Since 1979, Phoenix House Orange County has helped thousands of young people, women, and men fight to overcome substance abuse to live extraordinary lives in recovery. In recent months, we have been fortunate enough to reconnect with one of our first graduates of the residential program, Ira Meltzer, who has been in recovery and drug-free since April 9, 1985.
That same year, Ira began his career in the mortgage industry. Within two years of launching his career, Ira became the top loan officer nationwide for one of the largest lenders in the country. Eventually, Ira established One Million Dollar Plus, where he and his business partner serve as financing advisors, bringing their relationships to private banks to secure properties for their clients. Today, Ira is known as “The Mortgage Lender to the Stars” and secures multi-million-dollar properties for his clients all over the country.
To give back to the Los Angeles community he calls home, Ira gives to causes close to his heart, including Skid Row’s Midnight Mission and Children’s Hospital L.A. Ira most enjoys spending time with his wife (Tara, pictured above with Ira), family, and loved ones, as well as escaping town for his next travel adventure.
Ira has been living an extraordinary life in recovery and he credits this to his continuous daily practice to maintain a clean and sober spiritual life by helping and carrying the message to others in need. “Helping others is the most essential thing for us addicts and alcoholics.”
We are thrilled to have reconnected with Ira and grateful to be able to share his inspiring story.