Growing Hope, One Story at a Time

By Jamen Bradshaw, Hope Respite Program Manager

At Hope Respite, transformation happens every day, and much of that is thanks to the incredible dedication of Trina, our Peer Navigator and Activities Coordinator.

Two days each week, Trina fills the program with engaging, spirit-filled & spirit-lifting activities that bring our community together through laughter, encouragement, and meaningful connection.

One of the most impactful aspects of her work is creating a safe, loving space where members can share their personal testimonies and celebrate how far they’ve come on Testimonial Thursday’s (resident edition). In addition to having the residents share, Trina welcomes Hope Respite staff to share their testimonials of hope and resilience, helping to break down barriers and build genuine trust between staff and members.

We’ve watched members with the hardest shells and barriers come out of their comfort zones and discover a renewed confidence and a fresh perspective. These powerful moments remind everyone who comes into Hope Respite that healing is possible, not only for their bodies, but, more importantly, their spirit, their mind and soul. Her contagious overflow of the Holy Spirit continues to inspire hope and create the kind of supportive community where long-term change can truly take root.

She also makes sure to encourage our residents and our staff by letting them know that, if they’re in a position of feeling down, discouraged or anxious, she’s available for encouragement or prayer, depending on the need. Through her compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment, Trina has helped open

doors for healing, friendship, lasting rehabilitation and meaningful associations that they know that they can carry with them even after their recuperative care here at Respite is over.

Thank you, Trina, for the heart, joy, and encouragement you bring to Hope Respite each and every day. Your impact in Christ here at Hope Respite reaches far beyond activities. You are helping change lives, one person and one story at a time.

Commencement Celebration in June

In June, a commencement celebration was held at Bear Creek Community Church honoring participants from the Hope for Men and Hope for Women programs.

Two men graduated from the 9–12 month program, and many other participants were recognized for completing key portions of the curriculum, including Anger Management, ACE Overcomers, and Beliefs and Giants. It is always a joy to see families join in the celebration and witness the transformation taking place in the lives of participants. The Mission is grateful to walk alongside each person in this journey of change, made possible through the generosity and support of our donors and partners.

A great picture of Jermaine, one of our recent graduates, with his family. We are so grateful to our community for supporting our mission, and so excited for our graduates who are growing in Christ!

Phase 2 Village of Hope Becoming a Reality

When we broke ground at the end of February, we hoped to complete this project by December. At the time, that timeline felt ambitious. Some people even asked, “December of what year?” The photos in this newsletter were taken during the third week of June, and the project is now running about a month ahead of schedule, with completion currently projected for Thanksgiving of this year.

The construction management team and crews are doing excellent work. Once completed, Phase 2 will double our Respite Care capacity and provide dedicated-space for our Transition to Hope program. It will also enhance the Village of Hope campus, creating a welcoming place of healing and restoration for those we serve.

Hope for Men and Women - Days of Fellowship

In June, the Hope for Men program participants spent a day in the sun in Santa Cruz. They enjoyed fellowship and a fun day out together.

These trips are so meaningful to our participants as they live and grow together. Thank you for your support of our faith-based programs!

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The Hope for Women program participated in the annual Glow Prison Ministry Retreat. Women shared testimonies and obtained mentors for their walk with Christ and their recovery. They also gained prayer partners who will pray for each other throughout the year.

These women will stay connected and share any challenges they face. This is so important for their journey. They will connect again next year and celebrate another year clean and walking with Jesus Christ.

Honoring Ken & Susie Van Foeken - Hilmar's Citizens of the Year

Recently, Ken and Susie Van Foeken were recognized as Citizens of the Year in Hilmar for their outstanding service to the community and beyond.

At the Merced County Rescue Mission, we are especially grateful for Ken and Susie’s faithful dedication. Each month, they bring a truckload of household goods to the Mission — a true labor of love. Susie works diligently to gather the items, and together they load and deliver everything to help meet the needs of our residents.

These generous donations include just about everything imaginable — lamps, bedding, appliances, kitchenware, pots and pans, clothing, and much more. Once received, these items are distributed to Mission homes where they make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

We thank Ken and Susie for their consistent kindness and commitment to supporting the work God is doing through the Mission. Their efforts remind us how much can be accomplished when people come together to serve others.

Oasis 2026 Fundraiser, A Huge Succes

The Rescue Mission would like to thank all who attended and helped make this year’s Oasis Fundraiser a huge success. Over 400 people attended the event, and our generous donors helped us surpass the $100,000 goal!

It was a real blessing to have so many donors and partners present to listen to the heartfelt testimony from Kadasha, a graduate of our Hope for Women program. Updates were given on this past year’s ministry and how so many lives were positively influenced. Last year at the Mission, 430 men and women found permanent housing, 360,174 nutritious meals were served, 125,502 nights of safety and restful sleep were provided, and 84 men and women committed their lives to Christ.

Our vision for the future was shared and included our present construction project which is projected to be finished this coming December. The current project will provide 32 more beds of Respite Care and 40 studio apartments that will be of great benefit to our Transition to Hope program and to people coming from Respite Care.

A major theme shared at the Fundraiser was that of involving help from individuals and churches. The men and women in the Mission’s programs may participate in them for up to one or two years. And then, there is the rest of their lives. Our participants need friends and a church family to support them on their continuing life’s journey. This is the part where the Mission and our participants need your help! We need people who will come alongside them and will invite our participants into their lives and into their churches where they can become part of a church family and community. Support is measured in friendship, and friendship is a key element in long-term stability and a meaningful future. We are grateful to all of you who will consider being a friend to one of our participants.

Once again, thank you so much for your incredible support of God’s work through the Rescue Mission, where lives are being transformed!

Reconnect In God's Creation

The participants in the Hope for Men program recently enjoyed a weekend camping trip at McConnell State Recreation Area. Led by David Carr, the Mission’s Chief Operations Officer, along with program staff, the retreat provided an opportunity for participants to relax and reconnect in God’s creation. Activities included swimming, fishing, and time spent together building relationships. Devotions and fellowship were central to the weekend, making the outing a meaningful and refreshing experience for everyone involved.