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.

Marvin, a Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) Life Coach, was recently invited to the Virginia Department of Corrections...
05/04/2026

Marvin, a Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) Life Coach, was recently invited to the Virginia Department of Corrections to share his perspective on supporting individuals returning to the community after incarceration.

He challenged staff to think practically about re-entry, including aligning in-prison training with immediate post-release needs like housing and employment, building comfort with technology, making mental health counseling a standard part of preparation, and expanding access to treatment programs and vocational trades.

During the visit, staff were each given coins to pass along to someone who made a lasting impact, and Marvin received two.

We’re grateful Marvin had a seat at the table for a conversation with real potential to shape what re-entry looks like going forward.

Resilience Week VA is all about building connection and finding real ways to manage stress in everyday life.We’re highli...
05/04/2026

Resilience Week VA is all about building connection and finding real ways to manage stress in everyday life.

We’re highlighting all 7 Stress Busters, developed by ACEs Aware, this week, starting with Mindfulness Practice and Balanced Nutrition.

Mindfulness practices like meditation can help calm the body, reduce stress, and improve focus, even just a few minutes at a time.

Jasmine, our Alumni Coordinator, shared how she stays grounded through life’s challenges: “Meditation and gratitude has helped me maintain a positive attitude and continue to have a positive outlook on life regardless of what's happening around me. I have peace today.”

Balanced Nutrition is another key Stress Buster. Eating regular, nourishing meals supports both physical and mental health, especially during times of stress.

Each REAL House has a vegetable garden, planted by volunteers and maintained by Lifers, giving them access to fresh fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, and more, right at home. What is your favorite healthy fruit or veggie snack?

Over the next few days, we will continue sharing how our team and community put each of the 7 Stress Busters into practice - stay tuned!

Happy Flourishing Friday! We’re celebrating two incredible Lifers today.Our first nominee is Heather, recognized by her ...
05/01/2026

Happy Flourishing Friday! We’re celebrating two incredible Lifers today.

Our first nominee is Heather, recognized by her Pathway Navigator, Melissa. Melissa shared, “Heather’s growth and new mindset is out of this world!” She also noted that Heather is always willing to help new women in the program, loves her job, and stays committed to classes and meetings.

Our second nominee is William, submitted by Deputy Director and Pathway Navigator Jessica. She shared, “He cares. He follows the rules. He takes the program seriously. He is open to feedback and isn’t afraid to tell the truth. He has shown a true commitment to change and embracing all aspects of the program.”

We’re proud of you both. Keep going. Drop a message of encouragement below!

05/01/2026

We’re head over heels for May, because it’s gala month!

Join us for Portraits of Hope on May 20th.
Grab your tickets before they sell out at reallifeprogram.org.

Your spring cleaning just found a purpose.We’re collecting new and gently used children’s books (babies through young ad...
05/01/2026

Your spring cleaning just found a purpose.

We’re collecting new and gently used children’s books (babies through young adult) to support REAL LIFE’s Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free). These books will be shared with children in the neighborhoods where we serve, helping our Life Coaches build connections with families, while making sure young neighbors have something fun to read this summer.

Through distributing books and summer activity kits, we’re bringing resources, encouragement, and positive engagement directly into our Project SAF neighborhoods!

Want to host a book drive with your workplace, church, neighborhood, or group? Drop a comment or send us a DM. We’d love to partner with you!

Happy Thankful Thursday!We’re so grateful for our friends at St. James Episcopal Church, who recently spent time volunte...
04/30/2026

Happy Thankful Thursday!

We’re so grateful for our friends at St. James Episcopal Church, who recently spent time volunteering with us in such a hands-on, meaningful way. Their team helped plant a vegetable garden at one of our REAL houses, and even jumped in to power wash the back steps while they were at it.

At each REAL House, gardens offer a simple but powerful way to build routine, responsibility, and pride in the place Lifers call home.

Because of partners like St. James, our houses continue to become spaces where people can truly thrive. Thank you for showing up, getting your hands dirty, and investing in the lives of those we serve.

