“I fell into the same destructive pattern my father was trapped in.”
Johnny was born here in Fresno, the second oldest of five kids, to hardworking parents. But though they did their best to raise a loving family, Johnny’s home life could be challenging.
“My dad had a drinking problem, and in his fits he would physically abuse my mom, which was the most traumatic thing I saw growing up,” he says.
But despite his desire to escape the pattern, Johnny found himself falling into the same struggle with addiction.
“My dad had a drinking problem and now I have one. I didn’t want to fit into that mold but it happens.”
Though Johnny was always able to keep a job and a place to live, eventually his drinking caught up with him. He was arrested for DUI and spent several months in jail, grieving for the way his life had turned out.
As soon as he left jail, Johnny came to the Fresno Mission – determined to create a better life for himself.
“Being around this community showed me that I don’t need alcohol to be the person I’m meant to be.”
At the Mission, Johnny began the process of rebuilding his life. He found a community of support to help and encourage him along his journey, and that made a huge difference in his recovery.
“It takes a group effort. Everybody here is wanting to make their life better and you need someone to help keep you accountable.”
Johnny was able to take his years of experience in the kitchen and translate it to working here – serving as the team lead to ensure everything runs smoothly in the Mission’s kitchen. He hopes to go back to school and continue on the path of helping others.
This Easter, Johnny is experiencing the gift of new life! He has been transformed and empowered to begin his next chapter – thanks to your support. “Before I came here I was selfish. Now I want to be selfless and kind and contribute to the community.”
Leticia’s story appeared in the Easter edition of Lighthouse News.