David's Story

David came to Hope Respite Care in June, and since then, he has been recuperating and becoming healthy. Hope Respite Care provided case management to help him receive the care he needed, including getting him to his doctor appointments.

After being at Hope Respite Care for the last few months, he was now ready to begin a new chapter in his life. He received a housing choice voucher and began to search for a place to call his home. On December 19th, he was given the keys to his very own apartment! While he looks forward to being in his own apartment, he says that he “will miss you guys (speaking of the staff) and the meals.”

Demi's Story

When Demi was 16 years old, she left her home, family, and all her friends. She had been a cheerleader at her high school. She left all this behind and became a prostitute. Later, she also became a drug addict and alcoholic.

Over time she came to realize that living this lifestyle on the street was real rough. After ten years, while she was in jail, she decided she was done with this life and wanted something better. Judge Lowe and her probation officer truly cared about her and helped her to begin caring for herself. While in jail, she was introduced to the Hope for Women program.

Demi spent a year in the Hope for Women program and has been sober for a year and four months. She now works for the Rescue Mission, and God has changed her whole life. She now has her Mom, Dad and brothers back in her life. She is so grateful for what God has done in her life and is thankful for the connection she has with the Merced County Rescue Mission.

Donn's Story

Donn is a recovering drug addict who now believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior. He first began using drugs when he was only 13. About two years ago, due to his drug use, he became homeless and found himself living on the streets.

He had lost everything, including his family and his own dignity. Struggling to quit using, he found himself going through a spiritual battle. He recounts, “I thought the drugs were making me crazy - things were happening that made no sense.” Following his arrest in May of 2022, he picked up a Bible for the first time. He begged the court to put him in a program, but the Hope for Men program had a four-month waiting list. He was released and went back to the streets where, surrounded by drugs, he began using again.

One day he heard a voice saying, “Get up, get your stuff and go.” He didn’t know it at the time, but later realized the Holy Spirit was calling him. Listening to this voice, he decided to get up, pack his things and go. He thought all hope was gone, but the voice kept saying to him, “just keep going.” So he did. He

encountered a man who could see the pain and desperation on his face. The man asked if he could pray with him. Donn had never prayed before. As they prayed, Donn received a phone call. The man told him to answer it because it might be the call he was waiting for. It was his mother telling him that he had been accepted into the Hope for Men program and that she would take him there in the morning.

Since arriving at the Mission, God has done miracles in his life. He has been clean, sober and relationships with his family are being restored. After completing the Hope for Men program, Donn began working for the Rescue Mission at the new Sobering Center. He is eager to begin the CCAPP program and work towards becoming a Drug and Alcohol counselor. Donn exclaims, “By the grace of God, I was called to the right path. I have been so blessed! Thank you Jesus and the Merced Rescue Mission.”

Tyler's Story

I first came to the Mission through the Navigation Center over a year ago when I became homeless. From there I was referred to the Bridging Program. I ride the bus to and from work out of town, but it's nice to have a place to come back to that's quiet and where I can cook and clean up after a long day of work. I was able to save some money and now I have moved to the Transitional Program. I'm still looking for more permanent housing, but I get to stay in a nice and safe place while I work and search. Thank you to the Merced Rescue Mission.

Cristian's Story

Being released from jail was making me nervous. I wasn't sure if I was going to do well or go back to my addiction and back to the streets.

Luckily, I found the Rescue Mission Bridging Program, and being accepted into it was surely a blessing. Not only have I reconnected with the community, but most importantly, myself. I've been working on my sobriety and maintaining it. I'm starting school again soon and even thinking about attending college.

The Rescue Mission Bridge House has allowed me to see who and where I am, and I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity I've been provided.

Steven's Story

Today I identify myself as a clean member of this community, a follower of Christ, and a father. This has not always been so. I am still far from where I want to be, but I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be at this time. I lived a crime-oriented, drug-fueled life of violence, sin, and confusion for 22 years. I believed in God but was far from knowing Him. After my children were ripped from my care, I was shot, my brother was murdered, and I was homeless and helpless.

My goal has always been to get my kids back and find housing. I went from living and getting 86'd from the Navigation Center to being a proud employee of the Merced Rescue Mission at the Navigation Center. I went from getting asked to leave the Bridging Program to being a senior resident in the Bridging Program. We participate daily in family meals, chores, and daily devotionals with the staff, and God has blessed me to be a conduit between staff and participant at times. The Bridging Program staff listens to my ideas and allows me to share my love for others through cooking and daily devotionals centered around Jesus.

