Blog
A Hand Up, not a Handout
Our mission here at Orange County Rescue Mission is to minister the love of Jesus to the Least, Last, and the Lost. One of the very tangible ways we are able to do this is through the Outreach component of our organization. Take a look below at our newest video, to...
Cooking Up Hope: Thank You Open Gate International!
We are always looking for new ways to help our residents pursue their passions and build their skill sets for future employment. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more of our residents show an interest in the culinary arts, so we began looking into ways to...
Restoration Cafe: A Space That Inspires!
With Village of Hope passing its ten year anniversary of serving the Least, the Last and the Lost of our community, and recent expansions that now accommodate an increasing number of homeless men, women and children, the need for redesign and renovation in some of our...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jeff Mongelli
I would like to introduce you to another Orange County Rescue Mission Superhero: Jeff Mongelli! Jeff has a heart and passion for the development of our children’s events and activities. He helped create and implement the “Kids on a Mission” Club, an entrepreneurial...
Christmas is Coming!
Yes, our 7th Annual Christmas in July festivities for the residents of our programs is right around the corner...and we need YOUR help! Orange County Rescue Mission is currently in need of donated hygiene items and canned food! We are running low on canned food to...
“Now We are All Safe”
College students never picture addiction and homelessness when they fall into a lifestyle of partying. But that is what happens to so many, like Chuck. Years later, as a homeless, single dad of three, the fun was over and Chuck was faced with the reality that he had...
Free in Christ!
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 Please join me today...
Volunteer Spotlight: John Parrott
I would like to introduce you to another Orange County Rescue Mission Superhero: John Parrott! John has a heart for teaching the Word of God! In 2016, he started a weekly class called “Through the Bible in a Year” in which he faithfully teaches our residents how to...
Another Wonderful Father’s Day BBQ!
It was a scene of true joy and encouraging fellowship at the Village of Hope a few weekends ago, thanks to a group of incredible donors and volunteers that hosted our Father’s Day BBQ event! They made sure this Father’s Day did not pass without the celebration...
Seeds of Hope Planted Through Music
God works in wonderful and amazing ways – sometimes through people, sometimes through circumstances, and sometimes through art or music. This was the case for one of our residents, Sam, who was profoundly affected by music from the Christian band, For King and...
Confronting the Deadly Cycle of Opioid Abuse
As you have probably heard me share in the past, our communities are seeing a rise in homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction, to the point that it has become a state-wide crisis. Right here in my own home City of Tustin, I am seeing an increase in these...
Celebrating the Blessing of Fatherhood!
As a single father of five children and now grandparent to my first grandchild, Clair, Father's Day is such a special time for me. My focus as a father and grandfather is to share the love of Jesus Christ with each of my five children and my granddaughter. I hope to...
Single Dad Grows into the Job at the Rescue Mission
The number of single dads that are looking for a hand up out of homelessness is growing. I am so glad that we are able to welcome them to Orange County Rescue Mission, and give them the guidance to not only overcome their challenges, but to learn how to be the kind of...
A Family Restored: Miguel & Desarae’s Story
Drugs took Miguel and Desarae down paths that led to dead ends - until the Lord led them to Orange County Rescue Mission where they found hope in Christ that restored and transformed their family. Miguel & Desarae's Story One joyfully bright spot over the course...
Extraordinary Woman in Business!
Last month, Orange County Business Journal hosted a Women in Business awards gala to recognize the incredible and successful women in business in the Orange County community. I am pleased that our own Chief Development Officer, Anna Song, was among the nominees for...
The Reward of Employment
Four times per year, another group of people who were homeless not long ago become employed full-time, and not just in minimum wage jobs! I asked our Road to Success team, those that help prepare these men and women to become employed, to compile some statistics from...
Hopeful for the Future: Congratulations to Another Group of Tustin Adult School Graduates!
“For those of you who didn’t think going to school was important or finishing your program wouldn’t change your life, hear my story.” Fernando’s words rang out as he gave his speech as valedictorian of his graduating class at the most recent Tustin Adult School...
Invitation to Apologetics: Nonbelievers Aren’t the Only Ones with Faith Questions
We have gifted speakers teach on tough topics at our Rescue Mission Apologetics class. For June, we welcome Jeff Zweerink! I invite you to listen to Jeff as he gives his talk entitled, “Nonbelievers Aren't the Only Ones with Faith Questions”. Jeff is an...
Happy Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, I would like to take a moment to honor and appreciate all of the brave men and women,and their families, who have sacrificedfor us all. Thank you for your service.
“Seattle is Dying”
Many people have asked me "What do you think of 'Seattle is Dying'?", a video documentary by Eric Johnson, released by KOMO News on March 14, 2019. The documentary, like the title, is gripping and intense. Johnson takes an in-depth look at homelessness in Seattle -...
You’re Invited to Join Me for an Evening of Comedy!
Please join me for an evening of comedy at the Exchange Club of Tustin's, A Night of Comedy event on June 7th! Proceeds from this event directly benefit the new, under-renovation Laurel House Boy's Home, and will help to purchase much-needed items for the kitchen. I...
Women for Hope Bring Joy to Village of Hope Moms
We can all agree that motherhood is something to celebrate! Many of our moms here at the Village of Hope have come from difficult and tumultuous circumstances and are now working hard to create better lives for themselves and their children. This Mother’s...
Volunteer Spotlight: Paul Ratkovich
I would like to introduce you to another Orange County Rescue Mission Superhero: Paul Ratkovich! For the past 10 years, Paul Ratkovich has been volunteering at Orange County Rescue Mission by providing delicious meals, cooking lessons and professional opportunities...
Police Officer By Day, Pageant Star By Night
Not only is Steve Giddings a Tustin Police Officer and Laurel House house parent alongside his incredible wife, Donna, but now he can also add ‘Pageant Contestant’ to his long list of accolades! Last October, Steve laid it all on the line and gave the performance of...
Honoring Those Who Give to our Country’s Heroes
For several years now, Tustin Veterans Outpost (our program for homeless veterans and their families) has been operating due to the generosity of the community. Tustin Veterans Outpost does not receive government funding. Several amazing companies donate each year to...
Double Your Donation!
One of our generous donors has offered a $30,000 donation match! I am so grateful for this generous donation, and I hope that it will motivate you to give as well. A donation in any amount qualifies for the match if you donate by May 31st! I hope you won't miss this...
Commemorating the Career of Joseph O. Oltmans II
Today I would like to commemorate the career of my longtime friend and Orange County Rescue Mission Board Member, Joseph O. Oltmans II. Joe Oltmans has been a member of Orange County Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors since 2002, and for 17 years now, he has been...
“God has kept me whole”: Jung’s Story
Jung tried again and again to straighten out the mess her life had become — but it wasn’t until she came to Orange County Rescue Mission and encountered God that her life truly began to change. Now, by the grace of God and thanks to your support, Jung’s story is...
Thank You Avanti Restaurant Solutions!
It never ceases to amaze me how our community is able to give in unique and thoughtful ways. We recently were blessed by a generous donation from our friends at Avanti Restaurant Solutions of various kitchen equipment for Restoration Roasters, Double R Ranch, Laurel...
Spring Graduation 2019: Stories of Hope
Orange County Rescue Mission’s graduation ceremony is a joyful, celebratory event. Many of the graduates have been part of our communities for up to two years; we have shared significant seasons of life together. I am reminded at the graduation of how far these...