After years of addiction and incarceration, a Rescue Mission recovery program helped Fred Johnson rebuild his life — and today he’s helping others do the same.
“Now you get to show these people, ‘This is where you can get to. This is something you can look forward to instead of being on the street,’” Johnson said.
For much of his life, Johnson struggled to see a path forward.
Family loss, addiction and repeated encounters with the criminal justice system left him trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to escape. But one decision changed the trajectory of his life: he finally asked for help.
That decision led him to the Rescue Mission of El Paso’s recovery program, where he found more than sobriety. He found structure, accountability, job training and a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Johnson manages Hallelujah! BBQ, a social enterprise operated by the Rescue Mission. The restaurant serves what many call the best barbecue in Texas, while creating employment opportunities for individuals working to rebuild their lives after addiction, homelessness or other hardships.
For Johnson, the role is deeply personal. Each day he works alongside people facing challenges he once faced himself, offering encouragement and demonstrating that long-term recovery and stability are possible.
His journey reflects the broader mission of the Rescue Mission of El Paso: helping individuals move from crisis to self-sufficiency through shelter, recovery services, workforce development and ongoing support.
The impact extends beyond the people enrolled in programs. Families are reunited, children gain stronger support systems and the community benefits when individuals are given the opportunity to start over.
Johnson credits the Rescue Mission, its staff and the generosity of donors for helping make that transformation possible. Community support helps provide meals, safe shelter, recovery programming and pathways to employment for hundreds of people each year.
Watch the video above to hear Johnson’s story in his own words and learn how a second chance became a new beginning.
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Every donation helps provide food, shelter, recovery services, job training and hope for individuals and families facing homelessness and hardship in our community.
Your gift can help create more stories like Fred’s by providing the resources people need to rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence.
The post How the Rescue Mission of El Paso helped Fred Johnson turn a second chance into a new life appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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