Preston's Story

We're so excited for our most recently housed client, Preston. Preston wants to share that he has been homeless for several years and has been in almost all the Mission's programs - from Hope Respite to Bridging to Transition to Hope. He has made it through the pathways to becoming permanently housed in a brand-new apartment!!

We'll continue to follow up with him in our Community of Hope program and assist with his transition as well. Congratulations, Preston!

Joseph's Story

My name is Joseph. Through the Rescue Mission, I've received a brand-new life. I have a new job, and I have a lot of Christian sisters and brothers who have held me accountable through the Lord Jesus Christ. I've been in addiction for 30 years, and I thank God every day that he has renewed my life. Now I have a purpose and my health has been restored. The Rescue Mission of Merced has given me housing, food clothed me, and given me a brand-new life. I thank them for that today. God is well pleased!

Jeremiah's Story

I was lost without foundation. Hope was a dim light. I had lost everyone in my life that I loved. The giants I was facing were addiction, homelessness, financial bankruptcy, emotional bankruptcy, drug court, divorce court, CPS court, and family court. It forced me to live in my car next to a dumpster in the parking lot of Bear Creek of the Nazarene church. I began attending church sessions where I was referred to Merced Rescue Mission, and I met David Carr. He saw in me something I didn't see in myself at the time. He offered me a bed in the Transitional house, and I accepted it. He was willing to work with me and gave me a chance, so I took it.

Ever since that day, I leaned on the Mission until I could stand on my own. After facing down all my giants, I was re-educated with a new career choice, my family was reunited, my spirit rebuilt, and I strengthened my connection with my Higher Power. I would definitely recommend the Merced Rescue Mission to anyone who can relate to my story.

P.S. As I walk into the sunset, I see only one set of footprints as God carries me away.

Read more stories of HOPE, click here!

Angela's Story

The Mission’s Distributive Bridging Program staff is so proud of Angela, who is pictured below. While in the program, she has made huge changes and worked so hard on completing the Behavioral Health Court Program. She graduated on July 12th. Congratulations Angela! Keep up the good work.

David's Story

My name is David.  I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   After high school, I went into the military and served in Iraq. When I came home, I used the GI Bill and obtained a 4-year degree from Cal Poly.  I thought I had my life on track, but I didn’t.  Drugs ruled my life.  What the drugs had hidden was a rage monster cultivated in my Ranger training.  It was the problem underneath my meth problem.  The law finally caught up to me in the worst spot possible—in my home, with my kids and wife completely afraid of the monster I had become.  I was in supreme denial until those handcuffs hit my wrist and I was booked into jail.

When I was released from jail, I reported to Probation, which sent me to the Rescue Mission.  I met people there who were on the front lines of picking me up from the depth of the depression, and I would not be where I am today without them.  Eventually, I entered the Mission’s Hope for Men program, which really opened my eyes to the word and power of God.  After looking back, I can see that God was already working in my favor--even while my eyes were still shut. This is what this testimony is all about.  Merced Rescue Mission harnesses the power of hope, positivity, and GOD to help people like me who have completely lost their way if they are willing to change, even if it’s a little bit at a time.

Donnie's Story

Donnie came to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Hope Respite Care Program from Doctor’s Medical Center in February of 2022.  While at Respite Care, Donnie received instructions on his medications and transportation to his treatment appointments.  After completing the recuperative care portion of the program, Donnie transitioned over to our Hope Respite Bridging program. In May 2022 Donnie’s cancer went into remission, and he made the move to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Distributive Bridging program where he will receive help with housing. 

Adrian's Story

Here is one of our thriving Bridging Program participants, Adrian. We are so excited to share his growth and accomplishment of graduating from his Relapse Prevention class at BHRS! He has also taken a leap of faith and signed up for Merced College classes this Summer and Fall! We can't wait to see what personal achievements he will accomplish next! Way to go Adrian! Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless your journey!

