Mike's Story of Hope

I was born here in Merced, the third of four. My parents divorced when I was a baby, and I didn’t meet my father until I was around thirteen. When I was 15, my mother and stepdad moved us to Los Banos, and it was then that I dropped out of school to go to work. At the age of seventeen, I began to use crystal meth which took me down a path of destruction that went on for longer than I expected.

At eighteen I was arrested for possession of an illegal substance and spent a week in jail. After my release, I didn’t change my ways, but instead I ran headlong into my debauchery. My attitude was that I wouldn’t listen to anyone trying to help me, and that led to me being arrested at nineteen and given a four-year sentence. Upon my release and for the next decade, I spent more time in prison than I did outside of prison. During that time, eighty-two days was the longest time in between my prison terms.

In 2010 I was released from incarceration for the last time. I found a job in Los Banos, and within two years I was promoted to a supervisor position. I was doing well. Unfortunately, in 2015, I relapsed.

While in my addiction, I was in a horrific motorcycle accident which resulted in sixty-one broken bones and losing most of my teeth. Roughly forty percent of my skin was lost due to sliding two hundred yards on the road. I was transported to Davis Medical Center where I spent two and a half months recuperating. Upon my release and with nowhere to go, I became homeless for the next six years, doing what I could to survive and support my addiction. I knew I needed help and change.

In 2022, with my mother needing someone to care for her, I decided to move in with my mother and cared for her until her passing three years later. It was during this time with my mother that I began listening to Christian broadcasting. I rededicated my life to Jesus Christ, and it was also during this time that my mother and I were baptized on the same night during a Celebrate Recovery meeting at Yosemite Church.

My life was turned around, and in 2023 I began working at the Merced County Rescue Mission. I started at the Sobering Center as a peer support person for six months before being offered a position at the Respite Care facility in Los Banos as the Service Coordinator. I now work as the Program Manager there, which I truly love doing. Helping people in their homelessness and with their physical needs reminds me of the help I was given, and for that I will continue to serve our community in this capacity. Thank you, my LORD and Merced County Rescue Mission, for this amazing opportunity.

Michael's Story of Hope

I was born in Modesto, California, and grew up with my two older sisters. My father struggled with alcohol, which made life at home difficult. Many days it felt like we were walking on eggshells, never knowing what to expect.

When I was 22 years old, my mother was diagnosed with stage-four brain cancer and passed away just one month later. Losing her devastated our family. Not long afterward, I began using prescription pain medications, including Norco and OxyContin, along with cocaine. At the time, I convinced myself that the party lifestyle helped me cope with the pain. I continued working and appeared to function normally, but addiction was quietly taking hold of my life.

Before my mother's passing, I had moved to Southern California to pursue music, playing in bars and anywhere our band could find a venue. During that time, I also studied fitness and strength training online, hoping to become a personal trainer. After my mother's death, I returned briefly to Modesto before relocating to Sacramento, where my addiction continued to grow.

From 2017 through 2022, I relied on a methadone clinic to manage my addiction while continuing to work. I lived in the Sacramento area for about 15 years and went through several unhealthy relationships that enabled my lifestyle. By 2024, I was sharing a home with friends who were also using drugs and partying. Nearly everything I earned went toward drugs and alcohol. Eventually, I lost my housing and found myself homeless for several weeks.

I knew I needed help, but I didn't know where to turn. My sister and her husband, who had previously experienced recovery themselves, told me about the Merced County Rescue Mission. In January 2025, I entered the Hope for Men program.

The beginning wasn't easy, but the program's curriculum, the compassion of the facilitators, and the genuine care shown by the staff helped transform my life. In December 2025, I graduated from the Hope for Men program. Today, I work in Operations and Maintenance at the Merced County Rescue Mission, and I am studying through the Department of Education to become a certified electrician.

