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Life After The Mission: Graduation & Beyond

Hear current students and graduates of our programs share how coming to the Rescue Mission has changed their lives.

Graduation is a culmination and the start of a new chapter in life. Celebrate along with the men and women who completed their year-long residential program in our Fall and Spring grad videos. Then watch Carla’s long-term success story as a 2005 Rescue Mission grad.

Together, we are changing the state of homelessness, one life at a time!

2023 Spring Grads

Fall 2022 Grads

Spring 2022 Grads

Fall 2021 Grads

Spring 2021 Grads

Carla, 2005 Grad

Transformation Videos

Marisa, Mission Academy

Ty, Mission Academy

Angel, Mission Academy

Antoinette, Mission Academy

Brett, Mission Academy

Felecia, Mission Academy

Kyle, Mission Academy

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Sep 22

“I went in there cussing people out, not caring a lot. I had a really bad attitude... Now I’m so grateful that I’m a Christian today.”

Meet Jessica, a former honors student whose life took an unexpected turn. Growing up, she was exposed to drugs and alcohol in her home, and when she and her siblings were placed in foster care, things got even harder. She dropped out of school and found herself caught in a downward spiral, turning to drugs, and engaging in other harmful activities. For years, she drifted from place to place, eventually losing her home and her job, forced to sleep in an abandoned house.

Several years later, she discovered the San Diego Rescue Mission’s Downtown Navigation Center for Women and Children. “Sleeping there for a couple days, was life-changing. I liked all the people around me. I just didn’t want to leave.” After a month, Jessica was accepted into our year-long Mission Academy program, where she not only found friends but also found God.

Jessica learned about forgiveness and decided to go back to school to study drug and alcohol counseling. She rediscovered her self-worth, placing God at the center of her life. She also reconnected with her parents, who had been on a journey to sobriety and had been attending church regularly.

“It’s amazing how the outcome is at the end of the journey. It’s an amazing change. God is good.”

By giving through the link in our bio, you can make a difference in the lives of women like Jessica, helping them find their self-worth, overcome homelessness, and conquer addiction. Join us in support today!

#ThisIsMyTestimony #Graduation #Healing #RescueMission #SanDiegoNonProfit #HomelessResources

Sep 20

“Hi Grammy! I want to start tithing because I've started making quite a bit of money through the soccer training I'm running. I decided that I wanted to tithe to the San Diego Rescue Mission. How do I go about doing that?”

Inspired by the unwavering dedication of Margie and John, who are steadfast volunteers at the Rescue Mission, Ella, their 16-year-old granddaughter has taken a step to contribute. They recently revamped two Chaplain rooms, involving their own family in the process, which resulted in two beautiful new spaces. In addition to this, Ella donated $110.00 to the Mission.

Thanks Ella! We wish you great success in your soccer training.

We believe that age is no barrier when it comes to making a meaningful impact in God's mission to transform lives in San Diego. So, if you're inspired and want to join in, act today! Click the main link in our bio to get involved.

Together, we can make a real difference!
#GivingBack #SanDiegoRescueMission

Sep 18

What do you think about the homeless crisis in San Diego County?

We have all seen it on the streets. Many of you have even expressed alarm and concern on our social media channels.

12,153 people became homeless in 2022. For many, there is an element of substance use and/or emotional challenges that make it hard to keep a job and home. It is not healthy for anyone to live on the streets.

In recovery, the first 30 days are the toughest. The pull of addiction is strong. BUT, there is GREAT NEWS! At Mission Academy, our year-long residential program, we help each student develop an individual plan for healing and restoration. Students learn new healthy habits as they address the issues that led them to homelessness.

After 30 days, students can enroll in the Alcohol and Drug Addiction class. This class discusses the social and cultural factors that contribute to the use of alcohol and other drugs, the pattern and progression of substance use disorders, prevention, and treatment. This class and others, such as Coping Skills, give students the resources to achieve wellness and develop recovery action plans.

We are grateful for everyone who selflessly partners with our students in their recovery process as they heal from substance abuse and get their lives back on track.

Join the conversation and learn more about the Mission Academy program through the main link in our bio.

#RecoveryMonth #CelebrateRecovery #Healing #RecoveryIsPossible #SoberLife #AddictionRecovery #Hope #HelpTheHomeless #SanDiegoNonProfit #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources

Sep 15

Stay Classy San Diego, the podcast that discusses trending events in San Diego, welcomed SDRM CEO Donnie Dee to their studio this week.

