By Wyatt Miller
Josie Casarrubias, the director of Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) San Fernando Valley, has always been passionate about helping people.
"I really believe it's my ministry, my calling," Casarrubias said on the RMA website. "I've tried other jobs, but I've always been drawn to positions that involve helping, teaching, building people up."
Casarrubias said she comes from a broken family, has experienced an abusive relationship and became a mother at a young age. Her faith helped her realize her calling of helping people, and she's worked at the RMA for almost five years now.
The Rams honored Casarrubias as their 13th "pLAymaker" honoree of 2024, presenting her with a $5,000 check for her organization. She started out as the program manager, responsible for the operation of Home Again (RMA SFV's family shelter), and supervised the staff onsite. She became director this year.
"I feel incredibly honored and humbled," Casarrubias said. "Being recognized encourages me to keep striving for excellence. It reminds me that even the smallest efforts can have a meaningful and far-reaching impact."
The Rescue Mission Alliance is a Christian, non-profit organization "ministering to the needs of the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services," according to the website. The organization was founded in the 1970s and has serviced families in Southern California ever since.
They offer free services throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, targeting the whole person.
"Rescue Mission Alliance- SFV offers a range of services, including emergency assistance and long-term rehabilitation programs, to address the holistic needs—body, mind, and spirit—of individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and poverty," Casarrubias said. "Their goal is to facilitate life transformation by providing support that leads to healthy, self-sufficient lives."
Casarrubias has lived in the San Fernando Valley her entire life, and has dedicated much of it to helping the communities in and around it. She helps organize events and feels "blessed" to have been recognized by different organizations for her efforts in the community.
Last year, a City Council person recognized her as Pioneer Woman of The Year for Homeless Services, and she's been invited to share the Rescue Mission Alliance goals and message on Spanish Christian radio.
"To me, inspiring change means sparking a desire in myself or others to move toward growth, progress, and improvement," Casarrubias said. "I believe change begins with a shift in mindset, through education, encouragement, love and leading by example.
"If we each commit to making one positive change, no matter how small, we can inspire others to do the same and build a stronger, more connected community together."