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re celebrating Donald and his one-year anniversary at his job.Over the past yea...
04/29/2026

Happy Workforce Wednesday! This week, we’re celebrating Donald and his one-year anniversary at his job.

Over the past year, Donald has been working at a Richmond collision repair business as a Lead Paint Prep Technician. He takes pride in turning something damaged into something new again and values being part of a strong team, led by a boss who supports him. He wanted us to share some photos of a recent project he was proud to work on.

Donald is truly thriving, and it shows in the effort and skill he brings every day. Along the way, he’s also been able to reconnect with his family, building stronger relationships and a more stable foundation for the future.

Congratulations on your one-year anniversary, Donald!

04/29/2026

The NFL Draft just wrapped up, and we had to test the team…

What’s the nickname for the very last player picked?

Let’s just say… the guesses got creative.

Last But Not Least and The Last Pick were both wrong, but reasonable guesses.

Tater Salad was floated. We're not sure where that one came from and are still waiting for an explanation from Michael.

The correct answer? Mr. Irrelevant.

It’s a real title, and it comes with a whole tradition (and yes, a little humor at the expense of being last).

Now your turn! Do you know who earned the title of Mr. Irrelevant in the 2026 draft? Drop your guess below.

Recently, Josh, our Community Resilience Program Coordinator, spent time at the Crater Health Virginia Department of Hea...
04/28/2026

Recently, Josh, our Community Resilience Program Coordinator, spent time at the Crater Health Virginia Department of Health Center in Petersburg, deepening his knowledge to better support our communities.

As Josh shared, the training focused on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), how to recognize them, and the lasting impact they can have over time. It also explored PCEs (Positive Childhood Experiences), and how those can be strengthened to help offset the effects of trauma.

Trauma doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Experiences like abuse, loss, and instability shape how people move through the world long after the moment has passed. Josh and the rest of the Project SAF and Community Resilience Project team bring that understanding into every Peace Walk, showing up after community violence to support individuals and families during some of their hardest moments.

We’re grateful for our entire Project SAF and CRP team for continuing to grow, learn, and show up in meaningful ways for our community.

Happy ! We’re excited to introduce one of our newest Peer House Leaders, Sheri. Born and raised in Martinsville, Virgin...
04/27/2026

Happy ! We’re excited to introduce one of our newest Peer House Leaders, Sheri.

Born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia, Sheri grew up in a close-knit family and spent many years working in accounting before substance use changed the course of her life. After time in jail and prison, she maintained 11 years of sobriety before relapsing in an environment where substance use was present, a relapse that lasted more than 20 years.

Sheri shared that her turning point came when she realized she couldn’t keep returning to the same environment and expect a different outcome. She had built a life there, even remodeling her home herself, but made the difficult decision to leave it behind and start fresh at REAL LIFE.

Now a program graduate and Peer House Leader, Sheri is thriving. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she brings patience and steadiness to the women around her, especially those just starting out. “I try to look out for their best interest, especially the new ones,” she shared.

Sheri stays deeply connected to her recovery community, attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, chairing her home group, and staying in close contact with her sponsor. “If you don’t have a support system, I don’t know how you would get through,” she said.

Looking ahead, she plans to stay in Richmond, pursue her Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential, and continue helping others rebuild their lives. For now, she’s taking it one day at a time, staying steady, and leading by example.

We appreciate you, Sheri, and we’re so proud to have you as part of the REAL LIFE community.

Happy Flourishing Friday!Our March House of the Month is House B, taking the win again! Under the leadership of Peer Hou...
04/24/2026

Happy Flourishing Friday!

Our March House of the Month is House B, taking the win again! Under the leadership of Peer House Leader Kenneth, this group continues to raise the bar.

House B Lifers are showing up, staying engaged in class, meeting expectations, and acing their house inspections. To celebrate, they gathered for a well-earned Mexican restaurant feast as a house family.

We love seeing this kind of consistency, accountability, and community.

Congratulations, House B!

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P. O. Box 27372
Richmond, VA
23261

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