As a child, I attended church regularly, but I never truly had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through my time at the Rescue Mission, I was given the opportunity to place my faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior. That decision has changed my life in ways I never imagined. Today, I have purpose, peace, fulfillment, and joy, all things I had never truly experienced before.

I am deeply grateful to the Merced County Rescue Mission for welcoming me with compassion, believing in me, and helping me build a new life. I will always be thankful for the hope I found there and for the opportunity to live with purpose, one day at a time.

Bianca's Story of Hope

I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ. After struggling with meth addiction for 29 years, my life had become completely unmanageable. I lost my dignity, my marriage, my children, my home, my job, and the trust of my family.

Eventually, I found myself back in jail, facing prison time. Alone in a cell, I began to sober up. At first, I was overwhelmed with anger, but as my mind cleared, I realized I was exhausted by the cycle I was living. I wasn’t ready to face the consequences, but I was ready to surrender.

When given the opportunity, I chose to enter a working dorm and participate in substance abuse classes instead of returning to old habits. I reached out to my family and admitted I needed help. During this time, I began to pray and trust that God had a plan for my life.

At my court hearing, I was offered a chance to enter the Hope for Women program instead of serving prison time. Despite unexpected delays and challenges, everything ultimately fell into place, and I was released to begin the program.

Today, I celebrate one year of sobriety. God has restored my relationships with my children and family. I now have stable housing, employment, and renewed purpose. Through the support, structure, and encouragement I received, I have grown mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

I am deeply grateful to the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program for giving me a second chance at life. All glory to God.

Moises' Story of Hope

As a child and teenager, I attended church, but I never truly read or understood the Bible. As I grew older, my focus shifted to work and everyday life, and over time I lost sight of God. I began drinking more, and eventually found myself sitting in jail, feeling confused, lost, and convinced my life was over.

While there, I met someone who invited me to sit and read the Bible. That simple invitation became a turning point in my life. As I began to read, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and made the decision to surrender my life to God and trust Him to guide my path.

Through Scripture, I came to understand that salvation is a gift from God. It is not something that can be earned. That truth gave me a deep sense of peace and assurance. I realized that if I could not earn my salvation, I could not lose it either. From that moment on, I began to see God working in my life in real and powerful ways.

I was accepted into the Hope for Men program, and my legal situation changed for the better, with my charges reduced to misdemeanors. From there, I committed myself to studying the Bible daily and growing closer to God. As I changed, so did my relationships. My family became supportive, and I was able to begin pursuing my education.

Today, with my life back on track and God at the center of it, I can honestly say I am happier than I have been in a long time. I continue to pray and trust that God will guide and bless me as I walk alongside Him each day.

Naomi's Story of Hope

I have always been on my own from the age of 12. The streets raised me, and I went from foster homes to group homes. I entered prison at the age of 22 and spent many years there. I ran the street with gangs , and I’ve done a lot and seen a lot. I labeled myself as a lost cause and thought of everyone else as smart.

The last time I was in county jail, it really hit me hard that I was on my way back to prison again. I felt so tired of it. I was going nowhere real fast. I was mentally and physically tired. I was just exhausted. I realized what had happened and wondered where I went wrong. My life was gone, and I had nothing to show for it. That is how I felt. I started going out of my mind about it. I felt that there was no hope, no one cared and that I had completely failed. I cried out, “God help me!”

I never was really a big fan of all the Jesus stuff. I knew there was a God, but I knew the enemy much better. I met with the jail chaplain, and I just knew at that moment when the chaplain asked if I wanted to accept Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior, I knew I was ready. I was desperate, and I wanted something different. I did accept Jesus into my life, and I meant it.

I still went back to prison, but I knew it was going to be alright. I felt it, and during that time the Lord gave me a dream. He showed me a glimpse of me walking over people, my people. They were homeless, nodding out on drugs, basically zombies. Then He told me I was running out of time and that I needed to get to the Rescue Mission. It was crazy. What may seem like a regular dream to anyone else wasn’t like that for me. It was so real and very loud and intense. I knew it was Him, my Lord and Savior, telling me I didn’t have another run in me and that I needed help fast because I wasn’t going to make it. Guess what. I followed His voice.

