Seasons of Change: Isaac’s Journey

Isaac as a youth, playing baseball at Rancho.

When Isaac first arrived at Rancho San Antonio as a teenager, life felt uncertain. Growing up in East Los Angeles, he had faced challenges that left him restless, wounded, and searching for something more. What he found at Rancho was not just a place of care, but a community that opened his mind, encouraged healing, and planted seeds of hope that would guide him long after he left.

Isaac recalls how Rancho helped him learn to think differently, to pause, reflect, and analyze why people act the way they do. “Rancho opened my mind to think outside the box,” he shared. “It gave me the tools to understand that there’s always a reason behind behavior and that healing comes from being open and transparent.”

While he witnessed both triumphs and tragedies during his time in the program, Rancho gave him a safe space to process grief and learn that transparency and vulnerability are powerful steps toward healing.

During his stay, life took an unexpected turn when a relative recognized his name on a pharmacy medication list. This chance discovery connected Isaac with an extended family member who temporarily took him in. Although that chapter came with its own hardships, Isaac reflects with resilience: “There was a lot of healing that took place here [at Rancho]. I learned that even when people let you down, you can keep moving forward.” Ultimately, Rancho remained a constant, a place he could return to and feel supported through challenges.

One of the most impactful experiences for Isaac was his time in the chapel with Brother John. There, he first encountered the message of grace, forgiveness, and redemption. “So many people carry shame for what they’ve done or what was done to them,” Isaac reflected. “At Rancho, I learned the power of letting go of that shame. That changed everything for me.” This newfound faith shaped how Isaac saw himself and his future. It became a cornerstone of his healing and growth as a leader, father, and mentor.

In 2025 with his Certificate of Completion and trophy

Today, Isaac is a husband and father of three. He embraces fatherhood as both a responsibility and a calling: “I try to teach my kids to always be open, to share, to let things out instead of keeping them inside.” Isaac also uses his experiences to inspire others. He has volunteered as a youth leader in his church and often shares his story publicly. “I tell people, I’m no different than you. If I made it through, so can you. There’s always hope.”

His story is a powerful reminder that healing is not a straight line. It’s a journey of resilience, faith, and community, and Rancho remains a place where lives are transformed and futures are reimagined.