Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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J.R. is “breaking chains” as he becomes a leader to program men
His path from graduate to house manager is inspiring This is the seventh story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” For this month’s profile, we sat down with new House Manager and Life Recovery Program Graduate J.R. His life was consumed by drug abuse, broken relationships, and lost opportunities;…
After years of volunteering, Darlene joins the team
In March 2025, Darlene joined the RMA Ventura County team as the Community Engagement and Volunteer Coordinator. After 20 years as an executive in women’s footwear, Darlene was longing for something more “meaningful” and “impactful.” Initially only volunteering at the Lighthouse, Darlene ultimately learned that ministry “is where my heart beats the loudest,” she said.…
Graduation allows opportunity to celebrate residents’ wins
We are deeply grateful for the impact your support has had on the lives of our program graduates. Your generosity has sparked real hope, helping men and women take powerful steps toward lasting change. This year, we’ve witnessed lives renewed: individuals have found stable housing, meaningful jobs, renewed relationships with loved ones, and a restored…
After relapse, Ron discovers he has ‘more to learn’
This is the sixth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Ron’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. It was long after dark and Ron was alone on the beach in Santa Barbara. He was supposed to have checked into a recovery…
“My Life Was a Literal Nightmare.” Now Nikki Finally Feels Safe
Nikki has never been in the same place for long. She was on the run for years, making her way from California to Canada to Mexico to escape those who wanted to do her harm. “I was the victim of human trafficking, of domestic violence, of sexual assault, of all of it,” Nikki shared. Nikki…
After facing her fears, Jovia rebuilds her life
Jovia was just 6 years old when her world changed forever. Born in Africa, she lost both of her parents during the Rwandan genocide. After the tragedy, Jovia was raised by her aunt until she moved to the United States as a teenager. She took adult education classes to learn English and worked multiple jobs.…
From drugs to discipleship, Kevin transforms his life
This is the fifth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Kevin’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. Kevin begins each day of his Vocational Construction Program with Bible study and prayer. “We start the day with the right focus,” he explained,…
Ralph relishes in ‘God’s masterplan’ for his life
This is the fourth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Ralph’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. As the on-site manager of The City Center, a transitional living center for homeless families with children in Ventura, Ralph spends a good part…
‘This is my Bible College’: How donors help women like Rosemary transform their lives
When Rosemary arrived at the Lighthouse, she brought with her decades of pain, loss, and longing for a new beginning. But what she found was more than a program. It was healing. It was restoration. And for her, it was the beginning of a whole new life. “I came in expecting,” Rosemary said, “I came…
Thank you Mission Church for filling our trucks!
The folks at Mission Church in Ventura raided their closets and garages and brought in hundreds of bags of clothing and shoes in an effort to fill our truck! And in fact, they filled three! These items will be given to participants of our Life Recovery programs, as well as our unhoused community members in…
A decade after graduating, Michelle has “never left” the Mission
She’s been working at RMA for over six years Michelle’s parents divorced when she was just 2 years old. Although her mother remarried, it was a “very abusive” relationship. “I grew up in a home surrounded by domestic violence-both verbal and physical,” Michelle shared. “It wasn’t towards me, but to my mother. Eventually, she succumbed…
With Mission’s help, nothing is “out of reach” for Joee
This is the second story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Joee’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. The way Joee sees it, doors are opening, and his future is bright. “I just got hired as a driver at our thrift store,…
