Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Looking back…
As we reflect on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for the difference your support has made in the lives of our graduates. Your compassion has ignited a spark of hope in them. Here are some updates on some of the men and women you’ve read about this year.
Together, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations: individuals finding stable housing, securing meaningful employment, reuniting with loved ones, and restoring relationships with Christ. As we embark on a new year, we invite you to join us in writing the next chapter of these inspiring stories.
Your support will empower even more individuals to break free from adversity and build a brighter future. Thank you for your generosity.
Emily
Emily, with her nearly 18 month old son, feels like she has a “family” at the Mission.
At 15, Emily ended up living with a 21-year-old in his truck. “I lived with him for months, although it felt like years,” she said. “He would have his way with me on a daily basis.”
By 16, Emily was being prostituted by a gang. “They didn’t care that I was 16. They don’t care about anything, as long as they get what they want.
There are a lot of people like that still out there.”
At 18 and pregnant, Emily summoned all her strength to overcome her circumstances. “It’s not easy, especially when you’re being manipulated,” she said. “It’s a battle I won because I won it on my knees, because I was praying for myself. I had to fight for my own self. I had to believe God was with me.”
Emily got involved with an antihuman trafficking agency. They referred her and her new son to the Mission. “It’s like a family here,” she said. “I get loved; my son gets loved.
My son loves the extra love. It’s such a good environment for him. We are not alone here.”
Update: Emily is working hard to complete her GED. In September, she was baptized at the Mission, and she regularly attends a local church. Emily has joined a single mom’s ministry,
where she is receiving one-on-one mentorship and support from other mothers.
Javier
Javier has left drugs and gangs behind.
After nearly 30 years of drugs, jail, gangs, homelessness, and “selfishness,” Javier had become
hopeless. “I didn’t have my kids, I didn’t have my family, I had nothing,” he said. On September 10th, 2023, Javier attempted to kill himself, twice. “I jumped in front of a car. I was hit and injured, but I was high, and I didn’t feel anything. So, I got up and limped in front of an 18-wheeler. It stopped right before hitting me. I remember being angry at God for not letting me die.”
After his release from the hospital, Javier found the Mission. “There’s so many different tools and classes to help you.
“God opened the door to reconnect with my family. I’m taking responsibility now. I expected
rejection, but I got acceptance. I’m still making amends. Little by little, I gain trust back,” Javier said. “Life is more beautiful this side of recovery.”
Update: In December, Javier graduated and celebrated one year of sobriety. He plans on entering the Transitional Living Program. Javier reconciled with his family, and his son, Javier Jr. was present as Javier was baptized at the Mission. Javier is now a Resident Guide and is instrumental in helping new residents acclimate to the program.
Felix
Giuseppe said he loves to work with the men in the program, teaching them new skills. Giuseppe brings 10 years of experience as a chef to the Mission.
After a drunk altercation, Felix was arrested on a weapons charge and placed on house arrest under the care of his family. Although the altercation did not involve Felix’s sisters, they filed a temporary restraining order against Felix. With nowhere else to go, Felix resorted to sleeping in the streets.
“I thought that using drugs was just going to be for a moment. But then it was one year, three years, five years. … What I thought were just moments were actually years of my life flashing by.”
Felix came to the Mission. “In the beginning, I was so focused on the trauma of living on the streets that I worried about being homeless again. But I should be thinking about my future, my sobriety. I cherish every moment I can now.
“My favorite part was that I was baptized. I deal with issues differently now through Christ and prayer. Everything I do, I do through Christ and the Word.”
Update: Since graduating the program, Felix has entered the Transitional Living Program. He’s also had major legal victories. The court decided that Felix could continue with Renewed Hope
instead of being incarcerated. Felix is excited to have reconciled with his sisters, and they continue to nurture their relationship.
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Be Transformed
Stay connected with the good work the Mission is doing, and learn more about the people we help.
Lives Changed
For Good
