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Years after graduation, Jasmin reflects on a life changed
It’s been over four years since Jasmin entered the Lighthouse’s Life Recovery Program, and looking back, Jasmin can’t emphasize the change in her life enough. “I went into the Lighthouse telling myself just to play the system to get my children back,” she said. “But being there, I gave it my all and began to…
Peace is restored to a family after two brothers’ healing
George and Sonny grew up in a large and loving home in Northridge, California. They were two of five children to parents that cared for them and made family a priority. They shared weekly family dinners together and enjoyed playing soccer with their older brother Juan Carlos. As children, they saw the effects of alcohol…
Ventura county rescue mission celebrates 50 years
This year marks a significant milestone for the Ventura County Rescue Mission-by God’s grace and with your partnership, we have now been serving our community for 50 years. As we reflect on the past, we are humbled by the Mission’s growth and the support we continue to see in our community. The Mission was established…
Trevor overcomes addiction’s grip that took hold in childhood
Trevor’s addiction started gradually as a result of surgeries and injuries he experienced in middle school. After a freak soccer accident, Trevor had knee surgery at 12, and a couple years later, had to have another. “The second time is when I got the steady supply,” said Trevor of the piates he was prescribed. “At…
Gloria gets off the ‘rollercoaster’ of her life, finds peace
Gloria was one of nine children; her parents and her large family were supportive and happy. Her father’s job moved them from Arkansas to Oxnard when Gloria was young. She recalls her childhood as a good one. “My parents were very consistent, disciplined and loving,” she said. “They took us to church every Sunday.” Gloria…
Matthew follows cousin’s lead to get real help
Matthew grew up in Oxnard, but went to high school in Ohio for a bit. “I went over there to get away and start fresh,” he said. “I was having problems-partying and stuff. I got homesick, and after I came home for a visit at Christmas and went back, I realized I was really missing…
Program reminds Roni that God was always with her
Roni and her younger brother were raised by their hard-working parents in Northern California. Her father worked with a Formula One Race Team and her mother was a cosmetologist. She was either at the race track with her parents or with her grandparents when her parents would travel out of the country on the racing…
Javier focused on Scripture, changing his behavior
Javier was born and raised in Santa Barbara. He grew up primarily with his mom and brother. “My family was always there for me,” he said, although the truth is, his father was often absent. “He would bring us pizza every Saturday. But he was mostly with his other wife or girlfriend in Las Vegas.…
The Lighthouse remains a major force in Aimee’s life
Aimee graduated from Hueneme High School in 1997 having never touched a drug. But after graduation, she was encouraged by a friend to try a “party drug” that turned out to be crack. She liked the feeling, but only did it once or twice. She also tried marijuana, but didn’t like it very much either.…
Looking back at a big year at the Lighthouse
2021 was supposed to be the year that everything got back to normal. Well, for many it turned out to be a year of starts and stops, slow progress and frustrations. And yet, despite the ups and downs, one thing remained true: God’s steadfast love never wavered and His mercies never ended. Throughout this past…
Five years after graduation, Ralph is guiding others
Ralph remembers standing in the bathroom in 2010, looking into the mirror. “I had fallen into the bottle and couldn’t find my way back out. I couldn’t stand what I was seeing,” he said. “I prayed heavily all morning. Then I saw my mountain bike. I put the bottle away, and my sons helped me…
Lives changed for good: Updates on Carlos & Jesus
For the last few years, Carlos has called a small underpass settlement off the 5 South in Pacoima his home. A large tent reinforced with plywood was where he spent his days and nights. “It was dangerous,” he said. “Sometimes I wouldn’t be able to go to sleep. I would just get high and get…
