October Newsletter
Dear Friends of The Artisan’s House,
Your presence here means the world to us, the essence of community is what drives the heart of what we do at The Artisan’s House. We are not just here to update you on what is currently happening in our community, we are here to also share stories of people whose lives resonate profoundly within our hearts.
Today, we are honored to introduce you to someone who embodies resilience and strength in our community. Ruben Mendoza, his journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the enduring capacity to create change.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
- Hellen Keller
Ruben’s story began in the city of Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico. At just 8 months old he immigrated with his parents to the City of Fresno. Later, they settled in the area of San Gabriel Valley before finding their home in the City of Rialto. It was here that Ruben faced his first encounter with homelessness during his high school years. Despite these trials, he persevered and graduated from high school.
His path led him to UC Santa Barbara, where he faced his second and longest experience of homelessness. Due to the trauma he experienced during his childhood he battled severe depression, isolation, and substance misuse, but despite the struggle, Ruben discovered a determination to transform his life. What fueled this transformation was the lack of communication with his immediate family and noticing significant and unwanted behavioral changes in his spirit. Ruben worked on reconnection and healing with his family which still continues to this day.
Ruben made the courageous decision to change his life, seeking help for his mental health and overcoming his substance misuse disorder. He graduated with a BA from UC Santa Barbara, a testament to his resilience. Today, he stands as an advocate, dedicating his life to supporting young adults facing homelessness.
His journey didn’t end with his graduation, it just changed his life in a new direction. He now works tirelessly at Making Hope Happen Foundation, working to build a future for the youth of San Bernardino. He also works for the Human Services Department at San Bernardino Valley College, guiding students in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Ruben dreams of attaining a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. His vision is to collaborate with local cities in the Inland Empire, building communities that are self-sustainable and thriving.
Ruben’s story is a testament to the spirit of our community. His experiences have built his passion to make a difference, extend a hand to those in need, and create a community where everyone has a chance to flourish. As we share his personal story with you, we invite you to join us in celebrating Ruben’s journey and countless others who inspire us every day.
Thank you for being a part of our community, for your support, and for believing in the power of hope.