REAL LIFE

Congratulations to the men and women at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail on their recent graduation from the W.A.I.T.T. program!

W.A.I.T.T., which stands for We Are In This Together, is a behavior modification program for incarcerated individuals that includes weekly REAL LIFE facilitation, Real Talk with REAL LIFE curriculum, public health education, and other recovery-focused meetings and programming.

For REAL LIFE Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) Life Coach Savanna, this graduation was especially meaningful. Before entering REAL LIFE and later joining our staff, Savanna participated in the W.A.I.T.T. program during her own incarceration.

“The program gave me structure, teamwork practice, and helped me learn that addiction is a disease that I can recover from. It was a wonderful stepping stone in my recovery. It helped me integrate into the REAL LIFE program and then from there, into society as a whole. My goal is to give these individuals in the W.A.I.T.T. program hope that things can get better.”

Savanna was joined at the graduation by two other former W.A.I.T.T. participants, Melissa, a REAL LIFE Pathway Navigator, and Khaliah, a REAL LIFE graduate.

Congratulations to the W.A.I.T.T. graduates! We are proud to see REAL LIFE staff and graduates returning to encourage and inspire those who are beginning their own journey.

It's the first Friday of the month, which means it's time to recognize a couple of Lifers who are doing great things in their recovery journeys.

Chris H. was nominated by our Deputy Director, Jessica, who shared that Chris has been doing a fantastic job. He attends meetings consistently, communicates well with staff, and is a respectful, kind presence in the program.

Chris shared: "I would like to thank everyone at the REAL LIFE program and all they have done for me. Without the REAL LIFE program, I would still be homeless and without hope in my life. They have given me structure, and I appreciate Jessica and everyone at the REAL LIFE program. They have given me a new way to look at life through recovery and my sobriety. It is a true blessing in my life."

Our second Flourishing Friday honoree is Luis, who was nominated by Pathway Navigator Melissa. Since entering the program, Luis has remained focused on his goals, attends meetings regularly, and is committed to his recovery journey.

Luis shared: "REAL LIFE has inspired me to keep moving forward no matter what my past looked like... live for today and not for tomorrow!"

Congratulations to Chris and Luis! We are proud of both of these men and all they have accomplished. Help us celebrate them by sharing some words of encouragement in the comments below.

Happy ! Please join us in congratulating Kenneth on his two year anniversary with his employer!

Kenneth, a proud alumni and Peer House Leader, enjoys working in production at his second-hand retail company because they treat him like family. In addition to a recent raise, he is also training for management positions!

He is excelling at his job and we are so proud of his hard work. Send some encouragement to Kenneth in the comments!

Today we are catching up with one of our Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) Life Coaches, Demetrius. Recently, he took one of his clients out for a much-needed haircut. Demetrius shared, “It’s important for us to assist our clients with the ‘little big things’ such as hygiene items, food, clothing, and even a haircut. What may seem trivial to most people actually means a great deal to those who can’t afford it. Through unconditional stewardship, we are able to build rapport that develops into a genuine connection.”

Our Life Coaches provide guidance, wisdom, and direction to young people in our community, but building trust and connection first is foundational. As Demetrius says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

We are incredibly proud of the work our Project SAF team continues to do every day.

Big congratulations to Sam, one of REAL LIFE’s Peer House Leaders, who recently earned his high school diploma!

Born in California to military parents, Sam moved to Virginia at age ten and has called it home ever since. As a teenager, Sam experienced the sudden loss of his mother, began using substances, and eventually left high school before graduating.

Today, Sam is celebrating a major milestone and continuing to build momentum in every area of his life. Along with earning his diploma, Sam has been excelling at work and recently even received a raise, a reflection of the dedication and consistency he brings each day. He is already looking ahead to what’s next: earning his Peer Recovery Specialist certification so he can continue helping others on their recovery journeys.

We are incredibly proud of Sam’s perseverance, growth, and commitment to building a thriving life. Please help us congratulate him on this accomplishment!