José Juan García

Jose Juan Garcia a.k.a. CheJuan (October 22, 1940 – December 17, 2002) was the founder of the international institution called Hogares Crea.

Garcia was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico where he was raised by his parents. He had a tough childhood and experienced his first imprisonment when he was 15 years old. At a very young age, he became a drug addict and stole in order to pay for his habit. He went to prison more than once because of his drug problems. However, he was fortunate enough to have met some people who would have a positive influence in his live and change it forever, among them was the educator Ana G. Mendez. He also attributed his acceptance of "Christ" as a reason for his change.

In 1968, Garcia founded in Puerto Rico "Hogares Crea". The word "Crea" stands for the re-education of the addict and the community. Those who enter the program do not have to pay a fee, but, must agree to the programs strict rules. Breaking a drug habit is not easy and those who enter the program must adopt new habits which are conductive to recovery. They must go to church on Sundays and sell caramel custards and garbage bags door to door. They also must wash cars and do community services.

Garcia's program is not financed by the government. Doctors, psychologists and others donate their time. Expenses are covered by the volunteer board of each home. Each home has enough beds for 15 people. 28 thousand people have successfully completed the program, out of 51 thousand addicts who have been treated in 36 years. In is estimated that 92% of those who have completed the program started by Garcia, have completely stayed out of drugs.

Garcia's Hogares Crea have over 152 facilities worldwide. Some of the other countries besides Puerto Rico, where Hogares Crea are established are: the United States, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Among the awards and recognitions he received are:

• The Citizen of the Year in 1974, Granted by the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association
• Citizen of the Year 1976, by the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce
• An award from President Ronald Reagan and others for the exemplary community service offered by Hogar CREA in the United States.
• The Government of Puerto Rico named a plaza in Rio Piedras "Plaza Jose Juan "Cheguan" Garcia".

Jose Juan Garcia died on December 22, 2002 in San Juan, Puerto Rico from cancer. His son Javier Garcia and his widow Flora Rosario Johnson were involved in a dispute over the control of the organization. The organizations current director is Benjamin Pintor Miranda.