Donnie shared his testimony and the Mission’s bold approach to the homeless crisis and our focus on rehabilitation.

Click the Podcast link in our bio to watch Unhoused in San Diego.

#GivingBack #NonProfit #UnshelteredNeighbors #SandiegoHomeless #HomelessResources

Sep 13

Rescue Mission CEO Donnie Dee, and Board Member Cathy Herrick (on the left) had the opportunity to share how the Mission is impacting our community. They toured with Kate Monroe, a candidate for US Congress.

If you would like a tour of the San Diego Rescue Mission and see firsthand how lives are being changed, click the tour link in our bio.

Sep 12

A little encouragement goes a long way.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Don’t let despair win. Be encouraged! Every day, we see God transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness and hopelessness. It is possible, no matter what you are going through. He’s got you - do not be afraid.

If you enjoy inspiring others, consider writing cards of encouragement for the residents in our Mission Academy year-long recovery program from the comfort of your home. Sign up for this volunteer opportunity through the link in our bio.

#NationalDayOfEncouragement #RescueMission #GivingBack #NonProfit #HelpTheHomeless

Sep 10

Working at the San Diego Rescue Mission is more than a job! If you want to make an impact and have a passion for serving others, the Rescue Mission is the place for you!
Do you love the day-to-day involvement with employee engagement and culture? Do you enjoy employee training and development, and benefits management? We have two open positions in our Human Resources Department. Find your place, click the job link in our bio.

#HR #Recruitment #NowHiringSanDiego #RescueMission #SanDiego #Nonprofit #EndHomelessness

Sep 6

You pass someone living on the sidewalk… your heart breaks… you wonder: Can I do anything about homelessness? 👉The answer is, YES! By supporting the San Diego Rescue Mission today, you’ll help more people transform their lives at our 3 new Navigation Centers across San Diego County and in our year-long Mission Academy program. It’s help that works to get people off the streets… permanently.

Take action by giving today to our Every Heart Campaign! Link in our bio.

#SecondChances #EveryHeartCampaign #HelpTheHomeless #SanDiegoNonProfit
#UnshelteredNeighbors

Sep 5

Your continued compassion and support is helping our guests and students feel blessed and loved as we wind up Summer and head into Fall.

In the last 2 weeks, you have donated several full-sized towels, and fitted sheets through our Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

There is still a need. It is not too late to donate items to help those experiencing homelessness.

You can drop items off at 120 Elm St., San Diego Front desk ATTN: Wish List, or shop our Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to us. Click the Amazon link in our bio.

Thank you for your continued compassion and support!

#DonationsNeeded #HelpTheHomeless #RescueMission #SanDiego #LoveYourNeighbor

Aug 31

Steve, one of our first guests living at the Oceanside Navigation Center, spent some time last week with CBS TV reporter Abbie Black.

Steve was a previous UCSD employee who lost his home after injuring his shoulder and losing his job. He is grateful for the safe shelter offered at the Navigation Center.

Watch this CBS news clip and learn more about our Oceanside Navigation Center through the link in our bio.

#Oceanside #RescueMission #GivingBack #HelpTheHomeless #UnshelteredNeighbors #HomelessResources

Aug 30

“I found faith in God and I found a church. They welcomed me and my son to the family.”

Since Lance was a little boy, he remembered growing up around alcoholics and drug addicts. Tragically, by the time he was 15 years old he had already experimented with hard drugs. By age 18, he had recurring arrests.

At the end of his rope, he grew tired of his way of life. He did not see a way out until his girlfriend introduced him to the San Diego Rescue Mission.

While attending Mission Academy, our year-long recovery program for people experiencing homelessness, Lance worked in the kitchen and received job training to become a chef. He also attended wellness and education classes and regained purpose for his life.

“I am thankful for everything they've done to help me in my life. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the ability to keep my son and make him safe. I'm thankful for everybody in this Mission.”

Give today through the link in our bio. Help more people like Lance overcome homelessness and addiction, and live a life filled with hope.

#ThisIsMyTestimony #Graduation #Healing #RescueMission #SanDiegoNonProfit #HomelessResources

Aug 29

“This mission puts God back in your life. It is a place that changes lives. It is a wonderful organization of people that care.”

