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From the Director – December
We are looking forward to finishing the year strong so we can enter 2019 in a good place, not just to continue operating our programs, but also improving and enhancing them. At the time of this writing, we had placed into service a new refrigerated truck with increased load capacity. We have scheduled the renovation…
Sylvia Makes Strides, Gives Back
Sylvia has been coming to the Leaves of Healing Food Ministry for the last three years. She had been in an independent living program, alone, pregnant, and without enough food. Now, her little boy Tony is 3 years old and Sylvia has developed a relationship with Tony’s father. He comes occasionally, but had a stroke…
Glenn Dedicates Post-Retirement Life To Service
When Glenn closed down his tree-service business seven years ago, he didn’t quite retire. His desire to give back to his community—and beyond—was strong, and he immediately increased his volunteerism through his church, Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch. “I figure, I’ve earned my money in life with my business, so now my wife and I…
Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank welcomes new truck to its fleet
What does an anaerobic digestion system in San Luis Obispo have to do with providing food for our hungry neighbors in the San Fernando Valley? An email from the Grant Farm to Director Will Hernandez at the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank on February 1, 2017 would start us asking that question—and begin to…
Retired LAPD Commander Gives Back Through Food Bank Volunteerism
For nearly 39 years, Val Paniccia worked for the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring a decade ago as the commander in charge of the San Fernando Valley. In the years that followed, he stayed busy, serving as an usher at his church, Living Faith in Northridge, and spending time with his wife of 48 years,…
Eagerly Anticipating Food Pantry Visits
Meet Lee, a regular recipient at our pantry for almost three years now. She and the eight members of her family always anticipate the day when they meet us at the food pantry. She comes early, second in line if not the first. According to Lee, the food she receives is a big help to…
Medical Issue Restricts Work, But Doesn’t Stop Elizabeth From Providing For Her Family
Elizabeth is a mother of three children who are 3, 4, and 11 years old. Elizabeth suffers from pulmonary embolism which has caused blood clots in her right lung and restricts her mobility and ability to work. It’s a disease that has caused much financial burden to the Lorenzo family. Her husband Mateo does all…
A Bounty For A Family Of 10
When we asked Gladys if it would be OK to include a picture of her family, she said, “Sure,” and then added, “All of them?” Gladys sent her oldest sibling, Erik, to get the family together and in true older brother form, he did. We counted six children. But Gladys quickly added that there was…
Decorated Marine Veteran, Engineer Seeks Help
Michael is a 62-year-old U.S. Marine Vietnam Veteran. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with one campaign star. There is a quote by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche he holds on to dearly: “What does not kill you makes you stronger.” With the end of his military service, Michael…
After A Sudden Change In Plans, Daughter Becomes Provider
Celidonia and her daughter Weng were first-time visitors to the food pantry last month. They were invited by one of the members of The House and were very grateful for the food they received. Cely lost her husband last year due to a sudden sickness and Weng took over as the main provider for her…
Life Center Is A Refuge To The Community
It does not take long for even a newcomer to realize that Calvary Baptist of Pacoima’s weekly food pantry boasts a special ambiance. This Thursday, some 80 people will walk into the U-shaped driveway of the Life Center that the church has designated as its pantry, eager not just for food, but also to see…
Larry Receives Food, Love At Rock Of The Valley
The cost of living in the greater Los Angeles area continues to be a challenge for many. After paying the bills, little is often left to buy food. We believe everyone should have access to food. Our goal is to help meet people’s basic needs with love and kindness. With the help of Rescue Mission…
