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While to-go meals will replace banquet, we still seek to reach people
Although COVID-19 has caused us to shift our plans a bit as we consider the safety of those we serve, we remain committed to provide Thanksgiving meals during a time when food security is impacting more families in our community than ever before. On Nov. 20th, we will host our Thanksgiving event in a to-go…
Two years after graduation, Jairo’s family of 10 is settled together
Back in April 2018, Jairo ended up at the Mission—and he wasn’t happy about it. He was coming off of a six-month sentence for burglary charges, and was court-ordered to come to a program after completing the jail time. “When I first got here, I really didn’t like it,” Jairo said. “I didn’t like the…
Robert craves stability after jail time and ‘losing everything’
When Robert’s parents divorced when he was 16, things started to change for the teenager. Robert had enjoyed an uneventful childhood, growing up in Santa Barbara, and then Lompoc, with his parents and two little sisters. His dad was in construction and his mom was a secretary. But after the divorce, Robert came back to…
Rickie looks to squash for good his battle with drinking
After Rickie finished high school in Lompoc and got his music degree from community college, he married, and the couple moved to New Orleans. Rickie’s wife was earning her law degree and he got a job at Tulane. The couple had three kids. But in 1998, Rickie and his wife divorced. “Going through that, it…
Abel looks forward to being there for his 10 grandchildren
Abel grew up in Guadalupe, and moved to Santa Maria at 10. In school, he didn’t have trouble making friends, and enjoyed playing sports. “In high school, I started hanging out with the wrong crowd—you know how that goes,” Abel said. “I dropped out after the 10th grade. “After that, I found the love of…
After 15 years in and out of jail, Miguel just ‘let God take over’
Miguel’s rock bottom came in August of last year. He had recently been released from jail. “I was on the train tracks,” he said. “I was homeless, stinky, and had no food. I was doing badly and using a lot of drugs. I was losing my mind. I had an awakening. I needed a program.…
Dallas focuses on healing from traumas, growing spiritually
Dallas’ parents made only rare appearances in his childhood. He grew up in Oklahoma, primarily with his grandparents, until his grandfather died of a heart attack. Dallas was just 13. “I gave him CPR, but I couldn’t resuscitate him,” he said. “Shortly after, my grandma overdosed. I got her to the hospital. Two to three…
Pantry recipient shares gratitude for food blessing
Recently, a woman visited one of the Valley Food Bank’s pantries at Freedom Church in Chatsworth. She wanted to share her appreciation for the blessing that the food has been in her life: “Thank you Freedom Church for the Pantry,” she said. “My family has had an extremely hard time making ends meet during COVID.…
Bringing the farm to our community, and helping nonprofits in the process
Coldwater Farm Hub, a local food hub and farm box small business run by Ashley and Steve Marlowe, have announced to their customers that they will be selling pomegranates with all proceeds going to the Valley Food Bank. They launched their small business, partnering with Los Angeles farmers market vendors and other small businesses, at the…
Home Depot water delivery blesses Food Bank
One of the most gratifying calls to receive is notification that the Valley Food Bank will be the recipient of a grant award. Our friends at the San Fernando Home Depot selected us to receive an award from the Home Depot Foundation. Not in need of any particular building supplies, Store Manager Kimberly Cherney, suggested…