My name is Jose “Enrique” and I started my addiction recovery with the Mission in 2019, in one of their Sober Living homes. Through my rehabilitation, I became a Resident Assistant in one of the Mission’s Bridging homes. With perseverance and a good work ethic, I applied for a full-time position as a Peer Navigator and have been working as an employee since September 2020. I am happy to give back to my community alongside the Rescue Mission.
Being able to give back is the best feeling. I can relate to others going through similar situations. It feels good to share my experience and be part of someone’s journey to better themselves.
Seth's Story
My name is Seth. Being homeless and addicted to drugs was the absolute bottom for me. Once I came to the Mission’s Hope for Men program I gave my life to Jesus, and God has blessed me beyond belief.
I am truly blessed to be able to manage the very program that helped transform my life and be a man of God. Being able to help men that come from the same background as myself to be men of God is a prayer that has been answered.
I hope that by giving my testimony to the Hope for Men program gives the men hope in Jesus and encourages them to make the changes that God wants for their lives.
Warren's Story
Broken, empty, distraught, at the bottom of my rock bottom - This is where I was the day I entered the doors at the Mission. I found hope, grace, and mercy. My name is Warren Cornelio and I entered the life transformation program at the Mission on September 27, 2014. Through the Mission, ACE Overcomers, Love Plus, Celebrate Recovery, and the 12-steps, I learned how to face my challenges, forgive, and move forward to a brighter future.
After I completed the Mission program I became part of the staff family. They have been by my side through an injury, the beginning of a new marriage, the passing of my mother, and many milestones. I have been blessed to work in various areas for the Mission and work with our homeless community. No matter what life brings, I know the Mission family is there for me and we, in turn, are here for you.
I have first-hand experience with the challenges that might come from taking that first step towards changing my life. With my experiences, I can walk with our clients and assist them in navigating a new way of living.
Erin's Story
My name is Erin. My life was the definition of insanity. I was lost, broken, and hopeless. Drugs had taken over my life. I had no one and nothing.
Working for the Mission has given me purpose. I get to give back, be a part of the solution, and do God’s work.
Anyone who wants to find hope and another chance at life - that is what will be given to you if you come to one of the many Mission programs.
Gina's Story
My name is Gina Thomas. I grew up in an abusive home with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, I grew up and started to drink and use drugs, and was in and out of jail a lot in my life.
I went to the Hope for Women program in 2014, graduated in 2015, and became part of the Mission team. I can’t explain the encouragement and love I endure every day working in the office. The love and guidance amaze me.
Given my experience in a program, I love sharing with donors and participants. They are so important to our ministry and allows me to show the love of Christ.
Angie's Story
Hello, my name is Angie Railton. I was tired of living on couches of friends and family, living out of my storage unit, and just feeling desperate. One day in 2018 I looked in the phone book and called the Rescue Mission. There was room for me in the Hope for Women program and I went. I said goodbye to my family for a couple of months and focused on myself and how to become a better me. Through Jesus Christ all things are possible. I found myself and finished strong. I graduated seven months later. Today I am employed by the Rescue Mission full time as an office assistant. I have a happy home and have found love. I was married to Bob Railton nine months ago, who serves as the first point of contact for the Mission office.
I feel blessed that I can share my story with new people in the program so they know if they work hard and stay focused in the program, their hard work will pay off and God will open doors for them that they never thought possible.
I feel that participants who can talk with someone who has gone through a similar experience help them to listen not just with their ears but with their hearts.
Christian's Story
My name is Christian. After making a few bad decisions, I found myself in a jail cell. That’s when I realized I needed a new foundation for myself and needed to be there for my kids. I turned to the Mission and found some missing pieces there that I needed. Some of the men leading were from the same streets as me. They were the first to reach out to help me up. I decided that the Mission was something I was going to do and give it my best effort.
Now I am back on track & giving back as a House Manager for a Mission Bridging house and as a shelter worker at the new Navigation Center.
The best way to keep what you have is to keep giving back. I believe my experience will help other Mission participants because I have been in similar situations. If they can see how my life has changed, hopefully, they can change too.
Jennifer's Story
Hello, my name is Jennifer Carr and before coming to the Rescue Mission I had no idea how to have a relationship with God. The Mission showed me how to have that relationship and how to begin to love and forgive myself. The Mission means the world to me, not just because it helped me change my life and head down a new path, but also because I have the opportunity to help others. I believe my experience allows me to connect with others who are seeking help and show them a new way to live.
Sheila's Story
My name is Sheila. My life before the Mission was in the streets and jail. I entered the Mission program in June of 2020. I had been homeless for three years suffering from mental illness and drug and alcohol addiction. I have been sober for over a year and work for the Mission.
