Making A Difference That Matters
Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
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Desiree knows ‘God isn’t done with me yet’
Desiree was raised in Oxnard, where she grew up as the oldest of two children in a single-parent household. Her mother worked constantly, leaving Desiree to care for herself and her younger brother. With her mother rarely home and caught up in street life, Desiree learned to look to the streets for belonging. “The street…
This Christmas, Luis has “a real peace” in his heart
This is the final story in a series chronicling this year’s theme of “Access and Opening Doors.” This month, we look into Luis’ story, recounting his journey to a new life. Luis smiled when he recalled December of 2023. “It was my first Christmas with my three boys in years,” he said, “and we all…
RMA VC is breaking bread, building futures
The holidays are upon us and for most of us it is a time of gifts, gatherings, and sharing our good fortune over generous and sometimes extravagant meals. Many of us take all of this for granted, not giving much thought, if any, to what it means to always have enough to eat. Never thinking…
Rozlyn wanted to leave, until she found community
Rozlyn, 20, dropped out of high school after her mother started disappearing. “My mom began leaving our apartment for weeks, even months at a time, and left me by myself,” Rozlyn shared. The frequent absence of her mother had lasting consequences for Rozlyn. “I didn’t feel motivated to get up. I was just very depressed.”…
RMA VC thrives thanks to new and seasoned volunteers
This month we feature two volunteers: one who has been serving with RMA VC for a short time, and one who has been serving for over a decade. Both bring a heart to serve and a love for people in need. Mike Gregory Long-time volunteer Mike Gregory happens to also be an award-winning lapidarist (someone…
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,…
