Faces of Hunger: The Individual Changed by a Member Agency- (success story)

Foodbank Touches Lives ~ A Man With a Mission

L.B. Chandler, 28, did not see a future until he heard of the treatment program at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission and asked the judicial system to give him one more chance, the shelter or incarceration. “I knew if I didn’t go to the Rescue Mission I wouldn’t make it,” said Chandler.

Chandler got his wish and now credits the Rescue Mission and his faith in God for his success. After living on the edge for five years Chandler spent his first night at the shelter. “It was the first time I’d felt safe in many years,” he said. “I had a safe and comfortable place to sleep and a warm meal to eat.”

“Places like the Rescue Mission and the Foodbank, what these organizations do are they give people hope and a chance to be apart of things,” said Chandler. “I look at my part in life now – in my life and those around me.”

“Our program graduates are heroes. Regardless of the factors that brought them to a point of need, it is heroic to see them receive God’s love, establish healthy relationships take responsibility for their situation and begin working toward autonomy,” said Rescue Mission President Rolf Geyling of the graduate’s ongoing success.

Chandler now attends Santa Barbara City College and is pursuing his residential treatment specialist’s certification and is a fulltime employee at the Rescue Mission. He is also a big part of his 3-year-old son’s life, the most important outcome he is thankful for.