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.

12/11/2025

Happy Workforce Wednesday! For this week, we are celebrating Donald who recently received a raise at his job.

For the past 8 months Donald has worked at a Richmond collision repair business as Lead Paint Prep Technician. Donald loves his job; he says, “I love working with a great group of faith-based, driven guys who take pride in their work. I also enjoy the process of taking something that was once mangled and damaged and making it look brand new again.”

Congratulations on your raise, Donald! We are proud of you and the hard work that you put in every day.

12/10/2025

We’re closing out 2025 with a birthday trio — all three are REAL LIFE graduates and absolute rockstars!

First up is Jasmine, our fearless REAL LIFE Alumni Coordinator. She was part of the very first REAL LIFE Alumni cohort in 2024, and in 2025 she hosted the Alumni Dinner and proudly received her second-year patch. She’s grateful for how far she’s come and for the positive changes she continues to make. This year, she especially loved spending time with her boys in North Carolina and celebrating her son’s birthday.

Next, Rachel, a Recovery Navigator, celebrated her birthday with her family in Newport News and also enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. She says the most notable event for her this year was being hired by REAL LIFE and stepping into a leadership role with the W.A.I.T.T. (We Are In This Together) program, in which she used to participate. She’s grateful for the chance to give back to others walking a similar path and is truly enjoying life surrounded by her family.

Last, but certainly not least, is Melissa, REAL LIFE Pathway Navigator extraordinaire. Melissa is an experienced peer navigator, and loves helping others along their sobriety journey. This year for her birthday she is excited to eat some good food and to love on her new grandbaby.

Help us wish these three wonderful women a happy birthday in the comments below!

12/10/2025

It’s Trivia Tuesday with Sydney, Christmas edition.

This week’s very serious holiday inquiry:
Where did the pickle ornament tradition begin?

Sweden was a solid guess. Germany was suspiciously popular.

And then there was Ervin, who said it all started in Jackson Ward... but we admire the confidence.

Sydney reveals the actual answer at the end of the video, and yes, it’s sneakier than you’d think.

Got a guess of your own? Drop it below and join the chaos.

12/09/2025

Due to the weather, we’re shifting our Kendra Scott Giveback fully online tonight.

Your safety comes first, and we still have a great way for you to shop for good. You can support REAL LIFE from home by shopping online today and tomorrow. Just use our giveback code at checkout and 20% of your purchase will be donated to REAL LIFE.

It is a perfect chance to finish your holiday shopping while helping Lifers move forward this season.

Thank you for supporting our mission and staying safe. 💛🛍️

Shop online at kendrascott.com with our code: GIVEBACK-KSFSL

12/08/2025

Join us tomorrow for a Kendra Scott Giveback Night benefiting REAL LIFE!

Come shop with us Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm at the Kendra Scott store in Short Pump Mall. It’s the perfect chance to pick up Christmas gifts that sparkle a little brighter knowing they help Lifers and families find hope, stability, and support.

Can’t make it in person? You can still join in. Shop online tomorrow and Wednesday using our giveback code (GIVEBACK-KSFSL) and 20% of your purchase will be donated to REAL LIFE.

Your holiday shopping becomes a meaningful gift for someone working hard to rebuild their life.

Thank you for helping hope shine a little brighter this season.

12/06/2025

Eight years ago, we opened our doors with a simple hope to create a place where people could rebuild and belong. Since then, thousands of moments have filled the walls of our community centers and houses. Quiet victories, second chances, families reunited, graduations, new jobs, shared meals, and stories that continue to grow.

This anniversary reel is a very brief look back at the heart of REAL LIFE. Every smile, every moment of growth, every celebration reflects the courage of the people we serve and the steady support of those who walk alongside them.

Thank you for being part of eight years of hope taking root and lives moving forward. We’re excited to see what the future holds and deeply grateful for every person who makes this work possible.

And if you’re still stumped from yesterday’s Four Facts and a Fib, this video may or may not give you a few clues…

12/05/2025

Happy Flourishing Friday! Today we’re celebrating Brandon and Elizabeth.

Our first nominee, Brandon is doing exceptionally well, working full-time as a Gas Operator and CDL Driver, where he exhibits a strong work ethic and a good attitude. In the REAL LIFE program, he shows up, works hard, and treats people with genuine care. According to Jessica, REAL LIFE Deputy Director and Pathway Navigator, Brandon’s greatest quality is his kindness, a trait that comes through in every interaction. He has a new goal: starting his own business! We are so proud of his desire to dream big!

Our second nominee, Elizabeth, was nominated by Pathway Navigator Melissa. Elizabeth is super focused, doing extremely well at her job, and always shows up with a positive attitude. She’s welcoming to new participants, stays upbeat, and consistently demonstrates dedication to her recovery and the program. Melissa shared that Elizabeth is incredibly helpful, focused, and uplifting, making her a steady source of encouragement for others.

We’re proud of both Brandon and Elizabeth keep flourishing!

12/05/2025

Eight years ago, we opened the doors of our community center and began offering full services for Lifers across Richmond. Since then, thousands of stories have started right here.

To celebrate our 8th anniversary, three members of our original team are playing a special round of Four Facts and a Fib. Think you can spot the fib?

Drop your guess in the comments, and here’s to eight years of walking alongside Lifers and to the supporters who make it all possible.

12/04/2025

Thankful Thursday is extra sweet today because of the incredible Product Innovation Enablement Team at Altria!

This amazing group came together from across the country for their team gathering, and in the middle of a packed agenda, they chose to make a difference. Together, they assembled 400 breakfast bags for our Lifers, giving our community the fuel, encouragement, and care they need to start their day with hope.

They also heard from Jasmine, a REAL LIFE graduate who now leads our Alumni Program. She shared her journey, her resilience, and how community support helped her build a new beginning. Her story was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

To everyone at Altria who showed up with heart and generosity, thank you. Your support makes a real and lasting impact.

We’re grateful for you.

12/04/2025

Today for Workforce Wednesday we’re celebrating Sam, a Lifer who is moving on up in his roofing company!

Sam began his roofing career as a laborer, showing up every day ready to work hard and learn. Through dedication, reliability, and a strong work ethic, he’s now been promoted to Foreman and received a well-earned raise!

When asked what he loves most about his work, he said:

“One of the things I love about my job is interacting with the community. Every day I get to knock on someone’s door who needs my help. Doing quality work all over Richmond… I am truly blessed.”

We’re proud of Sam’s growth, his leadership, and the care he brings to every job. Keep shining, Sam!

12/03/2025

It’s Trivia Tuesday with a Giving Tuesday twist.

Today’s question: How many households has our Project SAF and Resilience Team visited during peace walks so far this year?

Drumroll please… 🥁
5,246 households.

That is 5,246 moments of connection, care, and conversation with our neighbors. These simple, steady touchpoints help hope take root across Richmond, Petersburg, and Hopewell.

This Giving Tuesday, your generosity helps strengthen safer and stronger communities and supports the work happening on every block and front porch.

And whatever you do, don’t miss the end of the video. The staff reactions after the answer is revealed are absolutely priceless.

Thank you for helping hope grow.
➡️ realliferva.squarespace.com

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P. O. Box 27372
Richmond, VA
23261

Website

http://reallifeprogram.org/

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