As recreation director of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America Metropolitan New York Division, he’s constantly answering questions, solving problems and coordinating projects for the workers of New York Racing Association’s three race tracks by phone and in person.

At no point during his day does Caras stop moving, slow his pace or write anything down. He said his routine has worked well so far.

While making his rounds, Caras is regularly greeted with a smile, a wave or a handshake. Everyone on the backstretch appears to know him well, likely because he works up to 15 hours a day, everyday.

In December 2006, after more than 15 years working for NYRA, Caras’s position was eliminated. He was also notified that the program’s $100,000 budget would no longer be available.

For a year, Caras worked for Backstretch Employees Services Team (BEST). Now he volunteers with the Chaplaincy and works closely with Humberto Chavez, the minister at NYRA racecourses, to impact the lives of hundreds of people.

“I started doing this because I saw a need. I’m just trying to follow God’s plan which I believe is to serve the people here,” he said.

Chartered as a tax-exempt non-profit corporation in 1971, the RTCA was established at the NYRA tracks in October 1987. The organization dedicates its time to enriching the lives of the horse racing workforce not only spiritually, but also physically, emotionally, educationally and socially.

At more than 100 tracks and training centers throughout the U.S. and Canada, chaplains perform weddings and funerals, hold church services, council troubled workers and visit sick and injured workers in hospitals. Although addressing the spiritual needs of the track personnel is the RTCA’s primary focus, human necessities such as food, clothing and bedding are tackled as well.

“We’ll help anyone, regardless of their faith,” Caras said. “Everything is done from the heart and the people definitely sense that.”

Caras’ job allows him to help people in a variety of ways. He arranges trips, picnic lunches, activities and annual celebrations for Easter, Christmas and Family Day for the entire backstretch village. With permission from NYRA, he organizes a table where past promotional items are sold to raise funds.

In addition, Caras assists workers in finding computer classes, and obtaining financial aid and scholarships for themselves or their children. He said he also serves as an open ear, available to speak with people on a personal level about situations affecting any aspect of their life.

Although the position no longer offers him a salary or benefits, Caras said he sees a change occurring for the better. He believes more people are becoming aware of what happened last December, of the program’s need and of the fact that even a small donation can make a lot of difference for a faith based program like theirs.

For more information, call (516) 835-0275, visit www.racetrackchaplaincy.org or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it