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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!

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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Change Lives Today

Your gift helps homeless men, women & children rebuild their lives. Just $2.44 feeds one hungry neighbor!

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Mar 23

DO YOU NEED HELP?

The San Diego Rescue Mission serves the county helping to restore the lives of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.

If YOU or SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT is in need, we are here to help.

Wherever you live in San Diego county, we have many programs to offer. Here are a few:

-Emergency Shelter for Women and Children
-Residential Program for Men, Women, and Single Parents
-Partners for Hunger Relief Food Distribution
-North County Mobile Shower Trailer
-Community Meals 3x a Year

We are HERE for you!

Our “Get Help Now” online tool helps our hurting neighbors get in touch with programs and resources that meet their needs. By answering just three simple questions online, you can get help and find hope.

To get help today, go to the link in our bio.

#SDRescue #SanDiego #HelpTheHomeless

Mar 21

“Thank you so much for the snack bags, we look forward to them. We appreciate you taking the time to come out here, even in the rain. Kindness goes a long way.”

Every week our outreach team delivers snack bags and “I See You” hygiene kits to people living on the streets in San Diego.

Sharing a snack bag, a smile, or a friendly compliment brings comfort, compassion, and a glimmer of hope to our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Build one another up. Encourage each other. In this process we find hope. As we live in harmony, we discover the fullness of life and glorify the Lord.

If you want to create your own "I See You" hygiene kits to hand out to your neighbors without homes, visit our bio link for tips.

#BeKind #Smile #Romans15:5 #RescueMission #GivingBack #NonProfit #HelpTheHomeless

Mar 20

Community Life Ambassador Stories: In Their Own Words

During National Social Work Month, we want to uplift our social workers and celebrate their contributions to our community of people overcoming homelessness.
Our Community Life Ambassadors promote student and guest health, safety, and accountability. They work on each floor of our building and help to create a stable and safe environment necessary for a holistic approach to recovery and healing.
We would like to share a few impactful stories in their own words.

“I checked in with a new student who was having a difficult time in her transition to Mission Academy. The student felt very overwhelmed and didn't know if this was the right program for her. I explained to the student that this program is very different from other ones out there. I listed all the resources and support that we offer.

The student is having trouble since she is used to being outside on the streets. I told her that we are here to support her in her goals and to use her first two-week period on campus to adjust to her new environment.

I told her that she is not alone and that she can come to talk to any staff member at any time during her stay. The student said she doesn't want to be going back and forth anymore. She unpacked her belongings and said she felt more encouraged about her opportunities and individualized journey here at the Mission.”

It’s not easy, yet these incredible people on staff work to improve the quality of life and advocate on behalf of each person in our programs.

Be on the lookout for more CLA stories in their own words.

Bring life-changing care to people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. Please donate today through the link in our bio.

Mar 16

Tony’s Story

Tony enjoyed a close relationship with his mother, even as an adult. So losing her left a gaping hole in his life.

“I was empty inside,” he says. Although his grief was constant, Tony learned to live with it, turning to alcohol to numb the unending loneliness and loss.
At his lowest point, Tony lost his job… fell into trouble with the law… and was sleeping in his truck. Then his vehicle was totaled.

With nowhere else to stay, he came to the San Diego Rescue Mission and his life began to change.

“The Rescue Mission gave me the foundation and tools I needed to rebuild my life.” He was paired with an advocate who helped guide him on his recovery journey. Through classes like anger management and financial literacy, Tony has also learned valuable skills to help him build a stable life. “The real test doesn’t start until I leave here, but here, they give you the foundation and the tools.”

Thanks to the guidance of our staff, he even started the process of looking for long-term housing! He recently graduated from our program and has been applying for jobs.

With Jesus’ love in his heart and hope for the future, Tony is grateful for your support this Easter. “The Rescue Mission showed me love when I didn’t love myself… Now I put God first every day, and the blessings just keep coming.”

YOU can give hurting men, women, and children like Tony the hope they so desperately need. Support the San Diego Rescue Mission with a gift that provides meals, shelter, and life-changing care. Give today through the link in our bio.

Mar 14

For students who graduate, a new chapter of life awaits!

When students complete their 12-month program at Mission Academy, they become a part of our Alumni Ambassador program – designed to ensure sustained success and to empower them to become beacons of light in the community.

