Navigating the way out of addiction and homelessness is hard for everyone, but Lauren had an additional challenge: diabetes.
“The Rescue Mission was the only program that would accept me with my medical condition,” she says.
And Lauren badly needed help. She’d been battling addiction for 15 years with no end in sight.
It had started in high school as a way to cope with the pain, fear, and anxiety that had overtaken her when she was two years old, and her parents divorced. By the time she realized she needed help, she applied for our 12-month Residential Recovery Program and got in. She was thrilled! With her complex situation and medical needs, no one except the Mission would take her in.
Here, with the help and support Lauren received, she was able to not only overcome addiction, but establish a new life. She’s celebrating 4 years of sobriety on November 3rd!
“I wish I had come to the Rescue Mission sooner,” she says.
Think of the most challenging obstacles you’ve faced in your life so far. Now, think of what it took to overcome them.
I’m sure it was hard — grueling at times. It probably took different tactics and angles. And I know you didn’t do it alone. How do I know that? Because when we’re faced with the biggest challenges, none of us can get over them alone.
We need help. We need each other. We need Jesus.
Overcoming the trauma of hunger, homelessness, and addiction is difficult and painful, and it can’t be done alone. Lauren wouldn’t be where she is today if she’d had to do it on her own. There’s just no way.
The holiday season is our busiest time of the year. That means that together, we have the opportunity to change a lot of lives. I’d love to have you be a part of it!
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
535 E. Yanonali Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Phone: 805-966-1316
Fax: 805-966-7495
© 2022 Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. All Rights Reserved. EIN 95-6134271