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JUAN COMMITS TO BREAKING THE CYCLE WITH HIS 8-YEAR-OLD SON
Juan admits that if he didn’t have a son, he may not be doing the hard work on himself that he knows he needs. “He’s like the main motivation for me making changes,” Juan said. “I grew up with an alcoholic dad. It sucks. It definitely shapes you. I don’t want him to grow up…
Mission, S.O.S. Volunteer Finds What He Was ‘Missing’ In Life
It was about two years ago when Ken started to feel like he was missing something. He had a successful career, working at an aerospace company in Chatsworth, and enjoyed kayaking, hiking or motorcycle riding during his downtime. He loves spending time with his niece and nephew, and adores his two Australian Shepherds. “Like most…
Corey Wants ‘A Better Life’ For His 8-Year-Old Son
Corey’s mother had him when he was 15, and he was put up for adoption at a young age. “I was given to my family, and I had a really good upbringing,” he said. “It was a good family atmosphere. I went to good schools. “One thing I didn’t know was any family history. I…
‘Kritter Kim’ Makes Name For Herself Years After Mission Stay
In 2013, Kimra and her husband, along with their daughter and her son from a previous relationship, embarked on a new life, moving from Iowa out to Southern California. But Kimra, a recovering drug addict, noticed her addiction worsen when she came out west. Kimra got divorced the next year, and got into a relationship…
Newly Graduated Jose Calls Renewed Hope Program a ‘Big Blessing’
When Jose was facing charges at the beginning of last year, he asked for a drug program. “I knew if I wasn’t ordered, I wouldn’t go,” he said. “I kept asking myself, ‘If I can do it on my own, why haven’t I?’ My life was spiraling out of control.” Now, a year later, he…
Joel pauses high-pressure life to recover, reconnect
Both sets of Joel’s grandparents struggled with addiction, so he and his sisters were often warned about the danger of drugs and alcohol. “They all had heavy abuse issues,” Joel said. “It skipped my parents’ generation. They told me not to touch it, not to touch anything.” The warnings worked for a while. “I didn’t…
Anita says the Mission makes her ‘feel like I have a family again’
Anita was born in Ghana and spent her life there until tragedy brought her to the United States. Her husband had been living in New York for three years, and brought their two children out to join him in September 2017. Just three months later in December, all three died in an apartment fire. “I…
Crystal and her 4 kids built foundation at the Mission
Crystal’s father died when he was just 24, leaving behind a 21-year-old wife and three young daughters, ages 3, 5 and 6.“He had a heart attack, and all of my sisters and I were present when he passed away,” Crystal said. “It was tough. There was a lot of trauma from the beginning.” At 15,…
Renewed Hope men’s program celebrates growth, success in second year
What a year. It is fair to say that no one really expected the year to turn out the way it has. A global pandemic, and an economic shutdown, and a contested election are just a few of the obstacles that our country, our counties, and our cities have faced over this year. The Mission…
After a busy year, the Mission will focus on offering even more in 2021
In 2020, the pandemic and related closures only led to greater need in our community. We continued to provide COVID-safe street outreaches, a pop-up food pantry, our men’s recovery program, and shelter for families and single women. The year brought new levels of management to bear, but our staff and volunteers have rallied and adapted…
After battle with depression, addiction, Royce starts new life after graduation
Royce lost his father when he was 7. “I was sitting on his lap with my sister one night, and he told us that he loved us. Then his eyes rolled back into his head.” The doctors said he fell into a coma. They said he would be OK, so my mom left the hospital.…
Miguel aims to be a good example to his 4 children
Miguel said his girlfriend first caught his eye when she moved into his neighborhood when they were teenagers. They started dating when he was 16, and a year later, she was pregnant. “It was hard,” he said. “I didn’t have much time to have fun. I dropped out of high school and started working. I’ve…
