Meet Us Monday: Nora, Recovery Support Specialist
For today’s #MeetUsMonday, meet Nora Boyle, a Recovery Support Specialist with us at REAL LIFE! Nora is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy.
Nora joined the team this winter through the AmeriCorps Richmond Healthy Futures Opioid Prevention & Economic Opportunity Program. This team serves successful drug abuse prevention programs as a response to the rising opioid epidemic throughout Richmond.
In her role, Nora does all sorts of important work at REAL LIFE, whether that’s leading classes, bringing supplies to houses, or helping Lifers find successful work. While her tasks change daily, she is always involved in Lifers’ successes.
Through her internship in summer 2020 and into this new position, Nora has shown constant flexibility and dedication to the program. After falling in love with the REAL LIFE mission during her internship–even amidst a pandemic–Nora has helped the organization accomplish so much. Despite the challenges that come while working from home and relying on email as the main source of communication, she continues to love the impact she can have among Lifers.
Nora first entered this field when she took a college class in the fall of 2019 that entailed a weekly trip to Richmond City Justice Center with other students. With residents, she discussed Zen Buddhism and other Eastern traditions each week and heard the vulnerability in the Richmond community. It was from this experience that she wanted to get more involved with rehabilitation efforts in the city.
As a result, Nora recommends to anyone that volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door and find a social justice issue that you are passionate about. It’s a great way to get involved in the community and a program like REAL LIFE.
When Nora is not cooking or watching true crime shows and documentaries, she continues to make a positive impact on Lifers and the city of Richmond. We are so lucky to have her as a part of our staff!