Meet Us Monday: Peer House Leader, Chris

Posted: August 11, 2025 | Author: Real Life Staff

For this #MeetUsMonday, we are happy to introduce Chris, our newest Peer House Leader and recent REAL LIFE Graduate! Chris was born in Richmond and grew up in Nelson County. The youngest of six, he started using substances at just 12 years old, influenced by older siblings. After graduating high school, he earned his electrical certification and served in the military, where his Substance Use Disorder deepened. Over the years, it led to incarceration, broken trust, and strained relationships with his family, including years when he couldn’t see his youngest children.

Everything began to change when Chris chose to come to REAL LIFE after his last incarceration. “When I saw the structure here, I knew it was what I needed,” he says. Since then, he’s graduated from the program, rebuilt relationships with his kids, and celebrated milestones like being able to buy them birthday gifts for the first time in seven years. Chris says, “Now my kids can see the change, and they enjoy talking to me again.”

Chris is also celebrating another major victory – quitting nicotine. “I’m truly free from all addictions now, and it feels amazing,” he says. Chris’s future goals include working in peer recovery, getting his driver’s license back, buying a home, and continuing to build trust with his family.

Chris, your commitment, growth, and heart for others inspire us all. We’re proud of you and look forward to seeing what you achieve next!

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