Lasting life change requires having a healthy support system. Through our Alumni program, our team stays connected with our Mission Academy graduates to encourage their ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

Our Alumni program tracks each person to determine if they are thriving or in need of help, so we can step in to support and prevent a return to homelessness. Their long-term success is the key to keeping people off the streets permanently.
Our Alumni Ambassadors are also charged with giving back to the community – volunteering at the Mission, doing street outreach, and inspiring other students that change is possible.

In our recent survey of 207 alumni, we found that the vast majority are safe, stable, and thriving. Praise to God and thanks to the prayers and generosity of YOU our faithful supporters.

To find out how many Alumni are sober and housed, working, and connected to a faith community, click the link in our bio.

Mar 13

URGENT NEEDS FOR OUR EASTER MEAL

The San Diego Rescue Mission will celebrate the hope of Easter with neighbors who are low-income or experiencing homelessness. On April 1st, we will provide a hearty meal, showers, and haircuts.

Would you donate shower items? We need the following:

New bath towels
New or like new unisex M to XXL sweatpants
New or like new unisex M to XXL sweatshirts
New men’s and women’s underwear S-XXL
New or like new men’s and women’s tennis shoes in any size.

You can drop these items off before March 29th at 120 Elm St, San Diego front desk ATTN: Mario Montoya/Outreach

Thank you for your continued compassion and support!

#DonationsNeeded #CommunityMeal #HelpTheHomeless #RescueMission #SanDiego #LoveYourNeighbor #HelpTheHomeless #UnshelteredNeighbors #SanDiegoNonProfit #SandiegoHomeless #HomelessResources

Mar 8

For people who are hungry, a warm meal can be life-changing.🍽 It can mean HOPE for a brighter future… and HOPE is what Easter is all about. ✝️ So please give now to provide Easter meals for our neighbors who are hungry and hopeless. 🙏

The Mission is where hunger ends and hope begins – with your support! Give now through the link in our bio.

Mar 7

There are many ways to give to help people experiencing homelessness in our community.

Did you know that when you make a gift of appreciated stock to the San Diego Rescue Mission, you can avoid capital gains tax on your donation and the full value of the stock is tax deductible?

In other words, you can save money and have a bigger impact on combating homelessness without affecting your cash flow.

Watch our 1-minute Appreciated Assets video. The link is in our bio. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sonny Pyon, Legacy Giving Officer: spyon@sdrescue.org

Mar 6

Gospel Line Dancing has made its way to the San Diego Rescue Mission!

This week, Gospel Line Dancing Ministry leaders from the Rock Church Point Loma spread encouragement and taught us how to dance like David. The music consisted of upbeat gospel songs with uplifting, scripture-inspired lyrics. Participants and spectators had a blast!

Special thanks to the Rock Academy student volunteers and our other faithful volunteer partners for making Monday Nights At The Mission memorable for our students and their children.

You are bringing hope and healing to men, women, and children who have experienced homelessness in San Diego County. Thank you for sharing the love of Christ.

Can you lead an engaging experience for the residents at the Rescue Mission? If you possess a special skill such as ceramics, candle making, music, or professional sports, please contact Vicki at: volunteers@sdrescue.org.

Psalms 149:3
@rockchurchpointloma @therocksandiego @rockacademysd Rock Academy

Mar 3

Let’s Celebrate!

March 3rd is National Employee Appreciation Day.

The San Diego Rescue Mission would like to take today to celebrate, recognize, and appreciate our 115 amazing employees and all the achievements and contributions they have made to help people experiencing homelessness in this fine county of San Diego.

Did you know that 10 of our employees are Mission Academy Alumni? And one of our employees has been here for longer than 24 years! That is incredible!

We appreciate you!

Would you like to join Team SDRM? We have many open opportunities, including our Donor Relations Officer position serving with the Development Team. This position cultivates and deepens donor relationships and is responsible for providing consistent communication and quality engagement to our faithful financial partners.

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! Job links are in our bio.

#EmployeeAppreciation #HumanResources #HR #Recruitment #Hiring #NowHiring #Staffing #JobHunt #SanDiegoHiring #NowHiringSanDiego

Mar 2

Life on the streets is hard – but as a homeless woman, it’s terrifying. 💔

Imagine… the daily struggle to survive, dodging dangers at every corner. The fear is unrelenting.

YOU can give homeless and hurting women the PEACE they so desperately need. Support the Mission today with a gift in honor of all women – and help provide meals, shelter, and life-changing care for women in need. Give now through the link in our bio.

