“I would beg God to get me out of this situation.” After years of addiction, abuse, and separation from her children, she knew something had to give. “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Recovery wasn’t easy. But through sober living, showing up for other women, and finding a support system at God’s Pantry, Riki began to rebuild her life, one decision at a time.“I am the mother my kids need. I have a great job with people who love me.”Today, she’s living a life she once thought was impossible. “I can’t believe it. I’m doing everything I thought I could never do.”

“When I started, it was my first job ever. I was shy and nervous. But this was a good environment for me, I wanted to stay as much as I could.” Ronald joined God’s Pantry in 2021 through a GR program placement. At first, he kept his head down and learned the ropes, starting with a pallet jack. But soon, he was asking for more responsibility and stepping into leadership. “Just meeting other trainees and getting along—it changes you. Once you keep coming, you break that shell.” Now, Ronald helps manage warehouse operations alongside our warehouse manager, Art.

“I didn’t know any better. No one taught me any better. It’s not the person, it’s the environment.” Jason, a father of three, spent all of his 20s and 30s in California state prison. Growing up in a gang-infested neighborhood in Pico Rivera, he was labeled before he even had a chance. “The cops labeled you based on your neighbors. Eventually, I just gave up. I said, ‘I’m in.’” When he got out, Jason walked through the doors of God’s Pantry with one thing on his mind: starting over. “It had to be a humbling start just to go fill out that application, I always took away from a lot of people, and it just feels good giving back.” Today, Jason works at God’s Pantry, and is working toward a degree in sociology and liberal arts, with dreams of getting into prison reform. “There was a time I didn’t love my life. But now I do. When you’re doing the right thing, other people recognize you. What carries on is how you carry yourself and how you communicate. Everyone I work with—I got mad love for.”

“God’s Pantry has a wonderful group of individuals who actually care and are very supportive. I have an awesome Navigator, who was my support through the whole process. She showed up when I didn’t think anyone else would show up. She vouched for me, she worked with me. I am now one year clean and sober. My life is better. It is getting better.”

After bouncing between motels and couches while raising her kids alone, Angela found stability and support through the community at God’s Pantry.“Here at God’s Pantry, it’s been very supportive. All the staff and navigators have been so great, open, and welcoming. Also, challenging me personally.” With the help of counseling, parenting classes, and housing support, including SGVCOG’s HSF program, Angela moved into a place of her own. “My kids love staying home now. It finally feels like home. I have grown so much here. I did have my falls, but it’s been such a great opportunity.”

Now enrolled in school to study Psychology, Angela hopes to become a counselor and mentor for others.

“I went in at 15 and came home at 40.”Brandon spent 25 years incarcerated for a gang-related offense. His early life was marked by trauma, addiction, and feeling like he was treated as “less than human.” After his release, while living in a sober home, he met a pastor who introduced him to God’s Pantry. “I just wanted to work. I didn’t know what God’s Pantry was, only that it was a food bank.” Brandon started as a trainee and eventually became a Navigator, mentoring others, leading groups, and guiding tours. “It’s not just about food; It’s about wraparound support. When people see that you truly want to help, they’re more willing to receive it. God’s Pantry gave me a foundation to start life over again. I went in at 15 and came out at 40. When I got out, I didn't fit in and didn't know how to adjust. God's Pantry has been there to guide me, and given confidence that I can do things.” In 2024, Brandon reached two major milestones: he moved into his own apartment and started a full-time job in construction, a role he’s thriving in. “Now I go to concerts, run 5Ks, and enjoy life. I get to be who I really am.”

“It doesn’t matter where you come from. It does not define you.”
Emily’s words reflect a strength shaped by her upbringing in Pomona, where poverty and gang violence were part of daily life. Emily joined God’s Pantry in 2020 as a trainee, helping in the warehouse. Over time, she kept showing up, asking questions, seeking growth. One of the most meaningful parts of her experience was the morning meetings. Everyone joins the circle as equals. “I came out of my shell,” crediting her mentor, Johnny, and supervisor, Kristy, for helping her find her voice. Determined to rise above it, she became the first in her family to graduate high school and attend Cal State Fullerton. In 2025, she was offered a mental health internship at GP.

Now studying psychology, Emily is focused on giving back—determined to help others the way she was helped.

After years in and out of prison, battling addiction and homelessness, Fabian reached a breaking point, and a turning point. “I didn’t know how to stay clean. I didn’t even know how to live.” What started as community service hours turned into something bigger. Fabian found purpose and healing through helping others. “I think it was being of service that actually helped me. This love and grace… it’s what I looked for my whole life.” Now sober, a husband and father, and part of the God’s Pantry team, Fabian helps others find the same hope he once needed.