Meet Us Monday: Savanna, Project SAF Life Coach

Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, Savanna experienced a turbulent childhood marked by incarceration and addiction in her family. She began drinking as a preteen and later became addicted to prescribed pain medication after a serious back injury. While attending college in Pennsylvania, her addiction escalated, leading her to leave school and enter treatment.

After returning to Virginia, Savanna faced deep loss, including the incarceration of her girlfriend and the death of a close friend. These events led to a period of homelessness and active addiction. While serving time at Virginia Peninsula Women’s Jail, Savanna was introduced to the WAITT (We Are In This Together) program and REAL LIFE.

Determined to change after release, Savanna came to REAL LIFE and began rebuilding her life. After months of hard work, Savanna graduated from REAL LIFE! Today, she serves as a Project SAF Life Coach and Peer House Leader, supporting others with empathy and strength. She looks forward to a safe, stable future with her wife and hopes to build a family together one day.

Savanna’s journey is a reminder that change is possible and worth fighting for. We are thankful for the hope and leadership she brings to REAL LIFE.