Going through the Mission program helped me learn I had potential. I knew this was my second chance at a better life. I learned how to love myself again and that I was worth something.
I can only pray that my experiences would inspire others to be strong enough to find a better life. Life is worth living.
Kathleen's Story
My name is Kathleen and after six years of being homeless and addicted to meth, I found myself in jail facing some serious charges. By the grace of God, I got into the Hope for Women program. After completing the program I started working for the Mission as a site coordinator for the Senior Nutrition Program. Working with the Mission has shown me that I love helping people that are in the same position as I was in.
By sharing my story with participants, I can show people that no matter what situation you find yourself in, God can turn it around for good in His plan.
Sabrina's Story
Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
The Merced County Rescue Mission was my saving grace from God. I had battled addiction since I was 17. I lost everything to my addiction; my kids and my relationship with my mother. I was beginning to lose my sanity. I spent 2016 to 2018 homeless and in and out of jail. While incarcerated, I began attending the Jail Ministry weekly Bible Study. That is where I first heard of the Hope for Women program operated by the Mission.
I was hesitant to submit an application in the beginning because I had tried other programs. I knew my addiction was going to kill me if I didn’t seek help. I was worried after I did put in my application because all my past attempts to get clean never lasted. I will always remember the day I was told that I had a bed at Hope for Women.
It was pouring down rain. I sat freezing in a carport crying. I had given up. I felt alone and worthless. I cried out to God, “I’m done. I have nothing left, Lord, please help me. Where do I go from here?” That’s when I received the call letting me know that there was a bed at the Hope for Women program.
I was scared and unsure when I entered the program, but through time and the curriculum, I felt something, a connection that I had never had before. For the first time, I had found faith and a true relationship with my Lord and Savior.
This is a relationship that is still growing stronger. The woman I am today is someone that both my kids and I can be proud of. I know my many accomplishments would not be possible without God and the Rescue Mission.
I have gone from not seeing my kids in a year to being around them almost daily. I had never worked a day in my entire life, and now I am fully employed. I obtained my G.E.D. and plan to continue my education. I would not change my life today for anything. All glory to God, and thanks to the staff and fellow participants at the Merced County Rescue Mission.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Read more powerful testimonies and what your support means to our participants, click here.
Click here to donate directly towards our faith-based, life transformation program, Hope for Men and Women.
Lillian's Story
One day, while in jail serving back to back sentences, I cried and told myself I wouldn’t use drugs again when I got out - even though I knew I probably would. I turned to God in prayer.
That night, I dreamed I was on a seaside dock, overlooking the water on a sunny day in Carmel. I could feel the sun on my shoulders. In my dream, I was clean and felt God shining over me. In my dream, I said to myself, “How nice it feels to be free of addiction! I am sober by the grace of God!”
When I woke up, I realized that someday God would take me out of addiction and I would be happy. I looked forward to that day, but sadly, it would be six more years before that dream would come true. I did not know how I would get clean, but I knew from the dream that it was something to be proud of. I began repentance to God, and in my prayers I let Him know that I could not and would not be able to do it alone. I truly desired for help to come but also desired to be an addict.
Two years later, God sent helpful angels that made use of the drug methamphetamine impossible to continue. I fell to mental illness from using and lost all touch with reality.
The help I had prayed for mysteriously arrived. At my lowest, I realized a program was the only way out. A public defender once mentioned a program being ‘just the thing’ that helped a drug abuser. This was echoing in my mind. I was finally ready to change my life. The streets hold nothing for a person who has the light of God in their intentions. A lot of people are good inside and have what it takes to come out of homelessness. They can take the helping hand of God directed to them through resources, extended to them by Christian followers of God like the workers and program directors of the Merced Rescue Mission.
Christ taught that we should love our brother. The Mission runs on donations from people who care about if you live or die. Everyone wants to see you do better. Complete strangers extend their love and concern for you through their association with the Merced Rescue Mission.
I was on the streets with harmful thoughts, and struggling with mental illness brought on by drug use. I walked around tormented for so long. The Merced Rescue Mission was willing to help me if only I would accept their help. I graduated from the Hope for Women program in September 2020. I got a job, and soon after was eligible to move into one of the Mission’s Sober Living Environment homes. I am now a Resident Assistant Advisor at the home. It’s an honor to be in this position, respected and trusted. I am happy, proud, employed, clean, and healthy. I will be off probation in a few months and have no desire to use ever again. I am taking classes online from the community college full time, and I aspire to become a writer, majoring in journalism.
