake coordinators, shelter staff, chef, and volunteer coordinator. Recently, I took over as Director of the…
Renewed Hope rooting on the Rams
The residents of the men’s Life Recovery Program were blessed to receive tickets to the Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys football game. With a packed lunch, the guys headed to SoFi Stadium. None of the men had been to the stadium before. In fact, many had never watched an NFL game in-person before. They…
With program’s help, Josue identifies, heals from past trauma
“I’m almost 30. This is not how I pictured my life,” Josue recalled, when asked what led him to the men’s Life Recovery Program at RMA San Fernando Valley. In 10th grade, Josue began smoking marijuana. “I never thought I’d be doing that and then more and more you try to chase that high. I…
Hector is thankful, feels “transformed” after graduating program
When Hector was 22, his father died. “He was my best friend. It was a real tragedy for me. I was the only one he could really talk to, and he was the only one I could really talk to,” Hector shared. After his father’s death, Hector spent years traveling. “I was out trying to…
Director’s note: A year of hope and transformation
As we embark on a new fiscal year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements we’ve accomplished together at Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of our success, and we are filled with gratitude as we share these highlights. In the past year, our family…
Rodolfo is committed to doing the program with his ‘whole heart’
Rodolfo was born in the United States but moved to a ranch in Mexico with his family when he was 4 years old. His addiction started when he was 12, after Rodolfo’s older brother began sneaking him beer. From there, his drinking increased, and he began using drugs. When Rodolfo was 18, he moved back…
Emily believed in God and herself to overcome trials
Emily struggled with depression and self-harm very early in life, even attempting suicide in sixth grade. “It was the bullying at school, the cutting, not getting enough attention at home … I just didn’t want to be there. I was a really sad kid. And I became very rebellious.” Emily’s father died when she was…
Felix has hope after wasting years to addiction
Felix has spent most of his life suffering from addiction. “I’ve been an addict for 17 years. I’m 30 now,” he said, adding that he started smoking marijuana at 12. While he graduated high school and went to community college, Felix dropped out when he began using methamphetamines and his drinking increased. After a drunk…
‘Life is more beautiful this side of recovery’
A year of sobriety brings peace “I grew up thinking I wasn’t really part of my family,” Javier said, when asked about his childhood. “I didn’t think my stepdad loved me, because I wasn’t his, but my siblings were. I felt like I didn’t belong.” By 13, Javier was using drugs. By 17, Javier was…
Giuseppe ‘Chef G’ begins his newest adventure as Mission chef
Bringing almost a decade worth of experience in the culinary field, Giuseppe, or ‘Chef G’ as many call him, is excited to be the new chef at Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley. Though ‘typical’ isn’t a word Giuseppe would use to describe his career, he’s looking forward to sharing his unique perspective with the…
As Jose nears 50, he commits to growth
ENGLISH SPANISH Jose is a current resident at Renewed Hope, the men’s Life Recovery Program at RMA SFV. This is his story: Jose said that when he was a kid growing up in Oxnard, he had more energy than the average child. In fact, he was diagnosed with Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when he was…
