Our Story

What started out as a dream in early recovery from drug addiction, the LaRue House became a reality in August 2009. Ed LaRue grew up in Fall River , Massachusetts and moved to Daytona Beach at age 15. He went to Seabreeze High School, but dropped out due to his drug use. Drugs became an increasing problem leading to several prison sentences. While in jail, he earned his GED.    A life of drug addiction and homelessness continued for Ed for several years, but then on April 27, 1999, Ed heard the message that recovery from addiction is possible. He got clean and discovered a new way of life through the Twelve Steps. 

Putting his life back together, he drove a taxi cab for a living, and later went to Daytona State College to earn his AS degree in computer technology.   Dreams do come true in recovery. Because of his background, Ed dreamt of having a house to help others who were just getting clean. As his own clean-time progressed, he managed to purchase his first recovery house in Daytona Beach; fondly called the “Blue LaRue”. This house started as an all men’s halfway house, consisting of 12 beds, with a garage apartment for an on-site house manager. In 2011, the house was converted to a all women's house, and remains that way today.  Ed continues to volunteer in the community helping other recovering addicts know that there is a choice.

Ginny LaRue serves as the Director of the LaRue Houses. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Ginny  grew up in Miami, Florida. She started using drugs at age 16 and struggled with the disease of addiction until she got on April 17, 2003.    During active addiction, Ginny was able to graduate from high school but was never able to achieve her dream of obtaining higher education. Since finding recovery, Ginny went back to school and has since achieved the following credentials:

• Associates of Arts from Daytona State College – Fall 2006
• Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida – Spring 2009 · Master’s Degree of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida – Spring 2011 
• Certified Career Development Facilitator through the National Career Development Association – November 2015   

Ginny started assisting Ed when he first opened the first facility with managing the records, completing start up paperwork, etc. In early 2011, she was appointed as the Director of the LaRue Houses.