In March of this year, VARR and the Recovery Outcomes Institute(ROI) launched a contest which was centered around recovery capital science and use of the REC-CAP instrument. The contest came to be known as the inaugural VARR REC-CAP Storytelling Contest; VARR wanted to hear resident stories (qualitative) that accompany their recovery capital profiles (quantitative). VARR created this opportunity for navigators and the residents they support to work together collaboratively to tell their stories. Submissions utilized testimony, which was tied to different data points in their journeys, to articulate their recovery experience and progress since they had arrived at their VARR accredited recovery residence.
The winner of this year’s REC-CAP Storytelling Contest is Melissa D and her navigator Tauchanna from our very own REAL LIFE!
Melissa arrived at REAL LIFE in January 2024, where she currently still resides as a Peer House Leader. During her time with REAL LIFE, her overall recovery capital score has increased 50+ points. She credits Tauchanna for helping to guide her through the process and ensuring that she had her needs met. “When I came into REAL LIFE, I had 3 outfits, a jar of peanut butter and oatmeal, REAL LIFE made sure I was fed, got vouchers for clothes, and had hygiene products,” says Melissa.
Melissa’s story highlights that she is maintaining her recovery, is employed, has stable housing, is rebuilding relationships with her family and children, is a peer leader, and is connected to a community that she cherishes.
Congratulations, Melissa and Tauchanna! Thank you for sharing your story! Learn more at https://mailchi.mp/48016a97f486/rec-capcontest?fbclid=IwY2xjawG-vlpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHey9BQ93sWNexHOdSDCRglPsTJt_EyY2wR_PmJ18RAPF13rqudmEKZJc1Q_aem_kxOpZMYtZh3wqub2iAdCiw
