REAL Talk with REAL LIFE

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.

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.

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.

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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