Advocacy Day at Virginia’s General Assembly

Thank you to the legislators and legislative staff who welcomed us and took time to listen and engage in meaningful conversations about the integral role accredited recovery housing plays in the continuum of care for substance use disorder across Virginia. We are especially grateful to Delegate Betsy Carr and Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg for Virginia for introducing VARR on the House and Senate floors for a very warm welcome!

The most powerful voices in the room were those with lived experience. DeShawn, REAL LIFE alumni and Project SAF Life Coach, shared, “It always makes me feel good to advocate for something I care about and speak on what REAL LIFE has done for me, making it so I can help others.”

Steven, REAL LIFE alumni and Recovery and Engagement Coordinator, testified in support of a bill related to court costs and fines. “It felt amazing to testify and advocate for people in recovery and reentry. I feel like I’m finally to the point in my life where I’m changing the world for those who need it the most.”

Grateful for the opportunity to show up, share lived experience, and help ensure that the voices of all Virginians are heard.