Meet Us Monday: Abbie, Peer House Leader

While incarcerated, Abbie learned of the REAL LIFE Program. She is so thankful she was able to come to REAL LIFE as she feels it is the best program out there. Abbie feels like everyone in the program, but especially the staff, is rooting for the Lifers, and she would not have made it without their help.

REAL LIFE gave her the tools to live an addictive free and productive life. The staff were very supportive and the classes informative and helpful. Abbie learned new ways to deal with her anger and conflicts. She was given the tools to mend relationships, how to budget, and how to live a “normal” life. She learned to never use, no matter what happens.

Her Pathway Navigator, Tauchanna, had a big impact on her recovery. She reminds Abbie of her mother. She is caring, supportive, understanding, and always there when needed. Abbie says the staff and people at REAL LIFE are such a blessing because they fill her heart with hope, and she is amazed at how many people want the best for her. REAL LIFE helped her reacclimate to society by teaching her how to be productive and how to live a life of integrity.

She works as Produce Assistant Manager at a local grocery store. Abbie loves her job and colleagues; she likes learning about different foods and enjoys the positive environment. Abbie is very happy and proud of the relationship she now has with her mother. Her mother has always wanted her to do the right thing, and she is very proud of Abbie.

While Abbie graduated from REAL LIFE in July, she has continued to live at her REAL House, serving as a peer support for newer Lifers.

Her future plans are to stay at REAL LIFE and build up her savings to one day be able to afford her own place. Abbie enrolled in school in August at J. Sergeant Reynolds for Substance Abuse Counseling and hopes to make that her career.

Abbie’s advice to others is “Do not quit five minutes before the miracle.”  She says, REAL LIFE is a simple to follow program. Just do what you are told, and you will make it. It is a process, not instant gratification. Follow the program, and you will be successful.