The R Angels Journey
My Unconditional Love
My life story, a testament to the power of purpose and unconditional love, began with a difficult transition from US Army service into civilian life as a disabled veteran battling PTSD and substance abuse. After years of suffering and a lack of advocacy, a profound spiritual journey emerged from the deep depression, revealing an innate gift inside of me of love for all people and a clear calling: to teach about systems within systems and how to unbind ourselves from them. This spiritual alignment, emphasizing transparency, internal alignment, integrity, and morally purposeful decisions for my own self, showed me there's room for everyone at the table and that recovery is a deeply personal journey, it cannot be put in a box. As the Co-founder and Administrative Director of R Angels, I embody this "freestyle love," a mission that saved my own life and now extends to serving 60 beds across Kings and Tulare counties with in-home Peer Support teams, and the backbone of our mission, who advocate for one another at all times - starting right at home.
-Jessica Rangel
My Family
My name is Sam Garcia, and R Angels Sober Living Housing gave me something I didn’t have before — a true sense of family. The environment encouraged real brotherhood, where we showed up for one another, supported each other, and stepped in when someone fell short. It wasn’t just about sharing a house; it was about building each other up and growing together.
That brotherhood became even more real when we lost one of our own in a motorcycle accident — someone who was not only a resident but one of my best friends. In that moment of pain, we came together as a community, standing with his family and honoring his memory. It showed me that R Angels isn’t just a sober living home; it’s a place where people truly care, where bonds are genuine, and where no one has to face the hardest moments alone.
The directors played a huge role in creating that environment. They take the time to know each of us personally, treating us like individuals instead of numbers. Their involvement, compassion, and leadership made the house feel like a home rather than a facility. Because of that, I was able to heal, stay accountable, and focus on becoming a better version of myself.
R Angels gave me family, stability, and the foundation I needed to rebuild my life and stay on the right path.
My Power to Transform
As the Co-Founder and Program Director of R Angels, I am a direct product of this community's power to transform. My journey began down a challenging path, starting with drug and alcohol use at age 12, which culminated in a 15-year prison sentence by the time I was 18. Instead of letting my circumstances define me, I committed to self-education while incarcerated, earning my G.E.D., studying real estate, and completing business courses. The transition from prison was difficult, facing immense obstacles like having no credit, no work history, and a felony record. Today, I am proud to have overcome those barriers, co-owning and operating four successful sober living supportive homes. Now, I dedicate myself to giving back to the community that fostered my change, teaching the very principles and paths that led to my success to others who are standing where I once stood.
-Eduardo Nuno
My Ability
I've been given a unique opportunity since joining the team at R Angels; I've had the chance to witness firsthand the persistent loyalty to doing the right thing and serving our community to the best of my ability. When I was offered a leadership position within the program, it required me to internalize and reflect those same values. This experience has been transformative, teaching me to place humility at the forefront of every decision I make and to genuinely love being in the position of a trusted servant, starting right here at home.
-R Angels 1550 Peer Support Lead
My Recovery
I am thankful for my recovery today, and everyone that’s helped me to be, now, sober and clean for 14 months. I started my rehabilitation last year September 19th 2024, a week before I checked myself in to Pine Recovery Center. I knew I wanted to get sober but I also knew I wasn’t going to stay sober if I didn’t do something different. I had hit a new low in my meth addiction and evil ways. After completing 2 months @ Pine I moved into a friends house for a month continuing to attend AA meetings continuing to search for answers of why and how I always fall back to drugs and alcohol. I heard of a new sober living program called R Angels offering sober living through Medical. So, I decided to continue my recovery there for the next 6 months. I learned to live every day with a plan and with a purpose. I’ve since been reunited with my family and continue living to my best ability understanding Gods will for me.
-Refugio Topete JR
My Accountability
R Angels gave me a chance to focus on my recovery and get my life back on track.
Jessica, Lalo (Eduardo) and the brothers supported me and held me accountable, which made a big difference. I was able to learn new skills and find ways to cope with tough situations. I got a job when I was in R Angels then from there, I got an apartment, then a car, and now I'm moving forward and achieving my goals. If it wasn’t for R Angels, I don’t know where I would be. My heart is filled with gratitude to call myself an Angel.
-Ruben Gutierrez .