After a very structured and intense program at Hope for Women, I now have a very strong relationship with the Lord. He is my go-to for any and everything in my life. He taught me how to breathe and live life. He led me to let go of my past and embrace my future, putting Him first in any and everything I do. I learned how to love and be loved. I have used my time at the Hope for Women program to get closer and more intimate with my Father, God, but I’ve got to work on my childhood trauma and learn that none of it was my fault. I’ve learned how to forgive others and. myself. The Lord has removed the two biggest obstacles that have always held me back. The first obstacle was my desire to live the street life, and the second obstacle was my desire to use drugs. It is a miracle that God has removed these from me.

The Rescue Mission is all about second chances and helping us through life. The Mission has helped me gain skills, and I now work for the Mission with the Senior Meals program. I love working with the seniors, and I believe it is only going to get better. My future is no longer dark. I can see a good future by the grace of God who has led me to the Rescue Mission. I have completed the program, and now I am able to start a new life and journey with my Lord, Jesus Christ.

Michael's Story

I was born and raised in Merced. I dropped out of school early and found work in the orchards. Before long, I began smoking marijuana, and the party lifestyle became my way of life. At 22, I started using crystal meth. It didn’t take long for the addiction to take hold, sending me down a path of drugs, arrests, and homelessness that lasted nearly thirty years.

Living on the streets was incredibly difficult, and over time it began to feel like there was no way out. While living under a tree along Highway 99, I reached a breaking point. I told myself I was done with the hopeless cycle of drugs and homelessness and that I needed help. I called my nephew, told him where I was, and asked him to come get me. He brought me to the Mission, and, with their help, I was admitted to the Navigation Center.

During the next eleven months at the Navigation Center, my Service Coordinator helped me rebuild important parts of my life. I received my California ID card, my birth certificate, and assistance getting my Social Security benefits back on track. I was also helped in obtaining a service animal for emotional support. Through the Homeless Court program, I completed community service hours that led to $2,000 in court fines being dismissed, and another case in Stanislaus Superior Court was also resolved. As I prepared to transition into permanent housing, the Housing Navigator helped me complete the necessary paperwork and located a furnished apartment where I now live. The staff supported me every step of the way.

While living at the Navigation Center, I also experienced a renewed faith. Earlier in life I had accepted God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, but I continued living the same destructive lifestyle. During my time at the Center, I realized I truly needed Jesus in my life and made the decision to surrender my heart to God. Since then, I’ve been given a Bible and have begun memorizing scripture. I have overcome alcoholism and meth addiction, and I recently quit smoking cigarettes—a habit I had had since I was ten years old.

After decades of hopelessness, I have been given a new lease on life. I am deeply grateful for the care and support I received from the staff at the Navigation Center. My hope now is to encourage others who are still living on the streets and help point them in the same direction I was shown.

“Thank you, Jesus, my Lord, and the Merced County Rescue Mission, for this amazing opportunity. You have truly changed my life.”

Nick's Story of Hope

Nine months ago, I walked into the Hope for Men program carrying more than just a bag of clothes. I carried shame, regret, pain, and a life that felt completely out of control. On the outside, it may have looked like I had things together, but inside I was falling apart. I had burned bridges, hurt people I loved, and was slowly destroying myself. I barely recognized the person I had become.

Walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. When you enter a program like this, you can’t hide anymore. You can’t run from the truth about your life. You must face it, and, at first, that was terrifying.

When I first entered the program, I had just quit using meth “cold turkey” after about a month of constant use. My body and mind were exhausted. I started having nightmares every night, and they were not just bad dreams, but the kind that wake you up shaking and making you afraid to fall asleep again. I was overwhelmed and felt like I was fighting everything alone.