Jeremy's Story

I was born in Sonora into a family of addicts. My childhood was terrible, and I used my first time at the age of 5. I was using heroin and committing crimes. I would sleep around with women to get what I wanted and have been in and out of jail, prison, and rehab my whole life. When I got my daughter taken away, I decided to give rehab another try, and it changed my life! From there I went to sober living (Transition to Hope) with the Rescue Mission, and it helped while I worked, got off parole, got my daughter back, and graduated from drug court!! They even helped me get a place to live and now my family is back together! Thank you, Lord!!!

Teresa's Story

Pieces Falling Together

I used to have a difficult time looking in the mirror. Before the program, I only saw shattered pieces of myself. I truly believed that I wasn't "fixable" or that I was even worth saving. The enemy had me convinced that my poor choices and addiction to drugs and alcohol would never be forgiven. I felt abandoned, betrayed, alone, desperate, discouraged, full of fear, angry, bitter, disappointed, and hopeless. Thank God for the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, which accepted me with arms open wide. The moment I walked through the doors I felt peace, comfort, and so much love. I finally felt safe, which was a feeling I hadn't felt in a very long time.

Within the safety of God's love, mercy, and grace that He pours into the Hope for Women program, I have been able to heal the deep wounds from past trauma. Through the help of all the counselors, teachers, mentors, sponsors, and fellow sisters in Christ I have been able to pick up the pieces of myself and start to put them back together. This program has helped restore what the enemy stole from me, including the relationships with my children, family, and friends. I also gained employment with Restore Merced. I am so grateful and feel truly blessed to be a part of Hope for Women. The Rescue Mission has saved my life and the lives of so many others.  

Esperanza's Story

I am a very grateful and hopeful participant of the Bridging Program. I am a survivor of devastating circumstances that led me to homelessness. I've worked hard all my life, employed since 10 years old. I am an ex-military wife who raised 3 awesome children on my own. I am a grandmother overcoming PTSD and a cancer survivor. I'm very excited to be one of the first few females to start working for Restore Merced next month. I've also signed up to go back to college and continue my education.

Frank's Story

I was very sick at the hospital and had nowhere to go after. The Mission’s Hope Respite program took me in until I felt better. Then I was told about the Bridging Program. I am so happy here and I am so grateful for all the help! Thank you Merced Rescue Mission!

Even in the midst of challenges, Frank is a positive force who actively teaches others sign language because he is deaf.

Ramon and Jessica's Story

We were homeless in Merced for 5 years and lived in our car with our dogs. We got into the program, Project Room Key, for 3 months, then we went to the Navigation Center for 3 months - we were among the first participants at the Navigation Center. From there we went to a Mission bridging home for 10 months. Now, thanks to Merced Rescue Mission and Sierra Saving Grace we got our apartment!

Marcus' Story

A few years ago, I started using drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate. It soon became destructive, and my life became worse and worse. When I finally came to the end of my own best efforts to try and get clean and sober, I began to lose hope. I was isolated, sleeping in my car, and homeless. That day, I came into a local tent revival and got prayer at the altar. I received the forgiveness of Christ, got right with God, and was delivered at the same time. I invited God into my life, and I soon was directed to the Navigation Center. There I got connected with the men’s program at Merced Rescue Mission and transferred into a transitional home.

I started working a job immediately and worked until I could rent a room in a house. From there I continued straightening things out in my life. I am now in a nice, three bedroom - two bath apartment in a good area.

From the moment I was delivered, I have been praising God. I am actively involved in a local church and now help with the youth. I am so grateful and am happy to be free from addiction. I have been clean and sober for over a year now. I am grateful to be able to give back to my community and encourage other men, to help them know they are a major important factor in the family structure.

I thank God for both the Navigation Center and the Merced Rescue Mission. I am now a volunteer facilitator for the ACE Overcomers classes, part of the Hope for Men program curriculum. I am very honored to be able to be in a position to be able to encourage other men and contribute to the family structure and community.

Daniel's Story

I was addicted to meth and other drugs and had lots of fallouts. The last one almost led me to prison, but I caught a break and ended up in the Merced Rescue Mission. The Mission helped me stay clean and stay off the streets with a family to stand behind me every step of the way. They introduced me to Restore Merced, where I got a job restoring the city streets, as well as myself. They helped me find a way to financially budget with the programs they offer, and with the job that kept me from being homeless I was able to get on my feet and gain my life back with the help of the Merced Rescue Mission and Restore Merced. Now I have a full-time job, a car, and I’m restoring my sanity and peace. I appreciate the love and the family they both have offered me. I am grateful to be part of them both.