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.

Today, we want to celebrate two of our incredible staff who serve on the violence prevention side of REAL LIFE.Mike M. w...
09/04/2025

Today, we want to celebrate two of our incredible staff who serve on the violence prevention side of REAL LIFE.

Mike M. works as our Violence Prevention Initiative Program Coordinator and Employment Navigator. He is dedicated to helping individuals find stability through meaningful work and supporting them as they build safer, stronger futures. Mike recently shared his joy for his role: “We are there to serve as a beacon in someone else's storm. Being tied to an organization with such resources allows us to do this quickly and efficiently, which is always a rewarding experience.” Outside of work, Mike volunteers at an animal rescue shelter and plans to spend his birthday with some of his furry friends.

Demetrius is also celebrating his birthday and serves as one of our life coaches. With his lived experience and compassionate leadership, he helps guide folks as they work to turn their lives around. Demetrius shared, “It’s truly a blessing to be working for the same program that saved my life. Now, I get to be an instrumental component in saving others’ lives.”

We are grateful for the heart, passion, and wisdom these two bring to our mission. Please join us in wishing Mike and Demetrius a very happy birthday!

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Happy ! Today we’re celebrating Khaliah for her hard work and dedication on the job!Khaliah is a true Jill-of-all-trade...
09/03/2025

Happy ! Today we’re celebrating Khaliah for her hard work and dedication on the job!

Khaliah is a true Jill-of-all-trades at the fast food restaurant where she works. From cooking on the grill, working the drive-through window, to taking orders and delivering food, she’s done it all! And done it well!

Her commitment and positive attitude have paid off: Khaliah has been promoted to Crew Trainer and was even chosen as Employee of the Month two months in a row!

Khaliah continues to embrace every challenge and opportunity. She even learned how to take care of maintenance tasks on days when the maintenance team is out, showing just how dependable and versatile she is.
She says she loves her job, especially the variety and opportunities to keep learning.

Way to go, Khaliah! Keep up the hard work.

Such a DELICIOUS way to kick off ! 🍕❤️ Thanks to our friends at , all 11 of our REAL Houses enjoyed pizzas and salads ...
09/03/2025

Such a DELICIOUS way to kick off ! 🍕❤️

Thanks to our friends at , all 11 of our REAL Houses enjoyed pizzas and salads tonight, a perfect family-style dinner for our Lifers.

And the giving doesn’t stop there! All September long, when YOU order from a participating Marco’s Pizza and use the code REAL LIFE, 20% of sales will be donated back to support our mission. 🍕 It’s the perfect topping for and a yummy win-win!

September is Recovery Month! All month for , we'll be highlighting graduates of the program who are thriving in their r...
09/02/2025

September is Recovery Month! All month for , we'll be highlighting graduates of the program who are thriving in their recovery!

Today we’re highlighting one of our graduates, Tommy, who has recently moved out of REAL LIFE recovery housing and into a place of his own. He’s walked the journey, led by example, and is now sharing what he’s learned along the way.

Tommy, REAL LIFE’s Domestic Violence Prevention Coach, put in significant time and effort into his recovery at the REAL House, first as a Lifer and then as a Peer House Leader. A few months ago, Tommy decided he was ready for a new chapter and moved out of his REAL House and into an apartment.

This was a big step in his recovery journey, and Tommy did not take it lightly. Still, even with preparation and careful saving, there were financial surprises. Tommy explains: “People need to understand that moving out costs money. And things come up that you don’t expect. Being smart with your money gives you peace of mind.”

In addition to making sure his finances were in order before moving out, Tommy also carried over the recovery habits he built during his time at REAL LIFE. “I still go to meetings, I call my sponsor, I keep working the steps. That structure from REAL LIFE doesn’t stop just because you’ve moved out. You’ve got to carry it with you.”

He also stresses the importance of planning for a successful transition from recovery housing to independent living. “I didn’t just leave recovery housing, I left with structure, stability, and a plan.”

His advice to others is simple but powerful: “Stay humble. Stay connected. Keep asking for help. REAL LIFE isn’t forever, but what you learn here can carry you for the rest of your life.”

As we continue to honor Recovery Month, we celebrate Tommy and congratulate him as he continues his recovery journey beyond the REAL Houses.

Sunday is here, and we’ve got an update on our Lifers’ Pro-Social Bingo participation! House E had a chance to go on an ...
09/01/2025

Sunday is here, and we’ve got an update on our Lifers’ Pro-Social Bingo participation! House E had a chance to go on an outing to the Virginia War Memorial this week, where they spent time sightseeing and learning some meaningful history together. Afterward, they came back to relax and enjoy a game of spades, which gave them time to laugh and connect.

House L also made a trip to the Virginia War Memorial, creating a similar opportunity to learn, reflect, and spend time together outside of the house, enjoying the beautiful weather.

