Justin Jones is a problem solver. He's also the President of the Rapha Center of Miami. In the Bible, the Hebrew word Rapha translates as healing. 

"Whatever your higher power is, we believe you can be healed spiritually, emotionally, physically, or whatever that means to any person," Jones told OutSFL.

Jones started the center after one of his best friends died in 2017 after contracting AIDS.

"If they just had knowledge, or if the conversation was normal and wasn't so taboo, then he probably would be alive today," Jones said. "I think that minorities and African Americans need to talk about the fact that it's okay to go to the doctor. But that's not something that we normalize in our community."

Support for folks looking to get tested or treated for HIV quickly led to filling other needs in the LGBTQIA community. The Rapha Center became a place to provide clothes, meals, holiday toy drives, and other vital support.

"We're always coming up with ways to do things to impact people," he explained.

Jones is also the pastor of the Powerhouse Church of Miami. Jones describes it as an affirming space for people in the community and their allies to worship in their truth and authenticity. 

"I preach acceptance," Jones said. "I don't preach that you have to hide who you are."

When he's not working and helping the community, Jones, a Miami native, is a self-described foodie who likes to look for new dining options in South Florida.

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