Mother Finds Hope and Strength at Bay Area Rescue Mission

Martina Lozano, a 33-year-old mother of four, has transformed her life through the support of the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond, California. After enduring a turbulent childhood and a series of traumatic experiences, Lozano has emerged as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Her journey from despair to recovery illustrates the profound impact of community support and resilience.

Lozano’s early life was marked by trauma and instability. She grew up in a loving yet dysfunctional household in Oakland and Antioch, California, where she faced sexual assault as a child. By age 11, she began running away, becoming entangled in gangs, juvenile crime, and abusive relationships. At just 15 years old, she became a mother, giving birth to her first child. Unfortunately, addiction followed, leading to periods of homelessness, including living out of her truck and losing custody of her children.

The turning point for Lozano came in February 2023, when she survived a violent incident in which a boyfriend shot her in the face with a flare gun. The injury, which left a permanent scar on her left cheek, marked what she describes as her rock bottom. Three months later, determined to reclaim her life, she joined the Bay Area Rescue Mission’s holistic recovery program. This nonprofit organization has been aiding individuals in overcoming homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence since 1965.

Lozano now reflects on her past with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. “Something’s weird about when you live past an age that you think you’re not going to reach,” she remarked. More than two years sober, she has regained custody of her four children—James, 17, Ramiro, 12, Jasme, 7, and Clark, 6—who now live with her at the mission’s shelter, which housed 151 women and children in 2024.

In her role as a residential assistant at the rescue mission, Lozano has developed a supportive network. Bram Begonia, CEO of the Bay Area Rescue Mission, noted the significant change in her demeanor. “There’s an inner joy that Martina radiates. When she first got here, she barely smiled. Now, she can’t contain it,” he said.

Alongside her responsibilities at the shelter, Lozano is pursuing her education at Contra Costa College, aiming to transfer to UC Berkeley to earn a degree in sociology. Her ambition is to establish a program for the Native American community, inspired by her own experiences and the support she received. “I promised my kids that I was going to be a better mom,” she said, as she prepared to move her family into their first real home, a three-bedroom apartment near Richmond’s city center.

Lozano’s heritage as a member of the Navajo, Arapaho, and Pomo tribes has influenced her recovery journey. She expressed a desire to reconnect with the traditions and ceremonies of her childhood, emphasizing the importance of family support in her healing process. “They’re cheering for me the best way they can,” she said, reflecting on her family’s encouragement despite their own challenges.

The Bay Area Rescue Mission plays a pivotal role in her recovery, providing a unique environment where mothers can live with their children while they work toward sobriety and stability. The organization offers comprehensive support, including case management, vocational training, and onsite daycare, enabling mothers to focus on their recovery while ensuring their children’s needs are met.

Lozano credits the mission’s staff for their compassion and understanding. “They didn’t kick me out! They’re still meeting me with love,” she stated, highlighting the importance of emotional support in her journey. Begonia described Lozano’s story as “extraordinary” but not unique, noting that many individuals share similar paths to recovery.

As Lozano continues to thrive, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience and community support. The Bay Area Rescue Mission remains committed to helping individuals like Lozano reclaim their lives, providing essential resources for recovery from homelessness, addiction, and domestic violence.

For those looking to support these efforts, Share the Spirit, a nonprofit organization associated with the East Bay Times, invites donations to assist the Bay Area Rescue Mission in providing vital services. The goal is to raise $30,000 to fund case management, trauma-informed counseling, and vocational training for women in the program. Donations can be made at sharethespiriteastbay.org/donate.

Lozano’s remarkable transformation reflects a broader narrative of hope and healing within the community, illustrating how support and determination can lead to a brighter future.