REAL LIFE

REAL LIFE We create pathways to attain and sustain a thriving life for those who desire change.

Our mission is to develop a relationship with each person we serve (as we refer to them, Lifers) that equips them to make the visible progress necessary for their personal pathway to a Thriving Life. Along the way, we engage the community and bring awareness to the needs of Lifers. Our work meets a standard of accountability we call compelling stewardship that allows us to engage Lifers with a level of service and financial effectiveness seldom seen.

It’s Flourishing Friday! This week, we’re celebrating Amanda and David, two Lifers making great progress toward their go...
09/05/2026

It’s Flourishing Friday! This week, we’re celebrating Amanda and David, two Lifers making great progress toward their goals.

Amanda was nominated by Pathway Navigator Melissa, who has seen her dedication to the program, from doing well at her REAL House to staying focused on her recovery. She’s also working hard at her cosmetology job and renewing her cosmetology license along the way.

“I’m very determined to achieve all of the goals that I have set for myself,” Amanda says. “I am also very grateful for this process and REAL LIFE. My recovery is everything.”

Recent REAL LIFE graduate David was nominated by Housing Manager Young, who first met him at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. Since coming to REAL LIFE, David has built a strong support network, joined an NA home group and church, secured a job with benefits and purchased a car. Now, he’s apartment hunting and being considered for a promotion!

“REAL LIFE has given me the opportunity to plant my feet firmly back in society,” David says. “It’s given me tools, structures and a support network.”

Congratulations, Amanda and David! We’re proud to see you both flourishing!

09/04/2026

Last week, 19 Lifers graduated from the REAL LIFE program!

Graduation represents so much more than reaching a milestone in recovery. These graduates put in the work, attending classes and meetings, contributing to their houses, building healthier relationships, maintaining full-time employment and continuing to grow along the way.

Keynote speaker Andre knows that journey well. A graduate of the REAL Program before it expanded into the community as REAL LIFE, Andre has since built a growing power washing business, had his rights restored and received his passport. His advice to this year’s graduates? “Stay confident. Stay motivated. Take. Your. Time.”

Graduate Alexis shared what it meant to find the courage to come back and keep moving forward. “One of the biggest things that recovery has given me is the opportunity to rebuild relationships with my family,” she said. That made graduation day even more meaningful, with her family there to celebrate alongside her.

Ervin, REAL LIFE Center Operations Coordinator and Senior Recovery Coach, closed the ceremony with an important reminder: graduation is a milestone, but the journey continues.

Congratulations to all 19 graduates! We are incredibly proud of the work you’ve put in and excited to see what comes next.

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re celebrating Michael B., who works for a company that manufactures and instal...
09/03/2026

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re celebrating Michael B., who works for a company that manufactures and installs custom storage sheds and garages.

Michael quickly proved himself on the job, earning both a raise and a promotion to Production Foreman. Because every project is custom built, his work requires focus, precision, and plenty of attention to detail.

“I love the responsibility because it’s a mental challenge,” Michael shared.

Congratulations on the well-deserved promotion, Michael! We’re proud to see you continue to grow and take on new challenges.

09/02/2026

September is National Recovery Month, and we’re kicking it off with a Recovery Month roll call!

Recovery happens together, through connection, community, and support along the way.

We asked REAL LIFE staff and graduates to share how much time in recovery they’re celebrating this month, and now we want to hear from you!

Whether it’s days, months, years, or decades, drop your time in recovery below in the comments so we can celebrate your milestone and cheer each other on!

And join us all month on social media as we celebrate National Recovery Month!

It’s Meet Us Monday! This week, we’re excited to introduce Tavoris, REAL LIFE’s newest Domestic Violence Prevention Coac...
09/01/2026

It’s Meet Us Monday! This week, we’re excited to introduce Tavoris, REAL LIFE’s newest Domestic Violence Prevention Coach!

Tavoris brings lived experience, personal transformation, and a passion for helping others to his new role. He is currently training to help deliver REAL LIFE’s Domestic Violence Prevention programming in local correctional facilities.

For Tavoris, the work is personal. Growing up, fighting became his way of handling conflict, a pattern that followed him into adulthood. During his own incarceration, he participated in REAL LIFE’s Domestic Violence Prevention curriculum, which challenged him to think differently about relationships, behaviors, and the choices he wanted to make moving forward.

Now, he gets to teach the same curriculum that once impacted him.

“I’m excited about teaching this curriculum because it gets to the root of a lot of issues we as men don’t want to talk about, admit, or aren’t aware of,” Tavoris shared.

A proud father of two, Tavoris is excited to use what he has learned to help others build healthier relationships and make positive changes in their own lives.

We’re excited to have Tavoris on the REAL LIFE team. Help us give him a warm welcome!

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to overdose and stand with the families and f...
08/31/2026

Today, on International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to overdose and stand with the families and friends who carry their loss.

At REAL LIFE, we also celebrate those who are here today because recovery is possible. We are grateful for the privilege of walking alongside people as they build stability, strengthen their recovery, and move toward thriving futures.

Today, we honor those we’ve lost and hold space for those still finding their way forward.

REAL LIFE was proud to join this year’s Petersburg Regional Stop the Violence Memory Ride and Parade!Hosted by Third Bap...
08/31/2026

REAL LIFE was proud to join this year’s Petersburg Regional Stop the Violence Memory Ride and Parade!

Hosted by Third Baptist Church, the event brought together local organizations, churches, families, and community members for a day centered on peace, connection, and community.

Our team hosted a booth to share information about Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free), connect with community members, and make sure families know about the resources and support available to them.

Project SAF Life Coach Demetrius shared, “It was refreshing to see the community come together in such a peaceful and positive atmosphere. It created meaningful connections between resource vendors, the church, and the community.”

We’re grateful to Third Baptist Church for bringing the community together and proud to be part of efforts working toward a safer, stronger Petersburg.

House T is our latest House of the Month!Led by Peer House Leader Kyle, the men of House T have been working hard to cre...
08/29/2026

House T is our latest House of the Month!

Led by Peer House Leader Kyle, the men of House T have been working hard to create a positive, supportive home together. From staying on top of chores and house inspections to attending classes, showing up on time, and bringing positive attitudes, they’ve shown some pretty great teamwork.

Of course, House of the Month comes with a celebration! The guys enjoyed a Mexican feast together, complete with all the fixings.

Congratulations, House T! Keep up the great work!

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re excited to highlight Sheri again!Sheri is a REAL LIFE graduate and Peer Hous...
08/26/2026

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re excited to highlight Sheri again!

Sheri is a REAL LIFE graduate and Peer House Leader who works as a Donation Attendant at a local resale store. In her role, she sorts through donations, sizes and hangs clothing, and sends a daily report to management tracking her team’s production.

Recently, Sheri had TWO big reasons to celebrate: she marked one year on the job, earning an anniversary bonus, and became a full-time employee!

“That’s the first time in 18 years that I have gotten vacation days!” Sheri shared.

Way to go, Sheri! We are so proud of everything you continue to accomplish!

08/25/2026

Summer 2026 Graduation

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P. O. Box 27372
Richmond, VA
23261

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