Programs

Ventura County Rescue Mission has been a place of refuge and hope for the hungry and homeless. Meals, showers, clothing, and supportive services are offered every day of the year, helping to relieve hunger, restore health, and revive personal dignity and self-esteem. Annually, the mission prepares and serves approximately 300,000 hot, nutritious meals, provides over 30,000 articles of clothing, 50,000 nights of shelter and showers, and over 5,000 hours of case management services. In addition to emergency shelter and supportive services, the mission offers spiritual renewal and hope through daily chapel services and biblical counseling with one the mission’s chaplains upon request.

The Rescue Mission is also a place for recovery and restoration. With a capacity for 85 individuals, its residential drug and alcohol recovery program for men is divided into four phases, each three months in length. The first nine months are committed to Bible study, counseling, case management, and work therapy. Work therapy and vocational training are important components of the program. Men are given community service assignments in various capacities throughout the organization which include housekeeping, food services, maintenance, warehouse duties, or helping in our auto donation department. Each area provides specific vocational training opportunities as well as practical work experience helping to develop good work habits, confidence in abilities, and a sense of achievement.

The mission’s Culinary Arts program is one such example of the vocational training men receive at the Mission. The program has been featured locally in the Ventura County Star and Los Angeles Times, nationally in Newsweek magazine, and recognized by the Chef’s Association of Ventura County as “Culinary School of the Year” in 2004.