My Process
-Anthony Allen Bailey JR
My Sense of Purpose
Since I have been in the R Angels Program, I found a different sense of purpose from what I have chosen in a different life. I was blessed to be put in a Lead position that enabled me to have a sense of responsibility over those that need the guidance and assistance to better themselves. Although I've had my own setbacks, I continue to stay firm and positive. Since I've been here, I had to learn a lot of things on my own such as applying for a job online, as I am still new to all these new technologies. I've learned how to lay tiles down on the floor, I've learned cementing. Since coming out from prison, I developed a sense of direction to where I can give back to the community by being a peer support which open's doors to other avenues. I'm in the process of getting my driver's license which I plan to use and eventually open up a barber shop and a tattoo shop. I also plan to pursue renewing my welding certification.
R Angels 1550 Peer Support Lead
My Opportunity
R Angels allowed me the opportunity to visualize success like it was intended, through hard work and taking that first step.
-C.S.
My Spirituality
Since I have came to R Angels I have found my spiritual side. I pray more and I go to church. I have completed the 12 steps of recovery. I now have the keys to and run an AA group. I graduated the R Angels 6 month program, been with them for about 10 months and have 512 days sober. I have an upcoming job and in the process of getting my driver's license.
R Angels Modoc Peer Support Lead
My Self-Esteem
During my time at R Angels, I was able to get a job, I started to go back to church - it made me believe in myself. I got my self-esteem back. I was on the streets for about ten years, now I sleep on a bed - not on the sidewalk. I'm almost done with drug court; I've been clean for almost a year. I'm trying to get my license back. Now that I'm on the leadership team it just gave me more confidence, I love R Angels. It's the best thing that's happened to me in a long time, thank you so much.
R Angels Modoc Peer Support Lead
My Steppingstone
I found a safe loving environment where I could grow into a more mature man. R Angels gave me a good foundation to start my new life sober and clean. I give them all the thanks for giving me a steppingstone to a better life.
-Raymond Cuellar
My Rebuild
My experience within R Angels Supportive housing is far greater than I can ever put into words but allow me to touch on some points that stand out to me every single day. I had recently been released from prison from doing a total of 10 years. I never knew what it was like to have a job or complete school. I never knew how to do things the right way in terms of driving with a valid drivers license or how to open a bank account. It wasn’t until I made a decision to come into the program upon my release from prison where I learned far much more then expected.
For starters, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support and assistance provided by R Angels Supportive Living during a pivotal time in my life. Upon my release from prison, I found myself faced with numerous challenges, but with the guidance and resources offered by the program, I was able to navigate the transition back into society effectively.
From the moment I arrived at R Angels, I experienced an overwhelming sense of love and kindness that permeated the household. This environment not only made me feel welcomed but also reinforced my belief in the possibility of change and reintegration. The support from the directors themselves and fellow residents created a strong sense of community, enabling me to share my struggles and achievements openly.
Throughout my time in the program, I was introduced to a myriad of resources that were crucial in helping me rebuild my life. The guidance I received in terms of job search strategies, resume building, and interview preparation made a significant difference in my confidence and job readiness. Additionally, the emotional support I found within the program was transformative. Knowing that I was not alone in my journey fostered resilience and hope.
R Angels provided me with essential life skills that equipped me with the tools needed to adapt to everyday challenges. The discussions on coping strategies and community involvement were invaluable as I worked towards establishing a stable life. I also appreciated the focus on mental well-being, as it helped me process my experiences and focus on my goals.
The love and camaraderie shared within the household played a significant role in my recovery. I felt genuinely cared for by everyone involved, and this support network encouraged me to strive for personal growth and success. Each member of the R Angels community contributed to my healing process, reminding me of the importance of compassion and cooperation.
Today, I have graduated with my Associates of Science Degree in Business Management, A certificate of achievement in General Business, I am currently full time employed, I received my driver’s license from the DMV, I purchase a car off the car lot fully insured, I have a bank account for my spending money and another one for savings, I am still furthering my education on a college level, I am building my credit, and I am 5 years clean and sober this coming February 2026.
In conclusion, I am incredibly grateful for the support I received from R Angels Supportive Living. The resources, guidance, and emotional support have been instrumental in my journey towards reintegration. I will be forever grateful for such a nurturing environment where individuals like myself can thrive and reclaim our lives.
-Rafael A Santillan Jr.
My Healing
R Angels showed me a way of life and helped me heal my soul.