One of the ladies’ houses held a house meeting, using the time to share with each other, strengthen connections, and build on their recovery.

We are now heading into the second-to-last week before all of the Bingo boards are due. The houses have been working hard to complete their activities, and it’s exciting to see the creativity, effort, and community spirit that continue to shine through each week.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign dedicated to ending overdose, both fatal and...
08/31/2025

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign dedicated to ending overdose, both fatal and non-fatal.

That means on August 31, voices across the globe unite to:
🕯️ Remember those we’ve lost
💜 Support loved ones left behind
🌱 Break the stigma of addiction
✨ Take action to save lives

Our collective voice is powerful. Let’s use it.

Happy ! We’re excited to celebrate Buck, who recently received a raise at his job in general services with a Richmond c...
08/27/2025

Happy ! We’re excited to celebrate Buck, who recently received a raise at his job in general services with a Richmond commercial cleaning company.

Buck enjoys the variety and challenge of his work—no two days are ever the same. From landscaping to power washing to furniture moving, he thrives on being able to step in wherever he’s needed. As he puts it, "Whatever the customer needs, we will take care of it!"

Always on the move, Buck says he loves how valued and appreciated he feels in his role.

Congratulations, Buck! We look forward to seeing what comes next for you.

For this week’s Meet Us Monday, we are excited to celebrate Peer House Leader (PHL) John, who recently achieved Alumni s...
08/26/2025

For this week’s Meet Us Monday, we are excited to celebrate Peer House Leader (PHL) John, who recently achieved Alumni status!

John came to REAL LIFE ready for change and hasn’t slowed down since. At first, he was intimidated by the structure and expectations, but he quickly saw the difference it could make. Within just a month, John had landed a job he loved and began rebuilding relationships with his family.
Today, John serves as Peer House Leader. He explains, “I decided to become REAL LIFE alumni because I wanted to make some new goals and set an example for people in the program. If you set your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”

Recently, John also reached a huge milestone—purchasing a car for the first time in six years! This isn’t just about transportation—it’s a symbol of responsibility, perseverance, and dedication to recovery. As John puts it, “Having my own vehicle really means a lot to me. It’s been years since I’ve had a driver’s license or a vehicle. Now, I don’t have to depend on anyone to take me anywhere.”

We are so proud of John and look forward to celebrating him—and many others—at our Alumni Dinner this fall, where official REAL LIFE letterman jackets will be awarded!

Congratulations, John.

As our houses continue working toward “Bingo” on their Pro-Social Bingo cards, both a female house and Male House E rece...
08/25/2025

As our houses continue working toward “Bingo” on their Pro-Social Bingo cards, both a female house and Male House E recently held house meetings. 

These gatherings are about more than just checking off a box - they are a chance for housemates to come together, share openly, and encourage one another. When our Lifers take the time to sit down as a group, it allows them to have deeper conversations and celebrate progress together.

We are so proud of our Lifers for embracing connection: both on their cards and with each other! Check back next week for our next Pro-social Sunday Bingo update!

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Congratulations to House T, led by Peer House Leader James, for being named our July House of the Month!House T earned t...
08/23/2025

Congratulations to House T, led by Peer House Leader James, for being named our July House of the Month!

House T earned this honor by consistently attending classes, arriving on time to meetings, and passing house inspections with flying colors. Their dedication to recovery and teamwork has set a strong example for others.

To celebrate, the house came together for a cookout—sharing food, laughter, and the joy of community. They enjoyed preparing a meal together, including hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, and other cookout favorites.

We’re so proud of House T for their hard work, unity, and commitment to recovery. Keep shining!


REAL LIFE’s Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) and Community Resilience team recently returned to Davisville for anothe...
08/21/2025

REAL LIFE’s Project SAF (Safe, Alive, and Free) and Community Resilience team recently returned to Davisville for another peace walk and were grateful to reconnect with residents. Many remembered the team from the last visit and appreciated the continued attention and support.

The team was joined by several of our steadfast supporters, and Josh, REAL LIFE’s Community Resilience Project Coordinator, expressed his appreciation for their participation. “Our presence in the community is strengthened when we have leaders from the region step up to support Project SAF during our Community Peace Walks. We love having our longtime advocate in the Virginia General Assembly, Delegate Carrie Coyner, as well as members of her office, offer their time to connect with residents of neighborhoods in Hopewell such as Davisville. We were also joined by City of Refuge’s D’Archie Lewis, who is an asset to the area,” said Josh.

Together, staff, volunteers, and partners held door-to-door conversations, listened to concerns, and shared information and resources.

Thank you to everyone who helped amplify the message of hope and resilience in Hopewell.

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P. O. Box 27372
Richmond, VA
23261

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