Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Karen leaves the Mission scared, but not alone
Karen is nervous. She’s preparing to leave the Lighthouse after recently graduating from the program, but her excitement of a new beginning is mixed with fear. “It’s scary and I’m nervous. I don’t want to end up stuck like I was before,” she said. “But I have goals and plans for when I’m there. And…
From hurting to helping, Ryan comes ‘full circle’
This is the sixth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into Ryan’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. Thinking back on all he has gone through and all that he has accomplished in the last few years still amazes Ryan. “I got sober, saved, and…
Standing together against human trafficking
Human trafficking remains one of the most heartbreaking and urgent issues facing our society today. While awareness is growing, many communities are only beginning to understand what human trafficking truly looks like-and how often it exists in plain sight. It does not discriminate. Human trafficking affects people of all backgrounds, stripping individuals of their dignity,…
Rescue beyond recovery
This is the fifth story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we highlight three key areas of rescue offered through our Life Recovery Program: education, stable housing, and, in honor of Father’s Day, ongoing family restoration. Alongside overcoming addiction and securing employment, these elements form the foundation of our mission…
‘I have been given so many good things in return for how much I’ve lost in my life’
Chevelle felt trapped. For a year, she endured domestic violence, turning to alcohol and drugs to cope with the fear and pain. Eventually, her three children were removed from the home, and she found herself without a place to live. That was her rock bottom. She was sleeping in her car, separated from her kids,…
A mother’s prayer answered: her son is safe
May is when we celebrate Mother’s Day and honor the women who gave birth to us. But even when the relationship between mother and child is strained or near breaking, Michael’s story demonstrates that with time and God’s grace, even difficult relationships can be restored to love. When asked about his relationship with his mom,…
Easter renewal: Men made whole in God’s love
This is the third installment in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into the stories of six men, recounting their journey to a new life. As Christians, Easter is a time of profound meaning as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge the price that was paid…
‘I’m in a very, very good place in my life right now’
Christy describes her childhood in one word: chaos. Growing up in the projects of Bakersfield with three siblings, she remembers constant screaming from her parents-especially her mother-and a deep sense of neglect. “My parents ate first and we ate last,” she recalled. “I remember the hunger. I remember it made me feel like they didn’t care…
Like many at the Mission, Felipe’s rescue began with a hot meal
This is the first story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Rescue.” This month, we look into Felipe’s story, recounting his journey to a new life. What does it mean to rescue someone? With some variation, dictionaries define rescue as to save someone from a dangerous or difficult situation. This implies a one-time…
Pathways of rescue for women and children
From safety to healing, stability, and hope When a woman comes into the shelter with her children, the first thing we do is let her know she is safe. She and her children have a place to rest their heads and feel secure. From there, we take time to talk with her and assess her…
Rebecca hit rock bottom, now she leads program women
In 2020, Rebecca joined the Lighthouse as Guest Service Associate and was promoted to Case Manager in 2022. Recently, she proudly celebrated five years of dedicated service at the Mission. Rebecca’s journey with the Lighthouse began long before her employment- she is a graduate of our Life Recovery Program, completing the program in 2016 before…
Rescued from the river bottom, Tony is ‘overwhelmed with gratitude’
Tony remembers vividly the moment God rescued him. “I had originally gone to the river bottom thinking I was going to help others that were living there, but soon I was fully back into my addictions. I ended up living there as well.”Tony lived in the river bottom for years, never seeming to see a…
