Meet Us Monday: Rachel, Recovery Navigator

Since graduating from REAL LIFE, Rachel has moved into a home with her fiancé, mother, and teenage daughter. In July 2024, she reached a huge milestone: gaining full custody of her daughter. Their bond is stronger than ever: “She can come to me with anything. I feel like I have a wealth of experience to offer her, and we really listen to each other.”

Rachel is currently working towards becoming a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Looking ahead, Rachel hopes to continue her education and become a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor so she can expand her impact even further. “I feel like my addiction and recovery give me a purpose, to help other people,” she says. “When you get out of the fire, you’ve got to reach back and pull others out.”

Rachel first connected with REAL LIFE through the W.A.I.T.T.  program at Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. Today, she has come full circle, as she is about to begin assisting with that very program as REAL LIFE staff! She also helps lead classes, conduct house inspections, interview potential Lifers, and guide participants with job readiness, building résumés and following up on applications.

Rachel, we are so proud of you. From graduate to REAL LIFE staff, you are living proof of what resilience looks like.