My name is Ron Vaca; I have lived in Orange County all my life.  I grew up with both parents in my life, both of parents were migrant workers, my dad picked oranges, figs and grapefruits, my mom picked strawberry's, tomato's and string beans.  I grew up with nine people in my family, at a young age I got caught up hanging around with guys in the hood, at the age of thirteen I started smoking pot, I started experiencing with acid, and started getting busted for different things, until the last arrest my D A told me to plea bargain which included going to Vietnam, going to prison, or try working, I chose to work.  I was hired by the city, and I worked that same job for over 30 years, never missing a day of work.  When I retired, my job recognized me for my excellent work record and my dependability.

I continued to party and I started to realize that I needed help.  I turned to God in 1987 and asked Him to help me, and my life was turned around.  Right away, I started volunteering at Fred C. Nellis Youth Correctional Facility; I shared about the need for a changed life, and the benefit of living and being accountable.   

Today, I am divorced because of my life style choices, but I realize that things happen for a reason, so, I choose to give back. I am determined not to be viewed as a loser, but instead I want the young men I work with and people I encounter to view me as an over comer; that is why I facilitate the IMPACT program. In the IMPACT program, I have the opportunity to share hope and the possibility of living your dreams.  I believe if I can help one young man not make the choices I made and not have to endure the pain and sorrow I have felt and that I caused others, than what I have gone through will not be for naught.  

As I look back on my life, today, I can see that the Lord was with me all this time.  Because of the life style I chose to live, I should have been dead on many different occasions.

By going back, to prison I feel a great sense of self worth; as I tell everyone, I share with, if I can change so can you, but you have to want it!