Our employee of the month for August is our Community Life Ambassador (CLA), Adam.

Adam has a huge heart for our students because he has walked in their shoes before. In 2018, he was a student in our year-long recovery program Mission Academy.
Passionate about supporting their success, he encourages our students through his walk with Christ and is a living testimony of what is possible when we give our lives to God.

Thank you, Adam. We are grateful for your dedication to your position and to have you as a part of the team. We are so blessed to work alongside you!
Would you like to join Team SDRM? We have many open opportunities in several locations including a CLA position!

If you are interested in one of the many open roles at the San Diego Rescue Mission, join our diverse and expanding group of people to make a difference! To find your place, click the career link in our bio.

Aug 26

National Make-a-Will Month is ending in a few days!

As summer winds to a close, take a moment to reflect on how you can influence those around you, bless your family and the charities that you care about the most.

Click the link in our bio for free Will-making resources including 5 Ways to Bless Your Family’s Future.

#MakeaWillMonth

Aug 23

San Diego County is experiencing a homelessness crisis. It hurts to see so many people living on the street… men and women like James, who says, “I was living on the street, cold and miserable and feeling I was going to die out there…”

No one should live like that. Today, you can help people take the first step toward a new life at the San Diego Rescue Mission! Our homeless neighbors can come with nothing… and leave with a whole new life. As James says, “Today, I’m sober, I’ve accomplished 14 of the 16 life goals I set for myself and for the first time, I have my own apartment. I pinch myself every day.”

PLEASE HELP! You can provide more men and women like James with…

❤30 days of meals & shelter at 3 new Navigation Centers across San Diego County

❤An environment of healing in our renovated Mission Academy rehabilitation program bedrooms & community spaces

❤ Opportunities for job training, education, and guidance to build stable lives!

Please – give help that works to more homeless neighbors like James by donating generously now. Click the Every Heart link in our bio.

#SecondChances #EveryHeartCampaign #HelpTheHomeless #SanDiegoNonProfit #UnshelteredNeighbors

Aug 19

Homelessness is one of the most significant issues facing San Diego County today.

It’s a humanitarian crisis!

During the recent 2023 Point-in-Time Count, more than 1,600 volunteers gathered data on San Diego residents living on our streets, in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or safe havens.

It is impossible to know the exact count as people live in cars or out-of-the-way areas. The volunteers found no less than 10,264 individuals experiencing homelessness across the San Diego region! That is 1,837 more than last year’s count. This year’s count includes 5,171 unsheltered San Diegans and 5,093 individuals in shelters.

These are not just statistics. Each number is a person with their own story.
Former San Diego Rescue Mission guests Larisa says, “Before I came to the mission, my life had really become unmanageable. I lost my grandmother and after that, I just started going downhill.” Homelessness affects our streets, our neighbors, and our future.

Thanks to the champions who create a way forward. You are helping!

To enable more people to overcome homelessness, visit the Rescue Mission website here: www.sdrescue.org

#WorldHumanitarianDay #RescueMission #GivingBack #NonProfit #HelpTheHomeless

Aug 17

Our current Mission Academy students are moving forward!

Mission Academy is a year-long recovery program for people experiencing homelessness. After their first semester, students start a Work Life course. In this class, we train, develop, and equip each student to be ready to engage the workforce with mock interviews and work-life conflict and resolution scenarios. Students learn about soft skills, job retention, career readiness and attend career fairs.

Here are updates on the progress of our students:
8 students attended recent career fairs. 4 were hired!
One student received a donation of non-slip shoes to equip her for her job at a restaurant.
A Mission Academy alumni received equipment donations for a maintenance position allowing him to start right away with a higher pay rate. He was able to secure housing, save up enough to live comfortably, and put a down payment on a car.

Funding for specialized certifications, work equipment, and uniforms not only boosts student morale, but gives them a better opportunity to make a livable wage. Your generosity allows these students the opportunity and resources to achieve life-changing accomplishments. Thank you.

Please keep these students in your prayers and support their efforts here: www.sdrescue.org/donate

#CareerReadiness #JobTraining

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San Diego Rescue Mission is a non-profit homeless shelter and recovery center serving thousands of men, women and children experiencing homelessness, hunger, poverty and abuse in San Diego since 1955.

P.O. Box 80427
San Diego, CA 92138
(619) 687-3720
sdrminfo@sdrescue.org

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