Sometime later, the Hope for Men program took us on a trip to Bear Lake. One evening, we went on a hike to a place called Meditation Rock. It was dark, quiet, and peaceful. For the first time in a long time, I sat there and prayed honestly and openly. I prayed for the nightmares to stop because I was so tired of being afraid to sleep. I remember telling God that I couldn’t keep doing this on my own. That night, something changed.

Up until then, I had not been sleeping well, waking up constantly from nightmares. But that night, I slept for twelve hours straight in a tent, on the ground without even a sleeping pad, just like a baby. No nightmares!

When I woke up the next morning, it felt like something had lifted off me, and that moment changed something inside me. For the first time in my recovery, I felt like I wasn’t fighting this battle alone.

I felt like God had heard me. Like, there was something bigger helping me take the next step forward. That was a turning point for me.

From that moment on, my faith began to grow stronger. On the days when recovery felt impossible, faith helped me stay. On the days when I doubted myself, faith reminded me that my story wasn’t over.

These nine months haven’t been easy. Recovery means facing things you used to run from. It means taking responsibility for your past and doing the work every single day. But it also means healing.

Little by little, I began to become someone new, someone who tells the truth, someone who shows up, and someone who believes tomorrow can be better than yesterday.

I want to thank the staff, the counselors, and everyone here who supported me through this journey. You didn’t just help me get through nine months. You helped me begin rebuilding my life.

Nine months ago, I walked in broken and lost. Today I walk forward with faith, hope, and a second chance at life.

As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s this:

The man who walked into the Hope for Men program nine months ago was fighting for his life…

but today I’m a man who is finally ready to live it.

Gloria's Story

I was born here in Merced, the third oldest of seven children. Each of us has a different father, and I have never met mine. Even though we all have different fathers, all my siblings live locally, and our relations are good.

I attended Merced High until the beginning of my sophomore year when I decided to drop out and live the party life. I had a son, and, when he was four, I asked my mother to care for him because I began struggling with an addiction to crystal meth. This addiction lasted for the next couple of decades. During this time, I remained homeless, doing what I had to do to survive and support my addiction to meth. Along with being homeless and living a destructive life, I was arrested many times and spent a lot of time being incarcerated.

The last time I was released from incarceration, I wanted to get enrolled into a rehabilitation facility. However, it wasn’t until the judge ordered me into a rehab program that I enrolled.

After graduating, I was able to be admitted into a Merced County Rescue Mission’s Transition to Hope home where I am presently living and for which I am grateful.

I have since been employed by the Rescue Mission as a Site Coordinator for the Senior Living Well Café Program. I’ve also had the opportunity to have court fines dismissed through the Homeless Court Program because of the programming hours I had previously completed. I am now working on earning my high school diploma through the Phoenix Project, and, after graduating, I will begin my vocational training to be a substance abuse counselor through the CCAPP Academy. *

Where I’ve come from and where I am now could not have happened without the resources and assistance I’ve received from these programs that have been available to me. What I’ve learned and experienced on my journey is that succeeding in life is about making good choices that will result in being in a good state of mind so that I can serve others in the way I’ve been served. In doing so, many lives will be helped, healed and restored for the glory of God. I understand this well because my family, although decimated from my past choices, has been restored.

*CCAPP (California Consortium of Programs and Professionals) The CCAPP program is a 14-month, six hours a week course that includes a variety of classes which train participants in drug and alcohol addiction counseling. Following the successful completion of this program, participants must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work prior to receiving their accreditation.

Ramona's Story of Hope

I was raised in an unsavory environment. At the age of 18, I moved with my grandparents and four of my siblings to Modesto. During many years that followed, I experienced destructive relationships that were marred with drug addiction, which led to homelessness.

Being alone on the streets frightened me terribly, leading me to want to die more than a few times. During this very difficult time, I was diagnosed with psychosis, and I was admitted into a psychiatric ward. A psychiatric ward employee assigned to my case took me to a facility that I wasn’t familiar with. This facility was the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women. When I walked in for the first time, I immediately sensed the presence of God.

