RayRapaglia
Founder & Executive Director
Ray Rapaglia is the CEO and Founder of James Club Recovery, a leading recovery residence dedicated to transforming lives through support and advocacy for those struggling with addiction. Before his journey into recovery, Ray enjoyed a successful 20+ year career as a Senior Vice President on Wall Street, where he thrived as a stockbroker. Despite his financial accomplishments, Ray struggled privately with drug and alcohol addiction, ultimately losing everything and became homeless in June 2010.
At his lowest point, Ray encountered a man in recovery who played a pivotal role in turning his life around by introducing him to a recovery residence. This experience ignited Ray’s commitment to sobriety, and today, he proudly celebrates over 14 years of clean and sober living. His personal journey has fueled his passion for helping others, particularly as an advocate for members of James Club Recovery in the court system.
Ray is an active member of the recovery community, serving as an Executive Board Member on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR) and as a Board Member for the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC) Advisory Board, the largest detox facility in Broward County. In September 2016, he founded James Club Recovery, a FARR-certified recovery residence, where he dedicates himself to aiding individuals in navigating their recovery journey. Ray works tirelessly, often seven days a week, guiding countless men through the 12 steps of recovery.
Throughout his recovery, Ray’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was honored with the “2014 Recovery Man of the Year” award and the prestigious “Golden Rule Award,” recognized by the United Nations and the African Counsel. In 2016, he shared his powerful testimony on Capitol Hill, advocating for improved recovery resources. He was also named the 2017 ‘Shomrim Society Man of the Year’ by the nation’s largest Jewish law enforcement society. In recognition of his impact on the community, Broward Mayor Mark Bogen proclaimed August 20th, 2019, as “Ray Rapaglia Day.”
In 2021, Ray received the Humanitarian Award for his compassionate advocacy for those seeking a second chance in life. The following year, he and James Club were honored with a proclamation from Broward County Mayor Michael Udine, declaring February 26, 2022, as James Club Recovery Day for their outstanding community work. Ray was recently featured in a film documentary by the United Way of Broward County, highlighting the vital role of Certified Recovery Residences.
Ray’s story has also been shared on national television, including a feature on the hit series “Intervention” and interviews on NBC News, where he discussed his efforts to combat addiction and save lives. With a steadfast determination to reduce overdose deaths, lower homelessness, and address recidivism rates, Ray dedicates his life to providing solutions for the ongoing opioid crisis.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ray finds joy in his personal life. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, Tracey, and is a devoted father to his two children and three stepchildren. Ray’s journey from despair to hope exemplifies the power of recovery and the impact of helping others, guided by an enduring gratitude to God. He welcomes anyone in need to reach out to him at (954) 380-1492.