Without help from the justice system and the Mission, I would still be mentally ill and homeless. I pray to thank God every night. By the grace of God, I am sober.
We invite you to read more powerful testimonies to learn more about what your support means to the Rescue Mission participants. Our faith-based programs rely solely on donations from our community. Click here to see our 2020 statistics. And we are building a new campus, a Village of Hope, so we can change more lives in our community!
Angela's Story
“Hello, my name is Angela. I recently graduated from the Hope for Women program with the Mission. My adventure had taken me through hardship and difficulties. I found myself hopeless and homeless. I was encountering mental breakdowns and finding myself in mental facilities, trying to find stability. I was placed in a transitional housing home that was going to push me back to the streets. Instead, my mental health providers referred me to Hope for Women.
Upon arrival, I was welcomed with loving, understanding, and open arms. Despite my fears, God had placed me where He felt I needed to be. Through Hope for Women, I conquered giants and set goals to have a home to go back to, overcome my anxieties, get a job, and grow my faith more in the Lord. I was in the program for six months working towards these achievements.
Thanks to God and the Rescue Mission, my hope has been restored, and I have overcome my mental instabilities. I now have my own apartment, have a vehicle to drive, and work at Project Room Key.
Thank you, Rescue Mission, for the amazing walk to better things. GOD is great!”
Angela
MCRM Hope for Women graduate
Angie's Story
Hi, my name is Angie. I came to the Mission in the summer of 2018. I had no job, was living on my family’s couch, and was out of money. I was depressed, felt hopeless, and needed structure in my life. I had been doing things my way, which never worked out, I was fed up and decided to do something about it. One day I picked up the phone and called the Rescue Mission. Bob Railton answered the phone, who is now my husband, and said, “Come on down and fill out an application. We have a few programs that might be a good fit for you.” And I did! I lived in a sober living home for three weeks, then I transferred to Hope for Women for seven months. I graduated from the program in March of 2019 and moved out on my own! I had a part-time job with the Mission and gradually worked my way up. I am now a full-time office assistant to Mr. Tim Adam and Mrs. Bettie Stephens. I got married a month ago to Bob and we now have a little place of our own that we can call “ours”. I am a walking testament to what God can do. With Him I am everything & without Him I am nothing.
Today, I am confident in myself and the work I do. And what I see in the mirror I love because I now accept that I am a child of God. Most of all, I have been forgiven and restored by His GRACE. I am eternally grateful to OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and the RESCUE MISSION for what I have become today.
I was sexually abused as a child and grew up with problems. My mother placed blame on me, and my little sister, and she never looked back. I grew up with hate in my heart for her and could not fathom forgiving her, yet the mention of her name made me cry. My grandmother raised me the best she could. She passed when I was a young adult right after high school. I was alone in the world, scared and lost. I turned to drugs and alcohol to fill the void and to deal with the pain, sorrow, and struggles. I had not seen or heard from my mother in forty years until three years ago. My mom wanted to see my little sister and me. She was dying from stage four lung cancer and the end was near for her. It was time to end my hate for her. We were able to tell her we forgave her and took care of her in her final days. She died six weeks later. Forgiveness is the only way to set yourself free from those who have harmed you. Today, I look back at this situation in a different light. Instead of telling myself, “Why did you come back into our lives just to leave again and never come back?” I now say, “We had a few great weeks with mom. We were blessed to have been able to care for her and to send her on her way peacefully.” Amen.
Jama's Story
My name is Jama. I was recently a graduate from the Bridge to Hope program with the Merced County Rescue Mission. My journey to the place where I am now was paved with difficulty and hardship. I am recently divorced and had a mental break after the split. My kids were kept from speaking to me, and I was lost, homeless, and broken-hearted. I ended up in a psychiatric facility where I spent some time getting stable. From there, I was referred to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Bridge to Hope program. I was greeted with kindness and an enthusiastic attitude from staff with the Mission. It made me feel at ease during the transition to the Home I was placed in. Yes! A home! I could not believe that the shelter I would be living in was an actual HOUSE! We set goals for me to accomplish, and I was able to stay at the Bridge Home and continue to work on myself. I am now able to speak to my children, have a vehicle, have an incredible job, and was able to save money to move out into my own home! I have another job offer for an even more amazing opportunity already and have HOPE that my future is bright!
Thank you, Merced County Rescue Mission for seeing me as a human that needed a hand up and not a handout!
God is so GOOD!