Fifteen months later, I graduated from Hope for Women, and then I stayed in the second-phase home for three years. Last January, I was able to move into my own apartment. In August, I was offered a job with the Merced County Rescue Mission as an Enhanced Care Management worker (ECM). I am now studying in the CCAPP Program*, with the goal of becoming a Substance Disorder Counselor. I’m hoping to take my state test to become certified at the end of January 2026.

My journey hasn’t been easy, but God has been faithful. If it were not for God and the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program, the last part of my story would not have been possible. Thank you, Merced County Rescue Mission, for helping me at my lowest. I will forever be grateful.

*The CCAPP program is a 14-month, six-hour-a-week course that includes a variety of classes, which train participants in drug and alcohol addiction counseling. Following the successful completion of this program, participants must complete 4,000 hours of supervised work prior to receiving their accreditation.

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Anthony's Story

I would like to first say that I am very grateful for what the Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) has done for me, because without the assistance of the Mission, I may no longer be in existence today.

My parents divorced before my first birthday. My mother married many times after, having a child just about with each marriage. Being the oldest, I did my best to get my nine siblings dressed, fed, and ready for school since my mother was preoccupied.

When I was seven, my grandfather, who seemed to be the only one to give me any kind of attention, passed away. I loved my grandfather very much. He was not doing very well, so I helped him as much as I could. However, one day, my mother and her husband told me he was going to be alright and took me someplace for a couple of days. Upon returning to see how my grandfather was doing, he had already passed away. I was devastated and very angry with my mother, which put me in a state of not caring about life any longer.

At the age of twelve, I began hanging out with older gang members who introduced me to heroin, which became a big part of my life for several years. In my early twenties, and I believe due to caring for my siblings starting at a young age, I began working with special needs children for a little more than a decade. During this time, the mother of my son took my son and moved away without letting me know where she had moved. My son is now twelve, and I haven’t seen him since they left.

In time, my addiction took me into a very dark place, which led to me being arrested more than a few times, not showing up for court, and avoiding my arrest warrants until I was re-arrested. I became homeless and entered the Hope for Men for the first time on April 12, 2022, staying for only two months. Later, I enrolled at the Navigation Center but exited six months later. I went from the Hope for Men to the Navigation Center several more times in the next two years, overdosing on heroin three times during that time.

And this is why I am very grateful to MCRM and its staff because they never gave up on me during that time. For that reason, I was able to become a Resident Assistant at the Hope for Men, work as an Enhanced Care Manager (ECM) for MCRM, and now hold the position of Peer Navigator in Transition to Hope, again with the MCRM. My goal now is to help as many individuals as possible every day in the same way that I was helped.

Thank you, MCRM! - Anthony

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Wendy's Story

I was born and raised here in Merced and grew up going to church. My family struggled with alcoholism, and my stepfather struggled with drugs and alcoholism. By the time I was 9, I was smoking cigarettes, and by 11, I was smoking and selling pot.

I always knew God was with me, but I lived on both sides of the fence. I rose up out of poverty and fell back down over and over again. I started drinking heavily in my 20s and spiraled downhill to drugs. I never really gave my life over to God. I continued to put myself in extremely dangerous situations and around extremely dangerous people. Finally, I was so exhausted and so broken that I prayed to God to restore me from this life.

From the moment I entered the Hope for Women program, my life changed for the good with God and the other women by my side. When I came to the program, I was terrified. There was nowhere to run anymore. I was exhausted, and I had literally hit my rock bottom. Since then, I have gained sisters and brothers in Christ, a church family, and a relationship with God. I was able to get baptized in Santa Cruz with some of my sisters from the Hope for Women program. I have now been clean and sober for 10 months. I have completed the Hope for Women program and graduated.