- Race Slater
My New Path
A little background on me; I grew up in gangs my whole life, in and out of juvenile hall, group homes, county jail, and prison...my life was a wild mess, and I had no good path but prison or death. But since I've joined the program, I have been given a second opportunity at life. I started to take up painting murals in the houses we live in. I've obtained all my papers needed to live a normal life: My ID, Driver's License, Social Security Card and have enrolled in college. I'm happy to say I gained a job just recently and a lot of other things I've never done in my life - normal things. Now I serve as a Peer Support Lead...It truly has been a life changing experience since I've been in this sober living program. Even though I'm the one who did the work, I do owe a lot of it to the program as Jessica and Lalo have pushed me to reach my goals, thank you.
-R Angels 1525 Peer Support Lead
My Pursuit
My name is Alex. My past consists of 7 plus years of active addiction to multiple substances. My daily life was miserable to say the least and my future seemed bleak. After I made the conscious decision to become clean and sober and went through 90 days of in-patient treatment, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into R Angels Sober Living. To put it mildly this program helped save my life. R Angels provided me with pertinent life skills and greatly assisted in my personal growth. I was able to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am now on a career path to become an AOD (Alcohol and Drug) Counselor, in order to help other individuals recover from their addictions and be able to live a clean and fulfilling life. This program provided me with this opportunity. Undoubtedly the appreciation I have for R Angels is insurmountable. I now have over 13 months of sobriety, and I will be forever grateful for R Angels, this program most definitely put me on the path towards a successful life.
-R Angels 209 Peer Support Lead
My Tradition
I received incredible support from R Angels during a challenging time, and that's something I'm very proud of. This program provided a foundation for my new beginning by offering essential sober living arrangements and transitional housing, which is critical for stability and relapse prevention. Furthermore, they give you the necessary assistance to navigate the difficult job market by offering job search support, skill-building workshops, and connections to employer networks, empowering you to secure employment and build a self-sufficient, positive future. This comprehensive wrap-around support—covering sobriety, housing, and employment—is key to successfully reintegrating into the community and breaking the cycle of incarceration. Because of this I was changed and I am now a lead so that I can join the movement, show others to identify their gifts, use their gifts with purpose, and become better men. It is now part of my tradition - to help men build better men.
- R Angels 209 Peer Support Lead
My Independence
R Angels played a critical role in helping me rebuild my life. After my release from rehab and county jail, idea of facing the world was challenging, but housing with R Angels provided the crucial support system I needed. With their guidance and resources, I was able to successfully navigate the steps to regain my independence, I got my driver's license back, which is often a major hurdle. This, coupled with their assistance in securing a full-time job, marks a significant milestone in my journey, demonstrating my commitment to a fresh start and the powerful impact that dedicated support from an organization like R Angels can have on a person's recovery and reintegration.
-R Angels 209 Peer Support Lead
My Unbinding
My name is Alex Islas. I'm a recovering addict who has 11 months and 21 days clean As I write this letter. I currently am employed full time and have moved into my own apartment. I finally feel like I'm contributing to society. I also volunteer my time to help others trying to recover from drug addiction. My life has improved dramatically and I'm excited about what the future may hold. None of this would have been possible for me if I hadn't had help along the way.
Since 2019 I have entered treatment facilities a staggering 22 times. It seemed like the story would never end. I would complete in patient treatment and would have to leave the facility and often times go right back to where I came from. Sometimes slowly and other times quickly I would find myself doing the same things that got me into treatment. It definitely became cycle I was determined to break. So I entered treatment again on September 6 of 2024 for the last time. I worked hard while in treatment. I gained employment in while in treatment. I worked a 12 step program of recovery. But i had done this before. In the back of my mind I knew that if I didn't have somewhere to go after treatment I would be at risk of a potential relapse.
While in treatment I learned about RAngels transitional living. They offered up to six months of housing for there clients and accepted medical insurance. This was perfect. It's exactly what I needed. I couldn't have landed in a better place. Jessica and Lalo genuinely care for what there doing and who they are helping. I hope they continue to help there community and enrich the life of the people they help.
Sincerely, Alejandro Islas
My Anchor
That day, as the prison gates clanged shut behind me, the immediate sense of disorientation was overwhelming, and after inpatient treatment, once R "angels"—my family and closest friends—were right there, it was a beacon of unconditional love and stability. Their presence alone was a powerful anchor, a silent promise that I wasn't facing the outside world alone; they had secured a temporary place for me to stay, I already had a job lead lined up based on my old skills, and simply held space for me to talk without judgment. They helped me navigate the initial bureaucratic hurdles of reentry, reminding me of appointments and providing transportation, but more importantly, their constant, unwavering belief in my future, not my past, became the steady wind beneath my wings, providing the emotional foundation I desperately needed to rebuild a meaningful, productive life.
Bobby Vaughn