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How the Rescue Mission of El Paso helped Fred Johnson turn a second chance into a new life
By Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
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 st...
Key takeaway This is something you can look forward to instead of being on the street,’” Johnson said.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The Rescue Mission of El Paso 's success in helping individuals like Fred Johnson rebuild their lives has significant implications for the community. By providing a comprehensive recovery program, the organization is addressing the root causes of homelessness and addiction, rather than just their symptoms. Johnson's story demonstrates the potential for long-term recovery and stability, and his role at Hallelujah! BBQ shows how this can be achieved through a combination of structure, accountability, and job training. The fact that the restaurant is able to provide employment opportunities for individuals working to rebuild their lives is a testament to the power of social enterprises in creating positive change. As the community continues to grapple with issues of poverty and homelessness, the Rescue Mission's approach offers a valuable model for how to create lasting impact and support individuals in achieving self-sufficiency.
About this story
Original reporting by El Paso Matters . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit El Paso Matters . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: El Paso Matters ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 st...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by El Paso Matters and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Special to El Paso Matters at El Paso Matters. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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