Now I am a woman of God. God continues to open doors for me if I trust in Him and have faith in Him. All the glory goes to God, and I have Him to thank every day for giving me this life and a second chance. A huge thank you to the Merced Rescue Mission and the Hope for Women program. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This program has shown me that there is more to life, and that there is room to grow. When I have God, there is love. When I have God, there is HOPE, and I have help when I need it.

Thank you, Jesus, and thank you to the Merced Rescue Mission.

Monica's Story

Before coming to the Merced Rescue Mission, Monica had experienced a life of drug addictions, criminal activity, jail time, and an automobile accident that left her body broken. Then she made the choice to better herself. When Monica was released from jail, she signed up for a re-entry class with GEO Services and was told about the Hope for Women program by her probation officer.

Monica enrolled in the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Women program and became a resident there three days later. She worked very hard on becoming a better version of herself by submitting to God’s plan for her life through its Christ-centered program. Monica did so well that she was given a position as a Peer Navigator at the Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) Respite Care Center a month before graduating from Hope for Women. Six months later, being very effective at her job and with a desire to take on more responsibility, she was given the position of Housing Navigator where she thrived. Because of her hard work, dedication, and trust in God’s plan for her life, Monica is now a Billing Clerk for the MCRM.

Monica’s current position requires a large amount of responsbility which she takes very seriously. In the short time of two years and three months, Monica’s life has been dramatically changed from a life of drugs, alcohol, and criminality. She truly believes that she would have died in that horrific automobile accident if it were not for the grace and mercy of God Almighty. She has become an amazing inspiration to all the staff here at the MCRM and to many of our clients. It is very exciting to see what God can do when someone truly surrenders to God’s plan for their life as Monica has.

Shawnee's Story

Being in recovery for alcoholism has brought me closer to Jesus Christ. Today, I am a grateful believer and attend church regularly. I’ve been working for the Merced Rescue Mission for over a year and a half. I have worked in the Sobering Center and in the kitchen at Hope Respite Care. Currently, I am working in the office as a Community Support Worker, helping individuals find housing. Working for the Mission has taught me a lot about myself and other people who have struggled with addiction. I love my church family and my work family. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I have been blessed with.

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Brandon's Story

By Jim Romig, Homeless Court Navigator, Merced County Rescue Mission

Before entering the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program, Brandon had been to several rehabilitation programs for his meth addiction and alcoholism with no lasting success. He still wanted to change his life and knew he needed help.

When he came to Hope for Men, Brandon was very concerned about a court case, which could end with him going to prison for eight years. He knew his situation was serious. It has been my experience that for those who trust God’s plan for their lives, all things are possible, so I told Brandon to trust God and keep doing what he was doing. He did trust God and completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program on May 2, 2025, making him ready to find employment.

Trying to find a job was very difficult for Brandon because thoughts of consuming drugs and alcohol were unsettling to him. Despite his feelings, on May 25th, he did go to the Advanced Career Institute (ACI) located here in Merced and explained that he had just completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program and was looking for employment. He decided he would enroll and work toward getting a Class A license, but he needed the funding to attend the classes. He went to Work Net to apply for funding and was told it would take two months to receive it. He went back to ACI and asked if he could attend the classes every day while he waited for the funding because he knew attending classes would help him stay sober. Brandon believes it was through the grace of God that his request was granted, and on August 1st, he graduated and received his Class A license. Earning this license was a great accomplishment, which was made possible because of his hard work and determination. Then his situation became even better! When he went to ACI to pick up his certificate, he was offered a position to teach courses on air-brake systems and pre-trip inspections without even applying.

But his story didn’t end there. Brandon went to church and saw his former football coach, who asked how he was doing. He told Brandon that he had been praying for him for a long time. After Brandon shared about having completed the first phase of the Hope for Men program and earning his Class A driving license, his former coach offered him a position as an assistant football coach at the high school. Brandon thought this would be a great way to give back to the community, so he applied and was accepted.

