Jose Morales has experienced the consequences of alcohol addiction. After losing his home, his family, and his job as a factory manager in Mexico due to his alcoholism, Jose entered Alcoholics Anonymous in 1982. Jose has been sober for the past 21 years. In 1986, Jose came to the United States. While living in Corona, Queens, Jose was struck by the high concentration of alcoholics living in the streets. Many had no access to low-cost treatment services conducted in Spanish. Jose responded to the needs of his community. With the help of four Mexican friends in recovery, Jose opened the doors to his shelter, J24, in 1991.

J24 had humble beginnings. Jose started his outreach during the off hours at the restaurant in which he worked as a waiter. J24 began its mission in a rented basement, offering a 24-hour-a-day haven in which substance abusers could obtain food, shelter, and a meeting place to begin recovery. Under Jose’s guidance, J24 has grown.

In 1996, J24 moved to a house purchased by Jose through his personal credit, savings, and help from other members; it became a nonprofit organization in 2001. Today, J24 continues to provide a 24 hour-a-day shelter, seven days a week. Staffed entirely by volunteers, including Jose, J24 has never turned away or charged anyone for entering the shelter for treatment.

For the past 12 years, Jose has dedicated himself to J24 as a labor of love. He has two jobs, supports his wife and four children, and dedicates over 20 hours per week to the center he opened. It is Jose Morale’s labor of love that has helped over 3,100 members of the Spanish-speaking community in Queens, New York, recover from alcohol and substance abuse.

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