Also at the ceremony, a program grad reunited with MHALA team who helped him

For over a year, Rescue Mission Alliance Antelope Valley has had the privilege of partnering with Hannah Frank, development manager for Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA), by donating food and hygiene bags to their Lancaster Community Center.

Recently, RMA AV’s warehouse manager, Rony Aguilar, was honored to be invited to MHALA’s annual Golden Bell Awards, where he accepted an award on behalf of RMA AV.

But the real highlight of the day was hearing the incredible story of one of our Mission’s very own RMA Ventura County men’s Life Recovery Program graduates, William, who was also being recognized for his inspiring journey of recovery.

William once battled addiction, gang involvement, and alcoholism, losing everything in the process, including his home and marriage. Tired of living in abandoned houses and motels, he finally decided to reach out for help. MHALA connected him with our Ventura recovery program and even drove him there to begin his journey to healing.

After graduating from the program, William returned to Antelope Valley, where he rebuilt his marriage and began reintegrating into his community. When he discovered that the Mission had a food bank in the area, he came by to share his story and express his deep gratitude for the support he received during his darkest times.

William soon began volunteering with us as his way of giving back. One day, while serving alongside our team, he was reunited—by complete surprise—with the two MHALA volunteers who had originally taken
him to our men’s recovery program. It was a deeply emotional moment and a powerful reminder of how our partnership with MHALA continues to change lives.

MHALA Outreach Specialists Jessica Villareal and Mario Solis (right), men’s Life Recovery Program graduate William and his wife (center), and Rony Aguilar (far left). Jessica and Mario brought William to the RMA VC Mission for help.