Brandon has also had other accomplishments. He graduated from the Homeless Court, in which, through his programming and community service hours, he was able to have his court fines dismissed. At Brandon’s court hearing, the judge ruled that he had to complete the second phase of the Hope for Men program and that, instead of prison time, he would be required to have a two-year probation period.

Brandon has recognized God’s presence, favor, and direction in his life over the last year. He has discovered that God’s plans are so much greater than he could have ever imagined.

Gilbert's Story

I entered the Hope for Men program in August 2024. When I started, I did not have God in my life. I was weak, broken, and not well. I was homeless, living in my truck, and did not have a job. I did not have God in my life and was missing everything in my life that would be important –family, children, and grandchildren.

Choosing to stay at the Hope for Men program has been the most important decision I have made in my life. It has changed me from being a complete nobody to a man of God. God has been there for me every step in my transition, right along with the leaders in the program. I want to thank my brothers in the home for accepting me the way I was. While in the program, I participated in community service, Bible studies, and educational classes. I have met the best of people and changed my circle of friends.

All my job security requirements are now completed, and I have been able to get my own apartment. I attend Gateway church, and I am on my way to obtaining a Criminal Justice degree. I have learned how to be a better person and man. I changed my surroundings and have given my life to God. Thank you so much, Merced Rescue Mission.

Donald's Story

By Jim Romig, Homeless Court Navigator

I first met Donald at a Merced County Rescue Mission (MCRM) Transition to Hope program here in Merced. He had called me asking for my help in getting his traffic fines dismissed through the Homeless Court program. I asked for the information needed and emailed the courts for his Register of Actions containing his fines. Even though his court fines were substantial, he did qualify to have his fines dismissed through the Homeless Court program because he had just graduated from the Salvation Army Men’s Rehabilitation program.

After graduating from Homeless Court with the weight of these fines removed, he enrolled in the truck driving class at the Phoenix Project here in Merced. Living at the Merced County Rescue Mission’s Transition to Hope program facility gave Donald the opportunity he needed to attend classes and study for his Class A license. He passed the course, received his Class A license, and was ready to find a job driving big rig trucks. Working with Donald for the time I did, it was clear to me that he was a driven and motivated individual that wasn’t going to let his past mistakes and addictions hold him back from having a brighter future.

Donald wasted no time finding a truck driving job with a national trucking company, but he couldn’t take the position because of a felony that was on his record. He asked for my assistance, and we went back to court asking to have this felony reduced to a misdemeanor so Donald could take the job. The judge was so impressed with Donald’s drive in overcoming his addictions, getting his Class A license, and finding a job with a national trucking company that the judge not only lowered Donald’s felony to a misdemeanor, but ended Donald’s probation right there and dismissed the fine. The court gallery erupted in applause which I’d never experienced before. It was amazing!

Because the judge reduced his felony to a misdemeanor, the trucking company paid for a car rental so that Donald could travel to Southern California where he would attend classes for four days. If he passed, he would then continue to the next phase of instruction for three weeks with a driving instructor. He passed his classes and was off to the next phase. Everything looked good for Donald until the trucking company he was with told him that some of the pages in his court documents were missing. He called me and asked if I would go to the court and get it cleared up. It took a couple of visits to the court, but these pages were located, and the trucking company was satisfied.

A few days into his training, Donald was notified by the company that something else came up in his court records, and they would have to let him go unless he could get this mark expunged from his record. We went back to court hoping for success. However, this request was denied, and it seemed Donald was back to where he started, not having a job and not knowing what he was going to do.

We spoke outside the court regarding his next move, and you would think Donald would step back and take some time to assess his situation. Not Donald. Within a couple of weeks, he gave me a call while he and another driver were driving a big rig on their way across the country to Connecticut. Donald had been hired by an out-of-state company and was now on his way to a new job.

What I’ve seen come to fruition in Donald is what I encourage others with whom I work through the Homeless Court to pursue; “Your past has nothing to do with how your future turns out unless you allow it.” Well done, Donald! Proud of you, my friend.

