Luis Arnaldo Ortiz
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Arnaldo came to Casa Refugio from Puerto Rico in 2000 with a drug addiction that destroyed his life and family. Casa Refugio was instrumental in changing his life. After successfully completing the program and demonstrating not only strong leadership skills but a desire to see others changed, Arnaldo served as Executive Director of Casa Refugio until 2010, giving back for what was given to him. God has also blessed him with a wife and daughter and he remains an active member of the church community at Templo el Refugio and a leader of its prison ministry.
Jimmy Perez
Jimmy came to Casa Refugio after several failed attempts at overcoming his drug habit. The program became the turning point in his life, which today is transformed and to those who knew will attest, he is a new man. In fact, Jimmy did so well he became Program Assistant, providing oversight to the men at the houses and on the job. In 2011, he took his new found freedom and skills to the marketplace where he secured a position in maintenance management of an apartment complex. Jimmy remains active in Templo el Refugio church and regularly visits Casa Refugio to encourage the men.
