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Rafael F. Tapia Jr. Highlight
Through helping others, I help myself.
About Rafael F.
- I grew up around family members that were immersed in the drug trade—I started helping out with the business as a child.
- I had spent time in the juvenile justice system as a kid.
- When I was 19 years old, I was facing 25 years to life for bank robbery—I knew there had to be a better way of life, but I felt stuck in this lifestyle.
- I qualified for a Youth Offender Parole Hearing and was ultimately able to go to an inpatient treatment facility rather than stay in prison.
- I changed my mindset and my lifestyle, built a support system, and navigated reentry.
- I’ve since dedicated my life to public service and helping others.
- I currently work as the vice president of programs for Partnership with Native Americans, which provides resources to improve the quality of life for Native Americans.