Andrew's Story

I was born a twin in Merced to two loving, caring parents. It is truly a miracle from God, that I am even able to write this short testimony today. In 2016 after my mother’s death, I became everything I said I'd never be. I made choices that led me into deep addiction, homeless, and going in and out of county jail. It felt like I was surrounded by a darkness that I wish on no one! After losing my three daughters, lying in a jail cell, I cried out to Jesus and the soul searching began. I pleaded to God and I promised everything to Him while begging for an opportunity. Little did I know the Holy Spirit was, "is," moving.

In 2023 I was released and was picked up from the Merced County Sheriff's department by two gentlemen by the names of Dennis and Warren. Within minutes of meeting these two representing the Merced County Rescue Mission, I was reminded of what Jesus had done for me and some of the promises that I had made. "Praise Him".

Since that day, I am no longer sleeping on the streets, or Bear Creek! I became a resident at the Mission’s Transition to Hope program. Living in a sober living environment has truly helped me honor some of the promises I made when I pleaded to God for help. I now have a full-time job. My criminal records have been expunged. I have weekend visits with my daughters, I don't mean to brag, but Gods promises are true! I have past relationships that are now restored. I have met some amazing people at Hope Respite Care. And now I have over three years clean and sober. I am forever grateful to God for the amount of love and hope given to me during my time at the Merced County Rescue Mission.

Jonathan's Story

I graduated from the Rescue Mission’s Hope for Men program. I thank God for helping me through a dark time when I needed to have the willpower to make the right decision to enter the program and stay focused. I listened and learned so much. I accepted Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I have tried to follow through by trying to be a blessing to others and doing right. I continue to look forward, not backward, taking little steps toward accepting my responsibilities as a man of God.

I want to say to everyone that the Hope for Men program really works. While in the program, I was able to complete the requirements needed to get my high school diploma. I am now finishing my training to be a barber, and I am honored to give back to the Hope for Men program by volunteering my time to give haircuts to the men in the program.

Chad's Story

Before coming to the Hope for Men program, I was struggling with alcoholism and anger, which were taking a serious toll on my life and relationships. I knew I needed a change, but I didn't know how to break free from the cycle I was in. My drinking had become a way to cope, and my anger was pushing people away. I reached a point where I realized I couldn't do it alone, and that's when I decided to seek help.

Through the Hope for Men program and the Rescue Mission, I was able to regain control over my life. It taught me patience, helped me work through my anger, and, most importantly, I was able to stop drinking. Now I am working for the Rescue Mission and holding down two other jobs. My connection with God has grown stronger, and I'm moving forward in life with a renewed sense of purpose. I'm also building better relationships and learning what it means to truly live in faith and peace. I'm grateful for the transformation this program has given me, and I'm excited for what's ahead.

Alicia and Rueben's Story

Both Alicia and Rueben experienced broken marriages, loss of jobs, and loss of housing. Separately, they found themselves homeless in Merced for about six years. It was during this difficult time in their lives that they found each other. They describe what happened next in their own words.

“Our journey of homelessness took us on a road of having one foot in and one foot out of our addiction, following Jesus, and almost giving up. There came a point when we decided to reach out to the Merced Rescue Mission. We both entered the Mission’s programs at the same time. Alicia entered the Hope for Women program, and Rueben entered the Hope for Men program. These programs provided hope and guidance through a faith-based program that introduced us to Jesus and helped us get God back into our lives. We both completed the Life Transformation program and graduated on March 11, 2025.

We owe all the glory to God for saving us and changing our lives. God helped us surrender our lives, believe in Him, and give us the faith to move forward in our lives. We entered the program with nothing. Now that we have graduated, we both have been blessed with jobs, a home of our own and a new life together. We want to thank Anthony, Alicia’s uncle and one of the Mission’s staff members, for helping us find our way to the Mission. Thank you for being our guardian angel. We love you, Uncle. And thank you to the Mission for helping us get on a new and wonderful path. “