When Marissa and her then 6-year-old son walked through the doors of Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, they were desperate for safety and to rebuild their lives after years in an unsafe environment.

Marissa longed for independence, believing that if she could stand on her own, everything would finally be okay. She took a risk and found her way to Village of Hope.

Little did she know, they would gain so much more than she could have imagined — all because of generous friends like you.

It was here that Marissa found what she had been searching for all along: love. That love began with a new relationship with God and became the foundation of her story.

From the very beginning, she and her son felt something they hadn’t felt in a long time. They were finally being welcomed home.

Along with her new faith, Marissa found supportive mentors and life-giving friendships — all made possible through your generosity.

Marissa is especially grateful for the volunteers who serve the children living at Village of Hope.

“They come in with a smile and give their all,” she shared. “It makes an impact on us, and you helped my son believe that he matters.”

Marissa and her son have rebuilt their relationship and formed a stronger, healthier bond than ever. She credits experiencing God’s love with helping her learn how to love her son wholeheartedly.

Now, Marissa is preparing for a bright future for her family.

Since arriving at Village of Hope, she has earned a 4.0 GPA, gained important administrative skills, and learned how to balance work responsibilities.

She participated in our July Career Launch Celebration and is now employed full-time as a Certified Medical Assistant, with plans to continue her education to become a radiology technician.

Without the help of generous friends like you, Marissa and her son would not have this new life today.

To our donors, she says, “Their outpouring of support has changed our future and helped give me and my son a new life and freedom.”

Whether it’s giving a hot meal or time spent volunteering, you’re making a life-changing difference for families like Marissa’s through your generosity.

Thank you for showing our neighbors in need that they are loved — and for giving them the hope of a second chance!