Ray Rapaglia began his career on Wall Street in 1979, working as a Senior Vice President at Paine Webber and Shearson Lehman Brothers. During his 20+ year career in finance, he achieved significant success, earning a six-figure monthly income and living a life of luxury. However, despite his professional accomplishments, Ray struggled with substance abuse, which eventually led to his downfall. Once accustomed to limousine rides, Ray found himself homeless and scavenging for food. On June 23, 2010, he attended his first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, marking the beginning of his journey toward sobriety. Today, Ray has been clean and sober since that pivotal moment and lives with his wife, Tracey, and their three children.

On September 11, 2016, Ray founded James Club Recovery, a long-term FARR Certified Recovery Residence in Oakland Park, Florida, dedicated to giving back to the community. James Club has provided support to thousands of men in recovery, offering a range of services to those struggling with substance abuse. The Center features a Certified Mentoring Program that includes a mental health component and serves as a satellite office for the Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR).

Throughout his recovery journey, Ray has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field. He was honored with the 2014 Recovery Man of the Year Award and the Golden Rule Award, recognized by the United Nations and the African Council. In 2016, Ray was invited to share his story on Capitol Hill, and in 2017, he received the Shomrim Man of the Year Award, the highest honor from the nation’s largest Jewish law enforcement society. Ray’s work and advocacy have also earned him a Proclamation from Mayor Mark Bogen of Broward County, Florida, in 2019. Most recently, on February 26, 2022, Ray and James Club Recovery were recognized by Broward County Mayor Michael Udine, who proclaimed the day as James Club Recovery Day.

Ray’s impactful work has been highlighted in various media, including an appearance on the hit series “Intervention” in November 2016 and an interview with NBC News where he discussed his dedication to combating addiction and saving lives. He is driven by a mission to address the opioid crisis, reduce overdose deaths, lower homelessness, and decrease recidivism rates. Ray also sits on the board of directors of BARC (Broward Addiction Recovery Center), the detox facility where he was once a patient 13 years ago.