Meet Us Monday: Sheri, Peer House Leader

Born and raised in Martinsville, Virginia, Sheri grew up in a close-knit family and spent many years working in accounting before substance use changed the course of her life. After time in jail and prison, she maintained 11 years of sobriety before relapsing in an environment where substance use was present, a relapse that lasted more than 20 years.

Sheri shared that her turning point came when she realized she couldn’t keep returning to the same environment and expect a different outcome. She had built a life there, even remodeling her home herself, but made the difficult decision to leave it behind and start fresh at REAL LIFE.

Now a program graduate and Peer House Leader, Sheri is thriving. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she brings patience and steadiness to the women around her, especially those just starting out. “I try to look out for their best interest, especially the new ones,” she shared.

Sheri stays deeply connected to her recovery community, attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, chairing her home group, and staying in close contact with her sponsor. “If you don’t have a support system, I don’t know how you would get through,” she said.

Looking ahead, she plans to stay in Richmond, pursue her Certified Peer Recovery Specialist credential, and continue helping others rebuild their lives. For now, she’s taking it one day at a time, staying steady, and leading by example.

We appreciate you, Sheri, and we’re so proud to have you as part of the REAL LIFE community.