-Jama
Seth's Story
My name is Seth. I am 28 years old, born in Merced, California, and I grew up in Le Grand. At a young age, my siblings and I were taken from my mom. We moved in with my dad at my grandparent’s house. My dad was always gone working, and when he was home, he was sleeping because he worked a lot of hours. I have a lot of great memories of my childhood with my dad, but there was always something I constantly missed, the presence of my mother. I always missed her, and it was very rare when I was able to speak to her or see her. As I got older, I knew when she was trying to get custody of my brother and me because I would hear family members that answered the phone start yelling at the phone saying, “Don’t ever call here again”, followed by a lot of name-callings.
In school I found myself getting bullied constantly for being chubby. I started playing sports, and when I got into middle school I was playing football, basketball, and baseball. In my junior year of high school following football games, I began partying with friends and began drinking, and smoking marijuana.
Not long after graduation I moved out of my dad’s house and began working a full-time job at Live Oak Farms. A few months into working I moved in with a co-worker/friend. Week’s after moving in, I was introduced to methamphetamine. Little did I know my life would be a downhill spiral. I found myself in my first serious relationship, got engaged, and moved to Gustine with my pregnant fiancé. I continued to get deeper into my addiction. Over the next two years, my fiancé and I lost two sons in childbirth. We separated, and I packed up and moved back to Merced.
After living with my mom for four months and having some clean time, I went back to living the fast nightlife and being a drug addict. Over the next six years, my relationship with my family was torn. I was homeless, riding around town with two backpacks and my guitar on my little BMX bike.
On October 23, 2019, I walked into the Merced County Rescue Mission desiring and willing to do what I had to do to turn my life around. During my intake, Warren Cornelio asked me, “Do you believe in the higher power of Jesus Christ?” I knew about God, but I never accepted Jesus into my life. At that moment I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am now going on having 9 months clean. I am now an employee for the Merced County Rescue Mission as a peer navigator in the Hope for Men program. I am engaged to be a beautiful, God-fearing woman, and God has also blessed me with the opportunity to be a father to three beautiful children whom I love like they were my own.
I thank God every day for allowing me to live another day and for giving me the opportunity to help people change their lives just like the Rescue Mission helped me find God and gave me the structure in my life that I needed. God continues to work in my life every day. I am proud to say that I am a child of God, and I will never forget the great things that the Rescue Mission has taught me.
Seth, MCRM Hope for Men graduate
Amanda's Story
Amanda found herself in a desperate situation and reached out to the Mission. She completed the faith-based Hope for Women program and for several months served as a resident assistant in the program. Amanda in putting her life back together was anxious to get her three children back from CPS. In working with the Mission and the County’s Human Services Agency, she was able to become part of the Mission’s Hope for Families program. Now, Amanda has her children back and we are grateful for the way God is at work in her life. Here is her story:
“Hi, I’m Amanda! I am 27 years old and I’m from Atwater, Ca. My parents both were drug and alcohol users. My dad was very abusive to my mother, my siblings and me. My dad ended up leaving and eventually would land himself in prison while my mom lost herself to drugs and alcohol and lost her children too. When I was 13, my little brother and I went to live with my older sister and brother-in-law who were very loving and good to us. I took them for granted. I became rebellious and ran away time and time again. I would sneak out and go to parties and drink alcohol. I would black out at times. When I was 16, I was assaulted and raped multiple times, and after that I was used and abused by many men. It was what I was used to and what I thought I deserved. At 19, I began a relationship with a guy because I ended up pregnant and thought he was who I was meant to be with. In the end, we had three children together. He was very abusive mentally and physically, and I thought that was normal because that is how my father treated my mother. I would drown myself in alcohol to cover the pain. Eventually I lost control of myself completely and we found ourselves homeless, living in motels and then our car with our children. In July of 2019, I lost my children to CPS. I got deeper into depression and my addiction to alcohol and even though of suicide.
One day I cried out to God in my car, something I didn’t do at all. I hit the steering wheel over and over and cried and begged Him to help me. God heard my cry. The next day, August 29, 2019, I was accepted into the Rescue Mission. I went through seven months of the Hope for Women program and attended multiple Bible studies, classes and did many hours of community stewardship for Jesus.
When I graduated from my classes in March 2020, the Rescue Mission, together with the Human Services Agency, helped me get into one of the Hope for Families homes. On April 10, 2020 after turning my life over to God and giving everything to Him and working hard, I got my kids back from CPS! I am currently engaged to an amazing, God loving man and I am loving myself again! I am so very thankful for the Merced County Rescue Mission; whose program transformed my life and I’m especially thankful to the Lord our Savior because He saved me!”
Justin's Story
Hello, my name is Justin. I was born and raised in Merced in a lower-class family. I have an older brother, stepsister and a half-brother. After my parents separated when I was 10, I became angry, acted out, got into fights and suspended from school and became a very bitter kid. I was using marijuana by 5th grade and meth in 8th grade and selling it to support my habit.
