Meet Us Monday: DeShawn, Project SAF Life Coach

DeShawn, a graduate and Life Coach with REAL LIFE’s Project SAF, recently moved from recovery housing into his own space within a Richmond recovery community. This intentional step allows him to fully focus on his work and keep growing in his recovery.

“I wanted all my effort to go into my work and giving back to others what REAL LIFE has given to me: my life back,” he shared.

Living independently has opened the door for DeShawn to reconnect with his spiritual growth, his recovery community, and his family. “One of the best parts has been spending time with my mom and sister again. Just being able to do everyday things like picking my mom up from the airport or going shopping together means everything.”

When asked what advice he would give, DeShawn keeps it simple: “Stay connected to recovery no matter what. That’s the biggest thing. Don’t lose those relationships and routines.”

With wisdom grounded in experience, his words are ones we can all learn from. Congratulations, DeShawn! Your journey is a powerful example of what lasting recovery looks like, and we are proud to walk alongside you.