Harbor Hope Center

08/31/2026

💜🕯️ Overdose Awareness Day | August 31, 2026 🕯️💜
Today, we recognize Overdose Awareness Day and take a moment to remember those whose lives have been lost, support those affected by substance use disorder, and raise awareness in our communities.
Overdose can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. By sharing information, reducing stigma, and encouraging compassion, we can help create pathways to support, treatment, and recovery.
Today we stand together to:

💜 Remember those we have lost�💜 Honor their memories�💜 Support individuals, families, and communities affected by overdose

Every conversation matters. Every life matters.

05/25/2026

"We DO Recover"

-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Superintendents Region 2 supported by Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding and created in partnership with Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools

05/25/2026

"Everyday is a new beginning."

-Poster in Harbor Hope Center, a recovery school in Superintendents Region 2 supported by Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority funding and created in partnership with Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools

05/04/2026

Alexa’s mother, Susannah Uroskie, presented to Harbor Hope Center students with NAMI earlier this year.

A Virginia Beach family is turning grief into action, advocating for mental health awareness in memory of their daughter, Alexa, who died by su***de at 26 after battling mental illness and bipolar disorder.

Mom, Susannah Uroskie describes Alexa as someone who brought joy to everyone around her. "Alexa was incredible. She was sweet, kind, caring, [and] funny. She had an infectious laugh. Everybody felt funny around Alexa because she just laughed at everybody's jokes, but they were sincere laughs," Uroskie said.

Talking about Alexa — the car rides to dance class, enjoying the beach, and time spent with her 3 younger brothers — keeps her memory alive. Throughout May, Sentara Leigh Hospital will be illuminated green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Alexa's father, a surgeon at the hospital, advocated for the lighting — and for "kindness rocks" placed in the campus healing garden. Both are a tribute to Alexa and everyone still fighting.

"She is the reason. I didn't think after she died that I would be able to continue doing this [work] because I'd lost hope but yeah […] I feel connected with her — all the time, all the time," Uroskie said.

04/28/2026

We welcomed the following visitors to the Harbor Hope Center today!
DEA Agent DeAndra Lee
U.S. Attorney’s Office Olivia Norman
Kim Ulmet Silent No More Coordinator
Jill Cichowicz 2 End The Stigma CEO/Founder
Our students were fully engaged and asked many meaningful questions.

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from the Harbor Hope Center!

03/25/2026

There are moments when you’re reminded just how powerful the right support system can be for people in recovery at every age.

This was one of them.

It was a true privilege for members of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board and staff to visit and tour Harbor Hope Center — a new recovery high school serving students across Southern Hampton Roads (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach) who are navigating substance use challenges while continuing their education.

Harbor Hope Center is more than a school. It’s a safe, supportive environment where students can pursue their academic goals while staying committed to their recovery journey. With specialized programs and personalized support, it meets students where they are — and helps them move forward with confidence.

We are proud to support Harbor Hope Center and the life-changing work happening within its walls every day.

03/20/2026

We had a surprise visit from Amy Christian, Director of the River Ridge Learning Center in Waynesboro, one of only four recovery schools in Virginia!

02/07/2026

Meet Rocky and Rosa, Life Change Institute’s very own certified therapy dogs! ゚

01/15/2026

Harbor Hope welcomed our NAMI speakers today.
Great job Suzanna and Kevin and thank you to Mrs. Jamie for arranging this meaningful experience for our students!