As I got older, I kept my habit. At 22 I had my first daughter, at 23 I married my wife, and four years later my son was born. I was blessed to have my own family. I was in and out of different sober living homes, attended Celebrate Recovery, Jesus Save Men (Bible Study at Gateway Church), and started 12 steps but always fell short. I even went to Teen Challenge in Watsonville for 6 months but that wasn’t enough for me to kick my addiction.
My wife and I both tried to make it work but after ten years of marriage my addiction just made things worse and she moved on. I self-destructed and started using more meth and then started using heroin. I found myself living in my car until I lost it and was completely homeless and lost.
I was told about the Merced Rescue Mission and was accepted in March 2019. For four months I did well until I left the program and relapsed. I returned in November of 2019 and today I have been clean and sober for over four months. I am so grateful to David Carr and the Rescue Mission for giving me another chance. Now I can have a positive relationship with my children, be a friend to others and a light to the addicts that know me from the streets. I am beyond blessed. Instead of riding a bike 12 miles each way to work, I was able to get my license back and purchase a car. I owe it all to my God, who pulled me from my evil and dark life. He is a God of restoration, forgiveness, and hope. God is great. I would encourage anyone who is down and out to never give up hope.
Collin's Story
My name is Collin, and my experience with the Merced Rescue Mission began in 2012. I had been charged with several DUIs, and my lawyer recommended that I go into a rehab program. A friend of mine told me about a program at the Mission from which he graduated. The Mission was based on Canal Street at that time, and I went down and signed up.
I met people from several different walks of life while in the program and I learned the value of serving people who have nothing to offer in return except gratitude and maybe a smile.
The Mission has been extended family to me, and they have shown me compassion and support when I have been the one that had nothing to offer. My life is not where I'd like it to be, and I don't consider myself to be a "success story". I can, however, say that I am in a much better place than when I first walked through the Mission doors. Alcohol no longer dictates my life, and I no longer have any problems with the law.
I have learned a lot about meeting people where they are at. The Bible puts it best when it says, "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means, I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22 NIV).
May God continue to work through the Mission family by meeting people where they are at and showing kindness, compassion, and support in a way that puts a smile on God's face.
Erin's Story
I have struggled with addiction since I was 14 years old. Alcohol and smoking pot made me feel better, like I fit in. It didn’t take long for me to try meth, and once I did, I was hooked. That was it for me. I began living the life of a reckless young adult. By the time I was 20 I was out of control, and I knew it.
I checked myself into a 90-day rehab, and I graduated. While in rehab, I met a fellow addict, and we “fell in love”. We got together after rehab. I got pregnant, and we tried to raise our son together. The odds of having a healthy relationship were not good. We were not in a program, and I ended up spending many years in an abusive relationship and many years as a single mom struggling on and off with my addictions.
It took me a long time, but I eventually got out of that relationship. Then I met a man that would soon become my husband. He was a good man. We were both in recovery from our meth addictions, but still active in our drinking addiction. For a time, life seemed pretty good. I was married, had a house, a good job and my son was excelling in school and sports. Then when I was 30, life changed drastically for all 3 of us. My drinking was taking over, and my husband was relapsing. We separated, and things quickly went downhill.
On April 11, 2018, I got a call that my son’s father was shot and killed. With my marriage ending and my life in bad shape, the loss of my son’s father was too much. I started getting high again after not using for 10 years. A year later I had lost everything. I was evicted from the only home I knew, lost my job, my car, my fur-babies, everything I had was gone. No one wanted anything to do with me, including my 18-year-old son.
I found myself homeless and doing things that addicts do to keep using and surviving on the streets – things that would get me arrested for the first time in my life. While in jail, I was told that my husband had died. Once again, the loss of a man I loved was too much for me. I was released, and a month later I was using again. I did not care about anything. I was broken and had no hope. I wanted to die.
On December 4, 2018, I was arrested, and it saved my life. I had overdosed three times in one month; I wanted to die and was doing my best to make it happen.
God had bigger and better plans for me, He gave me a second chance at life!
I was sentenced to three years in prison. I was at McFarland Female Community Reentry Facility run by the GEO Group. There I had a lot of resources to prepare me for my release. They guided me to a place for housing, and God answered my prayers. The Mission opened a new sober living home, and I was one of the first to move in. I have been there for over a month now, and I feel so blessed. I have the support of other women, my family, and God.
Life is crazy, but God is amazing! I still have a lot of work to do to clean up the mess I made of my life, but now I have hope and know I’m going to be ok. I thank God and talk to him daily. I know it is His will not mine.
