REAL LIFE

11/18/2025

We’ve been searching our job descriptions to see where it says we have to be in TikToks, and… we’re still looking. Some in stranger places than others...

But honestly, we love getting to share the everyday wins, joy, and impact happening across REAL LIFE. Social media gives us a chance to celebrate Lifers, highlight our amazing staff, and bring you into the moments that make this work so meaningful.

Thanks for following along and cheering on our mission with us.

11/14/2025

With Project SAF, change rarely begins with the big things. It starts with the little big things, addressing an immediate need and opening the door for what comes next.

As we head into the holidays, you can help make those little big things possible for those we serve. A festive holiday meal. A warm coat. Basic needs that restore dignity, comfort, and stability during a season that can be especially hard.

If you’d like to sponsor a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal box or donate coats of any size, we’d be grateful. Your generosity helps our team show up in the moments that matter most.

11/14/2025

Join us in wishing two of our staff members a very happy birthday!

Harrison, our Recovery Corps Recovery Navigator, celebrated his birthday with his dad in Lynchburg while cheering on a Manchester City win and putting up a Christmas tree. He’s recently enjoyed learning how to ski and is already planning trips to Wintergreen and Snowshoe to show off his new skills.

Sydney, our Senior Employment Navigator, recently returned from England, where she had the most magical time with her friends! For her birthday, she plans to enjoy dinner with her family, including her beloved dog Zoey, watch Liverpool play, and spend some time with friends. She has also been learning to play golf. She even got her first birdie while practicing with her dad!

We love celebrating our REAL LIFE staff and are so grateful for everything they bring to our community. Drop your birthday wishes below!

11/14/2025

It’s giving Princess Diaries transformation, but for our parking lot. Thanks to the incredible volunteer work of Tyler with American Line Pros, our parking lot lines went from faded to fresh in no time!

Which means the staff are now officially out of excuses for crooked parking.

A big shoutout to Tyler for sharing his time and talent with our community. We’re so grateful for your support!

11/13/2025

We’re collecting winter coats for one more week and would love your help. Thanks to this incredible community, we’re at 200 and aiming for 500 to support Lifers, Project SAF families, and neighbors this season.

Drop-off locations:
• East End: REAL LIFE East, 1111 N 25th St
• West End: Glen Forest Dental, 6605 W Broad St, Suite 105
• Chesterfield: DM for address
• Hopewell: Hopewell Police Department, 300 N Main St

Adult and kid sizes are welcome, new or gently used.

If you have a coat to spare, we’ll make sure it gets to someone who needs it. Distributions begin the first two weeks of December.

Thank you to our partners, Hopewell Police Department and Glen Forest Dental Co. for assisting with collection!

Help Us Support REAL LIFE's Winter Coat Drive!

REAL LIFE has worked tirelessly in our city for the past two years through Project SAF, making a real difference in the lives of our residents. Now, they need our help!

We’ve placed a donation box in the lobby for anyone who would like to contribute. Items needed include:
- Winter coats and parkas (all sizes)
- Beanies or stocking hats
- Mittens and gloves
- Scarves

If your family has outgrown any of these items or you’re making room in your closet for Christmas, please consider donating.

Your generosity goes a long way, and we truly appreciate how our community continues to step up to help those in need.

Thank you for supporting REAL LIFE and spreading warmth this winter!
Hopewell VA - Govt

11/13/2025

We’re excited to feature Dillan, one of our Peer House Leaders, for Workforce Wednesday. Over the past seven months at his commercial and residential general services company, Dillan has made incredible strides. He recently earned a raise and a promotion, both well deserved.

A big milestone for him is the opportunity to work solo on certain tasks, giving him the independence and flexibility he enjoys most.

As Dillan shared, “My favorite part is being able to do all different types of work at my job on any given day.”

Dillan also shared that he works hard to set a strong example for his three boys. We are so proud of your growth, Dillan, and we can’t wait to see what’s next in your career journey.

11/12/2025

Alan is celebrating his 13th year in recovery today! It's a significant milestone that reflects the strength, determination, and heart he brings to everything he does.

Alan shows up with integrity, kindness, and steady leadership, and he is someone our staff and Lifers know they can count on. His presence makes our team stronger, our days brighter, and our mission more meaningful.

We are so proud of you, Alan.

Join us in celebrating him and this incredible milestone!

#

11/12/2025

The wait is over! Our 2025 REAL LIFE sweatshirts have entered the chat!

Our team brought more energy, more passion 🔥 for this one, and honestly… the runway may never recover.

This year’s edition features our classic REAL LIFE logo and tagline, “Navigating a New Tomorrow.” Cozy, super-soft, meaningful, and made to last, it's the perfect way to show your support in style.

Limited quantities available so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone at realliferva.squarespace.com.

11/11/2025

Join us in congratulating REAL LIFE Alumni Steven B. for passing his Peer Recovery Specialist Certification Exam this weekend!

Over the summer, this REAL LIFE Alumni set a goal to become certified, connected with our Education Navigator, and earned the REAL LIFE Alumni PRS Scholarship to complete his training.

Through hard work and dedication, Steven made his goal a reality. We’re so proud of you, Steven!

#