Feb 27

“We’re happy. I have everything that I need now.”

Our Outreach Coordinator, Carla Vanegas, met Robert and his dog Jolee in Little Italy in late 2021 during her daily rounds through the neighborhood.

He introduced himself as a former doctor in the military. So, Carla tried to connect him to the Veteran’s Administration. She took Robert to the VA office, but they had no record of him. She was confused, but not discouraged.

Over time, Carla’s compassion and consistency showed Robert that she really cared about him. It was only then that he told her his real last name!

Long ago he lost hope for a better life. Robert’s long-term addiction and mental health challenge with Schizophrenia made it so he couldn’t work in his family’s business. He had been living on the streets for over 20 years.

That’s when Carla went the extra mile to help him. “She spoiled me. She brought me coffee and breakfast. It’s neat to have somebody show up that you look forward to. Me and the dog are doing a lot better because of her.”

He was entered into the Homeless Management Information System so he could be matched to housing. She worked hard to get his documents and health insurance in place so he could get the help he desperately needed.

After 7 months of appointments and advocacy, Robert and his beloved dog, Jolee, were finally placed in permanent supportive housing in April of 2022. They now have a safe place to call home!

Read other inspiring stories of hope in our 2022 Impact Report link in our bio.

#RescueMission #GivingBack #HelpTheHomeless

Feb 24

🛑 Essentials needed NOW!

Help struggling men, women, and children get the life-changing care they need to get back on their feet. Your support will help provide critical medical supplies, job training resources, utilities to keep lights on 💡, and other program essentials for our residents in recovery. 🙏 Please give now through the link in our bio to provide these basics that change lives!

Feb 23

The San Diego Rescue Mission created the Partners For Hunger Relief program to combat food insecurity in our county. 🥗🍞

This program redistributes “rescued food” that would normally be discarded. We collect food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other organizations and use it to feed people in our programs as well as redistribute to partners with hunger relief programs throughout San Diego County. Each month, we distribute between 120,000- 150,000 lbs. of food to 35 churches and other non-profit organizations. They in turn provide food and pantry items to approximately 10,000-12,000 families/individuals in their communities.

Our sincerest gratitude goes to Feeding San Diego, Petco Park, and our private donors. They have all stepped up by contributing fresh produce, bread, dry goods, and beverages in recent months. Ending hunger is a community effort. Thank you, your compassion and service bring much-needed nourishment.

There is still a great need! Inflated food prices and the cost of living in San Diego have dramatically increased, while at the same time, grocery store food donations to us are down. Please pray that we can continue helping hungry families in need.

If you are a grocery store manager and your store can donate food, call 619-819-1793 or email foodministry@sdrescue.org.

Feb 19

Newcomer Taylor Moyer is this month’s employee extraordinaire!

As an Early Childhood Specialist, she works with young children at the Rescue Mission. She values those around her especially families and children. She has an exceptionally strong work ethic and strives to give the highest quality of care. Our employee of the month is empathic, encouraging, and inspires kindness through her actions. She fosters a mindset where growth is always possible. We thank you for your dedication to your position and are grateful to have you as a part of the team.

Are you a creative that loves to write, work with the press, and plan events?

Our featured job opening is our Marketing & Events Manager. This position serves as a key member of the Development team and provides marketing, communications, copywriting, public relations, and events support to the Director of Marketing.

If you have a calling to love our neighbors and those in need the way that Jesus would, join the San Diego Rescue Mission to make a difference!

Change one life at a time. Check our bio for link.

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

Feb 16

Join the many Rescue Mission supporters who have made a legacy gift in their Will or Trust. Did you know that naming us as a beneficiary of your Will or Living Trust, traditionally known as a bequest, is simple AND won’t affect your cash flow?

It's an easy way to support people experiencing homelessness far into the future.
In under two minutes, you can learn more. Watch our quick bequests video link in our bio. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sonny Pyon, Legacy Giving Officer: spyon@sdrescue.org

#LegacyGiving #Legacy #Wills #EstatePlanning #Trusts #EstatePlan #WillsAndTrusts #FinancialAndEstatePlanning
#RescueMission #SanDiegoNonProfit #UnshelteredNeighbors
#HomelessInSanDiego #HomelessResources

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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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We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. Tax Id #95-1874073
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