Kevin is a student at Howard University School of Law(HUSL). He is a person in long term recovery who is chasing greatness and has been a bright light to those who find themselves in a hopeless place. Kevin writes: ”Drawing my inspiration from the writing and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In my bleakest moments, I found strength in his sermons and speeches that inaugurated the civil rights movement of the 1960s. They demonstrated how a black man growing up in the South with more adversity than anyone should have to bear could decide to see the world in a different light. Dr. King showed me that, in order to effect the positive changes in my own life that I desperately needed, placing others ahead of my own desires would be the key to escaping the life that had imprisoned me for so long. In the last 9 years, I have realized and embraced my autodidactic nature that lends itself well to community work and the fight against social injustice. My own experiences have proved unquestionably beneficial. They have allowed me a degree of empathy and understanding through which I can be of maximum use. And this is simply because I have chosen to bring light to others in the way Dr. King advocated. Dr. King, upon receiving the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, noted that he refused to accept despair. He said that life’s events—no matter how challenging or debilitating—can be of value to others who can benefit from being shown a way out. Given my own experiences with inequality and marginalization, my professional goal is to become a just and fair prosecutor, specifically for those mistreated (neglected) by the legal process. Ensuring fairness to those with or without resources, expanding my skills for use in additional legal contexts along the way. By the grace of God there go I. The marathon continues...”  

AJ is a strong advocate for recovery. Upon release from Riverside Regional Jail he joined the REAL LIFE program and has not looked back. Along with volunteering for different events that the program has, AJ also works a full time job landscaping and attends NA meetings weekly. AJ has refocussed his time and energy into positive actions that will affect his life for the better. He plans on one day to own his own home and acquire his CDL license. With the support of family, friends, and the REAL LIFE program AJ is determined to become a productive member of society. He knows that the journey in front of him won't be easy but as long as he puts God and his recovery first he knows he's going to succeed.

This episode we are joined by Joel Elston to discuss the power of positive thought and developing a growth mindset. We also discuss the potential for misuse of the principle of powerlessness and how that may sometimes inhibit growth and foster a victim mentality. Joel Elston is a Master Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Author and Consultant. He is the Father of 3 sons, TJ, Chris and Justin. Joel is an advocate for children in foster care, helping to find homes for special needs and older children. www.joelelston.com Find "The Bench" by Joel Elston here: https://www.amazon.com/Bench-Joel-Elston/dp/1504342399

Abbey O’Toole is a woman in long term recovery. After spending her teen years in and out of institutions and 12 step programs she finally found lasting recovery after a serious suicide attempt. From the depths of despair and hopelessness she has climbed up and reclaimed her role as a daughter, sister, faithful fiancé and now new mother. Join us on this episode as we talk to Abbey about her journey, the gifts and struggles of being a new mom, and how she manages her recovery with such a full life.

Daniel Brockington is person in long-term recovery. He is a father,a partner, and an aspiring leader. Daniel has been recently released from his last period of incarceration due to his substance use disorder.  Mr. Brockington sits down with us to discuss what led him to this point in his life and what he is doing today to avoid falling in the same traps that have snared him in the past.  This raw and uncut discussion will be one that you don't want to miss.  

Matt Carpenter and Paul Kehrer are Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students at VCU who are doing their doctoral practicum at REAL LIFE Community Center.  Their ideas on how OT relates to the population we serve are very insightful and intriguing.  Today we sit down with them to discuss those ideas. Matt Carpenter is an Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University and has an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the College of William and Mary. He loves working with people and has done so in a variety of environments from summer camps, cruise ships, retail, and a church. Matt is particularly interested in helping individuals with mental health issues not only regain what they have lost but also to learn new skills and thrive.  Paul Kehrer is originally from Springfield, VA. He has attended Virginia Commonwealth University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing his Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy. He is motivated to work with others by his enduring belief that he can learn from anyone, and favors a collaborative and timely paced approach to helping others build psychosocial skills. Find an article recently written by Paul about his experiences at REAL LIFE here : https://wp.vcu.edu/occupationaltherapy/2019/03/05/peer-learning-in-a-community-based-dec/?TSPD_101_R0=7890ed281adde0eca539f1c331f9ce5da9W000000000000000051de3e47ffff00000000000000000000000000005c829fdf0059797207

Sarah Scarbrough(REAL LIFE Community Center), Anthony Grimes (The WAR Foundation), and David Rook(TRUE Recovery) are all founders and directors of their organizations that serve people with Substance Use disorder and incarceration issues. On this episode they sit down to discuss upcoming legislation that is being heard in the general assembly that has a potential to greatly impact our ability to better serve this marginalized population and mitigate disenfranchisement. They will be joining forces for a lobbying day at the general assembly to support these bills on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Come out and help us be heard by making our voice as loud as possible. This is such a need and we look forward to seeing you there.

Jesse Wysocki sits down to discuss a wide range of topics to include: Life, Love, and Recovery.   Jesse Wysocki is the Chief Operating Officer of The McShin Foundation.  Born in Suffolk, VA, his childhood was spent following his Dad’s Navy career until moving to Chesterfield and graduating from L.C. Bird High School.  Previously, he worked as a Human Resource Director at The Towers Retirement & Assistant Living Community and was the Transition Peer Mentor and Overnight monitor at The Healing Place. Jesse is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Peer Recovery Coach who has been featured on “Hero’s Among Us” Segment of WTVR Channel 6 and the “Faith That Works” segment of WWBT Channel 12. He has been recognized as an outstanding motivational speaker for Sussex I Prison and been the keynote speaker for numerous Department of Corrections facilities, while also being featured on panel discussions for Substance Use Disorder for local and state organizations.   Jesse lost his oldest son to a Substance Use Disorder, and now takes pride being a beacon for those struggling through the darkest of nights.  His clean date is January 10, 2012.  Jesse resides in Chesterfield where he proudly parents his five children.  

Maggie is an active member of the recovery community. She guides women today to bettering their life and getting out of their old life-style; just as she was guided and is continuing to be guided. This is her experience while in active addiction and where she is at now once choosing a different way of life.

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