The City Center Team 

Executive Director

Jim Duran is a lifelong Ventura resident and serves as Executive Director of The City Center Transitional Living and Tender Life Maternity Home, as well as Senior Pastor of The River Community Church. Since planting The River in 2004, Jim has dedicated his life to serving Ventura County and supporting individuals and families in need.

Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a Master’s degree in Theology. He has received numerous community honors, including Ventura’s Citizen of the Year, Hometown Hero, and the City of Ventura’s first Legacy Award.

Jim and his wife, Pam, have been married for more than 30 years and have six children and four grandchildren.

E-mail: jduran@thecitycenter.org
Phone: 805-628-9035

On-Site Managers

Ralph Shankle is a father of two sons and two grandchildren. He spent 18 years managing a heavy truck dealership as a master mechanic for a company here in Ventura. After the company was sold, Ralph found his calling as House Manager and part of the ministry team at the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard.

During the COVID pandemic, Ralph rekindled his relationship with his wife, Melanie, whom he had known in his younger years. They were married in 2021 and were blessed with the opportunity to serve together as On-Site Managers at The City Center.

While Melanie recently moved back home to Michigan, Ralph continues serving as the On-Site Manager at The City Center. He plans to retire from The City Center next year and join Melanie in Michigan, where they will begin this next chapter of their lives together. Until then, Ralph continues to use his experience, heart for ministry, and personal testimony to serve and minister to those at The City Center.

Ralph's E-mail: rshankle@thecitycenter.org
Phone: 805-628-9035

Case Manager

Maria Luna serves as a Case Manager at The City Center, bringing deep compassion and understanding to her role. Her passion for helping men, women, and families in crisis comes from her own personal journey through addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. By the grace of God, she found freedom and healing—and now devotes her life to walking alongside others on their path to restoration.

For more than 20 years, Maria served at Ventura Teen Challenge, mentoring individuals, coordinating intakes, and supporting those in recovery. Today, she continues this calling at The City Center, guiding residents as they work toward stability, healing, and independence. Maria is committed to reminding every person she serves that no matter where they’ve been, with faith, support, and determination, a new life is always within reach.

E-mail: mluna@thecitycenter.org
Phone: 805-628-9035

Case Manager

Brandi Brown was born in Oxnard and began struggling with addiction and homelessness at a young age. After becoming a mother at 15, she eventually found hope through her relationship with God and began rebuilding her life.

Brandi came to The City Center in 2017. After leaving the program and later returning to finish what she started, she graduated and continued building a stable life for herself and her daughter, Jaime.

Brandi is grateful for the support and guidance she received at The City Center and remains passionate about helping others who are working to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.

E-mail: bbrown@thecitycenter.org
Phone: 805-628-9035

Jane Exell

Mentor Coordinator

Jane has a heart for encouraging and supporting women. After serving as a mentor at The City Center, she became Mentor Coordinator in 2021, a role that allows her to combine her faith, experience, and passion for helping others.

Jane and John are active members of Redeemer’s Church in Ventura. They have two adult children and enjoy cooking, gardening, and dancing together.

E-mail: jexell@thecitycenter.org
Phone: 805-628-9035