The goal of the Mission’s faith-based Life Transformation program is to offer men and women an opportunity to encounter Christ and find purpose in their lives. It is also our desire to prepare men and women for a bright future by providing opportunities, knowledge, and skills that will lead to positive employment.
Recently, Merced College hosted our Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs for a wonderful visit to the campus. After a great pizza lunch, our hosts presented the opportunities for enrollment and the various paths that could be followed in the pursuit of potential careers and jobs. In addition to academic fields of study, there were many opportunities in trades such as automotive technology, electrical, HVAC, welding, and agricultural studies. Health and public safety, business, and nursing were also areas of interest. Our visit to the Merced College campus gave many of our participants a greater vision of the possibilities that await them. Some of our participants enrolled and have been pursuing degrees or certifications that will enable them to become gainfully employed.
As several of our participants share their experiences pursuing studies and skill development, we hope that you will share the joy of seeing your prayers and investment in the Mission’s programs bearing fruit.
Jason’s College Experience
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the spring semester at the Merced Junior College. While attending college, I discovered many paths of study to qualify for different jobs that could help me be successful in the future. Attending college has also motivated me to not give up and realize that it’s never too late to continue my education.
Brandon’s Experience
I would like to thank the Rescue Mission for the opportunity to take classes at Merced College. I have been able to escalate my education as a mechanic in automotive repair. Last semester, I was able to complete all the requirements. I also received employment in peer navigating for Rising Scholars, which helps prison inmates complete their college courses. I am continuing summer classes, and then I am taking welding classes in the fall semester as a full-time student. The help I have received has made it possible to make great strides in achieving my goals. I would like to thank the Mission for its support, both now and as I move into the future.
Anthony’s Experience
After returning to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program, I was grateful for the opportunity to return to college. This is something that I have wanted for a long time, and I was ecstatic when I was told that I could pursue furthering my education. I have been taking college classes since I was a sophomore in high school, but this was the first time that I would be taking classes sober.
As soon as I was given the opportunity to attend Merced Junior College, I signed up for 15 units. I took classes in English, Early Childhood Development, History, Communications, and Psychology. I was a bit intimidated at first, but I quickly got into the swing of things, and, before I knew it, I was excelling in my classes. These were all classes that I have taken in the past, but I was attempting to fill up some of my idle time with refresher classes. I quickly realized that there was no need to be nervous or intimidated because the Hope for Men program had already given me the tools that I needed to succeed.
I have now completed my classes at Merced Junior College, and I have decided to make a career change. I am currently enrolled in the CCAPP program and am extremely happy to say that I have almost completed my first module with them! I can honestly say that without all my peers at the Merced County Rescue Mission, I might not have been able to overcome all my struggles and once again be successful. I appreciate all of you and I thank everyone who was by my side to support me throughout this journey.