Volunteer: Donate & Assemble Help Kits
December 17th 10:00AM

We are supporting a local RVA based non-profit, Real Life, by donating & assembling Help Kits for Substance Recovery Assistance

About REAL LIFE:

REAL LIFE creates pathways to attain and sustain a thriving life for those who desire change.

We serve individuals who have been impacted by incarceration, homelessness, or substance use disorder by giving them an opportunity to overcome their personal and community barriers that hinder their pathway to a thriving life. Our mission is to develop a relationship with each Lifer that equips them to make the visible progress necessary for their personal pathway to a Thriving Life. We refer to those we serve as Lifers, because we help them make life-long change in all aspects of life. Along the way we engage the community and bring awareness to the needs of Lifers. As a program that uses a holistic, evidence-based, person-centered, trauma-informed and behavior modification approach, we aim to help the whole person. We seek to address the root cause, which is often associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as poverty, violence, health disparities, and racism. If these root issues are not uncovered and addressed, long term success will not be achieved. To learn more, visit reallifeprogram.org.

About the Project:

When new Lifers arrive at the REAL LIFE recovery transition houses, they usually arrive with just the clothes on their back. We work hard to ensure they have everything they need waiting for them when they first arrive, making their transition easier.

A key component of the REAL LIFE program is helping Lifers establish a routine and structure to their lives. This includes learning healthy eating habits. Many of the individuals we serve grew up in food deserts and low-income communities where the food they would typically turn to (and have available) would be unhealthy. The Real Life with REAL LIFE curriculum completed by each Lifer over the course of their time with our program includes a chapter on healthy eating, including the importance of looking at nutritional labels and considering the nutritional value of food we eat. Reinforcing this concept from the very beginning with these breakfast bags will be extremely beneficial – while also showing them that healthy food can be yummy and just as convenient.

Volunteers will assemble kits with a week’s worth of healthy breakfasts – and welcome home kits for new arrivals – as well as a note of encouragement to help new Lifers feel supported!

Logistics:

Kit assembly will take place at REAL LIFE East, their community center located at 1111 N 25th Street. There is a parking lot directly to the right of the building, as well as street parking available along 25th. Please come to the front door marked with the REAL LIFE logo. They have a bathroom available for use in the building. Volunteers should dress comfortably.

Price for this event is $15 for everyone. Space is limited to 30.

Once you purchase your spot, please also RSVP for this event on Meetup when it is posted.

REFUND POLICY – PLEASE READ BELOW!

Once you purchase a ticket, you are expected to show for that event. If you can no longer attend, you are responsible for finding a replacement.  The replacement must be a current Trying to Adult RVA member unless otherwise approved by someone on the leadership team.  It doesn’t matter if they are a regular member or premium member.  The best way to find a replacement is to post a comment on the specific Meetup event page.  Once you find a replacement, message Sam and she will assist with the exchange.  If you cannot find someone to claim your spot, you will forfeit the cost paid.