When the doors of REAL LIFE East are open, you can bet Ervin Hart is there, keeping things running smoothly, ensuring everyone feels safe, and making sure our community center operates like a well-oiled machine. Ervin also works with Lifers when they first arrive at REAL LIFE, welcoming them, getting them orientated and situated, and helping them address barriers throughout their time in the program. He also provides one-on-one support and leads groups and classes at the Center.

A State Certified Peer Recovery Coach and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), Ervin brings more than 30 years of experience in the substance use disorder field and more than 30 years in recovery. Through his own experience with substance use and long-term incarceration, he understands what it means to need support in recovery. He and Dr. Scarbrough previously worked in programs at the Richmond Jail, and he joined REAL LIFE’s staff when the organization opened.