Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Rapaglia.
Ray Rapaglia was a Senior Vice President during his 20 + year career on Wall Street as a stockbroker and Senior Vice President. He achieved much financial success; however, he was unable to stop abusing drugs and alcohol. On June 21, 2010, Ray became homeless and lived in a cemetery under a tree. He had lost all hope in life and had a rope in his hand trying to decide which branch to hang himself from. A man named Michael, who was a recovered addict himself, helped Ray in his darkest moment. Inspired by that and God, Ray now has over ten years without a drink or a drug. Ray describes himself as being happier than ever before and shows his gratitude by helping men and women.
Ray founded James Club Recovery (a FARR Recovery Residence) on September 11th, 2016 and is dedicated to giving back to the community and helping people. During his time in recovery, Ray has been presented with the “2014 Recovery Man of the Year” award and the “Golden Rule Award” recognized by the United Nations and the African Counsel. In 2016, Ray was asked to share his testimony on Capitol Hill, where three senators were present. As well, Ray received the 2017 ‘Shomrim Man of the Year’ Award (the Nation’s largest Jewish law enforcement society). More recently, Ray received a “Proclamation” from Broward Mayor Mark Bogen stating, August 20th, 2019, is “Ray Rapaglia Day” in Broward County, Florida.
Ray has brought hundreds of meetings and his message of hope, with his ministry, into jails, prisons, treatment centers and many other institutions. He preaches a spiritual awakening that will result from a relationship with God, coupled with the twelve steps. Ray believes this will achieve permanent sobriety and indescribable inner joy that results from having a purpose in life.
He regularly goes to court on behalf of our residents and Ray works with many of the top Broward County judges to help get deserving men out of jail by requesting them to be court-ordered to James Club. As well, Ray was featured in November of 2016 on the hit series “Intervention,” and interviewed on NBC News discussing his efforts to battle drug addiction and how he looks to save lives. Ray is determined to provide a solution to the opiate crisis, lower overdoses, reduce homelessness and the recidivism rates. Ray is a very active parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church and was saved at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, Tracey and a devoted father to his two children and three stepchildren.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My worst day in recovery is much better than my best day in active addiction. I’m living a life beyond my wildest dreams and for that, I am a blessed man.
After being a millionaire on Wall Street and traveled by limousine, I lived under a tree and ate out of a garbage pail due to my opioid drug addiction. Today my life‘s daily challenges are luxury problems. My wife and I reside in a beautiful house in Hollywood, Florida and I don’t have to take the bus anymore. My children are back in my life and I own the James Club. I take it one day at a time and I know if I remain clean and sober, everything will be Ok. I enjoy every moment of my life and I am so grateful.
Please tell us about James Club Recovery.
James club Recovery is dedicated to helping men and women when they first get out of jail or prison especially those that have struggled with drugs and or alcohol. We look for individuals that want to turn their life around and do the right things and above all be honest. We provide many services but above all, we love on our residents. Many of our clients initially are indigent so we offer employment placement services. We just recently created a nonprofit and are looking to take our concept nationally. We have a very unique concept that we teach. We call it the 7S’s to success. We offer a four-phase program and believe in a relationship with a higher power, coupled with 12 steps will result in a purposeful life and sustained sobriety. I have been so blessed to have help thousands of individuals. We have produced many graduates who became reunited with their children and families. Our concept has produced countless success stories that now have purposeful lives. Because of all this, I am forever grateful to God.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe my genuine and sincere desire to help others, with the right intention, has been the key to my success. That, coupled with hard work, honesty and above all, God, has produced joy and fulfillment in my life.
Contact Info:
- Address: James Club Recovery
745 NW 2nd Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 - Website: www.jamesclubrecovery.com
- Phone: 9543801492
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: RayRapaglia
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