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 anyone my business. I thought I would never escape the darkness,” Kimberly shared of her experience moving into the shelter. During her stay, we saw a radical transformation in her life. She found employment at a local elderly care facility, engaged in the weekly life skills classes and counseling groups, and found a community of friends at a local church. Kimberly recalls, “Staying at Rescue Mission Alliance San Fernando Valley gave us hope. We were in a place we could call home … I know that I never have to return back to that story or lifestyle again.”

Today, Kimberly and Marzya have their own apartment. The rescue mission connected Kimberly with The Pepperdine Microenterprise Program where she spent a semester learning how to create a business plan and launch her cake decorating business. Kimberly shared, “The Pepperdine Microenterprise Program really helped me regain my self-confidence and faith that I lost through the years. I started walking with my head up high. I wanted to make my kids proud.” Kimberly graduated in December and plans to start her business this year. When Kimberly moved out, she told the staff, “Thank you for not just doing things for me. My whole life I depended on other people. Through this,
I learned that I can do it and that I’m capable.” We could not be more proud of Kimberly and her accomplishments. She is an inspiration to many.